8 days in Colombia Itinerary

Learning how to salsa may be the most popular thing to do in Cali, but this giant city in southwestern Colombia represents more than just the "Salsa Capital of the World." Home to over 2 million people, thriving Cali serves as a major commercial and industrial center in South America, boasting the fastest-growing economy in Colombia.

Start off your visit on the 21st (Sun): appreciate the extensive heritage of Iglesia de San Antonio and then learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Zoologico de Cali.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Cali online visit planner.

Mexico City, Mexico to Cali is an approximately 10.5-hour flight. You'll lose 1 hour traveling from Mexico City to Cali due to the time zone difference. Prepare for a bit warmer weather when traveling from Mexico City in July: high temperatures in Cali hover around 36°C and lows are around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (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.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Mon): head outdoors with Outdoor Activities, pause for some serene contemplation at Templo Parroquial Jesus Nazareno, then get engrossed in the history at Museo de Antioquia, then don't miss a visit to Plaza Botero, and finally contemplate the long history of Pueblito Paisa.

To find where to stay, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Medellin trip maker site.

Traveling by flight from Cali to Medellin takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. July in Medellin sees daily highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Mon) to allow enough time to travel to Bogota.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Tue): examine the collection at Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), then don't miss a visit to Bolivar Square, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Monserrate. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 24th (Wed): admire the masterpieces at Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira.

To see other places to visit, ratings, photos, and tourist information, go to the Bogota online vacation planner.

Fly from Medellin to Bogota in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Medellin in July, expect Bogota to be a bit cooler, temps between 21°C and 10°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Playa Blanca and then make a trip to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. On the 26th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, contemplate the long history of Plaza Santo Domingo, and then steep yourself in history at Walled City of Cartagena.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and tourist information, go to the Cartagena trip itinerary tool.

Fly from Bogota to Cartagena in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Bogota in July, things will get much hotter in Cartagena: highs are around 38°C and lows about 30°C. On the 27th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.