Country guide · Colombia
Best places to visit in Colombia
3 destinations compared, so you can choose where to spend your time.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
For a first trip to Colombia, start with Bogotá: High-altitude capital of gold, graffiti and Monserrate views below the Andes. For beaches, look at Cartagena. Medellín is the least expensive of the destinations in this guide.
Key facts
- Destinations in this guide
- 3
- Best months overall
- July–August and December–March
- Start with
- Bogotá
- Least expensive here
- Medellín
3 places to visit in Colombia
Best: July–August and December–March · 4 days
Bogotá
High-altitude capital of gold, graffiti and Monserrate views below the Andes
Best: February–April · 5 days
Cartagena
Walled colonial city on the Caribbean with balconied streets and island day trips
Best: June–August and December–February · 5 days
Medellín
Spring-like Andean valley city of cable cars, Botero sculptures and paisa food
Compare the destinations
| Destination | Known for | Best time | Ideal stay | Mid-range per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | Museo del Oro and Monserrate | July–August and December–March | 4 days | $90–$170 |
| Cartagena | Walled colonial city and Castillo San Felipe | February–April | 5 days | $110–$200 |
| Medellín | Eternal spring climate and Metrocable | June–August and December–February | 5 days | $80–$150 |
When to visit Colombia
Across these destinations the most reliable months are July–August and December–March. Timing still varies by place: Bogotá is best in July–August and December–March; Cartagena is best in February–April; Medellín is best in June–August and December–February.
Signature dishes across Colombia
Events through the year in Colombia
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Cartagena: Hay Festival Cartagena — literature and ideas (usually late January); Medellín: Christmas lights (alumbrados) continue into early January |
| February | Cartagena: Fiesta de la Virgen de la Candelaria at La Popa (around 2 February) |
| March | Bogotá: Festival Estéreo Picnic — music festival (usually March or April); Cartagena: Cartagena International Film Festival (usually March or April) |
| April | Bogotá: FILBo — Bogotá International Book Fair (usually late April to early May) |
| July | Medellín: Colombiamoda fashion fair (usually July) |
| August | Bogotá: Festival de Verano — free events and concerts around Simón Bolívar Park (usually August); Medellín: Feria de las Flores — flower festival with the Desfile de Silleteros parade (usually late July to early August) |
| November | Cartagena: Fiestas de Independencia — parades and celebrations around 11 November (usually mid-November); Medellín: Christmas lights (alumbrados navideños) switched on (usually late November or early December) |
| December | Bogotá: Christmas lights in parks and along main avenues (December); Cartagena: Christmas lights and New Year's Eve celebrations in the walled city |
How far apart they are
| From | To | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Bogotá | Cartagena | 650 km |
| Bogotá | Medellín | 239 km |
| Cartagena | Medellín | 461 km |
Questions travellers ask
+Where should I go on my first trip to Colombia?
Bogotá: Colombia's capital sits on a high plateau at about 2,600 metres, backed by the forested Eastern Hills and the white church on Monserrate. The colonial La Candelaria district holds the Museo del Oro, the Museo Botero…
+When is the best time to visit Colombia?
Generally July–August and December–March, though it varies by region.