10 Day Medellín, Pacific Coast and Cartagena

Medellin

Day 1: Welcome to Cali!

Upon arrival into Cal International Airport, look out for the friendly face of your chauffeur waiting for you in the arrivals hall.

After assisting you with your luggage, your private transfer will drive you to your hotel in the heart of Cali which will be your base for the night. Don't forget to look out the window and be awed by this quaint yet charming city, a jewel in the heart of Colombia.

Once you've checked into the hotel, feel free to freshen up and relax before enjoying the rest of the evening at your own pace and leisure discovering the city.

Medellin - Comuna 13

Day 2: Learn Salsa from the World’s Finest in Cali

Cali is a city with a zest for life that draws you in and stays with you long after you’ve left.The city's main attraction is its beguiling, electrifying atmosphere.

This morning, you’ll be collected from your hotel around mid-morning for a tour of the third largest city of Colombia - Cali, the salsa capital of the world!

Following this, you’re off to learn how to salsa in a 1 hour private class with one of the best salsa dancers in Colombia! Feel the infectious spirit of the music within. 

Make the effort and you will find great nightlife, good restaurants and plenty to do, especially in the evening. Just ask and we’ll be willing to provide innumerable recommendations. 

Guatape

Day 3: Embark on an Adventure towards the Pacific Coast

We hope that after yesterday’s adventure, you have had a restful night’s sleep because this morning we will be making the journey towards the port city of Buenaventura.

You'll be leaving early this. morning to enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by jungle and beaches, driving through some beautiful scenery until you reach Buenaventura. 

Once here, you'll be transferring to a boat for the next stage of this adventure to Juanchcao then onto your final destination for your Pacific Coast experience, Playa Ladrilleros. 

You’ll arrive in-time for a wonderful traditional lunch, which will be followed by a short hike to some beautiful natural pools, and maybe take some time on a kayak as well.

Nuquí

Day 4: Discover the Beauty of Bahia Malaga National Park

Today will be filled with nature and wonderful beauty that can only be found is this amazing location. 

Following breakfast, you’ll take a motorboat to venture into the Bahia Malaga National Park where you’ll discover beautiful views, lagoons, islands, birds, and wildlife. 

Discover the amazing Sierpe Waterfalls where you’ll enjoy a refreshing swim and bit of relaxation before heading back for lunch. Following lunch, you’ll be going whale watching for approximately 3 hours of fun on the ocean. 

Marvel at these majestic creatures frolicking in the ocean and who knows, maybe they’ll wet you with the splash of their tail.

Nuquí

Day 5: Immerse Yourself in the Culture of Afrocolombian Communities

This morning will be another adventure into the beautiful nature of the Pacific Coast.

Following breakfast, you’ll climb into some canoes to explore some beautiful mangroves and visit some amazing cliffs nearby. All the time, you’ll be keeping an eye out for some of the hundreds of species of birds and wildlife around that will be watching you! 

Next, it’ll be back for lunch, followed by an excursion to La Barra where you’ll be learning about the traditions and culture of the Afrocolombian communities in the Pacific coast.

Nuquí - Medellin - Cartagena

Day 6: Marvel at the Majesty of Whale Watching

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for your next adventure in Colombia.

Today you’ll be going whale watching for approximately 3 hours of fun on the ocean. While the whale watching months are July through to November, should you tour with us outside of this period, you’ll instead visit the indigenous community of the Guanan, where you’ll have the opportunity to check out the small stalls full of handicrafts. 

Following both activities, you’ll enjoy a kayak up and down the coast to help build up your hunger for a wonderful lunch.

Next it will be time to say goodbye and to start on the journey back to Cali for your short flight to Medellín.

Cartagena

Day 7: Stroll the Cosmopolitan Streets of Medellin

The city of Medellin offers a great variety of urban art due to the city’s transformation during the last 20 years. Nowadays, the city is full of countless artistic expressions of street art and the local authorities declared urban art a cultural landmark of Medellin. 

