Columbus Day

Make it longer

Sat 10 Oct – Mon 12 Oct is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Where to go for Columbus Day

Colombia's 12 October holiday, known locally as Día de la Raza, is moved to the following Monday when it does not fall on one, creating a long weekend. October is part of the rainier season in much of the country, so plan for showers.

Budget-friendly

• Manizales · Caldas

  Built along steep ridges in the coffee region, Manizales is close to coffee farms, hot springs and Los Nevados National Natural Park, where access is sometimes limited by volcanic activity. Viewpoints look out over the Andes on clear days.

  Typically around 12 October: high 21°C (70°F), low 13°C (55°F), rain on 80% of days.

  mountainsnatureoutdoorsfood

• Tolú · Sucre

  On the Gulf of Morrosquillo, Tolú is a low-key Caribbean base for boat trips to the San Bernardo Islands and through mangrove channels, with seafood served along the waterfront. It is a simpler alternative to the larger coastal cities.

  Typically around 12 October: high 32°C (89°F), low 26°C (78°F), rain on 79% of days.

  beachnaturefoodfamily

• Ipiales · Nariño

  Near the Ecuadorian border, Ipiales is the base for the Las Lajas Sanctuary, a neo-Gothic church built across a canyon above the Guáitara River. The cool highland setting and nearby Pasto make it a stop on a southern Andes trip.

  Typically around 12 October: high 19°C (65°F), low 10°C (50°F), rain on 63% of days.

  culturehistoryattractionsmountains

Mid-range

• Cali · Valle del Cauca

  Cali is closely tied to salsa, with dance schools and clubs that welcome visitors. Its food includes pandebono, cholado and dishes from the Pacific coast, and the San Antonio neighbourhood has colonial streets and views over the city.

  Typically around 12 October: high 22°C (71°F), low 13°C (55°F), rain on 61% of days.

  culturefoodcity

Splurge

• Leticia · Amazonas

  On the Amazon River where Colombia meets Brazil and Peru, Leticia is reached by air and is a base for river trips, jungle lodges and nature reserves. Local river fish such as pirarucú appear on menus.

  Typically around 12 October: high 30°C (86°F), low 24°C (75°F), rain on 59% of days.

  natureoutdoorsfood

Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too.