Holy Week 2026 runs from March 29 (Palm Sunday) to April 5 (Easter Sunday) and is Colombia's most important travel season of the first half of the year. Millions of travelers head to destinations of religious tradition, cultural tourism, and relaxation.
The processions of Popayán and Mompox, declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, attract national and international visitors seeking to experience this tradition with the comfort and safety of executive transportation.
In this guide we cover the main Holy Week destinations, the most requested routes from Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali, and how to book your executive transport to guarantee availability during the highest-demand season of the year.
Key dates for Holy Week 2026
The Holy Week 2026 calendar in Colombia:
Palm Sunday: March 29 Holy Monday: March 30 Holy Tuesday: March 31 Holy Wednesday: April 1 Holy Thursday: April 2 (national holiday) Good Friday: April 3 (national holiday) Holy Saturday: April 4 Easter Sunday: April 5
Thursday and Good Friday are national holidays, creating a 4-day weekend that drives massive demand for ground and air transport. Airports in Bogotá, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Pereira see record passenger numbers.
Recommendation: Book your executive transport at least 2 weeks in advance to guarantee vehicle availability and the best rates.
Popayán: UNESCO processions and executive transport
The Holy Week Processions of Popayán are Colombia's most famous, declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009. Throughout the week, imposing religious floats parade through the colonial streets of the White City.
How to get to Popayán:
- From Bogotá: Flight to Popayán (PPN) ~1h, or ground transfer ~10h via the Pan-American Highway - From Cali: Executive ground transfer ~2.5h via excellent highway - From Medellín: Flight with connection in Bogotá, or ground ~12h
Our service includes: - PPN airport → historic center hotel transfer - Hourly service to attend processions - Air-conditioned vehicles (Popayán can exceed 86°F/30°C) - Popayán – Silvia – Tierradentro circuit
Mompox: the colonial jewel of the Magdalena
Santa Cruz de Mompox (Bolívar) is Colombia's other great Holy Week destination. Its processions are unique: bearers take three steps forward and two back to the rhythm of funeral music, a ritual unchanged for centuries.
Mompox was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its perfectly preserved colonial architecture.
How to get to Mompox:
- From Bogotá: Flight to Cartagena (CTG) or Barranquilla (BAQ) + ground transfer ~5h - From Cartagena: Executive ground transfer ~5h via Magangué - From Barranquilla: Ground transfer ~5h via El Banco
Important: Access roads to Mompox are limited. We recommend 4x4 trucks or SUVs with route experience. Our drivers know the roads and ferry schedules.
Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral
Just 50 minutes from Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is the most accessible Holy Week destination from the capital. During Holy Week, the underground cathedral hosts special Stations of the Cross and religious ceremonies 180 meters underground.
Bogotá → Zipaquirá route: - Time: 50-70 minutes via the Northern Highway - Distance: 49 km (30 miles) - Recommended vehicle: Executive sedan or SUV
Our service: - Hotel or residence pickup in Bogotá - Direct transfer to the Salt Cathedral - Waiting time included (typical visit: 2-3 hours) - Optional stop at Zipaquirá's historic center - Return to Bogotá
Most requested routes from Bogotá during Holy Week
Bogotá is the main traveler distribution hub during Holy Week. These are the most requested routes with executive transport:
Route 1: Bogotá → Cartagena (airport) - Transfer to El Dorado Airport for CTG flights - Pickup in Cartagena with destination service - Flight time: 1h 20min
Route 2: Bogotá → Villa de Leyva - Ground transfer: 3.5-4 hours - Heritage town with colonial architecture and Colombia's largest plaza
Route 4: Bogotá → Coffee Region (Pereira) - Flight: 45 min | Ground: 7-8 hours - Salento, Cocora Valley, coffee farms
Route 5: Bogotá → Santa Marta (airport) - Flight: 1h 30min - Tayrona Park, beaches, Sierra Nevada
Villa de Leyva, Tunja & Boyacá: religious tradition hours from Bogotá
Boyacá is the department with the strongest Holy Week religious tradition after Popayán.
Villa de Leyva (3.5h from Bogotá) - Colombia's largest colonial main square (14,000 m²) - Intimate and solemn processions through cobblestone streets - Kite festival on Holy Saturday
Tunja (2.5h from Bogotá) - Capital of Boyacá with centuries-old processions - Colonial churches with 17th-century religious art - Bridge of Boyacá 15 minutes away (historic monument)
Complete Boyacá circuit (2-3 days recommended): Bogotá → Tunja → Villa de Leyva → Ráquira → Chiquinquirá → Bogotá
Caribbean Coast: Cartagena & Santa Marta during Holy Week
The Caribbean Coast is the preferred beach and relaxation destination during Holy Week.
Cartagena: - Processions in the walled city center - FICCI International Film Festival coincides with Holy Week - CTG airport → Centro/Bocagrande transfer: 15-25 min - Day trips to Rosario Islands, Barú, and Playa Blanca
Santa Marta: - Gateway to Tayrona National Park - SMR airport → El Rodadero: 20 min - SMR → Tayrona Park: 45 min - Minca and Sierra Nevada for ecotourism
We offer destination service with local vehicles and drivers who know every corner of the Coast.
Coffee Region: Salento, Filandia & the Coffee Route
The Coffee Region is the premium nature destination during Holy Week.
Main destinations: - Salento: Colorful town, viewpoint, crafts. Gateway to the Cocora Valley. - Cocora Valley: Wax palms (Colombia's national tree) up to 200 feet tall. - Filandia: Heritage town, artisanal basketry, origin coffee. - Santa Rosa de Cabal: Natural hot springs at 158°F (70°C).
How to get there: - Flight Bogotá → Pereira (MZL): 45 min - Matecaña airport → Salento transfer: 45 min - Airport → Filandia: 40 min
Complete coffee circuit (3 days recommended): Pereira → Salento → Cocora → Filandia → Santa Rosa (hot springs) → Manizales → Pereira
Tips for traveling during Holy Week with executive transport
1. Book in advance Holy Week is the highest-demand season. Book at least 2 weeks ahead, especially for routes to Popayán, Mompox, and the Coast.
2. Travel at smart times Avoid leaving Bogotá on Holy Thursday morning (toll roads and checkpoints are congested). Leave Wednesday afternoon or very early Thursday (before 5am).
3. Carry cash In destinations like Mompox, Villa de Leyva, and Salento, many businesses don't accept cards. Carry cash for local expenses.
4. Protect yourself from the sun Popayán, Cartagena, and Santa Marta exceed 90°F (32°C). Our vehicles have AC, but bring sunscreen for outdoor activities.
5. Consider the full circuit Instead of day trips, book an overnight service. Our drivers wait and are available throughout your stay.
6. Pay online before traveling Use our online payment system with Wompi or PayPal to secure your booking without cash.
FAQ
Book your executive transport for Holy Week 2026
Don't wait — availability is limited. Request your quote now and travel with the comfort and safety of Transportes Ejecutivos to any Holy Week destination in Colombia.
