Colombia in Style

Day 1 — Tuesday, February 16: Arrival in Cartagena

Upon arrival in Cartagena, participants will take a self-transfer by taxi to the hotel in the historic center. At Rafael Núñez Airport, follow the signs to the official taxi area or kiosk, where you can request a taxi to Centro Histórico / Walled City and receive a fixed fare before departure. The ride to the hotel usually takes about 10–20 minutes, depending on traffic, and participants should expect to pay roughly $6–10.

You will stay at NH Cartagena Urban Royal, a stylish hotel located in the heart of the walled city on Plaza de los Coches, just steps from the Clock Tower and close to restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. The hotel features modern rooms and a rooftop pool with panoramic views of Cartagena and the Caribbean coastline. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through the historic center, followed by dinner in the city’s atmospheric old town.

Day 2 — Wednesday, February 17: Cartagena’s Color and History

Start the morning with an early walk through Getsemaní, when the streets are still quiet, and the colorful facades, murals, and hanging decorations are at their best for photos. This is the perfect time to experience the neighborhood’s local atmosphere before the crowds arrive, and it’s also a great moment for Instagram-worthy shots with a dedicated photographer if desired.

Afterward, visit a city park area where you may spot sloths and monkeys in a more natural setting, then enjoy breakfast either at a local restaurant or with classic street-style favorites such as arepas, almojábanas, fresh fruit, and tropical juices.

The late morning and early afternoon are free for relaxation — enjoy the hotel rooftop pool, browse for souvenirs, or explore emerald shopping, since Colombia is one of the world’s famous sources of emeralds. In the late afternoon, visit San Felipe de Barajas Fort, one of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, where you can explore its tunnels, walk the ramparts, and take in one of the best sunset views over the walled city.

End the day with an evening walk through Getsemaní, which feels completely different after dark — lively, colorful, and full of energy — followed by dinner in the neighborhood.

Day 3 — Thursday, February 18: Rosario Islands by Private Boat

We will spend the entire day exploring the Rosario Islands aboard a private boat, sailing between coral‑fringed islands, sandy beaches, and protected coves. We will make several stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach, with time to soak up the Caribbean sun and capture photos of the turquoise water and coastlines.

From the snorkeling side, we will experience warm, clear water with good visibility over the reefs, especially in the morning and early afternoon. We will see colorful fish, corals, and possibly sea fans or rays.

In the late afternoon, we will return to Cartagena’s walled city for a relaxed evening walk through the historic streets, forts, and cafés before dinner in the old town.

Day 4 — Friday, February 19: Cartagena → Medellín

We will check out from the hotel in the morning, then head to Rafael Núñez Airport by self-transfer. Participants can take a regular taxi, Uber, or Didi from the hotel; the ride usually takes about 10–20 minutes and costs roughly $10. From there, we will fly to Medellín.

All participants must book their flight to Medellin (Avianca AV 9717  — CTG-MDE Departs 10.45 AM)

Upon arrival in Medellín, a private transfer is included to take us to our hotel. In the afternoon, we will have an optional visit to El Castillo Museum and Gardens, a beautifully preserved late‑19th‑century mansion surrounded by lush gardens and a small lake. The castle houses a fine‑art collection and changing exhibitions, creating a peaceful, romantic retreat with panoramic views over the city. To reach El Castillo, we will need to take a taxi each way (approximately $6–8).

In the evening, we will enjoy a relaxed walk through Poblado (Provenza), one of Medellín’s trendiest neighborhoods, with its stylish cafés, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife. The day will end with a delicious dinner in Poblado.

Day 5 — Saturday, February 20: Comuna 13, Plaza Botero & Jardín Botánico

After breakfast, we will board our van and head to Comuna 13, one of Medellín’s most transformed neighborhoods. Comuna 13 has a powerful story of violence, resilience, and renewal, and today it is a global street‑art landmark. We will walk through the area, climbing stairs and using the colorful outdoor elevators that slice up the hillside, while enjoying vibrant murals, graffiti, and local life all around us.

Next, we will return to the van and drive to Plaza Botero in the heart of the city center. The plaza is a lively open-air square surrounded by the Museo de Antioquia and the Rafael Uribe Uribe Palace of Culture, with 23 large bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero on permanent display. It’s a perfect place to relax, photograph the famous “Botero-style” figures, and soak up the city’s creative energy.

From there, we will continue to the Jardín Botánico de Medellín, a 14‑hectare botanical garden and ecological park that feels like an urban oasis filled with flowers, trees, and serene walking paths. Inside the gardens, we will have our lunch together as a group at one of the on‑site restaurants.

In the late afternoon, we will return to the hotel, where we can relax in the rooftop whirlpool pool and enjoy the city views. The day will end with a delicious dinner in Medellín.

Day 6 — Sunday, February 21: Departure

Participants will check out from the hotel on their own and arrange a self‑transfer to the airport via Uber, Didi, or taxi. The ride typically takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. This marks the end of the tour, with participants free to continue onward or begin their journey home.