Colombia: Bogota to Medellín

Hola! Welcome to Bogota. This vibrant city has moved beyond its chequered past, and today offers a combination of bohemian cool, colourful graffiti and big city swagger. The city’s openly lesbian mayor is a sign of just how progressive this Latin American capital has become. We start our tour with a welcome meeting at 5pm, followed by our official Welcome Dinner.

Today we explore Bogotá and its Candelaria district and its colourful graffitied walls. First, we make a stop that will literally take your breath away—we’ll take a cable car to the top of Monserrat Mountain, at 3,050m/10,000ft you can see the whole city unfold before you. After taking the cable car back down, we’ll walk through the city center to explore La Candelaria, Colombia’s oldest neighborhood. This historic neighbourhood is also home to a university district full of cobblestoned streets and centuries-old houses. No visit would be complete without a stop at the spectacular Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), featuring the world´s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold and other metals. After working up an appetite, we’ll stop for a local lunch before heading back to our hotel. This evening, dinner is optional, and you also have the option to join our night-out excursion to explore the city’s vibrant gay scene including Theatron, a massive gay club with 13 separate dance floors.

After a leisurely breakfast we are off to Cartagena via a short flight, make sure to grab a quick snack or lunch while we’re at the airport. The historic walled city of Cartagena has a laid-back Caribbean vibe, and is undoubtedly one of the jewels of Latin America. Upon arrival we will walk through the narrow cobblestone streets for a short guided city tour then grab a cocktail on the old city wall while watching the sunset. Later in the evening you are free to take in the romantic and charming vibe on your own or join the group for an optional dinner.

Grab your sunscreen and cutest bathing suit – this morning we take a speedboat to the nearby Rosario Islands for our private snorkeling tour. The collection of 27 islands are protected national park and famous for their calm, teal waters with vibrant coral systems below the surface. We’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch on one of these small islands before heading back to the city. Later this evening you can join our optional cooking class. On this mouthwatering activity we’ll learn the secrets to Colombia’s unsung cuisine from a local chef. Then we’ll get to devour our own creations for dinner.

Yet another beautiful day to enjoy this colonial coastal gem, que rico! Lounge by the hotel pool, get lost in the city’s winding cobblestone streets or head out to explore the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress dating back to 1536. Tonight we gather for an included dinner where we’ll get a taste of the city’s world-class seafood.

Hola! Welcome to Medellín, aka The City of Eternal Spring. This verdant and mountainous city was once deemed the most notorious in Colombia. However, over the past few decades it has blossomed into a safe and innovative South American destination. Our day will begin with a short flight from Cartagena to Medellín. Upon arrival we’ll unpack in our luxe hotel then head out for a short walk to explore the chic neighbourhood of El Poblado. Later this afternoon you have the option of taking a private salsa dancing class with a local gay instructor. This evening we regroup for a delectable Paisa dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Early this morning we head off to Guatapé and Peñon, about a 2.5 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions. Our first stop will be the Peñon Boulder, one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellín. The 200-meter-high monolith can be climbed with a staircase of 740 steps. From the top we’ll enjoy breathtaking views over the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes. From there we head to an upscale glamping site to enjoy a delicious lunch alongside the lakes.  After lunch we’ll cruise on a motorboat for an hour to see the beautiful islands and the impressive country homes that line their coasts. Back on land, explore the pretty, cobblestoned streets and alleyways of Guatapé. Learn a bit about its history, reconstruction, its zocalo friezes, or visit some of the shops along the way. Finally we head back to Medellín where you can join the group for an optional dinner, and perhaps check out El Poblado’s buzzing gay nightlife.

After a leisurely breakfast we’ll enjoy a private city tour to learn more about the fascinating history of Medellín. The tour begins at the civic centre before winding through Parque de las Luces, Berrio and Botero. After a traditional lunch we’ll get to know Medellin’s journey from dystopia to utopia as we tour the infamous Comuna 13—the most dangerous barrio in what was then the most dangerous city in the world. There you’ll interact with the community, learn how community members used graffiti to tell their stories, and witness firsthand how public projects like the mountainside escalators helped transform the neighbourhood. To wrap up our unforgettable trip we’ve been invited to a secret dinner with the city’s LGBTQ+ movers and shakers—complete with a private chef!

Ciao for now! Today is the final day of our tour and we wish everyone safe travels home. Muchas gracias for joining us in Colombia.