Treat the whole family to a taste of Colombia on this fun-filled 10-day itinerary. Enjoy a mix of city and nature as you make your way from vibrant Medellín to Cartagena and the Caribbean coast, taking your time and exploring at a leisurely pace perfect for kids. While there's plenty of adventure to be had on kayaking trips, drumming workshops, and street food tours, you'll also have ample downtime for quieter pursuits like gentle river tubing and wildlife spotting in Tayrona National Park.

Highlights

  • Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Medellín by bicycle
  • Immerse your family into the Cartagena food scene
  • Spot monkeys and iguanas while hiking in Tayrona National Park
  • Participate in traditional fishing practices in La Boquilla

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Medellín Medellín
Day 2 Bicycle Experience & Discover the Iconic Comuna 13 Medellín
Day 3 Day Trip to Guatapé  Medellín
Day 4 Fly to Tayrona National Park, Taironaka & River Tubing Tayrona National Park
Day 5 Hiking in Tayrona National Park Tayrona National Park
Day 6 Day Trip to Minca Tayrona National Park
Day 7 Transfer to Cartagena, Family Street Food Tour Cartagena
Day 8 Discover Cartagena by Kayak, Free Afternoon Cartagena
Day 9 Fishing Experience in La Boquilla & Drum Safari Cartagena
Day 10 Depart Cartagena  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Medellín

Views over Medellín
Welcome to Medellín! Upon arrival, a private transfer will be waiting to take you to your hotel, with your guide sharing recommendations customized to your family's ages and interests along the way. Once one of the most notorious cities in the world, Medellín is now known for its can-do spirit, transformative infrastructure, and pleasant climate that gives it its nickname, the "City of Eternal Spring." After settling in, head out into the city for your first meal of tasty local food, such as Medellín's own bandeja paisa (a hearty meal with beans, sausages, eggs, and more) or mondongo stew.

Day 2: Bicycle Experience & Discover the Iconic Comuna 13

Get to know the vibrant Comuna 13 neighborhood

Let the kids burn off some energy as you get to know Medellín by bicycle today. This guided tour covers approximately 12 miles (9 km), but even younger ages should be able to manage the flat route and gentle pace. Along the way, you can explore the city's iconic sites like Parque de los Pies Descalzos ("Barefoot Park"), Plaza Mayor, and the neighborhoods of Ciudad del Río and El Poblado.

In the afternoon, discover one of the most transformative communities in Colombia: Comuna 13. Led by local street artists, enjoy a historical, aesthetic, and political experience that is designed to move and inspire hope in the community. This part of the day is perfect for older children and teens who will gain an understanding and appreciation for communities trying to better themselves and their future generations—though all ages are sure to love the colorful graffiti murals and hip-hop-inspired artwork along the way. 

End the day with a ride up the famous Metrocable gondola, which whisks you through Medellín's steep mountainsides to panoramic views over the city. At the top of Nutibara Hill, stop for a bit to explore the fun Pueblito Paisa (a replica of a typical Antioquia village). If the little ones still have some energy, tick off a few more of Medellín's attractions afterward, including the marvelous Botero Square, where 23 outdoor bronze sculptures by Colombian Master Fernando Botero are exhibited, and the Antioquia Museum.

Day 3: Day Trip to Guatapé 

Colorful Colombia: Guatapé Rock, Guatapé & Peñol-Guatape Reservoir
Candy-colored streets in Guatapé
Plan your trip to Colombia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.

Experience a peaceful break from the big city today in Guatapé. A two-hour transfer takes you east of Medellín, where all ages can don their most comfortable walking shoes and get ready to climb the Rock of Guatapé. This gigantic granite monolith was formed millions of years ago, and today 740 steps take you to its summit, where you'll get a panoramic view of the beautiful Guatapé-Peñol Reservoir and the fingers of the lake sprawling across the mountainous landscape.

Next, you will be transported to the town of Guatapé proper, known for the fresco-like adornment of its traditional houses with brightly painted bas-relief depictions of people, animals, and shapes. Walk through the streets, where your specialized guide will inform you about the history of typical houses, zocalos (city squares), and this unique culture. After all that climbing, kids will be ready to sit down to a typical Colombian lunch on the waterfront. If there's still energy to burn, opt for a fun boat ride around the lake before heading back to Medellín later in the afternoon. 

Day 4: Fly to Tayrona National Park, Taironaka & River Tubing

Howler monkey in Tayrona National Park

You're on the move again today as you catch a domestic flight to Santa Maria en route to Tayrona National Park. This is an enchanting slice of Colombia's Caribbean coast, with stunning stretches of golden sandy beach backed by coconut palms and thick rainforest. Expect to see views of the snowcapped Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range.

