Discover Medellín, Guatapé & Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Medellín, Explore the City of Eternal Spring at Leisure

Welcome to Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its pleasant, temperate climate. Although the city has a turbulent past (formerly the epicenter of Colombia's drug trade in the 1980s and 1990s), it has transformed into a hub of innovation, art, and sustainability. When you arrive, meet your driver at the airport and transfer one hour to your hotel to check in. Then, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city at your own pace. A good introduction to the city is Parque Arví, a natural oasis spanning over 39,536 acres (16,000 ha) of forest, trails, and open green spaces.

To reach the park, ride the Metrocable, the city's efficient public transport system. Hop in a gondola and enjoy panoramic views of hillside neighborhoods and lush green areas. On your ascent, take in views of the surrounding mountains as the cityscape fades into dense forests, signaling your approach to the park. Disembark and visit the local vendors selling traditional Colombian snacks and handicrafts at the entrance. Shop for souvenirs or grab some food for a picnic before exploring the park's scenic trails lined with native flora, streams, and waterfalls.

Day 2: History & Art Tour of Medellín

Immerse yourself in Medellín's history and art on today's full-day tour, starting at Museo Casa de la Memoria. The museum honors the victims of the country's armed conflicts through interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and documentaries showcasing personal testimonies of the victims and the resilience of the community. Next, visit Plaza Botero, a bustling square featuring 23 larger-than-life sculptures created by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Admire the sculptures of animals, humans, and mythological characters surrounded by landmarks like the Museo de Antioquia.

Continue to the up-and-coming neighborhood of Perpetuo Socorro, where old warehouses and factories now house art galleries, design studios, and trendy cafés. Pop in and out of the galleries, admire the colorful street art, and enjoy the local culinary scene. Then, conclude your tour with a visit to Comuna 13. Once one of the most dangerous areas in the city, the neighborhood has undergone a remarkable revival. It's now a vibrant community known for its street art, music, and culture. Ride the neighborhood's famous outdoor escalators with the locals for panoramic views of the neighborhood.

Day 3: Hike to La Miel Waterfall, Visit a Traditional Coffee Farm

Lace up your hiking boots and prepare for a leisurely trek to La Miel, an impressive 65-foot-tall (20 m) waterfall just outside the city in an ecological reserve. Follow your guide along the trail surrounded by towering trees, native plants, and bubbling streams, keeping your eye out for wildlife like toucans, frogs, and agoutis. After 1.5 hours, you'll arrive at the cascade, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim as you watch the crystal-clear water plunge over the rocky cliffs. Trek back along the same path and continue to a coffee finca (farm) just 45 minutes away from Medellín.

The Antioquia region's high altitude provides the perfect conditions for growing Arabica coffee beans, which thrive in cooler temperatures. Meet the coffee farmer and learn about the entire coffee production process, from the cultivation of coffee plants to the hand-picking of ripe berries. You'll also see how the beans are processed, roasted, and prepared, gaining a deep appreciation for the labor and expertise involved in producing some of the world's finest coffee. End the tour with a freshly roasted cup of coffee and learn how to prepare your own at home before returning to your hotel in the city.

Day 4: Cycle Around Embalse Peñol-Guatapé, Fly to Cartagena

Start your day with another active adventure. Transfer two hours to Embalse Peñol-Guatapé for a scenic bike ride around the reservoir. Along the route, you'll enjoy expansive views of the blue-green waters surrounded by lush green hills and dotted with small islands. Pedal along the shoreline, passing through picturesque villages and rural landscapes, with opportunities to stop at scenic spots for pictures and to see locals fishing or going about their daily lives. Then, enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at one of the stops along the way.

The ride's highlight will be views of El Peñón de Guatapé, a massive rock that rises 720 feet (220 m) above the horizon. It's possible to reach the top of the rock; you just have to climb 740 steps to do so. Following the eight-mile (13 km) bike ride, you'll return to Medellín to catch a one-hour flight to Cartagena, a historic coastal city on the Caribbean Sea. Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to your hotel, housed in a beautifully restored colonial mansion. Spend the rest of the evening relaxing by the pool, eating at the gourmet restaurant, or enjoying a drink at the rooftop bar. 

