Colombia in a Nutshell | Medellin to Cartagena

Itinerary at a Glance

DAY 1: Arrive in Medellin

Upon arrival, clear Immigration and Customs. Your private driver and English-speaking Almaz Journeys guide will greet you as you exit baggage claim, for your private transfer to your hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the evening at leisure to settle in.

DAY 2: Medellin

After breakfast, a guided visit Comuna 13, formerly the city’s most dangerous neighborhood. Projects such as the cable car system and the use of street art have helped revitalize this neighborhood. Visit an artist’s collective and explore Medellin’s downtown, including the Antioquia Museum, which has an exhibition by the famous Colombian artist, Fernando Botero, and the Casa de la Memoria, a somber but fascinating museum. 

DAY 3: Medellin

In the morning, travel to the small village of Santa Elena, located less than an hour outside of Medellin in the mountains of Antioquia and home to traditional flower farmers. You’ll visit an organic flower farm, where you meet a traditional silletero and learn how the flower arrangements are made. 

DAY 4: Medellin – Marinilla

En route to Marinilla, you’ll stop at the small town of Carmen de Viboral, known for its local traditions of pottery making and ceramic art. The buildings, monuments, and streetlights are adorned with unique ceramic pieces. Enjoy a short walking tour of the town before visiting an art studio where you can make your own piece of art. 

DAY 5: Marinilla

The day is yours to enjoy the amenities offered by Cannua Eco Lodge. Your stay here includes breakfast daily, a permaculture tour, and a guided hike. Optional tours that are available (for an extra cost) include:

• • Rum, chocolate, and/or coffee tastings 
  • Bird watching with an expert guide
  • Cheese-making with local farmers

DAY 6: Marinilla – Cartagena

After breakfast, enjoy a horseback ride or a hike around Cannua’s 360 acres, or visit the nearby 19th century village of Fredonia, one of the birthplaces of coffee in Colombia. Transfer to Medellin airport for your flight onward to Cartagena. 

DAY 7: Cartagena

After breakfast, meet your guide for a walking tour of the walled city center of Cartagena where you’ll see Moorish, colonial, military, Arabic, Spanish and North American influences in the city’s monuments, buildings, and churches. Before dinner, enjoy a tasting of top quality Caribbean rums.

DAY 8: Cartagena

Explore Cartagena on your own. Optional activities available (at an extra cost) include:

• • Special access to top designers’ shops in Cartagena
  • Discover Cartagena’s culinary side with tasting menus of typical dishes
  • Learn about the unique paso horses and go for a ride along the beach

DAY 9: Cartagena

Private transfer to the airport for your journey onward.

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