Mountains and Caribbean Route

Arrival at Medellín International Airport. You will be met and greeted by your bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking guide, followed by a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure. Thanks to its strategic location, your hotel is within a 10-minute walk of the Oviedo and Santafé shopping malls and is located just 3 km from Parque Lleras.

Today, you will discover the transformation and resilience of Medellín through a guided visit to Comuna 13, lasting approximately 5 hours. Once a marginalized neighborhood in the 1980s, affected by drug routes and territorial conflicts involving the Medellín Cartel and paramilitary groups, Comuna 13 has undergone a remarkable social and urban transformation. Following Operación Orión in 2004, innovative inclusion projects, enabled the community to reclaim its identity and share its story with the world through street art, culture, and local commerce. Your experience begins in downtown Medellín with a visit to Plaza Botero, where you will admire the architecture and an open-air exhibition of more than twenty iconic sculptures by Fernando Botero. You will then ride the Metrocable to La Aurora station, enjoying panoramic views over the city. In Comuna 13, you will descend the famous escalators and stroll through vibrant alleyways adorned with meaningful graffiti that narrate the neighborhood’s history and reflect its new identity. The tour concludes with your return to El Poblado.

Day at leisure. You may choose to join an optional excursion available (at an additional cost), relax at your hotel, or explore the destination at your own pace.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver will take you to your hotel.

Today, you will enjoy a half-day guided tour of two of Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks: San Felipe Castle and the Convent of La Popa. Your experience begins with a visit to the historic La Popa Monastery and Church, built in 1606 and perched on the highest point of the city. From this exceptional vantage point, you will take in breathtaking 360° views over Cartagena, the Caribbean Sea, and the port area. You will then continue to San Felipe Castle, an impressive fortress constructed on San Lázaro Hill to protect the city from pirate attacks. During your visit, you will explore the exterior grounds as well as the intricate network of tunnels, underground galleries, and passageways that made this stronghold a key element of Cartagena’s defenses.

Day at leisure. You may relax at your hotel or explore Cartagena at your own pace. This vibrant Caribbean city is renowned for its beautifully preserved walled Old Town, colorful colonial architecture, lively plazas, and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through cobblestone streets, discover local boutiques and cafés, or simply soak up the warm atmosphere that blends history, music, and seaside charm.

After breakfast, a private transfer with a Spanish-speaking driver will take you to your hotel in Barú.

Days at leisure. Your hotel is nestled in the heart of a tropical forest. Surrounded by some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, this idyllic setting is perfect for relaxation or adventure. You may choose to unwind by the sea or take part in a variety of activities, including kayaking, rowing, diving, and snorkeling, while enjoying the pristine Caribbean environment at your own pace.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Cartagena airport. From there, you may continue your journey independently or begin your return trip to Canada.