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Colombia Road Trip

Bogota - Neiva - Popayán - Cali - Medellín - Montería - Cartagena - Barranquilla - Riohacha - Aguachica - Bucaramanga - Soatá - Hato Corozal - Yopal

Expect on your itinerary

Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Historical sites Historical sites
Landscape Landscape
Beach Beach
Comfort Comfort
Road conditions Road conditions
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Colombia Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages14 km4,558 h/stage7.7

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Colombia Road Trip in Colombia?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,296EUR drive & more 613EUR sleep & more 594EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,071EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 3,367EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,268EUR drive & more 825EUR sleep & more 946EUR eat & more 1,296EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,067EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 5,335EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 2,916EUR drive & more 1,113EUR sleep & more 1,661EUR eat & more 1,728EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 4,502EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 7,418EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 4,050EUR drive & more 1,225EUR sleep & more 990EUR eat & more 864EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 3,079EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 7,129EUR
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Colombia Road Trip Itinerary

The Colombia Road Trip is an 18-day journey that takes you through some of the country’s most beautiful and historical sites. Starting from Bogota, the trip takes you through Neiva, Popayán, Cali, Montería, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, and Soatá, covering a distance of 4558 km. The best time to take this journey is during the dry season, which usually runs from December to April. During this time, you will be treated to stunning landscapes, as well as a chance to visit some of Colombia’s most famous UNESCO Heritage Monuments. The roads are generally in good condition, though some parts may be curvy or narrow, so it is important to be prepared and drive carefully. This road trip is suitable for all kinds of drivers, and can be done on a fair budget. From the colonial architecture of Cartagena to the lush greenery of Bucaramanga, the Colombia Road Trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
number of days 18 number of days
route length 4,558 km route length
budget moderate budget
good for adventurer good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level high accident level

START Bogota

Distance 4,558 km Driving time 107.4 h Pace: slow 1,048.3 kWh Airports BOG
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Bogota, the vibrant capital of Colombia, is the perfect starting point for the Colombia Road Trip. Located in the Andean mountains at an altitude of 2640 meters, Bogota has much to offer to its visitors. The historic center of La Candelaria is a must-see for all visitors, with its colonial-style buildings, churches, and museums. The Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum, contains an impressive collection of gold artifacts from the pre-Hispanic cultures. For those looking to experience the city's vibrant nightlife, there are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. For travelers arriving by air, the closest international airport to Bogota is El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to explore the city and beyond. Once you have explored the city, take a drive out to the countryside and experience the beauty of Colombia. The nearby towns of Zipaquira, La Calera, and Guatavita are all worth visiting, as is the breathtaking landscape of the Boyaca region. No matter what your interests may be, Bogota is the ideal starting point for the Colombia Road Trip.

1 Bogota - Neiva

Distance 314 km Driving time 5.7 h Pace: modest 81.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Bogotá to Neiva! This 314 km route will take you less than 6 hours to complete and is part of a larger tour through Colombia. As you drive, take in the breathtaking scenery of the Colombian countryside and make sure to take some stops to explore the historical sites and cultural attractions along the way. Start your journey in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, and visit its many attractions such as the Gold Museum, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, and the Monserrate Hill. From there, drive to the city of Chiquinquirá and explore its colonial architecture and churches. Continue your journey to the town of Villavieja, where you can visit the mysterious White Monoliths, a set of ancient stone sculptures that are believed to have been created by the Muisca people. After that, you'll arrive in Neiva, the capital of Huila. Here you can explore the San Pedro de los Milagros archaeological site and the nearby Magdalena River. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!

2 Neiva - Popayán

Distance 601 km Driving time 11.6 h Pace: modest 156.3 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Take a memorable road trip from Neiva to Popayán! This 601km journey will take you fewer than 12 hours. On your way, you will pass through some of the most beautiful and historical places in Colombia. Start your journey in Neiva, where you can visit the archaeological site of El Paraíso and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. Then, you can drive to San Agustín, where you can admire the famous statues of the archaeological park. As you continue your journey, you will pass through Villavieja, where you can visit the Museum of Natural Sciences and the Church of Our Lady of Carmen. Further along, you will reach the picturesque town of Huila, where you can admire the colonial architecture. The road is winding in some sections, so be sure to pay attention to the road. Finally, you will arrive in Popayán, a beautiful colonial city with a rich history. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Popayán, the Church of San Francisco, and the Museum of Colonial Art. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, check the “Itinerary” of this stage.

