19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Colombia
Colombia is a dream destination for backpackers seeking high adventure without the high price tag. By utilizing the extensive network of intercity buses, staying in vibrant dorm rooms, and feasting on 'corrientazos' (budget set lunches), you can traverse this diverse nation for as little as $16 a day.
This journey takes you through the historical heart of Bogotá, the coffee-scented hills of Salento, the innovative streets of Medellín, and finally, the sun-drenched colonial plazas of the Caribbean coast. Get ready for an epic journey that prioritizes local experiences over luxury comforts.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Bogotá, Colombia - Arrival & La Candelaria
Arrival at El Dorado International
Touch down in Bogotá and take the 'TransMilenio' bus system for the most affordable route into the city center. This efficient rapid transit system costs less than a dollar.
La Candelaria Walking Tour
Wander through the cobblestone streets of the historic district. Admire the colonial architecture and vibrant street art that defines this backpacker hub.
Plaza de Bolívar
Visit the heart of Colombian politics. This massive square is surrounded by the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol, and the Primary Cathedral of Bogotá, all free to view from the outside.
Chorro de Quevedo
Gather with locals and travelers at this historic fountain. It is the perfect spot to try 'Chicha,' a traditional fermented corn drink, for just a few pesos.
Day 2: Bogotá, Colombia - Museums & Markets
Museo Botero
Enjoy one of the best free attractions in the city. This museum houses the largest collection of works by Fernando Botero, known for his signature style of 'fat' figures.
Mercado de Paloquemao
Take a short bus ride to this massive traditional market. Eat like a local with a massive plate of 'Lechona' or fresh exotic fruits for a couple of dollars.
Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
Explore the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold work. Entrance is free on Sundays or very cheap on weekdays (approx. $1 USD).
Septimazo Walk
Join the evening crowds on Carrera 7. This pedestrian-only street fills with street performers, vendors, and cheap snacks as the sun sets.
Day 3: Bogotá, Colombia - The Heights
Monserrate Mountain
Save money by hiking the stone path up to the sanctuary instead of taking the cable car. The view of Bogotá's sprawl from 3,152 meters is breathtaking.
Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
Visit this striking red-and-white striped Gothic church in La Candelaria. Its unique interior is a must-see and completely free to enter.
Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar
Relax in the 'Central Park' of Bogotá. It is a great place to people-watch and enjoy a picnic bought from a local supermarket like D1.
Evening at Masaya Hostel
Many hostels offer free salsa lessons or language exchanges in the evenings. Join the communal kitchen to cook a group dinner and save on food costs.
Day 4: Travel to San Gil, Colombia - Journey North
Terminal Salitre Bus Station
Head to the main bus terminal. A ticket to San Gil with companies like Berlinas or Copetran is the most economical way to travel north.
Arrival in San Gil
Check into a budget-friendly hostel near the main square. San Gil is the adventure capital of Colombia, but the town itself is very affordable.
Parque El Gallineral
Walk through this beautiful riverside park famous for its trees covered in 'old man's beard' moss. The entry fee is very low.
Dinner at the Central Market
Go to the upper floor of the San Gil market for the cheapest 'Menú del Día' in town, often featuring fresh local trout.
Day 5: San Gil, Colombia - Rivers & Rocks
Pozo Azul
Take a short local bus (buseta) to this natural swimming hole. It is a free alternative to the expensive water parks in the region.
Pinchote Village
Visit this tiny neighboring village for a glimpse of authentic Santander life. The bus ride is less than 50 cents.
Curití Village & Pescaderito
Take another local bus to Curití. From here, walk to Pescaderito, a series of natural river pools that are free for public use.
Tejo Night
Try 'Tejo,' Colombia's national sport involving throwing metal discs at gunpowder. It is free to play in many bars if you buy a cheap local beer.
Day 6: Barichara, Colombia - Colonial Perfection
Bus to Barichara
Take a 45-minute bus from San Gil to Barichara, often called the most beautiful town in Colombia. The architecture is stunning and well-preserved.
Camino Real Hike
Hike the ancient stone path from Barichara to the tiny village of Guane. It takes about 2 hours, is mostly downhill, and costs nothing.
Guane Village Exploration
Explore the sleepy plaza of Guane and visit the small paleontological museum for a tiny fee before taking the bus back to Barichara.
Barichara Viewpoint
Walk to the edge of town for a spectacular view of the Suarez Canyon as the sun sets over the Andes.
Day 7: Travel to Medellín, Colombia - The Long Haul
Morning Bus to Medellín
Board an early bus for the 9-10 hour journey. This is one of the more scenic routes through the mountains, so keep your camera ready.
