Magic of Medellín & Caribbean Charm

Highlights:

• Medellín – The city of eternal
  spring


• Guatapé – The city of colors
  and water panoramas


• Colonial city of Cartagena de
  Indias


• Islas del Rosario

Day 1 Arrival
to Medellín – Airport Pick Up

Welcome to Medellín. Upon arrival in Medellín in the afternoon or evening, we
will transfer to the walled city or Getsemaní, where we will stay (2 nights).
After a long flight, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize.

Day 2  Medellín

Today, we will spend the day in Medellín. We will visit the historic center and
the famous Comuna 13, once notorious due to Pablo Escobar. In the evening,
we’ll enjoy the atmosphere of El Pueblito Paisa, a typical Antioquian town.

After
breakfast, we’ll start our exploration of Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest
city, also known as the “city of eternal spring.” Twenty-five years ago,
Medellín was the center of Colombia’s drug cartel, led by the infamous Pablo
Escobar. Once the world’s most dangerous city, it is now a model city with one
of the lowest crime rates, earning it the title of the world’s most innovative
city. We will visit the historic center, starting with Plaza Botero, home to 23
sculptures by Fernando Botero. We’ll also see the Palace of Culture, Bolívar
Park, and the Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral, which was declared a national
monument of Colombia in 1982. We’ll head to Comuna 13, once considered one of
the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world, now transformed with escalators
and street art. In the evening, we’ll visit El Pueblito Paisa, a typical
Antioquian town, offering panoramic views of Medellín, surrounded by mountains.

Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 3  Medellín – Guatapé

Guatapé is a picturesque town in Colombia, about 80 kilometers east of
Medellín. Its main landmark is the massive rock formation known as El Peñón de
Guatapé, which you can climb via more than 700 steps to enjoy breathtaking
views of the surrounding landscape. In the town itself, you’ll discover
colorful houses adorned with decorative panels called zócalos and stroll along
the scenic lakeside of Guatapé. The area is also known as “Earthquake Lake,” as
a hydroelectric plant built here in the past caused tremors in the area.
Guatapé is a popular tourist destination for its natural beauty and cultural
richness.

We’ll climb
the 700 steps of El Peñón for a stunning view, take a boat trip on the
reservoir with views of El Peñón, and see the remains of Pablo Escobar’s burned
house.

Lunch.

Visit to the town of Guatapé.

Return to Medellín.

Day 4 Flight
to Cartagena

The morning will be free for personal activities or visiting local markets.
Later, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to the colonial city of
Cartagena de Indias, located on the Caribbean coast.

In the
morning, enjoy free time or a trip to local markets such as Plaza America or
Plaza Minorista to shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the
airport for our flight to Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean coast. Founded
in June 1533 and named after Cartagena in Spain, the city became one of the
most important ports in Spanish America. Due to its strategic location, the
city was frequently attacked by pirates, and it boasts one of the largest
fortification systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its historic center
and fortifications have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1984. We’ll stay
here for 3 nights.

Day 5
Cartagena historic center, Getsemaní

We will discover one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Caribbean,
exploring the San Pedro district with its well-preserved buildings and the
largest Spanish colonial fortress.

In the
morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore Cartagena. The city’s main attraction
is its fortifications, one of the largest in the Caribbean and Latin America,
along with its colonial architecture. We’ll visit the walled city, see Plaza
Bolívar, and explore the San Pedro district, where nobles and officials lived
during colonial times. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral, San Pedro
Claver Church and Monastery, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo
Domingo Church. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the San Felipe de Barajas
Fortress, named after King Philip IV of Spain, the most powerful and largest
fortress built by the Spanish in their colonies, complete with original
cannons, prison cells, and tunnels. We’ll also visit the monastery on Cerro de
la Popa, the highest point in the city.

Return to the hotel (group or individual).

Day 6 Islas
del Rosario

We will take a full-day trip to the Islas del Rosario archipelago, known for
its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. We’ll enjoy a boat ride between the
islands and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere.

Today, we
will spend the day on the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located about 35
kilometers south of Cartagena. The archipelago consists of 27 islands
surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. This area has been
designated as a national park. We’ll take a boat trip to one of the islands,
enjoy some relaxation time, and have lunch before returning to Cartagena in the
afternoon.

Day 7 Departure:
Transfer to your international flight or next destination

Today, we will fly from Cartagena to Medellín, where you will catch your
connecting international flight.

If your
international flight departs from a city other than Medellín, the flight can be
exchanged for one to Bogotá.

In case of
your departure from Cartagena, we can add an extra activity and transfer to the
airport, depending on the departure time.

Included:

• All domestic flights


• Cabin and checked luggage
  according to baggage rules


• Entry fees (except optional
  on-site admissions)


• All transportation during the
  tour except during free time


• 6 nights in 3* and 4* hotels


• 6 breakfasts


• 1 lunch on excursion to Islas
  del Rosario


• English speaking guide
  throughout the tour (except during free time)