Colombia in a Nutshell
8 Nights | Medellin to Cartagena
This 8-Night Colombia in a Nutshell private tour from Almaz Journeys journeys from Medellin to Cartagena and blends outstanding natural beauty with fascinating history and colorful culture.
Colombia is the perfect year-round destination for travel that combines relaxation with some exceptional experiences that are truly unique.
Almaz Travel specializes in private, customized journeys to Latin America destinations. They work closely with guests to create a tailored itinerary that incorporates both personal interests and travel styles.
Trip Highlights
Tour an organic flower farm in the village of Santa Elena and meet a traditional silletero.
Visit an artists studio in Carmen de Viboral, known for its pottery and ceramic art and try your hand at pottery making.
Enjoy a permaculture tour and guided hike in Marinilla.
Learn about the history and architecture of Cartagena on a guided walking tour of the walled city center.
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.
.
Accommodations
Click Clack Hotel | Medellin
Conveniently located in the El Poblado district, home to Medellin’s best restaurants, bars and shops. The hotel offers spacious rooms, some with river views, an on-site restaurant featuring local specialties, rooftop bar, and outdoor swimming pool.
Cannua Eco Retreat | Marinilla
Located in the ancient hilltops of the Antioquian Forest, Cannúa Lodge is an eco-luxury resort overlooking the biodiverse Valle de San Nicolás featuring spacious rooms with spectacular views, onsite spa and farm-to-table restaurant.
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa | Cartagena
All the historical beauty of Cartagena is in view from the hotel located in the cloister, colonial legacy of the original convent of Santa Teresa. Enjoy luxury accommodations, fine dining, and 360 degree views from the rooftop pool.
Dates and Pricing
Deluxe Itinerary | From $2650 per person
Premium Itinerary | From $3400 per person
(Private Journey Pricing – 2 or 4 guests traveling together)
Prices are per person in US dollars and do not include international or regional airfare to and from destination cities. Lunches, dinners, and gratuities are not included.
Contact us for complete details.
Inclusions
- Deluxe accommodations for 8 nights
- Private airport transfers
- English-speaking private guides and drivers
- Entrance fees for included sightseeing and tours
- Advance personalized itinerary and restaurant reservations
- 24/7 local emergency support
- Breakfast daily
About Almaz Journeys
Almaz Journeys specializes in luxury travel experiences across Latin America and offers tailor-made private journeys. Everyone on the Almaz team has a personal connection with Latin America and is dedicated to creating unique experiences, including everything from food and wine to art, music, architecture, nature and history.
Almaz only offers private, customized journeys and they work closely with their guests to create a tailored itinerary that incorporates both personal interests and travel styles. Dedicated guides and drivers are experienced, professional, and well briefed about each guest to ensure the most amazing and authentic Latin America experience possible.
Contact us to learn more about private, customized tours with Almaz Journeys.