Highlights
- Enjoy world-class dining in Medellín and Cartagena
- Explore Barichara, "the most beautiful town in Colombia"
- Set sail on a private Catamaran tour around Caribbean islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Medellín, Dinner at Elcielo | Medellín |
| Day 2 | Visit the Botanical Garden, Farmers Market Tour | Medellín |
| Day 3 | Fly to Barichara, Basket-Making & Arepa Workshop | Barichara |
| Day 4 | Hike the Camino Real to Guane, Tobacco Workshop | Barichara |
| Day 5 | Fly to Cartagena, Street Food Tour, Rum & Chocolate Tasting | Cartagena |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Palenque, Gourmet Dining in the Walled City | Cartagena |
| Day 7 | Rosario Islands Catamaran Tour, Transfer to Cartagena, Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Medellín, Dinner at Elcielo
Welcome to Colombia! The secret's out—over the last decade, more and more travelers have discovered the joys of this once-avoided South American nation. It offers something for everyone, from its Caribbean beaches to the southern rainforest and all the gorgeous Andean mountain scenery in between. And there's no better place to kick off a Colombian adventure than Medellín. What was once the most dangerous city in the world has undergone a complete transformation. The result is a modern metropolis full of welcoming locals, delicious cuisine, and raucous nightlife.
Upon arrival at the airport, a private driver will pick you up for the 30-minute ride into the city and the 5-star Elcielo Hotel. Situated in the fashionable Astorga neighborhood, Elcielo occupies an uber-chic location. The well-appointed suites include comfy king beds and marble floors, but Elcielo's real focus is its avant-garde restaurant.
Enjoy the rest of the day to get settled, then smarten up this evening to dine at the hotel's world-famous, eponymous restaurant. Led by a wunderkind chef, Elcielo made its mark with a molecular gastronomy approach to transforming local ingredients into creative and stunning dishes that engage all five senses. The evening's culinary journey involves a tasting menu featuring different themes for each course.
Day 2: Visit the Botanical Garden, Farmers Market Tour
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
In the morning, join your private guide and travel to the north of the city and the famous Jardín Botánico (Botanical Garden). This natural wonderland features thousands of exotic plants and flowers, an orchid garden, and a butterfly enclosure. You'll have plenty of time here to marvel at the highlights as you stroll the walking paths.
Then, it's time to taste the exotic, fresh flavors produced in this part of the world. On a private visit to a local farmers market, you'll sample fresh fruits that come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and flavors. As you browse the vendor stalls, your expert guide will introduce you to local food purveyors while you drink fresh juices and sample fruits like guayaba (guava) lulo (little orange), carambola (star fruit), maracuyá (passion fruit), and others.
Later, you'll return to your hotel and have the rest of the day free. If you like, embark on an optional half-day tour a couple of hours outside Medellín to Guatapé. This colorful hill town is famous for its street art and murals, as well as the surrounding Guatapé Lake (actually a human-made reservoir). Also nearby is the iconic El Peñón de Guatapé (the Rock of Guatapé), a granite monolith that tops out at 646 feet (2,152 m). Climb the 740 steps to the summit, where you can admire panoramic views of the countryside.
Day 3: Fly to Barichara, Basket-Making & Arepa Workshop
Rise and shine! It's time to say goodbye to Medellín. Transfer to the airport this morning and catch a one-hour flight to Barichara. Located in Colombia's Santander department in an idyllic setting near the beautiful Chicamocha Canyon, it's regarded as one of Colombia's most beautiful towns. Founded in 1705, many buildings from this period remain remarkably well-preserved, including Barichara's sandstone cathedral and its whitewashed colonial buildings.
You'll not only witness Barichara's colonial history—you'll immerse yourself in it. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to the exclusive La Loma neighborhood and Casa Yahri. This luxury hotel occupies a historic villa emblematic of Barichara's rich heritage. The well-appointed suites are outfitted with king beds, private terraces, and modern conveniences like air-conditioning. As for amenities, Casa Yahri features lush gardens and outdoor dining areas, a Jacuzzi, and a millennium pool perfect for relaxing amid expansive mountain views.
After checking in, you'll get a hands-on lesson in Barichara's cultural heritage in a private basket-making workshop. At a local home, your hosts will teach you the techniques to make the traditional vine baskets famous in the area. Following this is a private three-hour food workshop during which you'll learn to prepare arepas con queso. These fried corn cakes with soft white queso campesino (peasant cheese) are a staple not only in the Santander region but throughout Colombia.
Day 4: Hike the Camino Real to Guane, Tobacco Workshop
Put on your walking shoes because this morning, you're off on a privately-guided hike along the famous Camino Real. This 18th-century stone pathway was built by the famed German explorer Geo von Lengerk and runs from Barichara to the town of Guane. This was one of the most vital roads in the region during the colonial era, as it was a primary route for trade and commerce.
