From bean to cup in Colombia’s Coffee Region
Colombia completely stole our hearts! From the colorful, chic streets of Cartagena to the lush, rolling hills of the Coffee Region and the vibrant, history-filled capital of Bogotá, this country surprised and delighted us at every turn. Once considered off-limits to travelers for decades, Colombia has emerged as a destination bursting with culture, incredible food, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. Each region offers something entirely different, and that's part of what makes Colombia so special.
If it's not already on your travel radar, it absolutely should be!
Cartagena’s Colorful Colonial Charm and Historic Streets
Colombia at a Glance
Suggested Trip Length:
8–10 days is ideal to explore three very different sides of Colombia: the vibrant capital of Bogotá, the Caribbean charm of Cartagena, and the lush landscapes of the Coffee Region. We spent eight days exploring all three and loved every minute!
Best Home Bases:
Divide your time between Bogotá, Cartagena, and the Coffee Region. Each offers something completely different, from history, street art, and incredible food to colorful colonial streets, coffee plantations, and stunning countryside.
Do You Need a Car?
Not necessarily! We didn’t rent a car and we got around just fine. Domestic flights are the easiest way to travel between regions. Bogotá and Cartagena are easy to explore using a combination of walking and taxis. In the Coffee Region, consider hiring a driver (like us!) or renting a car to explore the countryside.
Best Time to Visit:
Colombia is a year-round destination, although the weather varies dramatically by region. We visited during the summer and enjoyed this time of year, although Cartagena was HOT. Expect tropical heat in Cartagena, cooler temperatures in Bogotá, and mild weather with occasional rain in the Coffee Region.
Because I Care:
Pack for ALL seasons! You can go from sweating in Cartagena to reaching for a jacket in Bogotá, which sits more than 8,600 feet above sea level. Bring layers and comfortable shoes. And leave plenty of suitcase space for Colombian coffee.
Bogotá
Bustling Bogotá, with the Andes as its Backdrop
Colombia’s sprawling capital is a fascinating mix of historic neighborhoods, colorful street art, excellent food, and a dramatic setting high in the Andes. Bogotá may not have been the highlight of our trip - that honor went to other parts of Colombia - but it was absolutely worth spending a couple of days here.
Chances are, Bogotá will also be your first introduction to Colombia if you’re arriving on an international flight. Give yourself a day or two to acclimate to the altitude and explore before heading on to Cartagena, the Coffee Region, or elsewhere in the country.
Take a Graffiti Tour
Our Bogotá Graffiti Tour was hands-down a highlight of our time here. While wandering La Candelaria, we learned about the artists behind its character-filled murals and how street art reflects the city’s history, politics, and culture.
One of the Many Vibrant Murals that Brighten the Streets of Bogota
Wander La Candelaria
Bogotá’s historic heart, La Candelaria, is made for exploring on foot. Its narrow streets are lined with eye-catching colonial buildings, churches, cafés, restaurants, street art, and small shops.
At its center is Plaza Bolívar, Bogotá’s main square and a good place to orient yourself before wandering deeper into the neighborhood. You don't need a lot of time here, but it's surrounded by some of the city's most important historic and government buildings and is worth a stop while exploring La Candelaria.
Head Up to Monserrate
Taking in the views from Monserrate, high above Bogotá, Colombia
For sweeping views of Bogotá, head to Monserrate, rising more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Hike or take the funicular or cable car - we happily chose the latter. If you’re short on time like we were, consider taking the easy (and faster!) way up.
Visit the Gold Museum
Even if you aren't a museum person, Bogotá’s Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is worth a stop. Its remarkable collection of pre-Hispanic gold offers a fascinating glimpse into Colombia's Indigenous history.
Make Time for Bogotá's Food Scene
Bogotá also surprised us with its impressive food scene. One standout was Leo, chef Leonor Espinosa's celebrated restaurant showcasing Colombia's diverse ingredients and culinary traditions. If food is a priority when you travel, Bogotá is worth saving room for.
Bogotá Travel Tips
Prepare for the altitude and cooler weather. Bogotá sits roughly 8,600 feet above sea level, so take it easy when you arrive, stay hydrated, and bring layers for the city's cooler temperatures.
