10-day cultural immersion in Colombia & Panama

Medellin

Day 1: Welcome to Colombia

Welcome to mesmerizing Colombia!

Upon arrival at the airport, look out for the welcoming face of your driver who will assist you with your luggage before transporting you to your hotel in the heart of Medellin.

Due to its central location, your stylish hotel is surrounded by lively restaurants, bars and boutiques. Located in the El Poblado neighborhood, you're only four blocks away from Parque Lleras Square, should you wish to explore the area on your own for a first impression of Medellin.

Medellin

Day 2: Experience the authenticity of Comuna 13

Start your tour with a visit to Comuna 13. It used to be one of the city's most dangerous areas, but has since regenerated into a modern hub. The graffiti here tells stories that move and inspire hope.

Enjoy traditional Antioquia cuisine at Asados La 80 or Rancherito Restaurant for lunch, to get an authentic taste of Colombia. Then, go on a panoramic tour where you can appreciate the highlights of the city, including Nutibara Hill, the Botanical Garden, Explora Park, the Park of Desires, Barefoot Park, Ruta N and the Technology Center. To end the day, head to Botero Square and visit the iconic Antioquia Museum.

Medellin

Day 3: Learn all about coffee at a local farm

After breakfast at the hotel, a cultural experience on an authentic working coffee farm awaits you. Enjoy Antioquia’s gorgeous green landscape on the way.

At the plantation, you will be introduced to the entire process of making coffee from plant to cup. At the same time, you will get to know the daily life of Colombian coffee cooperatives that still produce coffee the traditional, fair way. You will never take this everyday drink for granted again!

At the end of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to buy freshly roasted coffee straight from the source - the perfect souvenir from Colombia to share with family and friends.

Cartagena

Day 4: Head for the coast: welcome to magical Cartagena

Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon your arrival, a prearranged shuttle service will take you to your hotel.

Located in the heart of the bustling historic center of Cartagena, your hotel offers fully-equipped lofts and rooms in a renovated 17th-century building. It has been designed with modern comfort and amenities in mind, and the heated rooftop swimming pool is a must-try. Enjoy its sun terrace that offers great views of the historical city.

Cartagena

Day 5: Discover the charm of Cartagena

Today's tour begins in the residential quarters of Bocagrande, Castillo Grande and the republican neighborhood of Manga to see the big mansions of yesteryear. Continue with a visit to the Popa Convent to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Visit the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a Spanish military building, and enjoy a walking tour through its underground galleries and tunnels. This is followed by a transfer to the Walled City for a walk through the main squares, streets and churches, including admission to the Inquisition Palace.

Visit the Getsemani neighborhood, one of the most traditional and popular sectors of the city, before enjoying one of Colombia's finest offerings - its cuisine!

Cartagena

Day 6: Spend a day on San Pedro de Majagua Island

The Natural Park of Islas del Rosario is an archipelago made up of 27 islands, located 45 minutes away from Cartagena. There, San Pedro de Majagua on Isla Grande owes its name to Pierre Daguet, a French painter who created his house and studio on the island in 1955.

You'll soon feel as if you've been transported to paradise! Enjoy coral beaches and relax on white sand. Dive into the enticing waters and come face to face with the marine life of the region. It's the ideal location that combines relaxation and adventure.

Panama City

Day 7: Leave Colombia for Panama

In the morning, say goodbye to Colombia as you head to the airport for a flight bound for bustling Panama City. Upon arrival, you will be picked up by a prearranged, private shuttle service that will take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

Panama City combines the exuberance of Latin America with the confidence of a bustling cosmopolitan city. Dive into its cultural offerings, such as the buzzing nightlife and delectable gastronomic choices. If you are looking to simply relax, feel free to unwind in the comfort of your hotel room.

Panama City

Day 8: Cruise down the Panama Canal

Today, enjoy a 12-hour tour of Panama City, including a cruise along the entirety of the Panama Canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic Oceans.

Board a small vessel to travel through all three sets of locks that make up the canal, and sail on Gatun Lake and the Chagres River. The lake was formed by erecting the Gatun Dam across the Chagres River, an architectural wonder.

As you transit through Gatun Lake, you will pass the Smithsonian Research Station at Barro Colorado before experiencing the Gatun Locks, which are the only set of locks in the Atlantic sector. Learn about the history and construction of the canal from your guide while you travel. Lastly, disembark in Colon before boarding your shuttle for a return trip to Panama City.

Panama City

Day 9: San Blas Islands: welcome to paradise

Whether you want to escape the city life for a day or are short on time, a day trip to the San Blas Islands from Panama City lets you experience the highlights of San Blas while giving you an authentic experience of the Kuna lifestyle.

Explore uninhabited islands covered in palm trees and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Experience fascinating indigenous culture in a place that is still fairly new to tourism.

Here, there are plenty of optional activities to choose from, including snorkeling or scuba diving to discover what lies beneath the water and sunbathing on the beach.

Panama City

Day 10: Goodbye, Panama!

Sadly, your adventure through Colombia and Panama has come to an end. We hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that these two countries have to offer.

A transfer will take you to Panama City's international airport for your flight back home. Have a pleasant onward journey!