Leslie Hsu Besner and Family
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival to Medellin
Welcome to Colombia! Upon arrival at the airport, make your way through customs, collect your bags, and exit the terminal. Your guide will be waiting outside holding a sign with your name on it.
Transfer to your hotel to check in and get settled. Your hotel has a two restaurants on site, and if you’re arriving late, room service is also an option! Or, your driver can recommend a stop on the way to your hotel for something to eat.
Rest and recharge to prepare for your trip ahead, where you’ll start in the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Overnight El Cielo Hotel
Day 2
Exploring Medellin
Today, take a deep dive into the community and history that is Medellin — a city with a complicated past and inspirational present. With your guide, enjoy a morning visit to the Minorista market to view and sample some of the many tropical fruits that grow in Colombia.
Next, head to the government center to explore Medellin and its history, spanning from the Industrial Revolution to the dark days of the 80s and 90s. You’ll learn about the roles that architecture and transit have played in transforming Medellin into one of the most innovative cities in the world. Then, walk through the Parque de las Luces as you make your way to Parque Berrio/Plaza Botero to explore the sculptures of Fernando Botero. Enjoy a walk through the Museum of Antioquia and a chance to browse traditional handicrafts before making your way to lunch at a local spot.
After lunch, visit the El Poblado neighborhood — a prime example of the transformation Medellin has made.
After an insightful day, return to your hotel to rest before dinner. El Cielo’s onsite restaurant is exceptional and highly recommended! The menu changes seasonally, concentrating on one region of the country while demonstrating flashes of traditional Colombian cuisine in every meal (advance reservation required).
Overnight El Cielo
Day 3
Flower Farm and Culture
Today, you’ll head up into the Eastern Mountains of Antioquia, where flowers play a very important role in the local culture and economy. Each year, Medellin hosts a flower festival that revolves around the people of the municipality of Santa Elena, who used to carry food and flowers down the mountainside on special chairs (sillateras) strapped to their backs.
To further understand the role that flowers play, you’ll begin your day with a private visit to the home of Doña Leopoldina, who was declared a “national treasure” by the Colombian government in 2022. Leopoldina has participated in Medellin’s flower festival for 47 years!
Afterward, you’ll visit Loma Linda, a family-run flower business that is highly selective in allowing visitors. Have lunch with the family that runs the farm before walking through their gardens to learn more about flower production and cultivation for export-quality flowers.
As the sun begins to set, you may choose to stop for a sip of a sweet aguapanela — a drink made from sugar cane pulp. Then, return to your hotel for the evening at leisure.
Overnight El Cielo
Day 4
Travel to Guatape and Touring Activities
Today, bid farewell to Medellin, and depart for Guatape, where you’ll explore this town full of vibrant colors and crafts.
After breakfast, your guide will collect you from your hotel to begin the drive. En route, stop for refreshment at an old replica of El Peñol — a town submerged to create the giant lake system that now helps generate 35% of the country’s electricity. Your guide will explain how the lake system was created and how it benefits Colombia.
Continue to the lake itself, where you’ll take an hour-long boat tour to visit the islands and country homes that line them. Please note that this activity is dependent upon water levels, which are currently low due to drought in the region.
Next, your guide will take you to lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try the area’s specialty of grilled trout cooked in garlic sauce or another traditional dish from the region.
After lunch, arrive in Guatape, and enjoy the charming streets and alleyways while your guide shares stories. You’ll visit La Piedra de Guatape — a 70-million-year-old rock with two-thirds of its height planted underground! If you’re up for the challenge, you can
climb the 649 steps to the top and admire the panoramic views.
After your day exploring, arrive at Cannua Ecolodge, and get settled. Enjoy the evening at your leisure. We recommend dining at their onsite restaurant for dinner. It is excellent!
Overnight Cannua Ecolodge
Day 5
Cacao Farm and Waterfall Visit
Today after breakfast, set out for the town of San Francisco, Antioquia, which is about an hour’s drive from your lodge.
First, stop at the home of a family who have become expert cacao farmers. As you walk around the farm, you’ll learn about the cultivation of cacao, view the entire artisanal chocolate-making process from bean to bar, and have the chance to grind cacao into the first stages necessary to make chocolate. They may also share a bit of their personal story with you.
Afterward, enjoy a 30-40-minute walk to a waterfall where you can take a swim if you’d like! Although this location is not very far from Cannua, you’re already 1,000 meters lower in altitude here. Enjoy a packed lunch at the waterfall. Keep an eye out for local wildlife while you eat!
If you’d prefer to not walk the distance, an alternative waterfall is accessible by car. Your guide can accommodate either option depending on your preference.
Return to Cannua after lunch with the rest of the day free.
Overnight Cannua Ecolodge
Day 6
Exploring Local Communities Through Ceramics and Cheese-Making
After breakfast, set out for El Carmen de Viboral. Carmen is famous across Colombia for its tradition of producing high-quality, handmade, and hand-painted ceramics, which has been passed down for generations. For an up-close look into the creation process, you’ll visit a small factory started by one of the most famous ceramic makers in Carmen, and you’ll have a chance to create some samples of your own.
Stop for lunch before visiting a local farm to learn about quesito — a traditional farmer’s cheese. You can milk the cows and assist in the cheesemaking process. After you finish, enjoy a taste test with a handmade corn arepa.
This afternoon, return to Cannua to have dinner and relax.
Overnight Cannua Ecolodge
Day 7
Travel to Cartagena and City Walking Tour
Enjoy your last breakfast at Cannua before beginning the journey to the Caribbean coast and your final destination, Cartagena. Your driver will collect you to head for the airport (~1-hour drive) and connect with your flight.
Upon arrival to the airport, your guide will meet you outside of baggage claim, holding a sign with your name on it as you exit.
Drop your bags off, and get settled before setting out for a walking tour of the city. A vibrant coastal city steeped in history, culture, and Caribbean charm, Cartagena is home to well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful buildings, and cobbled streets. The Old
Town of Cartagena transports visitors back in time with its one-of-a-kind atmosphere.
You’ll start at the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas — one of the largest Spanish colonial fortresses ever built. Following lunch, you’ll visit Getsemani and Manga, two unique and historic neighborhoods.
~5:00 PM: Walk back to the hotel, and you’ll have the rest of the evening free to explore.
There are many great restaurants within walking distance of your hotel for you to venture out to, or you can enjoy one of the few onsite at your hotel (may require reservations).
Overnight Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Day 8
Private Boat Day
After breakfast, your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel to transfer you to your private boat. This morning will take you to the tiny islands of the Islas del Rosario — a small archipelago of 30 islands located about 60 miles out to sea. These islands are a part of Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, known for its clear waters and coral reefs.
Enjoy swimming in the warm waters, keeping an eye out for some of the local marine life. Whether you would like to carve your path between the islands or spend some time on one of the white-sand beaches, the day is flexible to enjoy as you’d like. A fresh seafood lunch will be served by your hosts, and snacks and refreshments will be available onboard as well.
In the late afternoon, return to the pier to make your way back to your rooms. The remainder of the evening is at your leisure. For dinner, we recommend Restaurant 1621 — one of the most flavorful restaurants in Cartagena, and located at your hotel.
Overnight Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Day 9
Leisure Day
Today is your last full day in Colombia and is completely unscheduled to spend as you wish.
The concierge at your hotel is available to assist with any activities, or you may choose to take some time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities after an adventure-filled trip.
Overnight Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Day 10
Departure Day
Your guide will meet you at your hotel this morning to depart for the airport and connect with your flight home.
Wishing you a smooth and easy journey homeward today!
