Overview

Visit three of Colombia’s most important cities and see how their residents’ artistic talents, cultural authenticity, entrepreneurial persistence, and desire for change have led to a dynamic social transformation that has reinvigorated tourism and positively impacted the quality of life in these innovative metropolises. Start in Bogota with a city tour and visit to Paloquemao Market, one of the largest markets in the country. Continue to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, and embark on an exciting tour through the city’s past and present, learning even more about recent and dynamic changes. Finally, tour Cartagena’s impressive monuments and historic center and experience the traditional rhythms of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast through an unforgettable drum and dance workshop.

What you get

  • • 2 nights at a 4-star Hotel in Bogota
  • • City tour and visit to Paloquemao Market
  • • 3 nights at a 4-star Hotel in Medellín
  • • History of Transformation Tour and Graffiti Experience in Medellín
  • • Visit the colorful town of Guatapé and the impressive Peñol Boulder
  • • 2 nights at a 4-star Hotel in Cartagena
  • • City tour of the historic center and monuments of Cartagena
  • • Visit to La Boquilla Mangroves
  • • Caribbean rhythms drum and dance experience

A Sneak Peek

bogota's historic center at sunset
Colorful buildings line the streets of Bogota's La Candelaria
Primatial Cathedral of Bogota, Bolivar Plaza
Overhead View of Medellín's Comuna 13
Medellin, Colombia's Botero Plaza at Dusk
Peñol Boulder overlooking a lake in Guatapé, Colombia
Cityscape of Cartagena, Colombia at sunset
Colonial-style building in Cartagena, Colombia's Historic Center
Clocktower in Cartagena's Old Town
Colorful balconies in Cartagena's Old Town
Bogota, Colombia's Historic Center
Bogota, Colombia
Colorful buildings line the streets of Bogota's La Candelaria
La Candelaria, Bogota, Colombia
Primatial Cathedral of Bogota in Bolivar Plaza
Bolivar Plaza, Bogota, Colombia
Overhead View of Comuna 13 in Medellin
Comuna 13, Medellin, Colombia
Botero Plaza in Medellin, Colombia at dusk
Botero Plaza, Medellin, Colombia
Peñol Boulder in Guatapé near Medellín, Colombia
Peñol Boulder, Guatapé, Colombia
Sunset over Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena's Historic Quarter, Colombia
Cartagena's Historic Center
Colorful architecture in Cartagena's Old Town
Clocktower in Cartagena, Colombia
Clocktower in Cartagena's Historic Quarter
Colorful balconies in Cartagena's Old Town
Colorful balconies in Cartagena's Old Town
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Highlights

Professionally guided tours and activities:

Bogota:

  • City Tour
  • Visit to La Candelaria
  • Visit to Paloquemao Market

Medellín:

  • Graffiti tour and visit to Comuna 13
  • Visit to the colorful village of Guatapé and Peñol Boulder

Cartagena:

  • Visit to the city’s renowned Historic Center
  • Visit to La Boquilla mangroves
  • Caribbean rhythms drum and dance workshop

Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Bogota, Transfer to Hotel

el dorado airport bogota

You’ll arrive at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, where one of our team members will meet you just beyond the baggage claim to welcome you and escort you to the hotel. There, they’ll assist you with your check-in and give you a detailed itinerary with all the services included in your trip. You’ll also receive additional information including contact numbers and a 24-hour phone number that you can call in the event you need any urgent assistance.

Day 2: City Tour and Visit to Paloquemao Market

bogota colombia

Bogota’s beautiful cityscape awaits! The morning sees an exciting visit to Paloquemao Market, one of the largest in Colombia, with its incredible variety of flowers, exotic fruits, vegetables, medicinal herbs, and traditional food. This is a cultural experience to remember and an opportunity to sample some tasty bites! From here, we head to La Candelaria to view colorful colonial-style architecture. Afterward, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and stroll through Plaza de Bolivar, flanked by important buildings like City Hall, the Congressional Palace, and Independence House. Depending on the day, a visit to the Gold Museum or the Botero Museum may be on the cards!

* Appropriate dress may be required for visits to church buildings.

