The Best of Colombia: Cartagena with optional Bogota and Medellin Extensions
One of the best destinations in South America
Get ready to experience the very best of colorful Colombia with this city break to Cartagena. Explore this historic walled city in style with the convenience of flights, airport transfers, and more included – allowing you to forget about the stress and focus on enjoying the best things to do in Cartagena. Make your Colombia vacation even better by adding Bogota and/or Medellin to your trip!
What's Included
- Roundtrip Economy Class Airfare into Bogota (BOG) and out of Cartagena (CTG)
- Roundtrip airport transfers in all cities
- 2 nights in Bogota at Andes Plaza Hotel, or similar
- One way economy class flight from Bogota to Medellin
- 2 nights in Medellin at Hotel Poblado Alejandria, or similar
- One way economy class flight from Medellin to Cartagena
- 3 nights in Cartagena at Don Pedro de Heredia Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
-
Indulge in traditional Colombia cuisine like arepas and chocolate santafereño.
Lounge on the beaches of Bocagrande in Cartagena.
-
Feel the coastal breeze while strolling the Sibarita del Mar boardwalk.
-
Marvel at panoramic views from Mount Monserrate in Bogota.
-
Ride modern metrocables and immerse yourself in Medellin's nightlife.
Visit three of the best destinations in Colombia with this multi city adventure! Start in the capital city of Bogota, a historically significant area known for being a diverse melting pot of cultures. Marvel at panoramic city views from atop Mount Monserrate, feel awe-struck by the Gold Museum, and treat yourself to a coffee tasting to try Colombia's superb coffee.
Then, take a short flight to the innovative city of Medellin, otherwise known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its year-round temperate weather. Enjoy views of the city while riding modern metrocables, admire unique sculptures in Botero Plaza, and immerse yourself in local nightlife at Lleras Park.
The last part of your Colombia vacation will end in the colorful walled city of Cartagena, which is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Colombia. From sandy beaches and historic colonial buildings, to vibrant nightlife and tantalizingly delicious cuisine, Cartagena's got it all!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip Economy Class Airfare into Bogota (BOG) and out of Cartagena (CTG)
- Roundtrip airport transfers in all cities
- 2 nights in Bogota at Andes Plaza Hotel, or similar
- One way economy class flight from Bogota to Medellin
- 2 nights in Medellin at Hotel Poblado Alejandria, or similar
- One way economy class flight from Medellin to Cartagena
- 3 nights in Cartagena at Don Pedro de Heredia Hotel, or similar
- Breakfast daily
-
Indulge in traditional Colombia cuisine like arepas and chocolate santafereño.
Lounge on the beaches of Bocagrande in Cartagena.
-
Feel the coastal breeze while strolling the Sibarita del Mar boardwalk.
-
Marvel at panoramic views from Mount Monserrate in Bogota.
-
Ride modern metrocables and immerse yourself in Medellin's nightlife.
Visit three of the best destinations in Colombia with this multi city adventure! Start in the capital city of Bogota, a historically significant area known for being a diverse melting pot of cultures. Marvel at panoramic city views from atop Mount Monserrate, feel awe-struck by the Gold Museum, and treat yourself to a coffee tasting to try Colombia's superb coffee.
Then, take a short flight to the innovative city of Medellin, otherwise known as the “City of Eternal Spring” thanks to its year-round temperate weather. Enjoy views of the city while riding modern metrocables, admire unique sculptures in Botero Plaza, and immerse yourself in local nightlife at Lleras Park.
The last part of your Colombia vacation will end in the colorful walled city of Cartagena, which is by far one of the most popular places to visit in Colombia. From sandy beaches and historic colonial buildings, to vibrant nightlife and tantalizingly delicious cuisine, Cartagena's got it all!
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- Cartagena Half-Day City Tour
- Rum Tasting in Cartagena
Day 1. Welcome to Bogota!
Welcome to Bogota – Colombia’s city of art and cuisine. Transfer to the designated hotel, then enjoy an evening of exploring the city at your own pace. Consider strolling past some of the city’s must-sees, such as the Botanical Gardens or Plaza Bolívar.
Transfer from Bogota airport to hotel
Check-in - Andes Plaza Bogota
The Andes Plaza Hotel in Bogota provides stylish accommodations and modern amenities to create a comfortable travel experience. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, beautiful views of the city, and an exquisite breakfast buffet. There is also free parking on-site, as well as tour/ticket assistance and dry cleaning/laundry service.
Guest rooms at the hotel are comfortably decorated with air conditioning, cable TV, and a minibar. Each room also comes with stunning city views.
The hotel is well-located just about 10-minutes from Bogota's central commercial area. Guests can easily find restaurants, shopping malls, and more nearby. Additionally, the El Dorado International Airport is just about seven miles away.
Day 2. Bogota
Make the most of your time in Bogota by visiting at least two of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Perhaps start off with the country’s largest art collection museum, the National Museum of Colombia. Admire the thousands of years of art held within the walls, all while learning a thing or two about Colombian history.
Another popular attraction in Bogota is Mount Monserrate, which is a labyrinth of churches, chapels, trees, shops, gardens, and more, Mount Monserrate is one of Colombia’s most unique areas to explore. Get to the top of the mountain via cable car or hiking to admire panoramic city views.
