The Ultimate Colombia Travel Guide 2026: Itineraries, Safety Advice & Where to Stay
Colombia ended up being one of my favourite countries in all of South America. Before arriving I was so nervous because of how the media portrays it, but the reality once you arrive is totally different. The streets are chaotic but in the best way possible and the local people are so welcoming and full of life despite everything the country has been through.
One of the best things about backpacking Colombia is that almost everyone follows a similar route (aka the Gringo Route), which makes it easy to make friends that you can travel the whole 3 weeks with. We met a couple in Bogota and then travelled with them all the way until Tayrona National Park.
Whether you want to trek to find waterfalls in Minca or go horseback riding in Salento, I have provided detailed information on each town as well as an ultimate 3 week itinerary to help you plan your best Colombia trip (and learn from my mistakes!)
Travel Guide
Colombia
Welcome to Colombia! A chaotic (in a good way) and beautiful country where I spent 3 weeks learning salsa, riding horses and making lifelong friends along the way.
Currency
Colombian Pesos
Language
Spanish
Capital
Bogota
Best time to Visit
December – March
Currency
Colombian Pesos
Language
Spanish
Capital
Bogota
Ultimate 3 Week Travel Itinerary
We actually spent 5 weeks in Colombia as we attended a local Spanish school in Medellin for 2 weeks. If you are planning to just travel then I recommend 3 weeks. 3 weeks gives you enough time to see the main highlights without using up all your annual leave days. This guide breaks down our exact daily route and transport tips so you can copy our itinerary easily before you arrive.
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Where to next?
I am always sharing our travels in real time on social media. If you want to follow our journey through 44 countries, see what we are up to daily or ask me any questions about your own trip, come join the community on Instagram!