Colombia in 10 Days, 9 Nights in Destination
The perfect introduction to Colombia. Explore two of its key cities, both rich in history and culture, and end the trip on a tropical island for an ideal all-around getaway.
Overview
Immerse yourself in the culture and vibrant atmosphere of Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring. Continue by discovering the beautiful Cartagena de Indias, famed for its colonial buildings, squares and cobblestone streets. Then jet-off to the tropical Caribbean island of San Andres, where you can soak up the sun surrounded by nature.
Trip Highlights
- Cartagena de Indias
- Medellín
- San Andrés
Itinerary
It's time to say 'hola' to Colombia as you head to your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Medellin. Arrive in the hillside city and transfer to the hotel, catching sight of the captivating city skyline along the way. Overnight stay in Medellín.
*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.
Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know this colorful city today as you set off on a morning tour of Medellin. Begin taking a cable car to the neighborhood of La Sierra, an up-and-coming part of town where you can uncover the essence of modern Medellin in Comuna 13, with its vibrant street art and community atmosphere.
The remainder of the day is free to enjoy at your leisure to continue exploring this exciting city. Why not explore Colombia's rich artistic heritage at the Antioquia Museum. Overnight stay in Medellin.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day at your leisure in Medellin, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' because of its year-round warm tropical climate.
Why not wander around the tranquil Botanical Gardens or simply people-watch in one of the city's sunny plazas. To get a well-rounded experience, we recommend an excursion to Peñol and Guatapé*. Overnight stay in Medellin.
*Optional full-day excursion to Peñol and Guatapé: explore the quaint town of Peñol, known for its impressive, energy-producing reservoir. Discover the Piedra dell Peñol and climb 724 steps to reach the peak for unforgettable panoramic views! Enjoy lunch before visiting the town of Guatapé to appreciate its picturesque houses and take a leisurely boat trip on the reservoir.
Breakfast at the hotel. Ready for the next part of your adventure? Transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Cartagena de Indias! Experience the colorful Caribbean culture in this city that sits on the Caribbean coast, one of the main ports in Colombia.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and begin exploring this vibrant city. Overnight stay in Cartagena de Indias.
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your morning at leisure in this vibrant city. In the afternoon, you will take a panoramic tour of the main neighborhoods of the city: Bocagrande, Castillogrande and Manga until you reach and enter the Castillo de San Felipe where we will visit one of the most important military engineering constructions in colonial times.
Next, visit the emblematic Church of San Pedro Claver that dates back to the 1600s. End of the tour with a walk through the stunning colonial walled city where you can admire its beautiful squares, narrow streets and houses with their balconies magnificently decorated with flowers. Overnight stay in Cartagena.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have the day at your leisure*. It's a vibrant city with a plethora of quirky bars and eateries, colorful streets and leafy plazas, perfect for exploring! To get the most out of your experience, we recommend an optional tour of the stunning Rosario islands* in the middle of the turquoise Caribbean ocean. Overnight stay in Cartagena.
*Optional full-day Islas del Rosario tour (with lunch): self-transfer to the port to catch your speed boat over to the Rosario Islands National Park. On-route, appreciate the beautiful Bay of Cartagena and Boca Chica, where the San Fernando and San José forts are located. Arrive, enjoy the beach, soak in the sunshine, have a swim in the wonderful waters and then savor a typical lunch (included). Transfer back to Cartagena at the indicated time.
Breakfast at the hotel. Today it’s time to catch a flight over to the blissful island of San Andres, known for its coconut palms, white sand beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of your day at your leisure. Enjoy the all-inclusive resort and start discovering this tropical island. Overnight stay in San Andres.
All-inclusive at the hotel. After breakfast, experience a spectacular eco-tour onboard a catamaran that will border the mangroves of the Old Point National Park. A specialized local guide will show you the great variety of flora and fauna native to this area of the world.
At the end of the tour, enjoy some time to wonder at what is known as the ‘Sea of Seven Colors’, where you can pick out each of the different magical blue hues of the Caribbean sea. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight stay in San Andres.
All-inclusive at the hotel. Today is free for you to enjoy at your leisure. You can enjoy the full board at your hotel, have a lazy day on the island, and pick up some souvenirs while you immerse yourself in the local culture. We recommend an optional Aquarium and Johnny Cay visit* to discover more of the beautiful marine life. Overnight stay in San Andrés.
*Optional Aquarium and Johnny Cay shared excursion: begin with a visit to Haynes Cay and the natural Aquarium where you can appreciate the beauty of these small islands and see their marine life. Next, take a tour around the mangroves and the internal bay of San Andrés. Return to your hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, meet at the pier to venture over to Johnny Cay, enjoy some beach time, soak in the sea and sun. Finally, take an eco-walk through the island and observe the fascinating iguanas that inhabit the place, the main hosts of the natural park.
Breakfast* at the hotel. Sadly it's time to bid farewell to Colombia today. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your trip.
*Depending on the return flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.