DIY Colombia Itinerary
10 Days Backpacking from Bogotá to Cartagena
(Budget & First-Timers Guide)
🌍 Why Backpack Colombia on a Budget?
Colombia is one of South America’s most colourful and diverse countries. It has modern cities, Caribbean beaches, mountains, friendly people, and some of the best backpacker hostels in the world.
Travelling Colombia is easy and affordable. With this DIY Colombia itinerary, you can explore Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena using safe buses, budget flights, and cheap food — perfect for first-time travellers.
Average budget: $30–40 USD/day
(Hostels, local meals, buses or budget flights)
🗓️ 10-Day DIY Colombia Itinerary Overview
| Day | Destination | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Bogotá | Old town, museums, Monserrate |
| 3–5 | Medellín | Cable cars, nightlife, Guatapé |
| 6–7 | Santa Marta | Tayrona NP, beaches |
| 8–10 | Cartagena | Walled city, beaches, culture |
🏙️ DAY 1–2: Bogotá — Culture, Mountains & Coffee
🏙️ City Description
Bogotá is Colombia’s capital. It is big, cool in temperature, and full of history.
The old part of the city, La Candelaria, has colourful houses, museums, and cafés.
The city sits high in the mountains, so walking might feel tiring at first.
📍 Top Things to Do in Bogotá
- La Candelaria: Colourful streets, murals, cafés.
- Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): One of Colombia’s best.
- Monserrate Hill: Cable car ride + beautiful city views.
- Bolívar Square: Historic plaza with government buildings.
- Botero Museum: Paintings and sculptures by Colombia’s famous artist.
🏨 Budget Accommodation
- Selina Bogotá La Candelaria – social, work-friendly (~$14–18).
- Masaya Bogotá – comfy dorms + great location (~$12–15).
🍽️ Budget Food & Drink
- Local lunch (menu del día): $3–5
- Ajiaco soup (local dish): $4–6
- Coffee: $1–2
🚕 Getting Around Bogotá
- TransMilenio buses: cheap and fast
- Taxis/Bolt: safe and affordable
- Avoid: Unofficial taxis at night
⚠️ Safety & Scams in Bogotá
| Issue | Description | How to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Pickpockets | In busy areas | Keep phone hidden; use crossbody bag |
| Fake taxis | Unlicensed drivers | Use Bolt or InDriver |
| Street scams | “Lost tourist” tricks | Don’t engage with strangers asking for help |
Safety Tip: Avoid walking alone late at night in La Candelaria.
🌆 DAY 3–5: Medellín — The City of Eternal Spring
🏙️ City Description
Medellín is warm, green, and sits in a valley surrounded by mountains.
It is known for its friendly people (“Paisas”), cable cars, modern transport, and great nightlife.
Today it is one of South America’s most innovative and safe cities for travellers.
📍 Things to Do in Medellín
- Comuna 13 Tour: Graffiti, music, history (safe & amazing).
- Metrocable Ride: Cable cars to mountain viewpoints.
- Plaza Botero: Giant sculptures by Fernando Botero.
- El Poblado: Restaurants and bars for nightlife.
- Day Trip to Guatapé: Colourful town + climb “La Piedra” rock.
🏨 Budget Hostels
- Los Patios Hostel – top-rated, rooftop pool (~$16–20).
- Rango Boutique Hostel – social vibe, central (~$17–22).
🚍 Transport: Bogotá → Medellín
Options:
- 🚌 Bus: 10 hours (~$20)
- ✈️ Flight: 1 hour (~$25–40 with Viva Air / Avianca)
Tip: Flights are often cheaper than buses.
🍽️ Food to Try
- Bandeja Paisa (hearty dish): $5–7
- Arepas: $1–2
- Fresh juice: $1
⚠️ Safety in Medellín
- El Poblado and Laureles are safe for tourists.
- Avoid showing phones in buses.
- Don’t take strangers’ drinks at bars.
🏖️ DAY 6–7: Santa Marta — Beaches & National Parks
🏙️ City Description
Santa Marta is a relaxed coastal city on the Caribbean side of Colombia.
It’s the base for visiting Tayrona National Park — one of the most beautiful coastal parks in South America.
📍 Things to Do
- Tayrona National Park: Beaches, jungle hikes.
- Taganga Beach: Cheap diving courses.