After dropping your luggage at the hotel, throw on your bathing suits and take a relaxing inner tube ride along the lazy Río Don Diego. Kids are sure to love the experience of floating in a rainforest as they listen for howler monkeys and keep an eye out for a variety of birds and butterflies. Stop for a short walk along a trail and check out Taironaka, where you'll see the terraces where the Indigenous Tayrona people built their homes. The river ends at a beautiful white-sand beach on the Caribbean Sea, where the whole family can relax on the sand, cool off in the water, and enjoy the views.

Day 5: Hiking in Tayrona National Park

Hiking in the Tayrona National Park
Spend the day exploring the wonders of Tayrona

Today you'll venture into the remarkable ecosystem of Tayrona National Park. Home to both natural and archaeological wonders, this protected reserve includes mangrove swamps, cloud forests, and thorny scrubland—as well as rich marine life like corals and algae prairies. The park is a haven for the over 100 species of mammals that call it home, including howler monkeys, pumas, deer, and several types of bats. 

Perfect for active and adventurous kids, today's guided all-day hike takes you through the park's ever-changing landscapes to reach Cabo San Juan for a swim and a picnic lunch on the beach. Along the way, task the little ones with spotting some of the over 300 bird species that live here—if they're lucky, they might even catch a glimpse of a rare Andean condor.  

Day 6: Day Trip to Minca

Learn where chocolate comes from on today's day trip to Minca

Embark on a day of memorable ecotourism experiences in Minca, a cool and quiet mountain village located just inland from Santa Marta. Start with a visit to a lush working coffee farm, where you'll learn all about the growing and harvesting process. Kids will love helping to pick the bright red fruit, while parents can refuel with a cup or two of delicious organic coffee.

Then it's on to the natural swimming hole of Pozo Azul, where the adventurous can cool off with a dip amid the tranquil cloud forest setting. Later on, you'll learn about bamboo, an essential part of the construction in this region, and then finish the day on a high note as you discover the process of chocolate making, following the journey from cacao pod to sweet treats.

Day 7: Transfer to Cartagena, Family Street Food Tour

Street Food Tour
Colorful Cartagena
It's time to pack up and hit the road today as your driver takes you on a scenic 4.5-hour hour drive down the coast to Cartagena. This colonial fortress city on the Caribbean is rich in culture, architecture, romance, and even pirate history. After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, get your bearings with a three-hour street food tour. With distinctive Caribean flavors and lots of fresh fruit on the menu, even the youngest and pickiest of eaters will find something to love along the way.

Day 8: Discover Cartagena by Kayak, Free Afternoon

Discover Cartagena by Kayak
See Cartagena by kayak on today's tour

Experience Cartagena from the water today, seeing the coastal city from a different vantage point. Once the kids are kitted out in their safety gear, cast off and paddle along the placid Caribbean waters. Kids can play a game of spotting the city's iconic landmarks, like the 17th-century Clock Tower, the giant flying horses of Sibarita del Mar, the Virgin of the Bay statue, and the vast Roman Bridge. Continue along the ancient city walls, witness to hundreds of years of swashbuckling history, and continue into San Lazaro Lagoon, home to dense mangroves and islands teeming with fascinating and colorful birdlife. 

Back on dry land, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free to spend as you please. Grab your towels and sunhats and head to the beach, or cool off indoors as you explore some of the city's many museums. Imaginative kids will love discovering the ramparts and passageways of the Castillo San Felipe, built to defend the city against pirate attacks, while youngsters with a sweet tooth shouldn't miss a visit to Plaza de los Dulces (Candy Hall), where you can find colorful food stands laden with traditional sweets.

Day 9: Fishing Experience in La Boquilla & Drum Safari

Kids can let loose on the drums with today's Afro-Colombian music workshop

Experience local life and learn more about Colombia's coastal communities today with a visit to La Boquilla. Located just north of Cartagena, this small fishing village is home to many families of African origin who still use traditional fishing methods in the surrounding lagoons. Kids will enjoy heading out in handmade canoes with your guide to spend a couple of hours fishing for shrimp and crawfish. They'll learn how to use the fishing line, throw the net, and set the traps—and can even bring their catch back to a local's house afterward to cook and sit down to lunch together. 

After lunch, another hands-on experience introduces the whole family to the energetic beats of Afro-Colombian music. Learn about the traditional rhythms of Colombia's Caribbean coast and the instruments used to create them. After a short introduction, the budding musicians in your family will be learning basic rhythms on the drums and joining in the raucous fun. If you can tear the kids away, head back to Cartagena in time for one of its famous sunsets and spend your final evening in Colombia at your leisure. 

Day 10: Depart Cartagena

Adios Cartagena!

It's time to say goodbye to Colombia! Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and depending on the time of your departure flight, take a final stroll around the city to pick up some souvenirs. When the time comes, a private transfer will take you to Rafael Núñez International Airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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Map

Map of Nature & Family Time in Colombia: Medellín, Tayrona National Park & Cartagena - 10 Days
Map of Nature & Family Time in Colombia: Medellín, Tayrona National Park & Cartagena - 10 Days