Colombia is one of those destinations that surprises you at every turn! With its vibrant culture, warm people, and breathtaking landscapes, it has quickly become a family favorite. For our adventure travel family, spending a full week exploring this beautiful country was nothing short of magical. Each day brought a new experience, from bustling city streets to quiet coffee farms, colorful towns, and majestic natural wonders. Traveling with kids here is exciting and incredibly rewarding. The girls had endless opportunities to learn and play, from practicing Spanish with locals to trying new foods that quickly became favorites. Families will love how easy it is to combine culture, history, outdoor fun, and relaxation. We designed this 7 Day Colombia Itinerary to balance adventure with downtime, so there is something for everyone. If you are dreaming of a family trip filled with color, history, and fun, Colombia should be at the top of your list!
Colombia is a country that captures your heart from the moment you arrive! Nestled in the northwest corner of South America, it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. The Andes Mountains stretch through its center, and its lush valleys are filled with coffee plantations and charming towns. Families are greeted with warmth everywhere they go. Colombians are proud of their culture, and they love to share it.
Safety is often the first question travelers ask. We felt secure during our entire stay. The cities are bustling and vibrant, while rural areas are peaceful and welcoming. Like any destination, staying aware of your surroundings is smart, but we never felt uncomfortable or out of place.
What makes Colombia so special is how much variety it offers in such a compact area. You can explore lively cities like Medellín, learn about coffee traditions in small villages, and spend the afternoon surrounded by bright colors in Guatapé. Every day feels like a new discovery.
The climate is also ideal. In Medellín, famously known as the City of Eternal Spring, the weather stays mild and pleasant year-round. Families will love the combination of outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and opportunities to relax. Colombia is a place where adventure meets comfort, and the experiences will stay with your family forever!
7 Day Colombia Itinerary:
Getting to Medellín
Before our adventures could begin, we flew from Atlanta to Bogotá and then onward to Medellín. One thing we quickly learned is that Colombia operates on what we like to call “Colombia time.” Everything is just a little more relaxed compared to what we are used to in the United States. Flights may run behind schedule, buses leave when they are ready, and locals do not seem to mind the slower pace. Our flight to Medellín was no exception, arriving later than planned. Thankfully, the calm attitude of the locals rubbed off on us, and we decided to embrace it.
Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport is about 45 minutes from the city center. Driving into Medellín feels like entering a hidden valley, with the mountains wrapping around the city in every direction. The ride itself is an introduction to the beauty of Colombia. Once we arrived, we checked into our hotel and prepared for a week of unforgettable adventures. Even before exploring, we knew Medellín would be a highlight of our 7 Day Colombia Itinerary!
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 1: Medellín
We began our day with Ciclovía, one of the city’s most popular traditions. On Sundays, major roads close to traffic, and residents take to the streets for biking, running, and walking. Dustin and Buttercup jogged together, while Spider Monkey and I strolled through the markets that popped up along the way. It was such a fun way to start the morning.
The local markets overflowed with flavor and energy! We wandered from stall to stall, sampling delicious street food that filled the air with irresistible aromas. My favorite quickly became the arepa de queso, a warm, cheesy corn cake griddled to perfection, then drizzled with sweetened milk and topped with soft quesito. Every bite was heavenly! To wash it down, we tried aguapanela con limón, a refreshing sugarcane and lime drink that was both sweet and tangy.
Later, we explored the Metrocable. The gondola soared over the hillsides, giving us sweeping views of the city. The ride took us all the way to Parque Arví, a nature preserve perfect for hiking and learning about local history.
On our way back, we stopped at Santa Domingo, once a troubled neighborhood that is now vibrant and filled with street art. The transformation was inspiring.
Follow along on our post “Top Things to See in Medellin Colombia” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 2: Coffee Farm and Horseback Riding
Colombia and coffee go hand in hand, so our second day was spent learning all about it! We traveled just 45 minutes outside Medellín to D’Arrieros Coffee Farm in San Sebastián de Palmitas. This family-run farm gave us an inside look into the world of coffee, and it was fascinating from start to finish.
We dressed in traditional farming outfits, complete with ponchos and hats. Buttercup loved being chosen as the model to demonstrate each piece. We learned how coffee beans are picked, washed, and roasted. At one point, we even tried a drink made from the mucilage of the coffee cherry.
After picking cherries and roasting beans, we sat down to an authentic Colombian meal. Rice, beans, grilled chicken, and fresh salad filled the table. Everything tasted rich and comforting, and we could tell the ingredients were locally sourced.
The adventure did not stop there! We saddled up for a horseback ride through the rolling hills. The girls loved their calm, sure-footed horses and laughed each time the animals tried sneaking a bite of grass. The views were stunning, with mountains stretching out all around us.
Follow along on our post “Your Essential Guide to Colombian Coffee Tours” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 3: Medellín City Tour
On our third day, we wanted to see as much of Medellín as possible, so we booked a city tour. Having a guide made the experience stress-free and allowed us to visit places we may not have explored on our own. It was the perfect way to uncover more of the city’s history and culture.
We started at Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional Antioquian town set atop Cerro Nutibara. The views of the city stretched in every direction, and the colorful buildings made us feel like we stepped back in time. The girls loved the small shops and bright balconies.