- Minca (optional): Coffee farms & waterfalls.
- Rodadero Beach: Easy swim + sunset views.
🏨 Budget Hostels
- Dreamer Hostel – pool, social, popular (~$13–18).
- Cacao Hostel – calm, cheap (~$10–14).
🚌 Transport: Medellín → Santa Marta
- Flight: 1 hr 15 min (~$25–40) – easiest
- Bus: 15–17 hrs (~$25–30) – long but cheap
⚠️ Safety Tips
- Beaches are safe, but watch belongings.
- Don’t walk alone early morning near Taganga.
🌴 DAY 8–10: Cartagena — Colour, Culture & Caribbean Vibes
🏙️ City Description
Cartagena is one of the most beautiful cities in the Caribbean.
It has colourful colonial buildings, palm trees, beaches, and warm weather.
The old walled city feels romantic and lively, with music everywhere.
📍 What to Do in Cartagena
- Old City (Walled Town): Bright buildings & plazas.
- Getsemaní: Street art, cheap food, backpacker area.
- San Felipe Castle: Historic fortress overlooking the sea.
- Bocagrande Beach: Sunbathe, swim, relax.
- Boat Trip to Rosario Islands: Clear water + snorkelling ($25–35).
🏨 Budget Hostels
- Viajero Cartagena – top backpacker hostel (~$17–22).
- Life is Good Cartagena – clean, stylish (~$15–18).
🚌 How to Get There
- Bus: Santa Marta → Cartagena (4–5 hrs, ~$12).
- Shuttle Vans: More comfortable (~$17).
🍽️ Cheap Local Food
- Empanadas – $0.50–1
- Arepas de huevo – $1–2
- Fresh seafood plates – $6–8
⚠️ Safety in Cartagena
- Very safe in tourist areas (Old Town, Getsemaní).
- Avoid isolated beaches at night.
- Be cautious at ATMs.
💳 Budget Breakdown (Daily Average)
| Category | Cost (USD/day) |
|---|---|
| Hostel bed | $10–20 |
| Meals | $10–15 |
| Local transport | $3–6 |
| Activities | $5–10 |
| Total | $30–40/day |
🛂 Visa Information
Most travellers do NOT need a visa for Colombia (USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Gulf countries, and more).
Visa-free stays: Up to 90 days.
Requirements:
- Passport valid 6 months
- Onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation
Check the official Colombian immigration site for updates.
💵 Money & Payments
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).
- ATMs: Widely available (Davivienda, Bancolombia).
- Card-friendly: Yes, in big cities; carry cash in small towns.
- Best Rates: Use Wise, Revolut or N26.
- Avoid: Street money changers.
⚠️ Common Scams to Avoid
| Scam | How It Works | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Fake police | Wear a money belt | Never hand over money; ask for ID |
| Overpriced taxis | Fake meters | Use InDriver, Uber, Cabify |
| Spiked drinks | At bars | Never leave drinks unattended |
| Pickpockets | In markets & buses | Wear money belt |
Colombia is generally safe for tourists — just stay alert, like in any big city.
🚍 Recommended Transport Companies
| Type | Company | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long-distance buses | Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia | Safe & comfortable |
| Ride apps | Uber, Didi, Beat, InDriver | Safer than street taxis |
| Budget airlines | Viva Air, Wingo, LATAM | Cheap domestic flights |
💬 Travel Tips for First-Timers
✅ Buy a SIM card (Claro/Tigo) at the airport.
✅ Avoid showing expensive phones in public.
✅ Drink bottled water in small towns.
✅ Try local fruits: mango, guava, lulo juice.
✅ Learn basic Spanish — it helps a lot!
🏁 Final Thoughts
Colombia is one of the most vibrant, friendly, and affordable countries in South America.
From the museums of Bogotá to the mountain views of Medellín, the beaches of Santa Marta, and the colourful streets of Cartagena, every stop is full of life and culture.
This DIY Colombia itinerary helps you travel safely and cheaply — perfect for backpackers, solo travellers, and first-time visitors.
Pack light, stay open-minded, and Colombia will surprise you in the best ways.
⚖️ Disclaimer
Information in this guide is for general purposes. Prices, schedules, and visa rules may change. Always check official sites before travel. Bhoppers.com is not responsible for third-party services.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links. Bhoppers.com may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