3 Popayán - Cali

Distance 138 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: modest 35.9 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an amazing road trip from Popayán to Cali! This 138 km journey will take you less than 4 hours to complete. As you drive, you will be treated to beautiful views of the Colombian countryside. Along the way, you will pass through several small towns and villages, and you will be able to take in the unique culture and atmosphere of this region. In Popayán, be sure to visit the historic Catedral de Popayán and the Iglesia de San Francisco. In Cali, you can explore the Cali Zoo, the Cali Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Cali Tower. As you drive, be sure to watch out for the winding roads in some sections. With so much to explore, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the Itinerary of this stage.

4 Cali - Medellín

Distance 427 km Driving time 9.8 h Pace: modest 111.0 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site attractive landscape interesting cultural site accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Embark on an exciting road trip from Cali to Medellín, Colombia! This 427 km journey takes less than 10 hours to complete and offers a plethora of interesting sights and experiences along the way. As you drive, be sure to pay attention to the historical sites, picturesque landscapes, and scenic roads. In some sections, the road is very winding, so be sure to drive with caution. As you travel, you will find plenty of attractions to explore, such as the Cali Zoo, the Botanical Garden of Medellín, and the Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe. You will also find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information about attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites, be sure to check the Itinerary of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable journey from Cali to Medellín!

5 Medellín - Montería

Distance 417 km Driving time 9.0 h Pace: modest 108.3 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Medellín to Montería? This journey of 417 km will take you less than 9 hours, and will be full of breathtaking scenery. As you drive, you'll be winding through some of Colombia's most stunning landscapes, so be sure to keep your eyes open for the best views. In Medellín, be sure to visit the Museum of Antioquia, where you can explore the city's rich history. In Montería, explore the Caiman Ecological Refuge, where you can observe the diverse wildlife of the region. Along the way, take some time to enjoy the local cuisine and find the perfect place to camp for the night. No matter what you decide to do, this road trip is sure to be an unforgettable experience. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.

6 Montería - Cartagena

Distance 244 km Driving time 5.6 h Pace: modest 63.4 kWh View map Itinerary
UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Montería to Cartagena! This 244 km journey is sure to be filled with stunning views, historical sites, and plenty of activities. With fewer than 6 hours of driving, you'll be able to take in all the sights along the way. Start your trip in Montería, where you can explore the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and the nearby Plaza de Bolívar. Then, take a drive to San Jacinto and visit the San Jacinto Plaza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you move further along the route, you'll come across the breathtaking views of the Magdalena River. Continue your journey through Aracataca and visit the famous House of Gabriel García Márquez, the Nobel Prize-winning author. After that, make a stop in Ciénaga, where you can explore the remains of the old San Pascual de Ciénaga Fort. Finally, make your way to Cartagena, the beautiful colonial city. Here, you can take a stroll around the Old Town and visit the San Pedro Claver Church and the Palace of the Inquisition. On your journey, don't forget to take in the breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

7 Cartagena - Barranquilla

Distance 129 km Driving time 2.5 h Pace: modest 33.5 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Cartagena to Barranquilla, a 129 km journey that will take you less than 3 hours. Enjoy the beautiful Caribbean coast, admire the historical sites, and take in the picturesque views as you drive along the coast. Start your journey in Cartagena, the beautiful colonial city, and visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fortress in South America. Take a stroll in the old town and enjoy the colorful streets and the vibrant atmosphere. Continue your trip to Barranquilla and visit the Museo del Caribe, the largest museum of its kind in Colombia. Admire the historical artifacts and explore the city’s unique culture. On the way, stop at Santa Marta and enjoy the stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Take a break and relax on the beach or explore the nearby Tayrona National Park. Finally, end your journey in Barranquilla, the city known for its vibrant nightlife, lively festivals, and unique architecture. Visit the Mercado de Bazurto and soak in the lively atmosphere of the city. This is just one of the stages of your road trip, and more information on attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the Itinerary of this stage. So what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

8 Barranquilla - Riohacha

Distance 271 km Driving time 5.1 h Pace: modest 70.6 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip? Start in Barranquilla, Colombia and make your way to Riohacha, just a 271 km drive away. You’ll be able to take in the sights of the lush landscapes, historical sites, and picturesque views. Along the way, you’ll pass through the towns of Santa Marta, El Rodadero, and Palomino. Santa Marta is one of the oldest cities in Colombia and is home to many colonial-era buildings. El Rodadero is the perfect spot for a beach day, and Palomino is a great place to explore the jungle and take in the scenery. The whole journey will take you less than 5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in all the sights. While on the road, be sure to keep an eye out for interesting attractions and activities. You’ll find plenty of options for accommodations, restaurants, and campsites along the way. For more information on attractions, accommodation options, and recommended restaurants and campsites, be sure to check out the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable road trip!

