Gourmet Tour of Colombia: Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena & Isla Barú - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá & Get Oriented

Welcome to Bogotá, the capital and largest city in Colombia. A melting pot of people from around the country, it is diverse and multicultural, with a blend of modern and colonial architecture. The predominant colors in Bogotá are the green of the city’s many parks and the eastern mountains overlooking the sanctuaries of Monserrate and Guadalupe, and the rich red of its many brick buildings. Visit the Gold Museum, which houses an important collection of pre-Hispanic objects, and take some time this afternoon to explore the city on foot. At night, enjoy a delicious dinner at El Chato, considered one of the best restaurants in Latin America. You'll quickly understand why Colombia has emerged as a popular destination for foodies!

Day 2: Sightsee in Bogotá

After breakfast, explore the Paloquemao Fruit Market and get to know the real Bogotá. Enjoy a tropical fruit tasting as part of the tour. Later, you’ll visit the Botero Museum and view one of Latin America's most important international art collections. Then continue to the neighborhood of Candelaria, home to some of Bogotá’s most famous universities and the city’s most popular walking streets. Pass by modern buildings, colorful murals, and colonial houses. You’ll see a variety of architectural styles as you come to Plaza Bolívar, the civic heart of the country. Here you’ll find the city’s expansive cathedral, the seats of local and federal governments, and the presidential palace, La Casa de Nariño. Finish your tour riding the cable car up to the famous viewpoint of Monserrate, offering some of the finest views of Bogotá́. At night, enjoy dining at the renowned restaurant Leo Cocina y Cava, which offers contemporary Colombian cuisine and a unique tasting menu. 

Day 3: Transfer to Medellín 

Catch a domestic flight to Medellín and start discovering one of the most progressive cities in Latin America! Medellín is located in a bowl in the Andes mountains, meaning that wherever you go in the city, you are practically guaranteed a view of mountains and stunning landscapes. The city remains deeply rooted in and proud of its rich culture. Thanks to visionary advancements in public transportation and education, modern infrastructure projects, and a growing technology scene, Medellín is thought to be one of Latin America's top cities to visit or live in. At night, enjoy dinner at the wonderful OCI.med, one of the best restaurants in Medellín.

Day 4: Take a City Tour of Medellín 

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the city's downtown. Explore the famous Botero Plaza with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo, once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts. In the Comuna 13 district, with its unique escalators, you'll observe another innovative project that improved the quality of life of the people of Medellín. At night, enjoy an experiential dinner at El Cielo restaurant, known for both avant-garde cuisine and traditional methods of Colombian cooking.

Day 5: Day-trip to a Coffee Farm 

Wake up this morning and embark on a  journey to explore the coffee culture of Colombia at a traditional coffee farm! Discover the home of a local farmer and his family who produce their own coffee and give travelers the opportunity to observe the whole coffee process, from plant to cup. Before lunch, you'll stroll through the coffee fields, learning more about the growing and collecting of coffee beans. After an al fresco lunch, you'll sip coffee and learn more about the typical daily life of Colombian coffee farmers.

Day 6: Visit Guatape & El Peñol

Today's excursion takes you to one of the crown jewels of Colombia's Antioquia region, the lakeside town of Guatapé. This private tour includes a guided walk through the village, a mini-history lesson, and a boat ride to explore and fully experience the lake. Your guide will then take you to El Peñol. Relax at the base of this natural granite landmark, or work up an appetite by climbing the 740 steps to admire the amazing view from the top. Halfway up, you'll see a shrine to the Virgin Mary. Return to the city later in the day. Tonight, have dinner at Carmen, one of the best restaurants in Colombia.

Day 7: Travel to Cartagena & Sunset Drinks at Café del Mar

Catch another flight to Cartagena de Indias and start enjoying your first evening in this magical city! With its spectacular sunsets, whimsical architecture, waterfront setting, and mouthwatering cuisine, it's the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience authentic Colombian culture. Take an afternoon stroll around the city to get your bearings and lose yourself in its historic streets. In the late afternoon, go for sunset drinks at Café del Mar on top of the old city walls. This popular bar has great sunset views and a wonderful atmosphere. Continue to Candé for dinner.

Day 8: Tour Cartagena 

Get to know Cartagena better today on a guided tour. Visit La Popa Monastery, where you can take in sweeping views of Cartagena de Indias. From there, you'll go to the fort of San Felipe de Barajas, grand evidence of the strength and power that the Spaniards once had in Latin America. Your next stop will be the Walled City, where you will see the Bóvedas, another example of military architecture. You'll continue the tour on foot, discovering the enchanting streets of Cartagena and its beautiful houses, squares, and churches. You will also visit the upcoming area of Getsemani and do a short street art tour. Dine at Alma this evening.

Day 9: Enjoy a Cooking Class & Rum Tasting

Attend a cooking class this morning inspired by the diversity of flavors from the Caribbean coast of Colombia and its many cultures. You'll have the chance to interact with a local chef and learn about the aromas, recipes, ingredients, and flavors behind delicious Colombian dishes. You'll assist the chef in preparing a three-course lunch, then sit down to enjoy it. Later, head to Getsemani to learn about Caribbean rum and Colombian chocolates. You'll sample both — smartly paired by an expert — during this lively afternoon activity. Finish your day with dinner at Mistura, a small restaurant with excellent fusion cuisine and live music.

Day 10: Boat to Isla Barú

Head to Náutico Pier in Manga to board a boat to the island of Isla Barú. It's time to relax! The island is known for its warm breezes, soft white sand beaches, lush tropical flora, and turquoise waters. Go snorkeling or swimming, relax by the hotel's freshwater pool, stroll on the beach, and stop into local restaurants and bars to sample fresh seafood and tropical cocktails.

Day 11: Relax on the Island 

On the last full day of the trip, your time is free to enjoy as you like! Try snorkeling or diving on an organized tour, go kayaking, or just chill out on the beach. Be sure not to miss the dazzling sunset! And savor, of course, one last Colombian meal before the trip comes to a close.

Day 12: Depart Colombia - End of Trip

It's time to say goodbye to Colombia! Head back to Cartagena and then to the airport to catch your flight out. Safe travels!