Arrival at Terminal del Norte
Upon arrival, use the integrated Metro system to reach your hostel in El Poblado or Laureles. The Metro is clean, safe, and very cheap.
Hostel Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly spot like Los Patios or a smaller guesthouse in the Laureles neighborhood for a more local vibe.
La 70 Street Food
Head to 'La 70' in Laureles for the city's best street food. Try a 'Salchipapa' for a filling and ultra-cheap dinner.
Day 8: Medellín, Colombia - Urban Transformation
Comuna 13 Tour
Visit this once-dangerous neighborhood to see its transformation through street art and outdoor escalators. Free walking tours are available (tip-based).
Plaza Botero
Take the Metro to Parque Berrio. The plaza features 23 large bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero and is completely free to explore.
Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe
Located right next to Plaza Botero, this striking checkered building is free to enter and offers great views from its rooftop.
Pueblito Paisa
Hike up Nutibara Hill to see a replica of a traditional Antioquian village. It offers a 360-degree view of the Medellín valley.
Day 9: Medellín, Colombia - Memory & Parks
Museo Casa de la Memoria
Visit this moving museum dedicated to the victims of Colombia's armed conflict. It is free to the public and highly educational.
Jardín Botánico
Entry is free for this lush botanical garden. It is a peaceful escape from the city noise and a great place for a cheap snack at the 'Orquideorama'.
Parque Explora (Exterior)
While the science museum has a fee, the surrounding area and the nearby 'Parque de los Deseos' often host free public screenings or events.
Parque Lleras People-Watching
Walk through the heart of El Poblado's nightlife. While drinks in bars are pricey, sitting on a bench with a drink from a convenience store is a classic budget move.
Day 10: Medellín, Colombia - Nature via Cable Car
Metrocable to Santo Domingo
Use your Metro ticket to ride the cable car up the mountain. It offers an incredible perspective of the city's informal settlements.
Parque Arví
Transfer to the Arví line (small additional fee) to reach this ecological nature reserve. Hike the free trails instead of paying for guided tours.
Mercado del Tranvía
Head to the Buenos Aires neighborhood using the new Tram system. This food hall offers varied options that are cheaper than El Poblado.
Evening Soccer Match
If there is a match at Atanasio Girardot Stadium, try to get a cheap 'Norte' or 'Sur' stand ticket for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Day 11: Guatapé, Colombia - The Big Rock
Bus to Guatapé
Take a 2-hour bus from Terminal del Norte. It is cheap and runs every 30 minutes.
El Peñól
Climb the 740 steps of this massive monolith. While there is an entry fee, the view of the surrounding lakes is the most iconic in Colombia.
Guatapé Town
Walk through the town famous for its colorful 'Zócalos' (bas-reliefs) on the bottom of the houses. It’s an open-air museum for free.
Return to Medellín
Catch the evening bus back to the city to save on the higher accommodation prices in Guatapé.
Day 12: Travel to Salento, Colombia - Coffee Country
Bus to Salento
Depart from Terminal del Sur. You may need to take a bus to Armenia or Pereira and then a small 'Willys' or local bus to Salento.
Arrival in Salento
Check into a hostel. Salento is the gateway to the Cocora Valley and is famous for its bright colonial buildings.
Mirador de Salento
Walk to the end of Calle Real and climb the stairs to the viewpoint for a stunning look over the town and the green valley beyond.
Dinner: Trucha con Patacón
Eat at one of the stalls in the main plaza for the best price on the local specialty: trout served on a massive fried plantain.
Day 13: Salento, Colombia - Cocora Valley Hike
Jeep Willys to Cocora
Head to the main square and hop on a shared Jeep Willys. It is a cheap, fun, and mandatory experience to reach the valley.
The Loop Hike
Do the full 5-hour loop hike. You will see the world's tallest wax palms. The hike is free, though there are small fees to enter certain private farm sections.
Acaime Hummingbird House
Stop here during your hike for a hot chocolate with cheese, a Colombian classic, while watching dozens of hummingbirds.
Return to Salento
Catch the return Jeep and spend the evening relaxing your legs at a local cafe on the plaza.
Day 14: Salento, Colombia - Coffee Farm Experience
Walk to a Finca
Instead of a tour, walk 45 minutes down the hill to 'Finca El Ocaso' or 'Las Acacias'. Walking is free and the scenery is incredible.
Coffee Process Tour
Take a budget coffee tour (approx. $5-8 USD) to learn how coffee goes from bean to cup. You usually get a free tasting at the end.
Playing Tejo at Los Amigos
Head to this local spot to play Tejo again. It’s even more popular here and a great way to bond with locals over cheap beer.
