11 days in Colombia Itinerary

Colombia's heart and soul, Bogota has earned the nickname "Athens of South America" thanks to its abundance of universities, libraries, and lower-level schools.

Get in touch with nature at Laguna de Guatavita and Parque Natural Chicaque. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and Iglesia de San Francisco are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step out of Bogota with an excursion to Centro de Memoria El Cuartico in Valledupar--about 32 minutes away. There's much more to do: explore the world behind art at Museo Santa Clara, pause for some serene contemplation at La Catedral Primada, take an in-depth tour of Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar, and examine the collection at Museo Internacional De La Esmeralda.

To find photos, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Bogota tour planning site .

Los Angeles, USA to Bogota is an approximately 10-hour flight. Traveling from Los Angeles to Bogota, you'll lose 3 hours due to the time zone difference. In December, plan for daily highs up to 67°F, and evening lows to 46°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Medellin.

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

On the 30th (Mon), whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, read Medellin itinerary planner.

You can fly from Bogota to Medellin in 1.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and shuttle; or drive. Traveling from Bogota in December, expect Medellin to be a bit warmer, temps between 81°F and 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Here are some ideas for day two: look for all kinds of wild species at Aviario Nacional de Colombia and then get to know the fascinating history of Bairro Getsemani.

For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Cartagena travel route builder tool .

You can fly from Medellin to Cartagena in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or drive. Expect a bit warmer temperatures when traveling from Medellin in December; daily highs in Cartagena reach 89°F and lows reach 76°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) early enough to travel to San Andres Island.

The coral San Andres Island boasts a rich colonial history, exotic beaches, and a laidback, tropical lifestyle.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Fri): kick back and relax at Playa de San Luis, identify plant and animal life at La Piscinita, and then see the interesting displays at Island House Museum. Keep things going the next day: see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Primera Iglesia Bautista, see the interesting displays at Parque Tematico El Pueblito Isleno San Andres, then appreciate the history behind Plaza Canon de Morgan, and finally explore the striking landscape at Morgan's Head.

To find ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read San Andres Island online trip maker .

You can fly from Cartagena to San Andres Island in 3.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 84°F in January, and nighttime lows around 76°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 4th (Sat) so you can travel back home.