Day 3. Bogota - Medellin
Start your day with an energizing breakfast, then take a transfer to the airport for a flight to Medellin. After getting settled in, start off your stay in Medellin with some time in Pueblito Paisa. Take pictures of the historic area, fall in love with the natural beauty, and buy souvenirs from local shops.
In the afternoon, take a street graffiti tour in Communa 13. Don’t forget to sample some food from the local street vendors!
Transfer from hotel to Bogota airport
Fly to Medellin!
Transfer from Medellin airport to hotel
Check-in - Hotel Poblado Alejandría
Warm greetings and tranquil stays are a promise here at the Hotel Poblado Alejandria in El Poblado — one of Medellín's most sought-after residential neighborhoods. The hotel includes over 89 rooms and a commitment to personalizing every guest's experience to the best of their ability. Whether you're on a business trip or enjoying a vacation in Colombia with your family (or solo!), there's something for everyone to enjoy here at this wonderful 4-star hotel.
Guests rooms are modernized with simple yet stylish décor. They come equipped with a flat screen TV, air conditioning, luxurious private bath, and a large window overlooking the city. Additional features at the hotel include a fitness center, bar, public bath, and an on-site coffee house. Café Alejandría, the hotel's very own restaurant, is open breakfast through dinner serving meals a la carte style.
Not only are guests close to the business district of Medellín, but the hotel is also just a few miles away from the city's famous gastronomic area as well as dozens of tourist hot spots. The Oviedo mall, Dancer's Park (Parque de la bailarina), and El Castillo Museum and Gardens are all under a mile away.
Day 4. Medellin
Spend the first half of today in Medellin’s Old Quarter. Full of museums and places to eat, visiting the Old Quarter is a great way to experience Colombian culture. This is also where you’ll find the incredible Plaza Botero. Named after a local artist and constructed in the early 21st century, this famous plaza has over 20 unique statues from the artist Botero.
If there is a tour or movie night happening over at Cementerio Museo de San Pedro, definitely take the time to check it out. If not, enjoy some great local food and nightlife over at Lleras Park.
Day 5. Medellin - Cartagena
Board the flight over from Medellin to Cartagena, then spend a few hours relaxing at the designated hotel. Use the rest of the evening to soak in the coastal breezes inherent to Cartagena at Sibarita del Mar. The lovely boardwalk and pier is home to a few gorgeous pegasus statues, and the area really comes to life at night. Maybe you’ll even want to take a short boat trip with food and music included.
Transfer from hotel to Medellin airport
Fly to Cartagena!
Transfer from Cartagena airport to hotel
The Casa India Catalina is a quaint hotel in Cartagena offering modern amenities and a prime location. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and an American-style breakfast served fresh every morning. There is also a relaxing hammock area and TV in the shared lounge.
Guest rooms are comfortably decorated with all the traveler essentials including a TV, minibar, and private bathroom. Other services available at the hotel include tour/ticket assistance and luggage storage.
The hotel is wonderfully located close to some of the top attractions in Cartagena including the city walls, Bolivar Park, Cartagena's Gold Museum, San Felipe de Barajas Castle, Bocogrande Beach, and more. Additionally, the airport is just about three miles away.
Located in the heart of Getsemani, this cozy hotel provides comfort and enjoyment for every guest. The hotel's interior is decorated in a modern fashion with warm grays and bronzes, designed to subtly let sunlight in. There is a dining room in the hotel that offers authentic Colombian coffee and delicious food.
A standard guest room is exquisitely decorated and equipped with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a flat-screen television. Rooms also include a desk area, private bathrooms with a shower, and a mini bar. Additionally, room service is available.
The hotel faces the beautiful tourist attraction Bahia de las Animas and is within close proximity to many historical landmarks. Cartagena's Walls, Parque de Manga, and Cartagena Modern Art Museum are all about 10-minutes away. Bocagrande Beach is only 12 minutes away, while the quaint Centenario Park is about one minute away.
Day 6. Cartagena
Cartagena is perhaps one of Colombia’s most interesting cities thanks to its infrastructure and overall design. The city is surrounded by walls, originally intended to protect from foreign invasions. Taking a tour of Cartagena, otherwise known as the “Walled City”, is a must whenever you visit Colombia. Some tours offer different activities, ranging from food tasting to folklore shows.
Try to aim for a tour that includes a visit to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, or opt to explore the city on your own. Climbing up to the top of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas is absolutely necessary for those who want the best views of Cartagena. Just be sure to pack water and hiking shoes.
Day 7. Cartagena
Cartagena’s close proximity to the ocean makes it ideal for spending some time at the beach. Spend the day at Bocagrande to get a feel of the local beach life and enjoy some down-to-earth fun. If you’re looking for the best beach in Cartagena, take the one hour drive south to find Playa Blanca. As your last full day on Cartagena vacation, be sure to complete any last minute activities you may have missed before getting ready for your departure tomorrow.
Day 8. Depart Cartagena
You unforgettable multi city vacation in Colombia has sadly come to an end. Have one last breakfast at the hotel before taking a transfer to the airport and boarding your flight home.