If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, it wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Caribbean Coast. Depending on how much time you have to spare, a 3-week itinerary for the Caribbean Colombia Coast is perfect for experiencing the beautiful Caribbean region of Colombia.
This itinerary for three weeks in Colombia includes things you may want to skip, like the Lost City, which involves a challenging trek that’s not for everybody. Feel free to adjust this Colombia Caribbean Coast itinerary by extending your stay at any place you like.
In most places along the Colombia Coast, booking accommodations far in advance is unnecessary. I usually reserve the night before on Booking.com unless it’s peak season, so you might want to book earlier. The exception to this is Minca, as it gets booked up quickly!
Did You Get Travel Insurance Yet?
The Insurance companies I recommend are Hey Mondo, Safety Wing, and Travel Insurance Master
Hey Mondo is great if you are looking for a great value flexible policy. They offer single-trip cover, annual multi-trip cover, and long-term travel cover. Safety Wing is great value, with monthly coverage starting at $39. It’s super easy to use, and it just renews each month. I currently use them as they offer me free cover for my son as part of my policy. I also use Travel Insurance Master for short trips.
Read my full travel insurance post here, where I go into detail about all companies.
3-Week Coast of Colombia Itinerary
Days 1-2: Cartagena
If you’re trying to decide how many days to spend in Cartagena, I recommend just one or two. While I enjoyed the area, I didn’t feel I needed more than three days in Cartagena. Plus, you can always extend your stay if you plan to return here for a flight or bus.
For my guide to Cartagena, including accommodation recommendations, click here.
Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Colombia Tours: Click here to check out the top Colombia tours
Best Colombia Accommodation: Click here to check out the best accommodation in Colombia
Best Colombia Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Colombia
Need to book transportation in Colombia?
I highly recommend booking all of your Colombia transportation with GottoGo. You can search for buses, shuttles, ferries, and Flights on their website. What I love most about them is their customer service. I know these guys personally from my time living in Guatemala and they really do look after their customers. So if anything happens and you get delayed and miss your bus, you can just call them and they are always there to help.
If you book through them you will pay a little more than if you book in person at the bus station. But it’s worth it for the ease and security in my opinion. Click here to search for transportation in Colombia.
Days 3-4: Santa Marta
I preferred Santa Marta to Cartagena—as beautiful as Cartagena is, it’s the most expensive place I’ve been to in Colombia and has a touristy vibe. Gringos vacation in Cartagena, and Colombians vacation in Santa Marta. This is the best place along the Colombia coast to buy anything for the best prices. There are also some great beaches where you can try surfing in Colombia, museums, and neighboring villages to explore.
For my guide to Santa Marta, including accommodation recommendations, click here.
Days 5-8: Lost City Trek
If you want to do the Lost City tour, all operators pick up from Santa Marta, so it makes sense to do it while staying there. You will want a day to rest after the hike, which you can do in Santa Marta or head to Taganga for a few days.
For my guide to The Lost City, click here.
Days 9-10: Taganga
I haven’t written a complete guide to Taganga because, even though I went there three times, I didn’t get to know the place enough to write a comprehensive guide. I have written about it in my Santa Marta Guide, though, and here are my local accommodation recommendations:
Day 11: Parque Tayrona
You can’t go to the Colombia Caribbean Coast and not visit Parque Tayrona. If you can, I recommend staying there for three nights so you can try hiking and surfing Colombia. While we camped in this area, you could also stay in an eco-pod. They’re not the most affordable, but are more comfortable than sleeping in a tent.
For my guide to Parque Tayrona, including accommodation recommendations, click here.
Quick Tip: View my full Colombia packing guide here including a downloadable checklist. And check out my Colombia Essentials shopping list here.
Days 12-13: Minca
I loved Minca! Many people stay there for a day, but I suggest staying longer if you have the time. It’s a lot cooler than the rest of the Coast Colombia region, and I enjoyed escaping the heat of the beach for a few nights. There are coffee farms and waterfalls to explore, so you won’t get bored—it reminded me a little of Guatemala, which is probably why I loved it so much.
For my guide to Minca, including accommodation recommendations, click here.
Days 14-16: Palomino
If you prefer a less crowded, laidback beach for surfing in Colombia, you won’t want to leave Palomino. I would stay in this Caribbean region of Colombia for at least three days. Not a big surfer? No problem—you can spend days lounging on the beach or tubing down a river.
For my guide to Palomino, including accommodation recommendations, click here.
Days 17-19: Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas
Cabo de la Vela, Punta Gallinias, and Lost City were my favorite things I’ve done along the Colombia Caribbean Coast. It was an incredible trip! I mean, look at the pictures in my guide and this video.
Click here for my guide to Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas.
Days 20-21: Return to Santa Marta/Cartagena
I hope this guide to spending three weeks in Colombia along the coast is helpful as you plan a trip! If you’re backpacking in Colombia, check out my other guides to the country. You can also follow my 1-week and 2-week itineraries for the Coast Colombia region.
Caribbean Coast Itinerary FAQs
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Caribbean Coast of Colombia?
The best time to visit the Colombia Caribbean Coast is during the dry season, typically from December to March. This period offers pleasant weather with lower rain chances and is ideal for enjoying the region’s beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, like surfing in Colombia.
What Activities Are Available In the Caribbean Region of Colombia?
You can enjoy various activities, including exploring colonial architecture, relaxing on pristine beaches, snorkeling and diving, hiking in lush rainforests, and experiencing the vibrant local culture through music and dance.
Is it Safe to Travel to the Caribbean Colombia Coast?
The Coast Colombia region is generally safe for tourists. Make sure to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your intuition. You’ll likely have a worry-free trip!
3-Week Caribbean Coast Itinerary: Final Thoughts
It’s time to wrap up this guide to the Colombia Caribbean Coast—I hope you’ve enjoyed it and feel ready for the next adventure! From Cartagena’s lively streets to Palomino’s chill vibes, we’ve explored the fantastic Caribbean region of Colombia inside and out.
If you need help getting to your next destination, read my Colombia transport guides:
How to Get From Medellín to Cartagena
How to Get From Bogotá to Medellín On the Bus or Plane
How to Travel From Medellín to Santa Marta
How to Get From El Dorado Airport in Bogota to La Candelaria
Using Public Transport in Medellin
This post was proofread by Grammarly.
