Medellín: Colombia's City of Eternal Spring

Welcome to the city of friendly locals and eternal springtime! Upon arrival at José María Córdova International Airport, your local guide will be waiting to transport you to your accommodations. Get settled into your new home for the week and then head out for a walking tour of the city where you will learn about the history and urban legends of Medellín. Forget what you learned from watching “Narcos” and get ready for the real deal straight from a local’s perspective. 

Wake up to a delicious breakfast and freshly-prepared Colombian coffee before heading out for the day for a tour of what was once the no-go zone of Medellín. Learn the history of the district that was once most violent one in Medellín, where murder, drugs, and other violent crime were rampant in the neighborhood known as Communa 13. Not only will you learn the rocky history of the city that underwent a miraculous transformation; but feel the stories come to life through the abundance of street art and graffiti that make Communa 13 famous today and get ready for some photo ops! 

After coffee and breakfast, take the metro cable car up the mountain to Parque Arví where you will spend the day in the massive 16,000-hectare park high up in the mountains. Enjoy the views on the way up the metro cable car before reaching the park where activities will be plentiful. Ready to explore some of the most diverse fauna and flora? Go on a guided tour of one of the many hiking trails that make up the park. After exploring, take a break to grab a tasty bite at Mercado Arví where farmers and inhabitants of the area sell local delicacies and other unique handicrafts. 

Day 4: Guatapé

Rise early and get ready for a day trip to the brightly colored town of Guatapé! Once a no-go area of Antioquia for tourists, learn the impressive history of this town that carved a name for itself in the tourism industry through its unique and creative Zocalos, tastefully themed paintings on each home that tell unique stories. Lose yourself in the stories of The Plazoleta de los Zocalos, stopping along the way for some out of this world Colombian coffee. 

Had enough of the Zocalos? Head to the star attraction of Guatapé, La Piedra or “The Rock!” Brace yourself for a 740-step climb to the top of La Piedra where you will be rewarded with the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and countryside! You definitely won’t want to forget your camera for this trip. 

Whether you’re a coffee drinker or not, you will never look at coffee the same again after this fun-filled day we have planned for you touring a coffee farm in the region of Antioquia! Enjoy a once in a lifetime experience in nature learning about coffee production from the seed to the cup while picking coffee beans and of course, drinking delicious Colombian coffee if you wish!  

Wake early for breakfast and today’s journey to the spectacular town of Salento! Get ready to explore the home of Colombia’s national tree and the tallest wax palm trees in the world as you galavant on horseback around the incredible Valle de Cocora. For sunset, head over to Mirador for a quick climb to enjoy the breathtaking views over the valley of Salento.

Rise early for one last breakfast and a quick trip to Parque Lleras in El Poblado for any last minute shopping or coffee tasting before being transported to the airport by your local guide. Need to stock up on coffee? Head over to one of the plethoras of local cafes in Parque Lleras that sell their own local grown specialties!