Is it safe to drink the tap water?

In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, it is generally okay, but in Cartagena and rural areas, stick to bottled or filtered water.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You can get by with English in tourist spots in Cartagena, but learning basic Spanish phrases is essential for the Coffee Axis.

How to Spend One Week in Colombia

Focus on the 'Coffee Axis' and Cartagena for a balanced trip. Split your week into three days in the lush Salento/Valle de Cocora region and four days exploring the walled city and islands of Cartagena.

Fly into Bogotá and transfer to Pereira. Most international flights land in Bogotá (BOG). Take a quick 50-minute domestic flight to Pereira (PEI) to save time, as driving from Bogotá takes 8 hours.
Head to Salento for nature. Take a 1-hour bus or taxi from Pereira to Salento. Spend your time here hiking the Cocora Valley and visiting local coffee fincas.
Fly to the coast. Fly from Pereira to Cartagena (CTG) via a connection in Bogotá. Do not attempt to take the bus; it is a 20-hour journey.
Explore Cartagena. Dedicate your final days to the Walled City (Getsemaní and the Old Town) and take a boat trip out to the Rosario Islands for beach time.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, it is generally okay, but in Cartagena and rural areas, stick to bottled or filtered water.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: You can get by with English in tourist spots in Cartagena, but learning basic Spanish phrases is essential for the Coffee Axis.