Colombia’s Beating Heart: From Mountains to Caribbean Magic

Considered one of the most progressive and innovative cities in Latin America, Medellín has made a name for itself in the past decade. The city is located in a bowl within the Andes mountains, meaning that no matter where you are, you are guaranteed a stunning view of the mountains.

One of the biggest drivers of Medellín’s amazing turnaround — from the world’s most dangerous city's in the 1990s to the beautiful, cultural and artistic powerhouse it is today — is its public transport network. There is plenty of art and architecture, as well as innovation, to see in Medellín, and today we’ll set out to explore it the way the locals do.

This morning, you’ll take a guided tour of Comuna 13, arguably Colombia’s most fascinating neighborhood, and definitely the world’s poster child for urban regeneration (Medellín was voted the world’s most innovative city by the Urban Land Institute in 2008).

From a recent dark past of terrorism and drug cartels has emerged a vibrant artistic hotbed that’s so steep you’ll get around it on escalators! Metro rail and bus systems serve the middle of Medellín, and the poorer neighborhoods that climb the incredibly steep mountains surrounding it are connected to this network by cable cars. You’ll ride these today and check out the million-dollar views from the top!

After enjoying a local meal (lunch included) with your guide, you will continue learning about Colombia’s history.

Originally from Medellín, Pablo Escobar was the terror of Colombia and the wealthiest criminal in history. Today we’ll visit some of his haunts, as well as his grave, and learn about him personally, and how his impact on everyday Colombian life continues to this day.

This morning, you will check out of your hotel and transfer by car (about 90 minutes) to the lakeside town of Guatapé, one of the crown jewels of Colombia's Antioquia region.

Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation, and then it's off for a day of adventure!

You will take a speed boat to soak up the beauty of the lake — helicopters buzzing around overhead, jet-skiers flashing past, wide open water and sky, and the hidden coves where generational coffee farms rub shoulders with tech barons’ weekenders.

Following your boat trip, you'll head into the town of Guatapé, where you will learn about the town's history, including the conflict surrounding the construction of the dam that created the surrounding reservoir known as Guatapé Lake.

Next, you will visit the neighboring town of El Peñol, where you'll be treated to epic views of the region's most popular landmark: El Peñón de Guatapé (the Rock of Guatapé). Eventually, you'll reach the base of this dazzling granite monolith, which rises 646 feet (2,152 meters).

Climb the 740 steps to the summit, where you can admire 360-degree views of the towns, lake and sprawling green countryside below.

Today, you'll transfer from Medellín to the Colombia's Caribbean coast.

As you touch down in Cartagena, anticipate a noticeable change in temperature as you transition from the cool mountain spring climate to the warmth of the Caribbean.

Upon arrival in Cartagena, you'll be collected from the airport and whisked away to the Bodeguita pier, situated just outside the historic walled city, where you'll board the daily boat bound for Isla Baru (after a scrumptious lunch by the pier!).

After a 45-minute journey, you'll arrive at the sensational Las Islas Resort on Isla Baru, where you can pass the afternoon exploring the two islands (Isla and Isleta), sampling the bars and restaurants, lounging by the pools and beaches and taking advantage of the complimentary snorkeling gear, kayaks and paddleboards at your disposal throughout your stay.

The purpose of today is to enjoy the island to the fullest, and the options are close to endless.

You can snorkel right off the resort any time you like, but a trip to the Rosario Corals National Natural Park with an expert local guide takes only an hour and offers incredible coral spotting.

In the afternoon you can explore — by bike or on foot — life in the village with a local guide, or if you prefer, take a wooden canoe out in the mangroves for some bird watching. The choice is yours!

After dinner, it’s time for one of the most magical experiences in this magical place — experiencing the bioluminescence. You’ll spend an hour wandering the beach and observing the lights emitted by the plankton that inhabit the beaches and mangrove swamps. You can even swim among them!

Truly an experience to put you in the mood of magical realism that’s appropriate for the Colombian Caribbean.

This morning, you'll have some free time to enjoy the hotel. Mid-morning, you'll hop on the boat and transfer back to Cartagena, where you'll check into the the gorgeous Casa San Agustin.

Once settled, you'll meet your guide in the hotel lobby and go for a relaxing walking tour around Cartagena's Walled City and the bohemian Getsemani neighborhood, where you can snap photos of impressive street art.

In Cartagena's Walled City, bright colors and endless flowers abound. Highlights include Convento de la Popa, a convent founded in 1607, and San Pedro de Claver, a 15th-century church and convent. The latter was named after Saint Peter Claver, who lived in Cartagena and spent his life advocating for the rights and welfare of slaves.

In the evening, snag a table at Candé, which features a menu of Caribbean classics and fresh seafood accompanied by live music and dancing.