Northern Colombia: The Best 8 Stops for Your Itinerary

Blessed with rich biodiversity, Colombia is filled with treasures for travelers to discover.  

It’s got everything you could ever want in a single country: stunning beachside cities, modern metropolises, and towns nestled deep in the Amazon jungle.  

While you could spend months traveling around the country, exploring northern Colombia is the best way to soak up the country’s magical atmosphere. 

Between serene beaches, party hotspots, diverse cities, stunning biodiversity, and vast landscapes, there is something for everyone’s taste, and you’ll never forget this trip.  

Get off the beaten track and expect the unexpected with this adventurous and cultural treat of an itinerary. 

Start in Medellin  

Medellin, a hotspot for digital nomads, expats, and travelers, is the perfect place to start your northern Colombia adventure.  

Nestled in the Aburra Valley and surrounded by mountain peaks, the city earns its nickname, “City of Eternal Spring,” thanks to its year-round warm weather.

Start your itinerary with a trip to Plaza Botero, where 23 sculptures created by Fernando Botero, a famous Colombian artist from Medellin, decorate the square. You can also spot his works all over the city — many of his best pieces reside here.  

Hop on a cable car to Parque Arvi to take in panoramic city views before indulging in some local culinary treats at the food market at the top. Hike through the surrounding lakes and eucalyptus forest on your way back to the city center.  

Navigate the city with its comprehensive transportation system to find free salsa and bachata classes in bars all over the city. Bring comfy trainers to protect your feet while you master each turn.  

Visit in August to see the Festival of Flowers. Celebrators adorn the city with bountiful bouquets of colorful flowers, and spectacular walking parades show off the best the blooming city offers.  

Book a day trip to nearby Guatape to take in the colorful architecture of the small town before hiking up La Piedra del Peñol to look over the region. 

Or head to Paramillo National Park to immerse yourself in the rainforest while hunting for a glimpse of a jaguar in the wild.  

Must-try dish: Bandeja paisa, a classic Colombian dish that piles your plate high with red beans cooked with pork, ground meat, fried eggs, plantain, white rice, black pudding, hogao sauce, and chorizo.  

Getting to Medellin

You can get to Medellin from Bogota on an overnight bus that takes between eight and ten hours. 

For those jetting in from abroad, there is an international airport you can fly directly into or take a domestic flight to save time. 

Sincelejo  

Sincelejo, known for its live music, is easy to fall in love with. Musicians draw inspiration from its rich culture, and bands perform all over the city every single night. 

European, African, and American roots are apparent here, alongside a healthy dash of Colombian Caribbean influences.  

Sincelejo is also known for its Corralejas bullfighting festival, which draws visitors from all over the globe in the third week of January. The festival’s history traces back to a longstanding tradition of cattle farmers bringing their prized offerings to fight in front of the local crowds. 

Visit the nearby Rosario Island or San Bernardo to explore the underwater treasures offshore.  

Must-try dish: Mote de queso, a traditional Colombian soup made with yam, Costeno cheese, onions, garlic, scallions, lime juice, tomatoes, and cumin.  

Getting to Sincelejo

After a few days in Medellin, take the eleven-hour bus to Sincelejo.  

Cartagena

Cartagena is the perfect midway point for a few days of rest and rejuvenation before some epic treks further along the way. This beachside city will not disappoint after a few long overnight journeys have drained your reserves.  

Once considered the only safe spot in Colombia for tourists, this old colonial town is one of the most developed tourist destinations in the country.  

Take a few days to explore the city’s attractions between visits to Playa Blanca, or just spend the whole time lounging on the beach, soaking up the sunshine and drinking one too many cocktails.  

Book a walking tour to see some of the city’s fascinating architecture and lively town squares.  

Climb up to San Felipe Castle, built by the Spanish in the 1600s, for amazing city views. Make sure to check out the incredible network of tunnels lying beneath its walls.  

