Trekking Colombia's Camino Verde - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Medellín

Welcome to Medellín! Despite its turbulent past, Medellín today is quite charming with its beautiful mountain setting, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. A car will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a nearby hotel. You're now free to spend the remainder of the day exploring.

Start by visiting Parque Lleras, in the heart of the trendy El Poblado district, where most of the city's tourism is centered. This is where some of the best dining, nightlife, and hotels are located. Perhaps take a ride on the city's gondola (Metrocable) system to see the views, or walk around the various parks, plazas, and museums near the downtown area. Either way, enjoy the weather—due to a high elevation near the equator, the city has year-round spring temperatures.

(Optional add-on.) Depending on the time of your flight, you can sightsee with an English-speaking guide and learn more about this thriving, modern city from a local perspective.

Day 2: Camino Verde Trek - Day 1

Today is the first day of the three-day Camino Verde trek that takes you through one of Colombia’s last untouched tropical rainforests. From Medellín, you'll travel to the surrounding Antioqueña mountain area for a traditional lunch. You'll definitely note the warmer difference in climate as you dip in altitude.

You’ll now meet your guide for the rest of the journey. Head off on the mild slope, which boasts several natural pools (perfect for swimming), and observe rare flora and fauna along the way. Later, enjoy the hospitality of a local farm with a traditional, home-cooked meal. This is where you'll stay overnight.

Day 3: Camino Verde Trek - Day 2

After a solid breakfast, start the five-hour hike towards Río Verde de los Henados. This is the biggest day of the trip, but also the day where you will traverse the most untouched part of the region. When you reach the viewing point of La Esperanza, there will be an opportunity to take a break for lunch and enjoy the vista. 

When you reach your final point at La Vereda La Playa, dinner will be served. Sleep in beds at a traditional farmhouse.

Day 4: Camino Verde Trek - Day 3

This is the last day of your epic trek! After breakfast, hike for approximately five hours to enjoy continuous views of the rainforests and mountains of the Río Verde Valley. Look out for rare birds and plants as you begin to reach more populated areas.

In the afternoon, discover the bucolic village of Argelia, in Antioquia, and enjoy a well-deserved cerveza in the park. Your return trip will get you back to Medellín sometime in the mid-evening.

Day 5: Medellín City Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, spend a fun day exploring Medellín on a private tour with a local guide. You'll enjoy a mix of sightseeing by foot and taking the Metro through one of Colombia's most successful urban projects.

The guide will pick you up from your hotel and you'll take a ride downtown, visiting the Administrative Center (La Alpujarra) and Botero Square. From here, enjoy the views from the city's iconic Metrocable (gondola car system) then head to the Botanical Garden, which features more than 4,500 flowers. The tour ends by taking the Metro to Central Mayorista, Plaza Mayor, and a zen-inspired public park in Medellín before returning to your hotel by public transport.

The rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

Day 6: Coffee Finca Visit

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll transfer to a scenic coffee finca (farm) located in the mountains outside of Medellín. Embark on a tour, which includes a walk with a coffee farmer who will explain the bean growing process and the steps it takes for the coffee bean to reach the cup. You'll also learn about the daily life of a Colombian coffee farmer and how this important trade is linked to Colombian families, making it a source of pride for locals.

Return to Medellín in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day on your own.

Day 7: Guatapé Day-Trip

After breakfast, you'll transfer from your hotel for a full-day excursion to one of the crown jewels of Colombia's Antioquia region: the lakeside town of Guatapé. This private tour includes a guided walk through the village and a mini-history lesson. You'll learn about the town's conflict surrounding the building of the dam that created the reservoir here, which is known as Guatapé Lake. You'll gain an insider’s perspective on local efforts to pressure the government to address this reservoir’s encroaching blue-green algae.

Your guide will then transfer you to El Peñol (La Piedra Rock). Relax at the base of this natural granite landmark in one of the many market stalls. Or work up an appetite by climbing the 740 steps to admire the view from the top (entrance fee not included). Halfway up the rock, you'll see a shrine to the Virgin Mary.

Return to the town of Guatapé and take some time to explore the streets. This is one of the most colorful villages in Colombia, with beautiful artwork along the lower half of its buildings. Head to a restaurant and enjoy lunch on your own—sample the freshwater fish and/or other local delicacies. In the late afternoon, you'll transfer back to your hotel in Medellín with free time to enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 8: 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.