Next, we visited Plaza Botero, home to 23 massive sculptures created by Fernando Botero. His whimsical, oversized figures brought so much laughter, especially for the girls. The striking Rafael Uribe Palace of Culture in the background was just as impressive.
The highlight of the day was Comuna 13. Once one of Medellín’s most dangerous neighborhoods, it has been transformed into a hub of street art, music, and storytelling. We rode the outdoor escalators up the hillside and admired the powerful murals. Local artists shared their stories, and dancers performed in the streets. The area pulsed with creativity and resilience.
Follow along on our post “Top Things to See in Medellin Colombia” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 4: Medellín and Transfer to Guatapé
Our last morning in Medellín was bittersweet. Before leaving, we squeezed in one more stop at Museo El Castillo. The European-style castle, built in 1930, felt like a fairy tale. Inside, the tour took us through elegant rooms, although the girls quickly lost interest. Outside, the gardens were breathtaking and worth the visit. Follow along on our post “Top Things to See in Medellin Colombia” to learn more.
By afternoon, it was time to head toward Guatapé. The drive northeast took a few hours, winding through green hills and mountain scenery that left us speechless. On the way, our driver suggested stopping at El Alto del Chocho for lunch. What a hidden gem! The girls squealed with delight when they saw llamas and goats waiting to be fed at the restaurant entrance. Buckets of carrots in hand, they darted between animals, giggling with joy. Buttercup declared this her favorite stop so far.
When we finally arrived at Boato Hotel, we were thrilled. Each family has a private “Lare,” complete with bedrooms, a hot tub, and stunning views over the reservoir. Our space felt like a little slice of paradise, with floor-to-ceiling windows that brought the outdoors in. After the excitement of Medellín, Guatapé’s peaceful atmosphere was just what we needed. We settled in, relaxed on our deck, and watched the sun dip below the mountains. It was the perfect start to the second half of our 7 Day Colombia Itinerary!
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 5: Guatapé
Our first full day in Guatapé was packed with color, charm, and adventure! We started by hopping into brightly decorated tuk tuks, the local motorcycle taxis. The open-air ride was thrilling, and the girls squealed with delight as we zipped through winding streets.
The town of Guatapé is famous as the most colorful in Colombia, and it did not disappoint! Nearly every building is painted in vibrant shades, with decorative zócalos (bas-reliefs) along the walls telling stories of history, culture, and everyday life. We strolled along cobblestone streets, soaking up the beauty at every corner.
At Plaza de Zócalos, the cheerful atmosphere was contagious. Bright steps, painted umbrellas, and lively shops surrounded us. We could not help but smile as we explored.
In the afternoon, we traded the tuk tuks for a boat ride on the reservoir. The water level was low, and the dock looked questionable, but the ride itself was fantastic. The scenery from the water was unforgettable, and Spider Monkey declared it the best adventure yet.
Afterward, we returned to the hotel for kayaking and paddle boarding. The calm waters and mountain views made it an ideal way to end the day.
Follow along on our post “Discover the Best Things to Do in Guatape, Colombia” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 6: El Peñón
Our sixth day was reserved for one of Colombia’s most iconic sights, El Peñón! Known both as La Piedra del Peñol and El Peñón de Guatapé, this massive granite rock towers over the landscape. At over 650 feet tall, it is impossible to miss. The towns of Guatapé and El Peñol have long debated ownership of the rock, even attempting to paint their town’s name across its face. Today, it simply stands as a proud landmark.
The climb to the top is no small feat. A steep staircase zigzags up the side, with over 700 steps. The girls counted each one with determination. Every landing gave us a new view, but nothing compared to the summit. From the top, we gazed out over the sparkling reservoir and endless islands. It was one of the most breathtaking views we have ever seen.
After catching our breath, we lingered at the summit, enjoying snacks and celebrating our climb. Coming down was much easier, and we spent the rest of the day relaxing by the reservoir, soaking up our final hours in Guatapé.
Follow along on our post “A Traveler’s Guide to El Penon: What You Need to Know” to learn more.
7 Day Colombia Itinerary
Day 7: Return to Medellín
Our final morning in Guatapé was slow and peaceful. We enjoyed breakfast overlooking the reservoir before saying goodbye to our Lare at the Boato Hotel. The girls were sad to leave the hot tub behind, but excited for the next adventure.
The drive back to Medellín was just as stunning as our arrival. Rolling hills and small villages dotted the landscape, and we tried to soak up every view. By the time we arrived at the airport, it felt like our week had flown by. Each of us had a highlight, and together they created an unforgettable journey.
The Family Verdict
Colombia surprised us in the best possible way. From the warmth of the people to the vibrant culture and stunning scenery, it was everything we dreamed of and more. Traveling as a family here felt easy and comfortable. Locals went out of their way to make the girls feel welcome, and their patience with our Spanish helped the girls gain confidence in speaking.
Every experience was layered with joy and discovery. We hiked, laughed, explored, and ate our way through a country that deserves so much love. For families, Colombia offers a balance of adventure, relaxation, and education. It gave our girls memories they will treasure forever. We left knowing we had only scratched the surface. Colombia, we will be back!
Make sure to check out our adventures nearby in Medellin, Guatape, El Penon, and on a Colombian coffee adventure.
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
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