Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena Highlights

Traditional markets and historic tour Bogota

Today, we will visit Plaza de Paloquemao, one of the largest and most popular markets in Bogota. You will be amazed by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables found there. At the market, you will have the opportunity to try some fruits, fruits juices and various Colombian snacks.

After the market, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota’s historic centre. We will have the chance to admire the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous painter and sculptor at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display at the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and we will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.

Note: Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight: Bogota

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel to Medellin - City tour in Medellin

In the morning we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Upon arrival in Medellin, we will meet you at the airport to start the city tour.

During the tour, we will visit the most iconic areas of the city including: Plaza de Botero, El Pueblito Paisa and Parque LLeras. The Plaza de Botero is a medium-sized plaza full of sculptures created by the famous Colombian sculptor, Fernando Botero (originally from Medellin). He is famous for his style of painting, which makes everything look “chubby.” The Parque Lleras and El Pueblito Paisa are two of Medellin’s must-see quarters. The Pueblito Paisa, a small replica of a typical Antioquia township, located on top of the 80m-hill “Cerro Nutibara” is the perfect place to get a great panoramic view of the city. While the Parque Lleras is one of the most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife in Medellin.

Overnight: MedellinMeal Plan: Breakfast

Comuna 13 and Santa Elena

Start the day by visiting Comuna 13 – once a dangerous neighbourhood, but now an area with fascinating art and urban culture. A local will lead you through this humble and interesting area while explaining how the government and community turned Comuna 13 into a must-see destination.

We will also venture out of the city and into the countryside to a flower farm. Medellin, Colombia is famous for its flower festivals and local farmers spend the whole year growing and maintaining flowers to be displayed during the annual events. Visitors will learn about the whole cultivation process – from seed to the intricate arrangements that fetch top prizes in competitions. At the end of the day, we will take you back to your hotel.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunc

Day trip to El Peñol and Guatape - Travel to Cartagena

Today we will go to Guatape, a small town located about 2.5 hours by car from Medellin in a beautiful zone wedged between a reservoir and a colossal stone called EL Peñol. Upon arrival to the town of Guatape, you will be surrounded by the most colourful houses, each one intricately decorated with traditionally painted carvings along the lower parts of the main entrances. After visiting the town, we will go to El Peñol from where you will get a stunning view of the region. We will also take a boat ride around the reservoir.

Late in the afternoon, we will go to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. On arrival to Cartagena, we will pick you up at the airport to take you to the hotel.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

A Day in Cartagena

After breakfast, we will start our city tour covering the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by its impressive walls, built during the Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.

The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on top of the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks including a British siege in 1741. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets while visiting or passing by the main historical sites.

The afternoon is at leisure. You will have time to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring the old city. Admire its architecture and immerse yourself into its romantic atmosphere.

Overnight: CartagenaMeal Plan: Breakfast

La Boquilla Fishing Village

In the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.

At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.

After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will eat lunch in a local home by the water. This is where youwill learn more about the locals’ day-to-day lives, their fishing tools and their culture. The lunch will be a delicious meal consisting of seafood, which is popular along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. We will finish this tour after lunch around 2 pm and drop you back off at your hotel in Cartagena.

Overnight: Cartagena

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Reviews (3)

Denise

Thursday 21st March, 2019

Bit late getting round to writing this review, but our trip couldn't have been any better. We were treated like royalty from start to finish - excellent hotels, guides and great places to visit. Thoroughly enjoyed every moment. What a beautiful count...

Adam

Tuesday 5th February, 2019

My mother is 60 years old and for her birthday she wanted to go to Colombia and get to know some places there such as Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. I was looking for information about it and I found this that has wonderful options, but also has flexibility and fare prices. I have to tell you that the trip was amazing and mainly because of the service provided us through Daniel, Carlos, Julio, Rosy and Wilson who shared with us the "colombian way" and we felt more like locals than tourists; and of course since the very beginning Nidia was taking care of everything. We went there and were focus only on enjoying every minute, because they took care of everything else and let us walk and do everything we wanted in our own time and rhythm.

Roxanne

Friday 18th January, 2019

For the third year in a row, we have used the very knowledgeable and friendly professionals to plan our trip to that very beautiful country. We toured in and around Bogota our first trip and for the last 2 years we have been going to Cartagena. The hotel reservations, the transfers, and the tours are always done in a flawless manner. The tour guides that they employ are always friendly ad enthusiastic: and it does not matter whether you are visiting a coffee plantation or Old Town Cartagena. We would never use any other agency when travelling in Colombia. We are very satisfied clients who keep coming back because of the excellent service.