Explore La Candelaria during the day. Many of Bogotá's major sights are concentrated here, making it easy to combine the Gold Museum, Plaza Bolívar, street art, and neighborhood wandering.
Stay in La Candelaria. We loved The Orchids Hotel, a charming boutique hotel filled with Old World character in the heart of the historic district. Its central location made exploring Bogotá on foot incredibly easy.
Colombia's Coffee Region
My Favorite Coffee Farmer
Lush mountains, rolling coffee plantations, colorful towns, and some of the best coffee you'll ever drink. Colombia's Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) was one of our favorite parts of the country.
Cocora Valley
We visited three coffee farms, gaining a firsthand appreciation for just how much work goes into every cup. These experiences reminded us of the many vineyard tours we’ve enjoyed over the years, from learning about the fascinating, intricate process from start to finish to exploring lush, verdant landscapes and meeting the producers whose knowledge and passion for their craft make the experience so memorable.
Our favorite was Finca del Café, a beautiful family-run farm in the highlands of Santa Rosa de Cabal. We toured the plantation, discovered the art and science behind coffee production, and wandered among coffee plants, banana and plantain trees, citrus groves, and tropical fruits—all set against a breathtaking backdrop of mountains.
Exploring Colombia’s Lush Coffee Plantations.
If you do one thing in Colombia's Coffee Region, make it a coffee farm tour. Even after three of them, we left with a whole new appreciation for our favorite morning ritual.
Cartagena
A gorgeous blend of Spanish-colonial charm and vibrant Caribbean vibes, the cosmopolitan old city of Cartagena is oozing of sophistication, splendor and seductiveness. With stunning views of the sea, a creative and lively dining scene, chic boutiques, and a palette of rich colors and quaint backstreets at the turn of every corner, it's easy to see why so many (including us) fall in love with this sultry city. Cartagena is a place where you want to linger at a cafe drinking delicious Colombian coffee in the morning, nosh on mouth-watering cebiche and other delectable fare throughout the day, and sip on refreshing Aperol Spritzes at night.
Colombia has blossomed into a must-visit destination, and Cartagena, with its irresistible charm and countless treasures, is a big reason why.
Explore the Walled City
The heart of Cartagena is its enchanting Walled City, where bougainvillea spills from balconies and colorful colonial buildings line narrow cobblestone streets. This is a city best experienced slowly and on foot.
A private walking tour of Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed historic center introduced us to its colonial history and architecture, including the ornate aldabas, or door knockers, that once signaled a family’s profession or status. Afterward, simply wander the colorful streets, boutiques, plazas, and beautifully preserved colonial homes.
A Charming Horse-drawn Carriage Ride through Cartagena’s Colorful Colonial Streets
Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Just outside the Walled City, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is an imposing fortress built by the Spanish to defend Cartagena. Explore its ramparts and maze of underground tunnels while taking in sweeping views over the city.
Eat, Drink & Catch the Sunset
Cartagena has a fantastic dining and cocktail scene, so leave plenty of time for long meals and drinks along the way.
One of our favorite experiences was watching the sunset from atop the historic city walls overlooking the Caribbean, a truly quintessential Cartagena experience.
Cartagena Travel Tips
Stay in or near the Walled City. We stayed at Ananda Hotel Boutique, right in the historic center, which made exploring on foot incredibly easy. Since our visit was several years ago, I'd compare current hotel options before booking.
Give yourself at least three days. Cartagena is meant for wandering, lingering over meals, and enjoying the atmosphere rather than racing from sight to sight.
Consider a beach day. The Rosario Islands are a popular escape from the city if you want to add some Caribbean sand and sea. We'd just come from nearly two weeks in the Dominican Republic, so we happily devoted our three days entirely to Cartagena, however, many rave about these nearby islands.
Prepare for the heat. Cartagena is hot and humid, so lightweight clothing, sunscreen, and water, during the hottest part of the day are essential.
Stealing smooches in Cartagena
From the verdant coffee-growing mountains to the lively streets of Cartagena, Colombia won us over with its stunning landscapes, rich history, warm hospitality, and welcoming culture. It's a country full of surprises, and one that deserves a spot on every traveler's bucket list.