Colombia Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Colombia

Afternoon

  • Arrive at José María Córdova Medellin International Airport (MDE) by 3:00 pm., where your Trip Leader will greet you.
  • Take private transportation from the airport to your boutique hotel located in the heart of Medellin, Colombia. 
  • After settling into your hotel, meet with your group as your Trip Leader lays out the plan for the exciting week ahead. 

Evening

  • Get to know your new group of friends over dinner, then head back to your hotel to rest up for the adventures that await!
  • El Poblado is a fantastic area for shopping and nightlife.

Day 2

Explore Medellin

Morning

  • Wake up in Medellin and enjoy breakfast at your boutique hotel.
  • Visit Comuna 13 with your local guides and learn how one of Colombia’s most violent neighborhoods became an incredible example of transformation.
  • Learn about Comuna 13’s history andculture. See graffiti street art, breakdancing, and listen to hip-hop music. 

Afternoon

  • Return to El Poblado for lunch and some time to explore independently.

Evening

  • Take an included city tour on a Chiva Rumbera Party Bus to see Medellin at night, including Provenza, Avenida El Poblado, and the Golden Mile.

Day 3

Welcome to Santa Marta

Morning

  • Rise early and enjoy breakfast and a fresh cup of Colombian coffee.
  • One last morning to explore on your own Medellin before catching an afternoon flight to Santa Marta (flight time ~1 hour 20 minutes).

Afternoon

  • Arrive at Simón Bolívar Santa Marta Airport, then take private transportation to the city of Santa Marta (~2 hour drive).
  • Settle into your new boutique hotel and enjoy lunch on your own.
  • The rest of the afternoon is open for you to relax at the pool or explore the nearby beach for some R&R.

Evening

  • After a leisurely afternoon, meet back up with your Trip Leader at the hotel to enjoy an included dinner with your travel friends.

Day 4

Tayrona National Park

Morning

  • Rise and shine! Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel before setting out on today’s adventure.
  • Take included transportation into Tayrona National Park.
  • Upon arrival, enjoy a hike to Cabo San Juan. This hike in the Tayrona National Park, from the parking lot to Cabo San Juan is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) and taking ~2-3 hours.
  • Enjoy the flora and fauna that is unique to this region of Colombia.

Afternoon

  • Once done with your hike, enjoy lunch at one of the beautiful beaches in Tayrona National Park.
  • Soak in the sun at Cabo San Juan Beach, one of the most popular beaches in the Tayrona National Park, and rightfully so. It is beautiful!

Evening

  • Return to your hotel and enjoy another included. Be sure to try dishes like arepas, empanadas, and sancocho.

Day 5

Cartagena

Morning

  • After a filling breakfast, visit the beach again or relax at the pool.

Afternoon

  • Take a scenic 6-hour drive to Cartagena. Don’t worry; we’ll make pit stops along the way to stretch your legs!

Evening

  • Arrive in Cartagena, inside this incredible walled city.
  • Tonight's dinner is not included, but your Trip Leader will recommend some local favorites and neighborhoods you should check out.
  • Finish the night off with an optional salsa lesson or street food tour to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture.

Day 6

City Tour and Sunset Bay Tour

Morning

  • After breakfast, take a guided walk through Cartagena with your Trip Leader to orient yourself to this new location.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy a delicious lunch in Cartagena, as there are so many options to explore.
  • Explore the restaurants and little shops that Cartagena has to offer.

Evening

  • Immerse yourself in Cartagena's vibrant sunsets and breathtaking skyline. Witness the sun dip into the Caribbean Sea on an included sailing cruise—an unforgettable journey!
  • Experience Cartagena's colorful sunsets and spectacular skyline. Watching the sun dip into the Caribbean Sea while sailing around the tranquil bay. Enjoy a 3-hour tour with the dazzling lights of the old city as a backdrop.
  • After dinner, check out Cartagena’s nightlife scene to end your trip on a high note.

Day 7

San Basilio de Palenque

Morning

  • Enjoy breakfast in Cartagena before visiting San Basilio de Palenque.
  • Arrive in San Basilio de Palenque, where you will spend your time learning about the liberation process of the enslaved people and the creation of the palenques.
  • While there, visit some of the most popular places, learn about traditional medicine and medicinal plants, and visit the local museum and monuments.

Afternoon

  • Enjoy an included local lunch, then return to Cartagena for some free time to explore or take a power nap.

Evening

  • Join the group for one final dinner together and reflect on your past week in Colombia.
  • Tonight's dinner is not included, but your Trip Leader will recommend some local favorites and neighborhoods you should check out.

Day 8

Relax & Depart Colombia

Morning

  • Enjoy one final breakfast with your group before you pack up your belongings and close out your time in Colombia.
  • Take included group transportation (~30 minutes drive) to Rafael Núñez Cartagena International Airport (CTG), where you will arrive by 11:30 am. Say goodbye to your new group of friends, and keep in touch with the U30X Community!

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