Magic of Medellín & Caribbean Charm

Day 1 Arrival to Medellín – Airport Pick Up
Welcome to Medellín. Upon arrival in Medellín in the afternoon or evening, we will transfer to the walled city or Getsemaní, where we will stay (2 nights). After a long flight, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize.

Day 2  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 start our exploration of 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 with one of the lowest crime rates, earning it the title of the world’s most innovative city. 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, which was declared a national monument of Colombia in 1982. We’ll head to Comuna 13, once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, 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 3  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. In the town itself, you’ll discover colorful houses adorned with decorative panels called zócalos and stroll along the scenic lakeside of Guatapé. The area is also known as “Earthquake Lake,” as a hydroelectric plant built here in the past caused tremors in the area. 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.

Day 4 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 5 Cartagena historic center, Getsemaní
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, where nobles and officials lived 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 6 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 7 Departure: Transfer to your international flight or next destination
Today, we will fly from Cartagena to Medellín, where you will catch your connecting international flight.

If your international flight departs from a city other than Medellín, the flight can be exchanged for one to Bogotá.

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