Colombian Adventure: From Medellín to Santa Marta

Welcome to Medellín!

Upon arrival at the airport, please proceed to clear immigration formalities, collect your luggage, clear customs, and exit to the arrival hall. Your guide will be waiting for you outside with a sign displaying your name. After a 45-minute transfer (under normal traffic conditions), you will arrive at your hotel.

Walking tour in El Poblado and Tejo:

To acquaint yourself with the city, we invite you to embark on a 3-hour walking tour of the "El Poblado" neighborhood with your local guide. El Poblado is the city's most modern neighborhood, showcasing its significant growth in recent years.

At the conclusion of the tour, you will head to a "tejo" field. This traditional pre-Hispanic game involves hitting a metal ring, known as “bocin,” with the “tejo” from a distance of approximately 22 meters. The excitement of the game is heightened by small triangular paper packets called “mechas,” filled with gunpowder.

Medellín, famously known as the "City of Eternal Spring," has transformed into the most innovative city in Latin America. While its recent history was marked by the presence of Pablo Escobar and violent gang conflicts, the past two decades have witnessed remarkable changes. Through an innovative development program, Medellín has evolved from being the world's most dangerous city to a shining example of urban revitalization.

Today, you'll have the opportunity to explore Botero Plaza, home to an impressive exhibition of sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Botero's distinctive artworks have become iconic symbols of the city's cultural identity.

In the afternoon, venture up the Metro Cable to Comuna 13, once notorious for gang violence. The construction of the cable car aimed to integrate residents from the outskirts with the Medellín metro system, providing insight into the lives of the district's inhabitants. As you ride the cable car and observe the unique Electric Escalators, you'll witness another innovative project that has significantly improved the quality of life for Medellín's residents. The vibrant graffiti adorning the walls tells the stories of the community, offering a glimpse into their resilience and spirit.

Your driver will be waiting to pick you up at your hotel for a 15-minute transfer to the airport (under normal traffic conditions), ensuring you arrive on time to check in for your domestic flight.

For your arrival in Armenia, you will be greeted with a meet and greet service.

Pijao, nestled amidst the majestic Andes mountain range, holds within its embrace the enchanting stories of its inhabitants. Embark on a tour of Pijao guided by a local, where you'll have the chance to meet extraordinary individuals like Don Leo. Don Leo, a humble coffee farmer, will graciously accompany you on a tour of his farm, regaling you with tales of his life and the origins of the coffee he cultivates.

The charming houses of Pijao are an integral part of the journey, each concealing delightful gardens adorned with vibrant hydrangeas, anthuriums, roses, and Saint Joachim. Step inside one of these local homes and engage in a delightful conversation with the owner, savoring a hot beverage crafted from aromatic plants harvested from the garden.

In Pijao, you'll come to understand how coffee serves as the lifeblood of this Colombian region, woven into the very fabric of daily existence for its people. After immersing yourself in the warmth of community, surrender to the gentle embrace of the wind as you soar above the verdant coffee plantations of Pijao.

Welcome to Hacienda Bambusa, a stunning bamboo house nestled amidst lush plantain and cocoa plantations, offering a serene retreat in the heart of the Colombian Coffee Region.

Embark on an exploration of this picturesque property as you hike alongside our expert guide, meandering through the expansive cocoa plantation. Visit the nursery, where the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red cocoa trees will captivate your senses. Learn about the meticulous fermentation and drying process, still meticulously performed by hand, which transforms cocoa beans into chocolate ready for export.

Surrounding Hacienda Bambusa, you'll discover banana plantations and enchanting bamboo forests, inviting you to wander beneath their canopy and unwind amidst nature's embrace.

Embrace the spirit of the region as you saddle up and embark on a horseback ride through a nearby nature reserve. Traverse verdant landscapes, passing through forests reforested with native tree species, pineapple crops, and babbling streams. Along the way, encounter cattle and majestic buffaloes, enjoying moments of laughter amidst serene vistas and winding paths enveloped by lush foliage. Conclude your adventure with a rustic al fresco lunch.