Prepare for the Night Bus
Pack your bags for the long journey north. Most backpackers take an evening bus to Medellín then another to the coast to save on a night's hostel stay.
Day 15: Travel to Cartagena, Colombia - Crossing the Country
The Long Road
Spend today on the bus moving towards the Caribbean coast. Use this time to catch up on reading or organize your photos. Most buses have Wi-Fi and charging ports.
Stopover Lunch
Bus stops usually offer 'Comida Corriente' for very low prices. It's usually rice, beans, meat, and salad.
Arrival in Cartagena
Arrive at the Terminal de Transportes. Take a local bus (not a taxi) to the Getsemaní neighborhood, the heart of the budget scene.
Plaza de la Trinidad
Join the nightly gathering in this square. Street performers and food carts make this the most affordable night out in Cartagena.
Day 16: Cartagena, Colombia - The Walled City
Free Walking Tour
Join a morning tour of the 'Old Town.' See the Clock Tower, the Cathedral, and the colorful colonial mansions without paying for a private guide.
Bocagrande Beaches
Walk or take a cheap bus to the Bocagrande strip. The public beaches are free, though be prepared to politely decline many vendors.
Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas
Admire this massive fortress from the outside. If you want to go in, it’s one of the pricier tickets, so budget accordingly.
Sunset on the Walls
Walk along the historic city walls. Instead of the expensive Cafe del Mar, buy a beer from a street vendor and enjoy the same sunset for a fraction of the cost.
Day 17: Cartagena, Colombia - Getsemaní & Culture
Getsemaní Art Crawl
Explore the neighborhood's famous murals and umbrella-lined streets. It is the most Instagrammable part of the city and totally free.
Bazurto Market
For the brave budget traveler, this is the real Cartagena. It's chaotic and raw, but the food is the cheapest in the city.
Convento de la Popa
Take a taxi (split with hostel friends) to the highest point in Cartagena for incredible views of the harbor and city.
Salsa at Donde Fidel
Listen to world-class salsa from the plaza outside this iconic bar. You get the music for free while sitting in the historic square.
Day 18: Santa Marta, Colombia - Coastal Vibes
Bus to Santa Marta
Take a 'Marsol' or 'Berlinas' shuttle. It's slightly more than a public bus but drops you closer to the center, saving on local transport.
Santa Marta Historic Center
Explore the oldest city in Colombia. Visit the Santa Marta Cathedral, where Simon Bolivar was once buried.
Taganga Village
Take a 15-minute local bus over the hill to this fishing village. It’s a popular backpacker hangout with cheap diving and sunset views.
Dinner at the Marina
Walk the updated marina boardwalk and find local vendors selling 'Coctel de Camaron' (shrimp cocktail) for a few dollars.
Day 19: Santa Marta, Colombia - Final Exploration & Departure
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Visit the beautiful hacienda where Simon Bolivar spent his final days. The gardens are expansive and the entry fee is modest.
Rodadero Beach
Spend your final hours at this popular local beach. It’s crowded but full of energy and cheap snacks like 'Arepa de Huevo'.
Souvenir Shopping
Head back to the Santa Marta center for last-minute coffee beans or hand-woven 'Mochila' bags from the local Wayuu people.
Departure
Take a local bus to Simon Bolivar International Airport (SMR) for your flight back to Bogotá or your next destination.
Best Time to Visit Colombia
The best time to visit Colombia is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and again from June to August. Visiting during these months ensures better conditions for hiking in the Cocora Valley and enjoying the Caribbean beaches. However, since Colombia is near the equator, temperatures remain relatively constant year-round; the main difference is the rainfall. Backpackers can find even lower prices during the 'shoulder' months of October and November, though you should be prepared for daily tropical rain showers.
Currency & Money
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). At the time of writing, the exchange rate is roughly 4,000 COP to 1 USD, making it very favorable for budget travelers. Cash is king, especially in smaller towns like Salento and for street food in the big cities. While credit cards are accepted in major hostels and supermarkets, always carry a stash of small bills for buses and local markets. ATMs are widely available, but try to use those attached to banks (like Bancolombia or Davivienda) to avoid high fees and for better security.
Getting Around Colombia
Getting around Colombia is an adventure in itself. For this 19-day route, the intercity bus system is your best friend. Companies like Bolivariano and Expreso Palmira offer comfortable, safe, and affordable long-distance travel. Within cities, Medellín’s Metro and Bogotá’s TransMilenio are world-class examples of public transit. For reaching remote areas or saving time on massive distances (like Salento to the Coast), check budget airlines like Viva Air or Wingo, which can sometimes be cheaper than a bus if booked well in advance.