Wander the Getsemani area. Once impassable for tourists, it has evolved into a cultural melting pot brimming with street art, shops, cafes, and bars.  

To relax in the cool evenings, head to Plaza de Trinidad, where locals, expats, and travelers all hang out. Enjoy sumptuous street food treats between dancing your feet off in a myriad of bars.  

Must-try dish: Ceviche. Although it’s found everywhere, it’s particularly excellent in Cartagena.  

Getting to Cartagena  

It takes about four hours to take a bus from Sincelejo to Cartagena.  

Barranquilla  

Excited to see Colombia’s culture up close? Then, Barranquilla has to be on your itinerary.  

Often skipped to prioritize visiting more well-known cities like Santa Marta and Bogota, it’s the perfect destination for people who want to see the real Colombia.  

The city’s annual carnival in February is the largest in the country. You’ll see the best of the city’s local traditions and customs.  

Afterward, spend an extra day exploring the local museums, like the Museum of Modern Art and the Romantic Museum.  

You can also book an excursion to visit the nearby Salamanca Island Park, where you’ll explore mangrove forests and the Magdalena River.  

Must-try dish: Papas rellenas, a dish of fried mashed potato balls stuffed with ground beef.  

Getting to Barranquilla

Traveling from Cartagena to Barranquilla will take about three hours. You can book a bus, minivan, or private car.  

Santa Marta

Another beachside city on the Caribbean Sea, Santa Marta, is an unmissable treat.  

Between the lush views, delicious food, and picturesque beaches, you’ll never want to leave.  

Although it gets busy in peak season between December and March, the city’s atmosphere during this time makes the crowds worth putting up with. The city comes alive, and you’ll love beach-hopping along the coastline.  

Head to the Old City for a walk through the town’s history, starting at Parque Bolivia and finishing at the cathedral. This 45-minute walk is the perfect way to begin your exploration of Santa Marta.  

After spending a day or two finding your favorite local beach, or checking out Tayrona National Park, book an excursion to Ciudad Perdida for a Lost City trek. This ancient archaeological site predates Peru’s Machu Picchu. Trekkers will spend four days hiking through the jungle and into the Sierra Nevada Mountains before arriving at the bygone site for a peek into the ancient past.  

Must-try dish: Sancocho de pescado, a dish that combines seafood with cassava and other local ingredients.    

Getting to Santa Marta  

Travelers can book a bus from Barranquilla to Santa Marta, which will only take 90 minutes — the shortest journey on this list. 

Extra Stop! Hike to Christopher Colombus Peak  

Pico Cristobal Colon is the joint-highest mountain in Colombia, a title shared with Simon Bolivar Peak. Estimated to sit at 5,730 meters high, it takes four hours to summit the peak. Brave adventurers will not regret taking this optional side quest.  

Make sure you have a decent fitness level before attempting it, and train your body to cope with the altitude ahead of time.  

For an easier version of this excursion, book a hiking trip through the park surrounding its base. You can take in its majesty from afar and save your feet a few blisters.  

Don’t forget your camera! You probably won’t see the view from the top more than once in a lifetime.    

Getting to Pico Cristobal Colon

You’ll want to book an excursion or join a tour from Santa Marta or Valledupar to explore this magnificent region.  

Valledupar  

After hiking up to the top of the world, pop to Valledupar for a chilled couple of days exploring the local culture.  

Take in the natural beauty with a leisurely stroll along the Gutapuri River. Check out the creatures living in the Zapatose Swamp.  

Spend the evening dancing in one of the city’s many salsa bars or enjoying some local music. Valledupar is the home of vallenato, a style of music based on the accordion.  

Must-try dish: Sanchocho de gallina, a hen stew.  

Getting to Valledupar  

Take a bus to get from Santa Marta to Valledupar. The journey is about four hours.  

Riohacha 

The best way to finish this itinerary is by heading to Riohacha, a city tucked along the northern coast of Colombia.  