Day 5: Street Food Tour, Rum & Chocolate Tasting

Experience the vibrant flavors of Cartagena's coastal cuisine on this morning's street food tour. As you follow your private guide through the old city, you'll encounter local vendors offering a wide variety of dishes that reflect the fusion of Caribbean and Colombian flavors. Stop at seven stalls to try beloved dishes like arepas de huevo (crispy corn cakes stuffed with an egg filling) or freshly made empanadas (savory pastries filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables). For a sweet treat, try arroz con leche (creamy rice pudding) or cocosette (coconut and sugar candy).

Hopefully, you've left room for your next activity—a rum and chocolate tasting! Meet an experienced mixologist who'll teach you about the history and culture of rum in Colombia. The Caribbean region has long been involved in the production of sugarcane, the primary ingredient in rum. Sample a range of artisan rums paired with delicious chocolate for a harmonious tasting experience. You'll also try rum infused with flavors like coconut, guava, or coffee, discovering the origin and production process of each one. After 1.5 hours of exciting your taste buds with chocolate and rum, return to your hotel.

Day 6: Transfer to Bora Bora Beach Club & Hotel on Isla Grande

Leave Cartagena and the mainland behind this morning as you head to the pier for a short boat ride to Bora Bora Beach Club & Hotel. This boutique hotel is located on Isla Grande, the largest of the 27 Rosario Islands. When you arrive, check in and change into your bathing suit to spend the rest of the day at the beach club. Your stay includes a Balinese bed in front of your cabin, but you can pay an additional fee for a seafront bed. Once you've settled in, order a refreshing drink, then go for a swim in the pool or the warm Caribbean Sea and marvel at the brilliant shades of turquoise and deep blue.

Stay until sunset to watch the sky transform into a canvas of fiery oranges, pinks, and purples, casting a warm glow over the water. Return to your cabin to prepare for a delicious dinner under the stars with the sound of the sea in the background. After dinner, change back into your bathing suit to swim with bioluminescent plankton in Laguna Encantada. As you move through the water, the plankton will respond with a bright sparkle, making you feel like you're swimming among stars. The experience is especially enchanting on nights with little to no moonlight, enhancing the visibility of the glowing water.

Day 7: Transfer to Cartagena, Enjoy a Free Evening

Enjoy a beachfront breakfast before checking out of your cabin at 11 am. You can stay at the beach club until 3 pm or return to Cartagena earlier to explore more of the city on your own. Consider a walk along the centuries-old city walls for uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea and the city below. Then, discover the maze of colorful colonial buildings, charming plazas, and cobblestone streets within the old city. Stop at beautiful churches like Santuario de San Pedro Claver, bustling cafés, and artisanal shops selling local crafts and jewelry.

Take a break from walking and hop in a horse-drawn carriage for a ride through the streets before heading to Café del Mar to watch the sunset over the water. When darkness falls, step aboard a chiva party bus to experience the city's nightlife. This open-air, brightly colored bus is a traditional form of transport that's been transformed into a party on wheels. Dance to a mix of salsa, reggaeton, and other Latin music while enjoying free-flowing drinks. Depending on the tour you book, you may stop at popular landmarks or lively nightlife spots along the way.

Day 8: Depart Cartagena

Wake up early to take advantage of your last few hours in Cartagena. Make your way to Playa de Bocagrande to relax on the sand, or visit Mercado de Bazurto to shop for last-minute souvenirs. As you wander through the market's maze of narrow alleys, you'll encounter vendors selling fresh produce, household goods, and artisanal products. Indulge in local delights like fresh ceviche (made from shrimp, fish, or mixed seafood) before returning to your hotel to meet your driver and transfer to the airport in time for your flight home. Safe travels!