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hello
I'm going to Colombia in 9th of Feb for 19 days. I'm planning to visit Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Barranquilla and San Andres. how long should I stay in each city? what is the best way to travel between cities?
if there any recommendation please tell me.
thank you

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1

Hi!

I think you have too many Stops for "only 10 days".

Barranquilla is not worth it - Except if you're going there for the Carnaval

You can go to San Andre by flight from Bogota or Cartagena. You should spend minimum 4 days

Flights are very cheap in Colombia. And you want to save time, your best option is the night buses for the 8-9 hours distance (Bogota to Medellin)

I would say :

  • Bogota is ok for 2 full days
  • Medellin 2 full days or 3 if you're going to Guatape
    -Cartagena: 2 days
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2

I agree that 10 days is nowhere near enough time to go to all of those cities. I would definitely recommend Bogota and Medellin, but I haven't been to the other cities so I don't know what they're like. I have heard that Cartagena is really nice though.

I would recommend flying to get around - there are lots of flight options but bear in mind that you'll also have to allow a decent amount of time to get from the main part of the cities to the airport in both Medellin and Bogota (around an hour, maybe more in traffic).

In Bogota, I would recommend visiting Cerro Monserrate, which is a mountain overlooking the city and Usaquen for the huge flea market if you're going to be there on a Sunday. In Medellin, the botanical gardens are lovely and you can also take the cable car up the mountain to get great views over the city. The centre of Medellin is interesting as it's full of statues by Fernando Botero. If you want some good restaurants/bars in Medellin then you can head to El Poblado district. There are also some really nice cafes there in the day - my favourite is Cafe Pergamino.

Enjoy your trip to Colombia!

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Just to make it clear - San Andres isn't a city. They are islands far from Colombia mainland, much closer to Nicaragua coast. You'll need two days to get there and back. Not sure if it's worth it in such a short time.

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4

The OP has 19 days, not 10 days.

You should go straight to Barranquilla for carnaval. That is, as far as I know, the only reason to go there but it is supposed to be great. 2 days maybe.

Then I guess you can fly to San Andres. I think you can also fly there from Barranquilla. I have not been but I would say at least 3 full days there if you are going to travel that far.

Cartagena 2 days and then fly to Medellin. I think 3 days is plenty for Medellin and that includes a day trip to Guatape. If you have time go to Jardin for 2 days. Then fly to Bogota: 2-3 days.

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5

Oh Yes, you're right!. Sorry for that ^^

Yes, if you plan to go for the Carnaval! But you should stay 2 nights minimum. Carnaval in Colombia is to dance at night in the street with a bottle of aguardiente. People are happy, great vibe, unique experience. And you can watch the parades during the day.

Bogota: 2 nights (9th and 10th)

Flight to Barranquilla on the 11th (You should book your flight and accommodation soon)? 2 nights (11th and 12th)

Bus to Cartagena: 2 nights in Cartagena (13th and 14th) - I have article about Cartagena if you want: https://www.tomplanmytrip.com/step-by-step-guide-visit-cartagena-de-indias-48-hours/

If you have the budget, go to Providencia. It's more lovely and quieter (You have to land in San Andres first then take another flight) - You should also book the flight San Andres Providencia in Advance

San Andres: 1 night

Flight to Providencia: 4 nights

Flight back to Cartagena and check if it's doable to catch another flight to Medellin - You will have to take 3 flights - It will be tiring a little but they are short flights.

Medellin: 3 nights

And you still have 4 nights remaining. But let's say 3 night as you need to sleep in Bogota the night before.

With this 3 nights, you can decide to go to Salento then take a flight from Peirera to Bogota.

Or you can go to Jardin and around (Colonial towns) then come back to Medellin and take a flight to Bogota

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6

thank you guys for all of your suggestion now think I have a clear plan for my trip

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7

Are you still going to Barranquilla de Carnival? I will be there from Feb 11 to Feb 13

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8

Why all the big cities?

San Andreas is off the Nicaragua coast...why are you going there?

Bogota 2 nights max...dont forget its high elevation and takes some adjusting to at 9000ft...

Medellin has better offering and easier to use public transport than Bogota, is also a less dodgy city and has nice areas for nightlife and good hotels. 2 nights. Botero plaza and museum is a must. Botanical Gardens nice, as is tram up to Arvi and a light 3 hour hike...

You need to fly around IMO as well.

Coffee country and the south, around Pereia/Armenia area is worth 3-4 days IMO, with a car...


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