Round-trip transfers to Hacienda Bambusa are included (approximately 25 minutes each way).

Your Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting at your hotel to escort you on a 2-hour journey to the airport.

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias! Upon arrival at the airport, collect your luggage and proceed to the arrival hall. Your guide will be awaiting your arrival, holding a sign bearing your name. Enjoy a brief 15-minute transfer to your hotel (under normal traffic conditions).

Embark on a journey to discover one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city: Getsemaní. This vibrant district holds a rich history, as it was the birthplace of the independence revolution that transformed Cartagena into the first free city of Gran Colombia. During this 3-hour tour, your guide will unravel the secrets of how Getsemaní evolved into one of the "coolest neighborhoods in the world."

What makes this tour truly special is the opportunity to connect with the locals. Meet Luis, a community leader, who will welcome you into his home and provide insights into their culture. Explore Getsemaní alongside different Cartageneros, discovering the unique work they do within their homes.

This tour is perfect for your arrival day, offering a chance to acquaint yourself with Cartagena's historic center within the protective walls that once shielded the city from pirate invasions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the colorful streets and colonial architecture will enchant you. Visit iconic landmarks such as the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), Bolívar Park, San Pedro Claver Square, Fernandez Madrid Square, and the Santo Domingo and San Diego areas. Your guide will regale you with tales of Cartagena's founding, peppered with legends, pirates, and fascinating anecdotes at every turn.

After the tour, unwind and savor a drink at Cafe del Mar restaurant as you watch the sunset. Perched on the Bastion of Santo Domingo, this bar offers spectacular views of the Caribbean and features live music.

Throughout the approximately 3-hour tour, your guide will be attentive to your interests, knowledge, and questions, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience for all.

Cartagena - Transfer to Cartagena - Santa Marta

The "Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta" stands as one of Colombia's last bastions where indigenous communities thrive, and Katanzama is a living testament to this heritage.

After a brief drive, a hike leads us to the heart of the Katanzama community. Here, we are welcomed by the indigenous Arhuacos, offering us a glimpse into their daily lives. We explore their homes and communal spaces, gaining insight into their cooking methods and cultural traditions. Venturing into their plantations, we learn about their crops and agricultural practices, all while having the chance to engage in dialogue and ask questions. It's important to note that the Arhuacos may initially be reserved, so our aim is to foster trust and connection.

Continuing our visit, we're treated to breathtaking views of the sea as we enjoy a delightful picnic, where we also have the opportunity to learn the art of traditional backpack weaving.

As part of our commitment to support the community, voluntary donations such as school kits, toiletries, and work tools like shovels, axes, or machetes are welcomed.

In the afternoon, we embark on a hike along the Don Dieguito path, followed by the exhilarating experience of tubing down the Rio Don Diego, a journey that takes approximately 90 minutes from start to sea. Afterwards, we return by boat to retrieve our vehicle and head back to the hotel, reflecting on the enriching encounters and experiences of the day.

Located along the coastal road that connects the departments of Magdalena and Guajira, the village of Guachaca is renowned for its river and beach, boasting a rich natural diversity thanks to its proximity to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Our journey begins from the hotel as we head towards the Guachaca River, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Embarking on a trekking adventure, we traverse a 3-kilometer trail to reach the Danta waterfall, named after the majestic animal that once roamed these lands. Along the way, we are serenaded by the symphony of nature, passing by lush banana plantations and crossing babbling streams until we reach our destination. Here, we're rewarded with breathtaking views and the opportunity to take a refreshing swim beneath the cascading waters of the waterfall. We indulge in a moment of relaxation, enjoying local fruits and snacks before retracing our steps back to the starting point for our return journey to the hotel.

Duration: 5 hours

Your Spanish-speaking driver will be waiting at your hotel to escort you on a 1-hour transfer to the airport.

We're eagerly anticipating your return here. Safe travels!