The hike is about 3 miles (5 km) and takes about two hours to reach Guane. Throughout the journey, you'll be treated to panoramic visits of the surrounding Andes countryside and Chicamocha Canyon. Once in Guane, you'll visit the fine Archaeological and Paleontological Museum, which displays ceramics and jewelry made by the Guane Indigenous people. It also exhibits fossils, such as the marine animal plesiosaur, that date back millions of years.
Later, stop by the town's tranquil main plaza and see the Chapel of Santa Lucia. This 17th-century sandstone church is the model of colonial religious architecture in Colombia, and you'll definitely want to take photos. Afterward, transfer back to Barichara by moto-taxi and cap the day with a memorable private agritourism experience. Visit the home of local tobacco farmers and learn about the process of manufacturing fine Barichara cigars, from cultivation to drying the leaves to the final rolling.
Day 5: Fly to Cartagena, Street Food Tour, Rum & Chocolate Tasting
It's time to trade the Andes for the coast, as this morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the 1.5-hour flight to Cartagena. Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, it's one of the most well-preserved fortress cities in the Americas. The coast here was the site of Spain's first-ever settlement in South America in the early 16th century. For hundreds of years afterward, Cartagena was the main port where galleons laden with pilfered gold would return to Spain. Many landmarks from this colonial era remain, including Cartagena's famous battlements and ancient city walls.
At the airport, a driver will pick you up for the transfer to your 5-star hotel in the Walled City (the historic center). Casa San Agustín is a colorful boutique hotel situated in a colonial-era mansion, but it doesn't skimp on luxury. Its many attractive amenities include a shimmering courtyard pool, a swank bar and restaurant, personalized concierge services, and more. After checking in, you might want to visit the hotel's Arum Spa for a body scrub, Moroccan hammam treatment, or "luxury love" experience complete with Jacuzzi, Champagne, and chocolate strawberries.
You'll have just enough time to drop off your bags before heading right back out on a tasty tour to discover the flavors of Cartagena. First up is a private street food tour led by a local expert. Stop at local vendor stalls to sample tidbits that mix influences from Colombia, Spain, the Caribbean, and even enslaved West Africans from hundreds of years ago. You might sample arepas (corn cakes), patacones (fried, smashed plantains), butifarra (a Catalan sausage), and various fresh fruits. Later, the flavor odyssey continues with a visit to a local watering hole to sample local rums paired with artisanal chocolates.
Day 6: Day Trip to Palenque, Gourmet Dining in the Walled City
Walk down Cartagena's historic streets, and you'll see Afro-Caribbean women in colorful, traditional dress, often selling fresh fruit and other goods from baskets on their heads. These women are known as Palenqueras—descendants of escaped enslaved Africans. In the early 17th century, they founded their own town south of Cartagena called San Basilio de Palenque. It was the first free African town in the Americas, symbolizing resistance against oppression and slavery.
On a day trip, you'll transfer about an hour to Palenque by private car. There, you'll see where ancient forts once stood guard against anyone looking to reclaim the escaped enslaved. The Afro-Colombian inhabitants have also preserved many of the customs of their African ancestors. A local guide will lead you on this cultural journey, during which you'll learn more about the residents through their history, music, and of course, food. This includes a break for lunch at a traditional restaurant in town.
Afterward, you'll return to Cartagena. When dinnertime arrives, choose between three world-class eateries within the historic Walled City. Each is characterized by bold flavors representing the culture and imagination of the region and around the world. Perhaps dine on a tasting menu of French haute cuisine in a centuries-old building, sit in a colonial courtyard and enjoy exquisite Caribbean fare like seafood casserole and ceviche, or feast on fresh lobster amid a coastal Colombian party while being entertained by mapalé dancers in bright, traditional dress.
Day 7: Rosario Islands Catamaran Tour, Transfer to Cartagena, Depart
A driver will meet you at the hotel bright and early for the transfer to Cartagena's pier. There, you'll board a private catamaran and embark on a 45-minute sailing trip to Islas del Rosario (the Rosario Islands), an offshore archipelago. Along the way, you'll be treated to natural and historic scenery, like Isla Tierra Bomba and Fuerte Boca Chica. The latter is an 18th-century fort built by the Spanish that once protected Cartagena's harbor.
Upon arrival at Rosario, change into your swimwear and make a beeline to Playa Azul, a white-sand beach fronting the turquoise Caribbean Sea. After a lunch prepared onboard the catamaran by a private chef, you'll visit three or four other islands in the archipelago, where you can sunbathe, go snorkeling, take a kayak ride, and enjoy other activities. Later in the afternoon, you'll return to Cartagena and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
More Great Colombia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Colombia? Check out these other Colombia itineraries, explore different ways to spend a week in Colombia in luxury, or discover the best time to visit Colombia.
Map
