Tampa BayIn Florida, it is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for Colombian travelers thanks to its mix of Latin culture, top-notch entertainment, diverse gastronomy, shopping, and its proximity to the main cruise ports in the Caribbean.
Getting there from Colombia is easy: Avianca operates a direct flight between Bogotá and Tampa with an approximate duration of four hours. In addition, Copa Airlines connects with Tampa via Panama City from 10 cities in the country: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta, San Andrés, Pereira, Bucaramanga and Cúcuta, facilitating access to the destination from different regions. There are also other options with connections through airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines.
Below, we suggest a three-day itinerary to experience and discover everything Tampa Bay has to offer:
Day 1: Latin history and culture in Ybor City
This historic neighborhood, founded by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants, is considered the Latino heart of Tampa. Walk along 7th Avenue, visit Ybor City Museum State Park, and tour traditional cigar factories. For lunch, we recommend Columbia Restaurant, the oldest in Florida, as well as Casa Santo Stefano and Café Quiquiriqui.
Day 2: Riverwalk and entertainment
The day begins on the Tampa Riverwalk, an urban walk of more than 4 kilometers that connects parks, museums and restaurants along the Hillsborough River. Recommended stops include Armature Works, a food hall with diverse culinary offerings; Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, home to festivals and events; and Sparkman Wharf, facing the bay and perfect for lunch or a drink.
For those who want to enjoy the water, Tampa offers outdoor experiences such as paddleboarding or kayaking with Urban Kai, which allows you to explore the river and bay while taking in the city. Another memorable way to experience the destination from the water is through onboard dining experiences, such as Craft Tampa cruises, which offer brunch, lunch or dinner sailing along the river, or Yacht StarShip's elegant dinner and sunset rides, which travel around Tampa Bay and Clearwater. For family plans, The Florida Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 marine species and interactive experiences.
Day 3: Adventure and shopping
For those seeking adrenaline, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay combines world-class roller coasters with an African safari that is home to more than 12,000 animals. If the plan is shopping, visit the International Plaza and Bay Street, where you'll find international brands and restaurants, and Hyde Park Village, an open-air district with boutiques and cafes.
