Do it yourself 11 days tour in Colombia (customizable)

Colombia gives you a lot in 11 days: high mountain cities, coffee country, Caribbean streets, jungle trails, and wide sea views. This private, customizable trip links those places without asking you to build every transfer and hotel booking yourself. The best moments are wonderfully varied, from the Salt Cathedral beneath Zipaquirá to wax palms towering over the Cocora Valley.

I especially like the private transportation and the room to shape the trip around your interests. I also like the practical mix of guided sightseeing and free time, so you can see Bogotá with a guide, then wander Cartagena’s old streets at your own pace. The included breakfast, airport transfers, hotel stays, and major admission tickets make the price easier to understand.

The tradeoff is pace. You cover five regions in 11 days, with several long travel days and some early starts. National flights are not included, and the Tayrona and Cocora outings involve substantial walking. This suits an active visitor who wants broad coverage, not someone looking for a slow beach holiday.

Key points at a glance

• Five very different Colombian regions: Bogotá, the coffee-growing area around Salento, Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park.
• A private trip with flexible planning: Your schedule can be adjusted to suit your interests, with support in English, Spanish, or Italian.
• High-value sightseeing included: The Salt Cathedral, Gold Museum, Monserrate, Bogotá and Medellín tours, plus the Rosario Islands boat trip.
• Hands-on coffee country: You can collect beans, grind them, and taste several coffees at a farm near Salento.
• Independent outdoor days: The Cocora Valley and Tayrona National Park are explored on your own, with transport arranged.
• Reliable trip support: Private airport transfers, local drivers, hotel stays, and daily contact help reduce the strain of a complicated route.

A smart Colombia route, with little planning work

This is not a conventional group tour. You travel as your own party, using private drivers and selected private guides, while the Rosario Islands outing is shared with a larger boat group. That setup gives you more control than a fixed coach tour, but it still removes much of the local planning burden.

The route is ambitious. You start in Bogotá at high altitude, continue to the coffee region, move north to Medellín, then reach the Caribbean coast through Cartagena and Tayrona. The final return to Bogotá makes sense for an international flight, but Day 11 can feel tight if your departure is early.

The operator provides assistance during the trip in English, Spanish, and Italian. That matters here. Colombia involves domestic flights, changing drivers, long road transfers, and several different local excursions. Having one point of contact can be useful when plans need checking or a transfer runs late.

The trip is private for your own group, but not every activity is private. The Guatavita hike is in a small group, and the Rosario Islands boat outing is shared. Ask for the exact hotel names, flight arrangements, and final daily timing before paying, since the itinerary is customizable and subject to availability.

Bogotá starts with altitude, art, and gold

Your first arrival is handled with a private transfer to accommodation in northern Bogotá, described as one of the city’s more exclusive areas. You get two nights in Bogotá, but the first afternoon or evening is mainly for arrival and rest.

Day 2 reaches beyond the capital. The drive to Laguna de Guatavita takes about two hours, followed by a mountain hike in a small group. The lake is tied to the El Dorado story, and the appeal here is not only the legend. You get a change of air, a highland setting, and a look at a place that has shaped Colombia’s popular imagination.

Bring proper walking shoes. The hike is not presented as a difficult expedition, but it takes place in the mountains, and the day continues to Zipaquirá. You then visit the Salt Cathedral, an underground church carved into old salt workings. An audio guide is included, and the visit gives the day a strong contrast: open mountain trails followed by a dim, sculpted world below ground.

Day 3 is the main Bogotá city visit. With a private English-speaking guide, you explore La Candelaria and Bolívar Square before visiting the Gold Museum. The museum ticket is included, and it is one of the most useful stops on the route because it gives context to Colombia’s pre-Columbian metalwork and the stories that shaped Spanish exploration.

Monserrate follows. At 3,150 meters, the mountain gives you broad views over Bogotá, though altitude can affect how you feel. Take the morning at a measured pace, drink water, and do not treat the climb in elevation as a minor detail. The attraction is included, and the guided city visit lasts about six hours.

That same day ends with travel toward Salento, including private transport from Pereira. It is a long transition after a full city tour, so I would ask the operator for the exact domestic flight schedule and airport transfer timing. The route works, but it leaves little room for a leisurely Bogotá lunch or an unplanned museum stop.