Admiring the graffitis of the Comuna 13 guided by the local artists themselves, our tour will give you an insight into history and daily life in this area and the importance of street art for society. On this tour, you’ll also enjoy a cable car ride, fruit tasting, and ride on the outside escalators which helped transform this neighborhood into what it is today. 

Next, you’ll continue onto a magnificent Medellín city tour starting in the Plaza Botero with our local expert who will explain every part of the good, bad, and the sometimes-ugly history of this fantastic city.

Cartagena

Day 8: Marvel at the Ruins by Lake Guatape

Today, you’ll be driven through some of the most beautiful scenery toward the replica town of Old Peñol, a town flooded that now lies at bottom of Lake Guatape. The only part of this town that is still visible is the church spiral that sticks out of the water, marking the spot for everyone to see.

After you have walked through the replica overlooking Guatape Lake, you will carry on to the big rock known as La Piedra, Guatape Rock, and El Peñol. Once here you will have the opportunity to climb the 740 steps to the very top with absolutely breathtaking views every step of the way.

After you have returned to the ground you will be collected and driven to the nearby Guatape Town, where you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings. 

Next you have a choice of making your way back to Medellín or enjoy a boat cruise on lake Guatape itself.

Rosario Islands

Day 9: Roam the Coastal Paradise of Cartagena

Today, you’ll embark on a mid-morning flight to Cartagena where on arrival, you’ll be collected and taken to your hotel to drop off your bags and relax with a bit of “me time” before being collected for a magnificent city tour in the afternoon. 

Travel with us through this amazing city, going to the most interesting locations of the city in an air-conditioned vehicle. With our bilingual guide explaining the history behind every important site you visit. 

You'll discover panoramic views of the city from La Candelaria, a convent builtin 1606. Explore the fort of Castle San Felipe before travelling through Manga, Getsemani, and the modern city of Bocagrande, before enjoying a walk in the historic center. 

This is simply a wonderful way to get to know this ancient city, seeing it by both day and night! 

Cartagena

Day 10: Bathe in the Serenity of the Rosario Islands

Enjoy a breathtaking ocean cruise touring the Rosario Islands to arrive at a beautiful picturesque beach. 

Once here, you'll also be assigned your personal beach space which will be exclusive for yourself and members of your group. You'll receive full beach service, a fantastic typical lunch, use of deckchairs and umbrellas;,a cocktail on arrival, and English-speaking hosts. 

You will not receive any annoying beach vendors trying to sell you souvenirs or anything you do not wish. You will have the full day to relax and enjoy your space, along with the ability to hire gear for snorkeling, paddle boarding, or kayaking.

Nn

Day 11: Immerse Yourself in the Natural Beauty of Totumo

We hope that after a comfortable sleep and a delectable breakfast that you are ready for one final adventure in Colombia.

Enjoy a mud bath in the mineral rich, world-famous El Volcán de Lodo El Totumo. Here, locals will help you massage the mud onto your body. After your relaxing mud bath, a group of local women will be cleaning your whole body. At the end of this process you’ll head to the beautiful beaches of Manzanillo del Mar where you’ll enjoy a swim in the tropical waters. 

Next you’ll enjoy a fabulous typical Caribbean lunch including Coconut rice, fried fish, green salad, and patacones before exploring the Cartagena Mangroves in a canoe skippered by an expert local fisherman. Enjoy a walk through their community to see how the locals truly live.

Nn

Day 12: Say Farewell to Colombia!

This morning, you’ll have some free time to spend at your own pace and leisure, enjoying everything that this quaint city has to offer.

Depending when your flight is, you may need to head straight to the airport.

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that Colombia has to offer. The rich natural beauty, storied history, and the people that makes the county what it is.

Not ready to leave? Let us know and we can help you extend your stay in this beautiful region. Otherwise, we hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!