The gems of Medellin and Cartagena offer a glimpse of the best Latin America has to offer. Brimming with hope after a long, complicated history, one of our tour guides, Mari, summarized the locals’ view that we could all stand to learn from: “Extract all the joy you can from a situation because reality will drive you insane.”
From the grit of Medellin to the heat – literally and figuratively – of Cartagena, Colombia is a hidden gem on the verge of discovery. Feeling adventurous? Here’s the itinerary.
Passport Snapshot Who: Me and a friend, Jaimi What: Week-long vacation When: Friday – Saturday Where: Medellin, Jardin, Guatape and Cartagena Why: Craving South American adventure How: Spirit Airlines, $993 RT Boston to Cartagena, via FLL Spend: Approx. $1,200 per person, once in country Fun Fact: Americans have a reputation for slamming car doors General Tip: At night, Ubers vs. taxis for safety. Secure a private driver for airport travel & day trips - WhatsApp is a must for communication with tour companies & drivers Budget Tip: Tag onto an existing Florida trip, if possible, to save on airfare – numerous direct flights to Colombia on Spirit Airlines (pack light/via backpack to avoid carry-on bag fees)
Hotel Highlight Sites Hotel, Medellin (4 nights, $398) was a beautiful, affordable option. Spacious, sparkling clean suites, an expansive breakfast spread & a roof deck pool & gym with sweeping city views. Note: Already had reservations when introduced to the wonderful team at Park 10 through a colleague. The concierge, Fabio, helped us plan many of our day trips when back home in the States via WhatsApp even though we weren't guests. Highly recommend checking out this property due to the friendly staff.
Day 1, Friday – Medellin, via Cartagena
- Upon arrival, head to El Poblado to take in the city’s vibrant nightlife
- Enjoy live music, apps & cocktails at The Charlee and their open-air restaurant (Lucia) to ease into the local scene
- Bar hop until the morning hours with the local, younger crowd
Day 2, Saturday – City Tour
- Start your first full day with the 9:15am Real City tour – “free” walking tour (book in advance, request Mari on-site)
- Explore Medellin’s El Centro, historic districts, public squares and parks while learning about the city’s history, culture and people
- After 4 hours of walking, rest your feet with a leisurely lunch at a small, local cafe or consider packing a picnic lunch for El Castillo’s gardens, which offer sweeping views of Medellin from above
- Experience the Metro – extremely clean, safe & a major source of pride for the city – by taking Line K to connect with Medellín’s famed cable cars
- Ride the metro cable to end of the line, Santo Domingo, for stunning yet eye-opening aerial views of the city’s less traveled neighborhoods
- Wander around the energetic barrio, returning to more traveled areas by dusk
Plaza Botero 
Metro cables 
Santo Domingo
Day 3, Sunday – Jardin, Antioquia
Logistics
- In advance – book a a full day trip south to the heart of Antioquia with Andes Adventures
- $125 per person – small groups & a private driver; Daniel, the owner, can help customize your adventure & is very responsive on WhatsApp
- The trip is on “Colombian time” – we were gone for 16+ hours but it was worth every minute
Jardin & surrounding area
- The 3 hour drive weaves through the beautiful, winding Colombian countryside, stopping for a break/hiking trek to Taparto Waterfalls (complete with a bumpy Jeep ride)
- Explore Jardin, the self-proclaimed most beautiful town in Antioquia – stop at Macanas for the best pastries
- People-watch in the town square with locals, taking in views of its prized cathedral
- Lunch at a nearby trout farm with your guide (Esteban, we love you!), before continuing on to a coffee finca
- Learn about one of Colombia’s main exports, coffee, and pick, roast and grind yourself
Coffee farm 
Antioquian hills 
Getting to work
Day 4, Monday – Guatape
- Hire a private driver to take you to an area popular with vacationing locals – no need to take a tour, best to go at your own pace
- Spend the morning climbing Penol, one of the tallest rocks in the world, and enjoying expansive views of the area’s man-made lakes. Consider renting kayaks once you’ve taken in views from above
- Continue on to Guatape, where you’ll spend the afternoon exploring the most colorful town in Colombia with a Limonada de Coco in hand
- Return back to Medellin early evening
Classic home
Day 5, Tuesday – Comuna 13 to Cartagena
- Head to Comuna 13 for an education on a neighborhood that’s been reborn since it suffered collateral damage at the hands of the Medellin cartel
- Spend the afternoon climbing the winding streets, exploring the impressive graffiti art and savoring the sounds of local music blaring through the streets
- Tip: Group/public tours are a good option; we planned ahead for a private tour given it was a national holiday and options were limited. Comuna 13 is safe & can also be done solo
- Depart Medellin for Cartagena late afternoon, arriving just in time for dinner – Viva Air Colombia, 1 hour flight, multiple options per day
- Stayed at Selina, Cartagena (3 nights, $698) – a hostel with a chic vibe, including a small roof deck where you can mingle with other travelers. Given cost, service & amenities, recommend lodging elsewhere
Day 6 Wednesday – Cartagena
- While not necessary to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site, consider a free walking tour to get your bearings
- After a morning stroll within the city’s walls, enjoy a refreshing, cold coffee at Epoca, a chic coffee shop nestled away from the main drag
- Meander away the afternoon, taking in the city’s well-preserved architecture & stopping every so often for a drink and appetizer
- For dinner, experience home-style cooking in the modern yet cozy ambiance of Malagana, a personal favorite
- Enjoy a night cap in Plaza de la Trinidad for live music and curbside drinks mixed by locals
Streets of Cartagena 
Roofdeck views
Day 7, Thursday – Islas de Rosarios
- Pre-book a day aboard a luxury catamaran at an affordable price via Bona Vida Catamarans
- Nap on the deck, bask in the sun, take in the reggateon and chat with other travelers over pina coladas
- After snorkeling in the Caribbean, drop anchor to enjoy a crew-made lunch of rice & fresh seafood before you continue sailing around the Rosario Islands**
- Back in Cartagena by sunset, freshen up for roof deck drinks at Mirador, overlooking the city’s main square before heading to La Perla for Peruvian cuisine
- Cap off the evening with music & dancing at Bazuarto Social Club – crowded, sweaty & loud, it’s authentic in very way
** Other island destinations recommended by locals or fellow travelers: Isla Tortuga, Islas de Baru, Boca Chica, Playa Blanca
Cartagena by catamaran 
Colors of Cartagena
Day 8, Friday – Cartagena
- Take it easy on your last day – after Bazuarto Social Club, you’ll be nursing a hangover
- Get lost in the lesser known parts of Cartagena before packing up & treating yourself to a top-notch, goodbye dinner in Alma’s outdoor courtyard
Taking in the last sights, sounds and smells, you’ll start to miss this vibrant country before you set foot on the plane home.