Salento brings the best outdoor day

Salento is the trip’s most hands-on stop. Two nights are included, and the surrounding coffee-growing area gives you a different rhythm from Bogotá. You move from museums and traffic to mountain roads, small-town streets, farms, and open walking trails.

Day 4 begins with a private transfer to the Cocora Valley. The valley is known for wax palms that can reach roughly 80 to 90 meters. You hike on your own or choose horse riding, according to the plan arranged for you. That independence is useful: you can set your own pace and spend more time on views or photos without following a guide’s fixed rhythm.

The day is physically active. The information does not give an exact hiking distance, so ask before departure if you need a route matched to your fitness level. Weather in mountain areas can change, so a light rain layer and shoes with good grip are sensible choices.

In the afternoon, a coffee farm visit adds more than a tasting stop. You collect coffee beans, grind them, and sample several kinds of coffee with an English-speaking guide. I like this part because it connects the finished drink to the work behind it. It is also a welcome counterpoint to the morning hike.

Salento is a good fit for you if you enjoy being outside and prefer activities with a local, practical focus. It is less suitable if you want every hour guided or if long road transfers and mountain walks sound tiring.

Medellín mixes public art and hard-earned change

After breakfast, you continue to Medellín and stay two nights in El Poblado, one of the city’s best-known areas for restaurants, bars, and nightlife. The journey takes much of the day, but after check-in, an English-speaking guide is available for up to five hours.

The city visit covers Botero Square, Pueblito Paisa, and Comuna 13. Botero Square is home to the large, rounded sculptures of Fernando Botero. It is an easy place to begin because the art is displayed outdoors and gives the center a clear visual identity.

Pueblito Paisa is a replica of a traditional coffee village on one of Medellín’s hills. It is made for city views and quick orientation. Comuna 13 brings a different kind of context, with colorful public spaces and a story of major social change. The itinerary also allows time for one of the city cable cars, giving you another way to see Medellín from above.

Do not expect a quiet day. The full schedule is listed at about 12 hours, though the guided portion is up to five hours after arrival. You may want to tell the planner which part matters most to you: art, city views, Comuna 13, or nightlife. El Poblado gives you the freedom to find dinner and drinks on your own, but food and beverages are not included.

Guatapé rewards the climb

Day 6 is a private car day with a professional driver. The journey to El Peñol takes about two hours each way from Medellín, so the driver arrangement is particularly useful. You are not trying to manage buses and connections after climbing the rock.

The main test is the 640-step climb up El Peñol. The view at the top is the payoff, but the stairs are real work. Wear shoes with grip, carry water, and allow time for rests. Anyone with mobility concerns should ask about the climb before booking, because this is not a minor optional stroll.

Afterward, you visit Guatapé, a colorful town near the rock. The contrast works well: first a demanding physical stop, then time among painted facades and local streets. The day returns to Medellín in the late afternoon, leaving your evening free.

Cartagena gives you two different Caribbean days

You travel to Cartagena on Day 7 and arrive around midday. A private transfer takes you to a hotel in the Old City, a valuable location because the historic center is easy to explore on foot from there. The afternoon is free, with no guide required.

Cartagena is best enjoyed slowly at this point. Walk the old streets, look at the colorful buildings, and take in the Caribbean atmosphere near sunset. A fresh cocktail is not included, but this is one of the places where paying your own way adds to the pleasure. Two nights are included, though the first day is partly consumed by the journey.

Day 8 is the Rosario Islands boat outing. It is a full-day group trip to IslaBela, with a private Caribbean beach and lunch included. This is the one clear shift away from the private format, so expect a shared boat rather than a vehicle and guide reserved only for your group.

The island day gives you a break from city touring, but boat conditions and group timing can shape the experience. The provided details do not specify the boat size, departure point, or exact time on the beach, so ask for those details before departure. Lunch is included, while other food and drinks across the trip generally are not.

Tayrona adds jungle, coast, and a demanding hike

Day 9 is mostly a transfer day. A private car takes you from Cartagena toward Los Naranjos and Tayrona, a journey of about four to five hours. You stay for two nights near the park, with the afternoon left free for rest.

That pause is well placed. Day 10 is a full excursion into Tayrona National Park, where jungle trails meet the Caribbean coast. Your driver takes you to the park, and you complete the visit independently rather than with a private guide.

