Highlights
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Medellín by bicycle
- Immerse your family into the Cartagena food scene
- Spot monkeys and iguanas while hiking in Tayrona National Park
- Participate in traditional fishing practices in La Boquilla
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Medellín | Medellín |
| Day 2 | Bicycle Experience & Discover the Iconic Comuna 13 | Medellín |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Guatapé | Medellín |
| Day 4 | Fly to Tayrona National Park, Taironaka & River Tubing | Tayrona National Park |
| Day 5 | Hiking in Tayrona National Park | Tayrona National Park |
| Day 6 | Day Trip to Minca | Tayrona National Park |
| Day 7 | Transfer to Cartagena, Family Street Food Tour | Cartagena |
| Day 8 | Discover Cartagena by Kayak, Free Afternoon | Cartagena |
| Day 9 | Fishing Experience in La Boquilla & Drum Safari | Cartagena |
| Day 10 | Depart Cartagena |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Medellín
Day 2: Bicycle Experience & Discover the Iconic Comuna 13
Let the kids burn off some energy as you get to know Medellín by bicycle today. This guided tour covers approximately 12 miles (9 km), but even younger ages should be able to manage the flat route and gentle pace. Along the way, you can explore the city's iconic sites like Parque de los Pies Descalzos ("Barefoot Park"), Plaza Mayor, and the neighborhoods of Ciudad del Río and El Poblado.
In the afternoon, discover one of the most transformative communities in Colombia: Comuna 13. Led by local street artists, enjoy a historical, aesthetic, and political experience that is designed to move and inspire hope in the community. This part of the day is perfect for older children and teens who will gain an understanding and appreciation for communities trying to better themselves and their future generations—though all ages are sure to love the colorful graffiti murals and hip-hop-inspired artwork along the way.
Day 3: Day Trip to Guatapé
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Experience a peaceful break from the big city today in Guatapé. A two-hour transfer takes you east of Medellín, where all ages can don their most comfortable walking shoes and get ready to climb the Rock of Guatapé. This gigantic granite monolith was formed millions of years ago, and today 740 steps take you to its summit, where you'll get a panoramic view of the beautiful Guatapé-Peñol Reservoir and the fingers of the lake sprawling across the mountainous landscape.
Next, you will be transported to the town of Guatapé proper, known for the fresco-like adornment of its traditional houses with brightly painted bas-relief depictions of people, animals, and shapes. Walk through the streets, where your specialized guide will inform you about the history of typical houses, zocalos (city squares), and this unique culture. After all that climbing, kids will be ready to sit down to a typical Colombian lunch on the waterfront. If there's still energy to burn, opt for a fun boat ride around the lake before heading back to Medellín later in the afternoon.
Day 4: Fly to Tayrona National Park, Taironaka & River Tubing
You're on the move again today as you catch a domestic flight to Santa Maria en route to Tayrona National Park. This is an enchanting slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast, with stunning stretches of golden sandy beach backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Expect to see views of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range.
After dropping your luggage at the hotel, throw on your bathing suits and take a relaxing inner tube ride along the lazy Río Don Diego. Kids are sure to love the experience of floating in a rainforest as they listen for howler monkeys and keep an eye out for a variety of birds and butterflies. Stop for a short walk along a trail and check out Taironaka, where you'll see the terraces where the Indigenous Tayrona people built their homes. The river ends at a beautiful white-sand beach on the Caribbean Sea, where the whole family can relax on the sand, cool off in the water, and enjoy the views.
Day 5: Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Today you'll venture into the remarkable ecosystem of Tayrona National Park. Home to both natural and archaeological wonders, this protected reserve includes mangrove swamps, cloud forests, and thorny scrubland—as well as rich marine life like corals and algae prairies. The park is a haven for the over 100 species of mammals that call it home, including howler monkeys, pumas, deer, and several types of bats.
Perfect for active and adventurous kids, today's guided all-day hike takes you through the park's ever-changing landscapes to reach Cabo San Juan for a swim and a picnic lunch on the beach. Along the way, task the little ones with spotting some of the over 300 bird species that live here—if they're lucky, they might even catch a glimpse of a rare Andean condor.
Day 6: Day Trip to Minca
Embark on a day of memorable ecotourism experiences in Minca, a cool and quiet mountain village located just inland from Santa Marta. Start with a visit to a lush working coffee farm, where you'll learn all about the growing and harvesting process. Kids will love helping to pick the bright red fruit, while parents can refuel with a cup or two of delicious organic coffee.
Then it's on to the natural swimming hole of Pozo Azul, where the adventurous can cool off with a dip amid the tranquil cloud forest setting. Later on, you'll learn about bamboo, an essential part of the construction in this region, and then finish the day on a high note as you discover the process of chocolate making, following the journey from cacao pod to sweet treats.
Day 7: Transfer to Cartagena, Family Street Food Tour
Day 8: Discover Cartagena by Kayak, Free Afternoon
Experience Cartagena from the water today, seeing the coastal city from a different vantage point. Once the kids are kitted out in their safety gear, cast off and paddle along the placid Caribbean waters. Kids can play a game of spotting the city's iconic landmarks, like the 17th-century Clock Tower, the giant flying horses of Sibarita del Mar, the Virgin of the Bay statue, and the vast Roman Bridge. Continue along the ancient city walls, witness to hundreds of years of swashbuckling history, and continue into San Lazaro Lagoon, home to dense mangroves and islands teeming with fascinating and colorful birdlife.
Back on dry land, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to spend as you please. Grab your towels and sunhats and head to the beach, or cool off indoors as you explore some of the city's many museums. Imaginative kids will love discovering the ramparts and passageways of the Castillo San Felipe, built to defend the city against pirate attacks, while youngsters with a sweet tooth shouldn't miss a visit to Plaza de los Dulces (Candy Hall), where you can find colorful food stands laden with traditional sweets.
Day 9: Fishing Experience in La Boquilla & Drum Safari
Experience local life and learn more about Colombia's coastal communities today with a visit to La Boquilla. Located just north of Cartagena, this small fishing village is home to many families of African origin who still use traditional fishing methods in the surrounding lagoons. Kids will enjoy heading out in handmade canoes with your guide to spend a couple of hours fishing for shrimp and crawfish. They'll learn how to use the fishing line, throw the net, and set the traps—and can even bring their catch back to a local's house afterward to cook and sit down to lunch together.
After lunch, another hands-on experience introduces the whole family to the energetic beats of Afro-Colombian music. Learn about the traditional rhythms of Colombia's Caribbean coast and the instruments used to create them. After a short introduction, the budding musicians in your family will be learning basic rhythms on the drums and joining in the raucous fun. If you can tear the kids away, head back to Cartagena in time for one of its famous sunsets and spend your final evening in Colombia at your leisure.
Day 10: Depart Cartagena
It's time to say goodbye to Colombia! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and depending on the time of your departure flight, take a final stroll around the city to pick up some souvenirs. When the time comes, a private transfer will take you to Rafael Núñez International Airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!
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