7 Days in Colombia Under $900: Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena

A week across Colombia's three headline cities costs roughly $700–$850 per person on a hostel-and-street-food budget, excluding your international flight. Backpackers typically spend about COP 200,500 a day (roughly $50–$75), and the two domestic flights are the biggest single expense after lodging.

• Days 1–2, Bogotá: Monserrate, the Candelaria district, museums.
• Days 3–5, Medellín: Metro rides, Comuna 13, a Guatapé day trip.
• Days 6–7, Cartagena: Old Town walls and the San Felipe fortress.
• Before you go: Check-Mig form, return ticket, advisory check.

Bogotá (2 nights)

Ride the cable car or funicular up Monserrate for about COP 23,500 round trip on weekdays, or hike the free 1,600-step trail, per this Monserrate guide; the path is closed Tuesdays. Spend the rest of your time in La Candelaria, where museum entry is around COP 10,000 or less and dorm beds run COP 35,000–65,000.

Medellín (3 nights)

The metro and local buses cost about COP 2,700–2,850 a ride, so you can reach the Metrocable neighborhoods and Comuna 13 for a few dollars; walking tours start near COP 30,000, per Nomadic Matt's 2026 cost breakdown. Use day four for Guatapé: the 740-step climb up El Peñol is about COP 25,000 in cash, per this 2026 Peñol guide, and going by public bus beats guided tours that start around $110.

Cartagena (2 nights)

Coastal rooms run higher, around COP 130,000 for a budget hotel, so book a dorm or private hostel room early. The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas charges foreign adults COP 25,000 and is open 8 a.m.–6 p.m. daily, according to the official fortifications site. Eat arepas (about COP 3,000) and set-lunch meals (COP 15,000–25,000) to keep food under $15 a day.

Entry and safety checks

US, UK, Canadian, Australian, Japanese and most EU citizens get up to 90 days visa-free, but everyone must file the free Check-Mig form 72 hours to 1 hour before flying, and your passport should be valid six months past your trip, per this visa guide. The US State Department currently rates Colombia Level 3 and advises against travel to specific regions; the three cities here are not on its Level 4 list, but read it before booking.

How the $900 splits

Our estimate: about $250 for seven nights of dorms and budget rooms, $150 for food, $60 for local transit and tours, $50–$70 for attractions, and $150–$250 for two domestic flights or long bus rides. Cross-check current dorm rates on Hostelz's Colombia budget page.

People also ask

Is Colombia cheap for tourists in 2026?

Yes, by regional standards. Backpackers typically spend about $50–$75 a day, with dorm beds around COP 35,000–65,000 and local meals COP 15,000–25,000. Cartagena and other coastal areas cost more than the interior, so budget extra for beach stays.

Do I need a visa for Colombia?

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days, extendable once. You must complete the free Check-Mig form before flying, and Canadians pay a reciprocity fee of about COP 160,000 on arrival.

Is Colombia safe for budget travelers?

The US State Department lists Colombia at Level 3, with Level 4 areas including Arauca, Norte de Santander and the Venezuela border zone. Most tourists stick to Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps and check the latest advisory.

Facts checked against official and current sources as of September 30, 2026; prices and entry rules change, so confirm before booking.