The hike is described as taking about four to five hours before beach time. That makes Tayrona one of the most physically demanding parts of the route, especially after several earlier travel days. You should be comfortable walking for hours, managing your own pace, and handling a warm outdoor day. The reward is time at one of the park’s beaches before returning to your accommodation around sunset.

The plan does not specify entrance procedures, trail conditions, beach facilities, or whether park fees beyond the stated tour inclusions apply. Ask the operator what you need to carry and what is included at the time of booking. The private transfer is helpful, but the actual park day is self-guided.

What the $2,314.66 price really covers

At $2,314.66 per person, the price is not simply paying for 10 hotel nights. It includes two nights in Bogotá, two in Salento, two in Medellín, two in Cartagena, and two near Tayrona, along with breakfast each day.

It also includes private airport transfers, several private road transfers, selected guided tours, and admission to the Salt Cathedral, Gold Museum, and Monserrate. The Guatavita and Zipaquirá excursion, Bogotá city tour, Medellín city tour, Rosario Islands outing, and lunch on that boat day are included as well.

That package has real value if you would otherwise spend hours arranging drivers, hotels, domestic flights, and local tours. The price also buys flexibility and support, not just transport. Past customer feedback repeatedly highlights prompt communication, organized drivers, clean and comfortable hotels, and close attention to small details. Some people were given SIM cards and kept in touch with Peter through WhatsApp, though you should confirm that this is still part of the current arrangement.

The main extra cost is flights. National flight tickets are not included, though the company can help arrange them after booking. You also pay for most meals, drinks, and gratuities. Price comparison is easiest if you add those likely extras to your flight budget before deciding.

The non-refundable cancellation policy deserves attention. Once paid, the amount is not refunded if you cancel or request an amendment, so confirm dates, flights, hotel standards, and the final custom plan first.

Who should book this Colombia itinerary?

I would choose this trip if you want to see many sides of Colombia in a short time and like having a local team handle the complicated parts. It works especially well for couples, families, solo visitors, and small private groups that want help without joining a fixed coach tour.

You should be comfortable with domestic air travel, long road days, changing hotels, mountain altitude, and independent hikes. The route gives you freedom, but it does not remove the effort involved in reaching remote or scenic places.

I would look elsewhere if your priority is one base, long beach time, or a fully guided day from breakfast to dinner. The itinerary is active, and its value comes from variety. It is also worth asking for a slower version if you can add days.

Should you book it?

Book this Colombia tour if you want a broad first visit with hotels, transfers, major tickets, and practical support already arranged. The strongest features are the private transportation, the ability to adjust the plan, the mix of guided and independent time, and the careful trip support associated with Peter and the YourColombia team.

Before committing, confirm the national flights, exact hotels, airport timings, Rosario boat details, walking expectations, and the final cancellation terms. If those details suit your budget and fitness level, this is a useful way to see Bogotá, the coffee region, Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona without spending your holiday solving every transport problem yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Colombia tour?

The tour lasts approximately 11 days and includes 10 nights of accommodation.

Which destinations are included?

The route includes Bogotá, Laguna de Guatavita, Zipaquirá, Salento, the Cocora Valley, Medellín, Guatapé, Cartagena, the Rosario Islands, Los Naranjos, and Tayrona National Park.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The overall activity is private, so only your group participates. The Guatavita hike is in a small group, and the Rosario Islands boat trip is a group excursion.

Are hotels included?

Yes. Accommodation is included for two nights in Bogotá, two in Salento, two in Medellín, two in Cartagena, and two nights near Tayrona National Park.

Are domestic flights included?

No. Flight tickets are not included. YourColombia can help you buy the national flight tickets after booking.

What meals are included?

Breakfast is included throughout the trip, and lunch is included during the Rosario Islands day trip. Other food and drinks are not included unless specified.

Are the main Bogotá attractions included?

Yes. Admission to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the Gold Museum, and Monserrate is included.

Is the Tayrona hike guided?

No. The Tayrona National Park excursion is completed on your own, with transport arranged to and from the park.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. The trip is designed to be customized to your personal interests. Confirmation is subject to availability, and changes should be agreed before payment because the experience is non-refundable.