9 Riohacha - Aguachica

Distance 517 km Driving time 10.6 h Pace: modest 134.4 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues scenic road
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip? Get ready to explore the beautiful Colombian countryside from Riohacha to Aguachica! This 517 km journey will take you less than 11 hours of driving and will show you the best of nature, culture and history in these two cities. The journey from Riohacha to Aguachica will take you through some of the most scenic roads in Colombia. Keep your eyes open for the stunning landscapes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range, the beautiful beaches of Cabo de la Vela and the unique wildlife of the La Guajira desert. There are plenty of interesting places to visit along the way. In Riohacha, you can explore the colonial architecture of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Plaza Bolivar. In Cabo de la Vela, you can enjoy the views of the Caribbean Sea and visit the famous Wayuu indigenous village. Finally, in Aguachica, you can visit the Mirador de los Andes viewpoint and the La Paz waterfall. To get the most out of your journey, make sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and hit the road!

10 Aguachica - Bucaramanga

Distance 170 km Driving time 3.3 h Pace: modest 44.1 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options dining venues stretches of winding road
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Aguachica to Bucaramanga! This 170 km journey will take you less than four hours to complete, so you can make the most of your time on the road. Get ready to explore the winding roads and discover the historical sites that make this part of Colombia so unique. Along the way, make sure to stop at the famous Laguna de la Cocha, a stunning lake that offers an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. Then, take a break at the city of San Alberto, where you can find a variety of restaurants and cafes. Finally, end your journey in Bucaramanga, a vibrant city filled with great shopping, dining, and nightlife. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage.

11 Bucaramanga - Soatá

Distance 219 km Driving time 6.5 h Pace: slow 50.5 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Bucaramanga to Soatá? This 219 km journey will take you less than 7 hours and you'll get to experience the stunning scenery of the Colombian countryside. Along the way, you'll drive through winding roads and narrow sections, so please drive carefully. You'll also have the chance to visit some of the most interesting places in these two cities. In Bucaramanga, don't miss the historic El Santuario de La Candelaria, the beautiful Parque de La Flora, and the iconic La Estatua de Los Fundadores. In Soatá, you'll find the historic Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua and the beautiful Parque Natural La Chorrera. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Now, get ready to enjoy a wonderful road trip from Bucaramanga to Soatá!

12 Soatá - Hato Corozal

Distance 591 km Driving time 20.0 h Pace: slow 136.0 kWh View map Itinerary
dining venues scenic road stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Embark on a road trip adventure starting in Soatá, Colombia and ending in Hato Corozal. This 591 km journey will take you fewer than 20 hours to complete, so it is perfect for a weekend getaway. Along the way, you will be able to take in the stunning views of the Colombian countryside. Be sure to keep your eyes open for the winding roads and narrow sections. As you continue on your journey, you will pass through some of the most interesting places Colombia has to offer. Be sure to make stops in San Luis de Gaceno, El Cocuy, and Santa Rosa de Viterbo. In each of these places, you will find unique attractions, from historical sites to local cuisine. Additionally, you will find plenty of accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. For more information, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get ready for a memorable road trip experience!

13 Hato Corozal - Yopal

Distance 134 km Driving time 3.1 h Pace: modest 34.9 kWh View map Itinerary
accommodation options dining venues stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Start your road trip in Hato Corozal, Colombia and take a 134 km journey to Yopal. It's a beautiful drive that will take you less than 3 hours. Along the way, you'll get to experience the winding roads and narrow sections of the road. Be sure to take in the scenery of the Colombian countryside, and you might even find some hidden gems along the way. When you reach Yopal, you can explore the city's many attractions, from the colonial architecture of the old town to the modern shopping malls. There's also the Yopal Nature Reserve, where you can get up close and personal with the local wildlife. For those looking for a bit of adventure, the nearby Cerro de la Cruz offers some great hiking trails. At the end of your journey, you'll have experienced some of the best of Colombian culture and nature. For more information on attractions and accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

14 Yopal - Bogota

Distance 386 km Driving time 11.4 h Pace: slow 88.8 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site interesting cultural site accommodation options dining venues stretches of winding road sections of narrow road
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Start your road trip in Yopal, Colombia, and take the highway to Bogota, a 386km journey that will take you fewer than 12 hours. Along the way, you'll pass through some of the most interesting places in Colombia, including the colonial city of Tunja, the archaeological site of Sogamoso, and the beautiful town of Duitama. As you travel, keep an eye out for historical sites like the ruins of San Agustin and the colonial city of Villa de Leyva. The road is very winding in some sections, so be sure to drive carefully. In other sections, the road is narrow, so be sure to take it slow. As you make your way to Bogota, you'll be able to take in all the beauty of Colombia's countryside. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your journey!

