An Unfiltered Travel Guide & Photo Diary
The 649-step staircase built into the side of El Peñol Rock rises high above the lakeside town of Guatapé. Tackling this granite monolith is just one climb on a route that shifts constantly. You'll cover an 88km drive to Palomino, a mid-morning flight to Medellín, and a drive of over 300km to Santa Rosa de Cabal. The final days are spent walking the colonial streets of La Candelaria in Bogotá.
Humid jungle trails in Tayrona National Park run straight into the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley, linking the Caribbean coast to the heart of the high coffee region.
Arrival in Cartagena
Day 1 of 17Land in Cartagena and make your way to the hotel. Drop your bags, get settled, and meet the rest of the crew in the evening. The first move is usually a group dinner, which is a solid chance to check out the food stalls and buzzing atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad in the Getsemaní neighborhood.
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Cartagena's Walled City
Day 2 of 17Get your bearings with a morning walk through the streets of the historic old town, a 3km loop that hits the key plazas and landmarks. You’ll pass Plaza de San Diego, the Heredia Theatre, and walk the Murallas for views over the Caribbean. The rest of the day is yours. The San Felipe fortress is the main historical site, but escaping the heat by grabbing a seat in Plaza de Santo Domingo to people-watch is also a legitimate strategy.
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Overland to the Minca Hills
Day 3 of 17Trade the coastal heat of Cartagena for the fresh mountain air of Minca. It's a multi-hour overland journey inland, climbing into the Sierra Nevada foothills. Once you arrive and check into the hostel, the afternoon is free to explore. This small town is a hub for jungle hiking, waterfall swims, and has a laid-back but social vibe that feels a world away from the city.
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Waterfalls of Minca
Day 4 of 17The morning plan is a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls, a pair of jungle cascades about an hour's walk from town. The trail is straightforward and the reward is a deep, cool swimming hole at the base of the falls. After the hike, you'll head back to Minca for a free afternoon. Your best move is to find another swimming spot like Pozo Azul, or tour one of the local coffee and chocolate farms that dot the surrounding hills.
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Caribbean Coast at Palomino
Day 5 of 17It's back to the coast today, trading the mountains for the beach town of Palomino. The 88km drive gets you there with most of the day left to settle in. The vibe here is pure coastal chill, where the jungle meets the sea. Drop your stuff at the hostel and use the free time for lunch or to book a lazy river tubing session for later. After sunset, the plan is a bonfire on the beach with the rest of the crew.
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Jungle Hike in Tayrona Park
Day 6 of 17Today is a day trip into Tayrona National Park for a solid hike through the jungle with a local guide. The trails cut through dense forest, opening up to coastal views. It's a good place to spot monkeys and other wildlife if you're quiet. You'll spend about half the day hiking inside the park before breaking for an included lunch and heading back to Palomino. The evening is free to find a local spot for dinner or just catch the sunset from the beach.
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Santa Marta & a Night Out
Day 7 of 17A short morning drive takes the group from Palomino to the port city of Santa Marta. First thing is a quick orientation walk to get the lay of the land, passing Parque de los Novios and the waterfront at Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas. The afternoon is free. Grab lunch, or if you need more beach time, head to the white sands of El Rodadero. This is the last night on the coast, so expect a proper night out with the crew.
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Fly to Medellín
Day 8 of 17Time to leave the Caribbean behind. A mid-morning flight takes you inland to Medellín, a city that's completely transformed itself over the past few decades. After landing and transferring to the hostel, you'll have some free time to get acquainted with the El Poblado neighborhood on your own before an optional night out with the group.
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Comuna 13's Transformation
Day 9 of 17Today you'll visit Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has become a symbol of Medellín's rebirth. A walking tour led by local guides from the Berracas de la 13 organization explains the area's difficult history and its vibrant, street-art-fueled present. You'll see how the community has reclaimed its streets with art and enterprise. Afterwards, the afternoon is free. A ride on the Metrocable is a good move for sunset views over the city.
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Free Day in Medellín
Day 10 of 17You have a full free day to explore Medellín. There are no scheduled activities, so your time is your own. You could book a day trip to a nearby town for paragliding or other adventure sports. Or, keep it local and ride the Metrocable system further into the hills for sweeping views of the entire Aburrá Valley. The El Poblado area is full of cafes and bars for a more relaxed day.
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Climb El Peñol Rock
Day 11 of 17It's a two-hour drive from Medellín to the lakeside town of Guatapé. The main event here is El Peñol Rock, a massive granite monolith with a 649-step staircase built into its side. The climb is tough but the 360-degree views of the sprawling, man-made reservoir from the top are worth it. Back in town, a quick walk gets you oriented before the rest of the day is free. A boat trip on the lake is a popular option.
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Guatapé's Painted Town
Day 12 of 17A full free day in Guatapé. The town itself is the main attraction, with every building decorated with brightly painted frescoes called zócalos that tell stories about the community. Wander the streets, try local street food like arepas with fresh cheese, or get out on the water. You can book a boat excursion on the reservoir or rent kayaks to explore the shoreline. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, climb El Peñol again.
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Journey to the Hot Springs
Day 13 of 17This is a long travel day, taking you from Guatapé deep into Colombia's coffee region to Santa Rosa de Cabal. The drive itself is over 300km, cutting through green mountains often shrouded in clouds. You'll arrive in the late afternoon with some time to explore the town before the main event: an evening visit to the local hot springs. The thermal pools are fed by nearby volcanoes and set in a lush jungle landscape.
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Cocora Valley's Wax Palms
Day 14 of 17After breakfast, the group travels towards Salento, stopping en route for the day's main activity: a hike in the Cocora Valley. This is where Colombia's national tree, the ridiculously tall wax palm, grows up to 60 meters high. The landscape is surreal. You'll hike through the valley for a few hours before continuing the short distance to Salento, arriving in the afternoon with time to explore the coffee town on your own.
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Salento to Bogotá
Day 15 of 17You have a free morning in Salento, which is your last chance to explore the coffee region. A visit to a local coffee farm for a fresh brew is the classic move. After grabbing lunch, it's a long travel day. A short transfer to the city of Armenia connects you to a public bus for the overland haul to Bogotá. You'll arrive in the capital in the evening, just in time to find some dinner.
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Exploring Bogotá's History
Day 16 of 17Today is for exploring Bogotá, starting with a walking tour of the historic La Candelaria neighborhood. The area is a mix of colonial architecture and vibrant street art, and the walk covers the city's origins and legends. The afternoon is free. You can hit up the Gold Museum or Botero Museum, or take the cable car up Monserrate for panoramic views of the sprawling city. In the evening, the crew gets together for a final farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
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Departure from Bogotá
Day 17 of 17The trip ends this morning in Bogotá. There are no activities planned, so you're free to pack up and head to the airport at any time. If your flight is later, you can grab one last Colombian coffee or do some last-minute souvenir shopping in La Candelaria.
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