Nestled where the Rancheria River meets the Caribbean Sea, Riohacha boasts stunning beaches and beautiful landscapes. It’s the perfect place to wrap up this busy but fulfilling itinerary.  

Tour the various beaches, learn how to kite surf, and pick up some souvenirs in the vibrant markets.  

Riohacha is also the gateway to the La Guajira region, another natural treasure full of fishing villages and deserts. Here, you can find the Cerrejon, one of the world’s largest open-pit coal mines. But its claim to fame is the fossil of the prehistoric Titanoboa, the largest, longest, and heaviest snake ever found.  

Set aside at least a couple of days to fall in love with this region.  

Must-try dish: Cazuela de marisco, a delicious seafood dish cooked in a stone pot with a creamy, or cheesy, sauce flavored with herbs.    

Getting to Riohacha  

Hop on a four-hour bus to get from Valledupar to Riohacha.

Where to go next?  

If you’ve seen enough of Colombia, Riohaca is a great starting point to head east into Venezuela. Or you could head back to Medellin and book transportation to Brazil.  

For those who have fallen too deeply in love with Colombia to leave, head south to Cali and city-hop to the Peru border.    

Map of Northern Colombia 

Getting to Colombia is fairly easy. 

To get to the starting point of this itinerary, you can fly directly into Medellin. 

Or into Bogota and then take a second flight or overnight bus to Medellin. 

Packing list essentials for Northern Colombia   

This Colombian adventure will take you through various terrains, so pack an adaptable wardrobe to carry you through each phase comfortably. Don’t forget to bring any of the following:  

• Waterproof walking shoes. The weather may be unpredictable, and you’ll be trekking regularly, so invest in a long-lasting pair. Don’t forget to break them in before you go!  
• Comfortable trainers. For day-to-day walking and casual explorations, you’ll need a sturdy pair of trainers that can go from day to night without blisters.  
• Loose layers. Between beach days, hiking afternoons, sightseeing mornings, and evenings spent dancing the night away, you’ll exchange layers constantly. Pack light, warm pieces to adapt to every scenario.    
• Warm clothing. Regardless of the season, a warm raincoat or windbreaker is a must for treks, and a cozy jumper will keep the chills at bay in the evening.    
• A swimsuit and a microfiber towel. A quick-drying and sand-repellent towel will save you time transitioning between the beach and sightseeing.    
• Insect repellant. So you can avoid paying tourist prices when buying it at home. 
• Itch cream because no repellant is totally impenetrable.    
• Sunscreen and a hat. Keep your skin safe in all climates with a lightweight SPF. And use it! No matter how cloudy it is.  
• Basic first-aid kit. Be ready for anything with an easy-to-access kit packed with bandaids, blister protection, antiseptic cream, and a bandage or two for potential sprains.  
• A copy of your passport to use if you lose the original. Print a scanned image and save it on your phone as a backup.  
• An adaptor and a portable battery pack to keep all your devices charged up, no matter where you end up.  
• A GoPro, camera, or journal to memorialize your adventures as they happen.    
• A sturdy, waterproof backpack. You’ll regret bringing a suitcase with wheels. Save yourself the hassle and buy a reliable backpack with plenty of extra pockets.    

Weather in Colombia  

Luckily, Colombia is a year-round destination for travelers of all budgets and expectations. But the weather is most favorable between December and March and June and September. 

The chances of heavy rainfall increase in October, November, April, and May.  

Beach lovers should come between December and March for peak weather, but prepare for the crowds that come with it. July and August bring equal sunshine and a little rainfall in exchange for a quieter atmosphere. 

Visitors to the Colombian Amazon should plan their trip between June and December when there is less rainfall and a better chance of seeing wildlife up close.  

Northern Colombia Itinerary Wrap-up

Colombia is a sprawling country with countless gems to discover, so even if you just pick a few of these magical destinations, you’ll fall in love with its majestic beauty.    

Keep your eyes open for opportunities to meet locals and fellow travelers to share your discoveries.  

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