Essence of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

Day 1 Arrival to Bogotá – Airport pick up
Upon arrival in Bogotá in the afternoon or evening, we will transfer to the colonial district of La Candelaria, where we will stay (2 nights). After a long flight, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude since Bogotá is located at 2,600 meters above sea level.

Day 2 Bogotá
Today we will head out to explore Bogotá, visiting the historic district and its main landmarks. We’ll then take a cable car to Cerro de Monserrate, offering a panoramic view of the capital.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will explore Bogotá, a city of many contrasts. On one side, you’ll find modern skyscrapers, and on the other, historic sites that take you back to colonial and pre-colonial times. We’ll walk through the historic district of La Candelaria, known for its narrow streets and colorful houses dating back to Spanish colonialism. In the heart of La Candelaria is Plaza Bolívar, paying tribute to Simón Bolívar, the leader of South American independence. Here, we’ll also see the Cathedral Capilla del Sagrario, an architectural gem, as well as the Parliament, the Palace of Justice, and City Hall. We’ll visit the famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), which holds around 15,000 artifacts, most of them made of gold. Later, we’ll take the cable car up to Cerro de Monserrate (3,210 meters), offering beautiful views of Bogotá. At the top, you’ll find a Catholic basilica from 1925, as well as souvenir stalls, textiles, refreshments, and restaurants serving typical Colombian cuisine.

Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 3 – Flight to Medellín
Depending on the time of your flight from Bogotá, we may visit the Paloquemao fruit market. Then we’ll fly to Medellín. If time permits after our arrival, we will go for a pleasant walk.

In the morning, we’ll head to Paloquemao market, where we’ll discover and taste a variety of tropical fruits. After that, we’ll transfer to the airport and fly to Medellín.

Day 4 Medellín
Today, we will spend the day in Medellín. We will visit the historic center and the famous Comuna 13, once notorious due to Pablo Escobar. In the evening, we’ll enjoy the atmosphere of El Pueblito Paisa, a typical Antioquian town.

After breakfast, we’ll explore Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, also known as the “city of eternal spring.” Twenty-five years ago, Medellín was the center of Colombia’s drug cartel, led by the infamous Pablo Escobar. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it is now a model city for the country, with one of the lowest crime rates and recognized as the most innovative city in the world. We will visit the historic center, starting with Plaza Botero, home to 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero. We’ll also see the Palace of Culture, Bolívar Park, and the Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral, a Colombian national monument since 1982. We’ll head to Comuna 13, once one of the world’s most dangerous neighborhoods, now transformed with escalators and street art. In the evening, we’ll visit El Pueblito Paisa, a typical Antioquian town, offering panoramic views of Medellín, surrounded by mountains.

Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 5 Flight to Cartagena
The morning will be free for personal activities or visiting local markets. Later, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to the colonial city of Cartagena de Indias, located on the Caribbean coast.

In the morning, enjoy free time or a trip to local markets such as Plaza America or Plaza Minorista to shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean coast. Founded in June 1533 and named after Cartagena in Spain, the city became one of the most important ports in Spanish America. Due to its strategic location, the city was frequently attacked by pirates, and it boasts one of the largest fortification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its historic center and fortifications have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1984. We’ll stay here for 3 nights.

Day 6 Cartagena
We will discover one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Caribbean, exploring the San Pedro district with its well-preserved buildings and the largest Spanish colonial fortress.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore Cartagena. The city’s main attraction is its fortifications, one of the largest in the Caribbean and Latin America, along with its colonial architecture. We’ll visit the walled city, see Plaza Bolívar, and explore the San Pedro district, once home to nobles and officials during colonial times. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral, San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo Domingo Church. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, named after King Philip IV of Spain, the most powerful and largest fortress built by the Spanish in their colonies, complete with original cannons, prison cells, and tunnels. We’ll also visit the monastery on Cerro de la Popa, the highest point in the city.

Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 7 Cartagena – Islas del Rosario
We will take a full-day trip to the Islas del Rosario archipelago, known for its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. We’ll enjoy a boat ride between the islands and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere.

Today, we will spend the day on the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located about 35 kilometers south of Cartagena. The archipelago consists of 27 islands surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. This area has been designated as a national park. We’ll take a boat trip to one of the islands, enjoy some relaxation time, and have lunch before returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

Day 8 Departure
Today, we will fly from Cartagena to Bogotá, where you will catch your connecting international flight.

If your international flight departs from another city, you may exchange this flight for one to Medellín or consult other destination.

In case of your departure from Cartagena, we can add an extra activity and transfer to the airport, depending on the departure time.

Optional Extra Day – Medellín – Guatapé

Guatapé is a picturesque town in Colombia, about 80 kilometers east of Medellín. Its main landmark is the massive rock formation known as El Peñón de Guatapé, which you can climb via more than 700 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The town is known for its colorful houses and detailed decorations called zócalos, and for its scenic lakeside. The area was once shaken by an earthquake during the construction of a hydroelectric plant, hence its nickname, «Earthquake Lake.» Guatapé is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural richness.

We’ll climb the 700 steps of El Peñón for a stunning view, take a boat trip on the reservoir with views of El Peñón, and see the remains of Pablo Escobar’s burned house.

Lunch.
Visit to the town of Guatapé.
Return to Medellín.