Highlights
- Explore the dangerous past and innovative urban growth of Medellín
- Watch majestic whales playing just offshore
- Relax in thermal pools surrounded by jungle
- Enjoy the relaxed vibes of the local villages, and learn about local cuisines
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Medellín | Medellín |
| Day 2 | Flight to Nuqui | Nuqui |
| Day 3 | Whale Watching, Hiking & Hot Springs | Nuqui |
| Day 4 | Joví River: Canoe & Village Day-Trip | Nuqui |
| Day 5 | Flight to Medellín (optional city tour) | Medellín |
| Day 6 | Coffee Finca Day-Tour | Medellín |
| Day 7 | Depart Medellín |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Medellín
Welcome to Medellín! You will be picked up at the Medellín airport and then transferred to a hotel nearby. Depending on the time of your flight, you can explore on your own, or join a local tour to learn more about this thriving, modern city.
Despite its dangerous past, Medellín today is quite charming with its beautiful mountain setting, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. Most of the city's tourism is centered around Parque Lleras in the heart of the trendy El Poblado district, where the best dining, nightlife, and hotel options are within easy reach. You can take a ride on the city's gondola (metro cable) to see the views, or walk around the various parks, plazas, and museums. Either way, enjoy the weather -- due to a high elevation near the equator, the city has year-round spring temperatures.
Day 2: Flight to Nuqui
This morning you'll fly to the village of Nuqui on Colombia's undeveloped Pacific coast. You will be picked up at the airport and transferred by boat to the pristine beaches of Guachalio (the main draw of Nuqui). From here, you will have a chance to get settled in your room.
After lunch, there will be free time to enjoy the surroundings. You can relax on the sand, take a dip in the area's thermal hot springs, or head out on one of the ecological trails through the lush rainforest.
Day 3: Whale Watching, Hiking & Hot Springs
Start the morning with a boat trip in search of humpback whales accompanied by a local guide. This is a great way to see these gentle giants up close. The impressive mammal is a regular in the Chocó region, found in the warm water and low currents, as they make their way to their breeding ground in the Tribugá Gulf.
After that, enjoy lunch on El Cantil beach. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on a nature walk that's known for thermal hot springs. Bring your suit!
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Joví River: Canoe & Village Day-Trip
After breakfast, head to the friendly village of Joví and sail along the river via dugout canoes reaching the destination of La Chontadura Waterfall, where you can take a dip in the clear water.
Afterwards, continue canoeing to reach another village called Coqui and take a cooking lesson with the local women, many whom are most wonderful chefs and true experts on the region’s traditional flavors. Following lunch, you will have free time to explore the village surroundings by foot. At the end of the afternoon, a boat will pick you up and take you to our hotel.
Day 5: Flight to Medellín (optional city tour)
Welcome to Medellín! You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to a hotel nearby. Depending on the time of arrival, you can enjoy the afternoon on your own, or explore the city with an English-speaking tour guide who will cover some of the following sites:
- Check out the Botanical Gardens and see the iconic collection of bronze sculptures at Botero Plaza.
- Take a ride on the city’s innovative urban renewal project: cable cars that start at the city center towards lesser-visited neighborhoods along the mountainside (great views!)
- Walk through Parque Arvi's nature preserve and see another beautiful view of the city.
- Learn more about flamenco dancing at the Casa de la Memoria museum.
- End the day with a visit to the indigenous site of Nutibara Hill and the “Pueblito Paisa” -- a replica of a typical turn-of-the-century Antioquia town.
Day 6: Coffee Finca Day-Tour
Visit a gorgeous coffee finca (farm) located near the small town of Los Palomos -- about an hour drive from Medellín. Here, you will taste the plantation's most recent harvest, and take a walking tour with a coffee grower who will explain the bean growing process first-hand. Learn how coffee is linked to every Colombian family and how it became a source of pride for locals.
Day 7: Depart Medellín
It's time to say farewell to Colombia! Enjoy your last moments in the beautiful city of Medellín with a leisurely breakfast, city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.
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