Best of Colombia - Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena

An 8-day journey through the most loved cities in the country. From the aromatic coffee lands to the colorful streets of Guatape and some coastal time to relax along the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, we've got you!

What to expect

Day 1: Arrival

You’ll be received at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport before being transferred to your boutique hotel in the Candelaria neighborhood, the city’s historic center. Enjoy free time strolling down the cobblestone streets as you pass art galleries, cafes, and open markets.

Discover Bogotá’s renowned gastronomy scene via the many restaurants within walking distance from your hotel. Stay overnight in the Andean capital that is known as Colombia’s political and musical epicenter.

Day 2: Coffee Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, take a one hour and 15-minute flight from Bogotá to Manizales, the most adventurous of the three cities that make up Colombia’s “coffee triangle.” Begin a scenic drive to one of Colombia’s most famous coffee “fincas,” or plantation.

Take a tour by horseback or on foot to learn first-hand about the growing process. Cure your jetlag with a cup of some of the best coffee in the world. The cultural tradition of coffee here is a story linked to every Colombian family. Stay at the beautiful coffee finca and experience authentic local cuisine, with all meals prepared by the estate’s private chef and staff.

Day 3: Quindío Botanical Garden

After a traditional Colombian breakfast at your coffee finca, drive two hours to Armenia, one of the three cities that make up Colombia’s coffee triangle, enroute to the Quindío Botanical Garden. Enjoy a leisurely walk in the 15-hectare garden that is home 600 species of plants including an extensive collection of ferns, palms, orchids, and heliconias, as well as exotic collections of carnivorous and aquatic plants.

Explore a labyrinth, a bird watching bridge, and a collection of 2,000 butterflies at the base of a waterfall. After an exquisite visit, drive 1 hour to the bohemian paradise of Salento. Stay in Salento overnight at an artistic boutique hotel and soak in the culture, cuisine, amazing cafes and bohemian lifestyle of this colonial mountain town. We recommend trying the famous trout on top of giant patacones.

Day 4: Medellín

After breakfast, begin a scenic drive from Salento to Medellín (five hours) or opt to fly from Pereira to Medellín (three hours). After checking in to your boutique hotel located in the hip neighborhood of Poblado, begin a walking city tour with your bilingual guide or relax for the afternoon. Enjoy restaurant and activity recommendations from our expert guides.

Day 5: Guatapé

After breakfast at your hotel, meet your guide and drive two hours to the iconic site of El Peñol, Guatapé. For today go on a walking tour through the countryside for 2 hours. This hike takes you off the beaten path to road less traveled and secret vistas of the dazzling El Peñol, Guatapé Rock and the lake reservoir. Upon return to the site of El Peñol, walk the 700 steps of the rock to admire the classic view of Guatapé lake reservoir. Relax in the colorful town of Guatapé over a typical dish of freshwater fish or other local delicacy. Return to your hotel in Poblado, Medellín by 7 p.m.

* Don’t want to walk? Ask your guide in advance about biking!

Day 6: Medellín City Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, head to the center of the city to the Jardin Botanical Gardens. Next, stroll through the iconic collection of bronze sculptures at Botero Plaza and visit recognized, urban graffiti art murals with a local cultural guide.

Enjoy a gourmet, Colombian lunch at the home of a Colombian family. Gain full insight into how the city of Medellín has both maintained a historic memory and transformed into an innovative city. Return to your hotel in El Poblado by 7 pm.

Day 7: Sailing in Cartagena

After breakfast at your hotel, receive an airport drop-off at Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport for your morning flight to Cartagena. You’ll be received at the Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport and transferred to your boutique hotel located in the historical center of the city. Enjoy lunch before departing from Cartagena historic port and sailing along ancient trading routes along the Caribbean coast.

Enjoy a three to four-hour sunset sail and relaxed Colombia swims (depending on the weather and wind). Return to the city harbor at sunset to see the city aglow at night. Take a short walk from the port to return to your hotel. Walk throughout the Spanish-style plazas and admire Cartagena’s colonial architecture, world-class restaurants, and dynamic nightlife.

Day 8: Depart from Cartagena

Join a bilingual guide for a private walking or bicycle tour of Cartagena’s UNESCO World Heritage walled city. Explore South America’s most extensive fortifications including the highlights of San Pedro, with the cathedral and Andalusian-style palaces; and The Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress located on the Hill of San Lázaro. Return to your hotel for an airport drop off to Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport.

Included:

• Colombian domestic flights
• All accommodation
• Airport pickup and drop-off
• Professional bilingual driver for in-country travel
• Water & all breakfasts & lunches
• Dinners are only included on wilderness trips. Our guides are happy to offer dinner recommendations based on your preference and budget
• Expert bilingual adventure and cultural guides (languages: Spanish, French, English)

Excluded:

• Visas
• Flights
• Travel/Medical insurance
• Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellant, etc