  Bogota

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Bogota, Colombia is the perfect ending point for the Colombia Road Trip. Home to over 8 million people, this lively city is full of culture, amazing architecture, and exciting nightlife. For travelers looking to experience the best of Bogota, there are plenty of must-see sights. Start with a visit to the iconic Cerro de Monserrate, the mountain that towers over the city, or take a tour of the historic La Candelaria district, home to some of the most beautiful colonial-style architecture and vibrant street life. For night owls, the Zona Rosa is the place to be, with its lively bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. If you're looking for some shopping, head to the Andino Shopping Mall, one of the largest malls in Latin America. For those arriving by air, Bogota is serviced by El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG), which is located just 8 miles from the city center. Once you're in town, the best way to get around is by car or taxi. Bogota is a vibrant city and the perfect way to end your Colombia Road Trip. With its unique culture, amazing architecture, and exciting nightlife, it's a city that's sure to make your trip unforgettable.

Colombia Road Trip at a glance

Surely, the presented road trip idea has become a great inspiration for your future holidays.
We’ve provided you with a bunch of useful tips that can be easily expanded with your own creative trip ideas.
If car travel is a means of travel that you prefer, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a number of elements to be mindful of to make your road trip safe. These tips will surely become useful for travellers who opt for car rental or camper hire.
In Colombia, there are a number of traffic rules to be kept in mind while on a road trip. In Colombia, if you are planning to drive, it is best to avoid alcohol. Holidaymakers should remember that the permitted blood alcohol level is very low and cannot exceed 0‰. In order to avoid a speeding ticket, it is best to never exceed 60km/h, which is the maximum permissible speed when travelling around the the city streets. In rural areas, there is a possibility to travel at the maximum allowed speed of 90km/h. On highways, 100km/h is the speed limit that you should stick to. In order to stay safe, we recommend equipping your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and driving with your headlights on at daytime.
But what are the costs of the whole trip. Well, depending on the budget option that you aim for, the amount of money that you have to pay for your travel expenses will vary. A wide range of budget possibilities is described below.
The cost of gasoline for the cheapest option to cover the planned 4,558km across Colombia can amount to 613 EUR. Economy accommodation options will cost around 594 EUR. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option may cost up to more or less 864 EUR. Travellers will have to pay around 1,296 EUR if they are interested in the cheapest car rental option as well. Thus, going for car rental will increase the costs of the road trip from about 2,071 EUR to roughly 3,367 EUR.
When it comes to the standard offer, you have to spend the maximum of 613 EUR to cover the planned stages of the trip. If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses can amount up to about 946 EUR. The general cost of food and restaurants within this range is roughly 1,296 EUR. Travellers who want to cover the trip in a standard hire car can expect a cost of roughly 2,268 EUR. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay more or less 5,335 EUR for the whole trip, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend about 3,067 EUR.
Holidayers who are searching for the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium offer. When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 7,418 EUR for drivers who are considering car rental and 3,067 EUR for those who do not need a hire vehicle. For those who are considering hiring a premium car, it should not be more expensive than 2,916 EUR. When it comes to the premium option of the itinerary, you have to spend the maximum of 1,113 EUR on the fuel needed to cover the itinerary. Holidaymakers who are interested in top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay more or less 1,728 EUR for food and restaurants and roughly 1,661 EUR for accommodation options.
Our trip will also be superb for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their requirements. If you choose this travel option, you should expect the costs of approximately 4,050 EUR. If you are wondering about the gasoline costs for the whole trip, they will amount to approximately 1,225 EUR. Camper fans should expect to pay around 864 EUR for expenses connected with food and around 990 EUR for accommodation.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented details in an easy to follow manner.
The part of Colombia showed in our road trip idea is great to be explored between December and April. If Colombia Road Trip has sparked your creativity, there are plenty of thrilling road trips on our website. Even the most demanding of holidaymakers will surely be surprised by the great diversity of options that we offer.

Facts for safer driving in Colombia

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0
max speed urban max speed urban 60 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 90 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 100 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls yes
seat belts seat belts yes

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