Day 3: Flight to Medellin / City Tour

Medellin nighttime panorama view

On this day, you’ll be transferred to the airport where you’ll board your flight to Medellín! Upon arriving in the “City of Eternal Spring”, one of our team members will greet you and take you on a tour of this fascinating metropolis. They’ll share historical information about how the city began investing in public education and infrastructure in the era that began shortly after the turn of the millennium following the end of Pablo Escobar’s reign. Later, you’ll be dropped off at your 4-star hotel.

Day 4: Graffiti Experience and Tour of Comuna 13

graffiti tour comuna 13 medellin

The City of Medellin is experiencing a vibrant and colorful renaissance. This metropolis was once a famous hub for cartel activity, but today, it is a world leader in innovation, thanks to key investments in education, infrastructure, and technology. On this day, you’ll tour the world renowned Comuna 13, a neighborhood filled with beautiful graffiti, artisan shops, cafés, and lined with breakdancers and street performers. It has become a very exciting touristic destination. Enjoy the maze of escalators that guide you through this remarkable district where you can feel the social transformation that Medellin has undergone.

Day 5: Guatapé and Peñol Boulder

Guatapé and Peñol Rock Medellin

Today, you’ll explore the village of Guatapé and the imposing Peñol Boulder, located about 49 mi (79 km) from the center of Medellin and surrounded by a man-made lake that was created in the 1970s. This picturesque village is home to a rainbow of artistic murals and colorful cobblestone sidewalks. A favorite tourist destination, the remarkable views from atop the Boulder, make the dramatic climb every bit worth the while. Lunch and all entrance fees are included with today’s itinerary.

Day 6: Flight to Cartagena & Guided City Tour

Cartagena's famous old town's colorful balconies

Today, it’s on to Cartagena. Our transfer service will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport. There, you’ll catch your flight to sunny Cartagena. Upon arrival, one of our team members will meet you and take you to your accommodations. They’ll assist you with your check-in. Afterward, prepare for a private guided tour of Cartagena. You’ll visit sites like the Convento de la Popa, a small wooden chapel built in the 17th century and the highest point in the city. Later, you’ll check out the Castillo de San Felipe, an impressive fortress with a complex system of tunnels. Afterwards you’ll walk through Las Bóvedas, this 18th century military battery is now a tourist attraction, lined with wonderful handicraft and artisanal stalls where you can pick up art, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.

* Appropriate dress for men and women is required for visits to church-related buildings.

Day 7: La Boquilla Mangroves & Caribbean Drum Workshop

La Boquilla Mangroves Colombia

La Boquilla is an old fishing village located just 20 minutes north of Cartagena. The community’s inhabitants are descendants of what was once an Afro-Colombian slave colony. Today, the residents of La Boquilla are guardians of the lush mangrove swamps, which are protected from the Caribbean Sea by a narrow peninsula. The tour offers visitors the chance to ride aboard a traditional wooden canoe and navigate the intricate tunnels of the mangroves, where one can view fascinating fauna and flora.

Afterwards, we visit a drumming workshop and learn the distinct qualities of different Colombian and Caribbean style music like Cumbia, Bullerengue, Mapalé, and Champeta.

Day 8: Transfer to Airport / Farewell!

Cartagena streets

Today, we bid farewell. A member of our team will pick you up from your hotel and escort you to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight home or to your next destination.

Conditions

  • Prices are listed in U.S. dollars. Published rates are valid for 2023 (excluding blackout dates). Restrictions may apply.
  • This package, its accommodation options, entrance fees, and prices are subject to availability and changes without prior notice.
  • A minimal deposit per person is required to confirm your reservation. Credit card payments are exempt from additional fees.
  • The order and timing of services may vary according to availability.
  • Terms and conditions may vary depending on the hotels included in your package. Please verify this information with your destination expert.
  • Rates are per person and based on double occupancy. Your destination expert can prepare a specific quote for the number of people in your party.
  • Transfers include the transportation of one suitcase of up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and one carry-on per person. Should you be traveling with additional luggage, please let us know in advance, so we can accommodate you with a larger vehicle if necessary. Additional costs may apply.

Not Included

  • International and domestic airfare.
  • Meals or any other item not described in the itinerary.
  • Additional costs resulting from early check-in or late check-out, if applicable.
  • Personal expenses, tips, or gratuities for guides and hotel staff.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages that are not included as part of the meal.
  • Additional expenses incurred at the hotel.
  • Airport tariffs or taxes, where applicable.