What to do in Colombia

Feel like a cowboy from the region, horse riding a nature reserve near Hacienda Bambusa. There amidst beautiful landscapes, an experienced rider will guide you through a wide forest reforested with native tree species, a pineapple crop and some streams, along the way you will also find cattle and impressive buffaloes. This experience will ensure very funny moments during calm landscapes and narrow paths surrounded by lush trees. Al fresco rustic lunch at the end of the activity. Round trip transfer to Hacienda Bambusa included (around 25min each way)

Of all the beverages we love in Colombia, surely few are as special as a delicious cup of hot chocolate. This drink is part of our history, it brings us together as a family in a culinary ritual that is enjoyed in the mornings at breakfast or in the afternoon at "the onces" as the afternoon snack is traditionally called. First, you will explore the cacao plantations with the hotel expert guide, circle the extensive cocoa plantation, visit the nursery where the yellow, orange and red tones of the cocoa trees will enchant you. Learn about the fermentation and dried process, still made by hand, by which the cocoa beans turn out ready for export and start the journey to transform into chocolate. Around Hacienda Bambusa, you will also find banana plantations and amazing bamboo forest, that will invite you to get lost under its shade and relax for a while. Back in the hotel, you will learn how to make a cup of hot chocolate as the Colombian grandmothers used to, from the plant to the cup. You will be able to see how the cocoa beans collected at the hacienda are mixed with aromatic ingredients and sugar to get the chocolate magic. Our guide will accompany you during this process and will

Wander the streets of Cartagena’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alongside a fascinating expert who will provide in-depth historical context and captivating stories of the city's people and culture. NOTE: Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen!

On-board a private boat, depart towards the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located 50-minutes from Cartagena. Spend the day cruising between islands, swimming, and snorkelling in the azure waters of these coralline islands. An English-speaking host will be available to help navigate to the most calm and secluded spots, and translate between guests and the Spanish-speaking crew. NOTES:- It’s recommended to depart early (9 AM) in order to enjoy enough time at the islands, and start returning by 3 PM, when the tide starts to rise between Barú and Tierra Bomba. The tide can vary every day depending on the time of the year, wind and weather. - Please bring a bathing suit, sunblock, hat, and cash for small purchases in the islands (no ATM or credit card machines). - Most speedboats don’t have bathrooms, and have limited shaded areas. Please request cruiser and yacht options to upgrade to a bigger and more comfortable boat. - All boats are stocked with bottled water, snacks and a few beers. Please request the Boating Menu in advance to order additional wines, beers, liquors, and food. Duration: 7 hours of boat availability + approx. 10 minutes driving to the marina (each way). ISLAND LUNCH • Enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants or beach clubs located in the islands. Options will be provided upon confirmation of the itinerary, and reservations can be made according to availability and guests’ preferences. Meal and entrance fees are paid directly at the establishment. Included: Private boat 41 FT, Captain, Skipper, English-speaking Host, Snorkelling equipment, Towels, Hydration, Snacks, Transportation to / from marina.

Explore the colorful streets of Getsemani neighborhood, one of the areas of Cartagena´s historic centre, where the local way of life remains preserved. Learn about local culture and traditions, curious stories about its people, and spot some of the vibrant street art that reflects the social resistance and culture of this neighborhood. NOTE: Don´t forget to wear comfortable shoes, a hat and sunscreen! Duration: 2-3 hours (walking) Included: Local expert, Hydration

Explore the deep sea and spend the first hours of the morning with an expert trying to catch one of the popular species in the area. Some of the most seen species at this area are Barracudas, Black fin tuna, Dorado Tuna, Blue marlin, White Marlin, Sailfish and Wahoo, amongst others. Please note that the catch of the day varies depending on natural circumstances and cannot be guaranteed. NOTE: early morning

Learn about the social and cultural transformation Medellin has undergone in recent years, going from the most dangerous to the most innovative city in the world. Visit some of the neighborhoods that have been the epicenter of this dramatic change, and ride the escalators and gondola systems that revolutionized life for locals. Meet friendly neighbors, learn about Medellin’s difficult past during the era of Escobar, and discover the vibrant street art that reflects progression and change. NOTE: Please wear comfortable shoes and sunscreen! The locations of the experience may vary depending to avoid large crowds and provide a more unique experience. Duration: 2-3 hours + approx. 30 minutes driving from the hotel (each way)

This tour is perfect on arrival day to get familiarized with the beautiful historic center of Cartagena inside the walls that protected the city during the invasions of pirates, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1984 by UNESCO. Let us show you the colorful streets inside the walled historic city and its colonial architecture. You will meet the most important attractions, such as the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), Parque de Bolívar, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Plaza Fernandez Madrid, Santo Domingo and San Diego areas. The guide will tell you all about Cartagena’s founding and will share interesting stories full of legends and pirates. Length: 3 hours Includes: Hand picked bilingual guide, entrance fee of the visited places

Explore a typical and traditional Medellin market, get to know its fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers. Sample exotic fruits and interact with local vendors when bargaining for a good price. NOTE: Arrive early when the market action is in full swing! Have breakfast but leave a little room to taste the fruits, juices and treats at the market.
Duration: 4 hours

The small towns of the coffee region are places full of charm; they seem like brothers separated by mountains. Salento, in particular, has a unique warmth. It is full of cafes and restaurants as picturesque as the doors and windows that colour the town streets. Your eyes are always distracted screaning the colors and crafts in the stores. Iced coffee, coconut lemonade and trout are the traditional flavors offered in caffees and restaurants. After touring the town, you will take a 20 minute drive, to the Cocora Valley, a charming place with the highest wax palms in the world. It is a green paradise in which you can hike for two or four hours. The path will allow you to see birds such as owls, hawks and jays, along with some of the 200 species of flowers in the area. If you are lucky enough you might spot an Andean Condor, a magnificent bird with a wingspan of 3.3m (10 ft 10 in). Lunch included during the tour in a local restaurant.

A professional bartender will invite you to indulge yourself with premium Colombian rums. Rum is the most widely-consumed alcoholic beverage in Latin America. It is a distillate of fermented and distilled sugar cane, which may or may not be subsequently aged. During our Rum Tasting tour, you will learn the history of Rum, the different styles of manufacture and their origins. During the 2 hour tour, you will taste various combinations of rum and discover their aromas and flavors.

Medellín – the “City of Eternal Spring” – is nowadays the most innovative city of Latin America. Its recent past was strongly related to the life of Pablo Escobar and violent gang fights. During the last twenty years, Medellín went through some drastic changes. An innovative program of development turned Medellín from the most dangerous city in the world into a modern example of urban transformation. Today, you will explore the famous Botero Plaza with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whos sculptures have become an icon of the city. In the afternoon, take the Metro Cable up to comuna 13, once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to integrate people from the outskirts with metro Medellin. This allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people in the district and its unique Electric Escalators you observe another innovative project that improved the life quality of the people of Medellín. The graffittis on the walls tell the story of its inhabitants.

Drive to the Tayronaka ruins, and after a short hike, go down the river paddle boarding, kayaking, or tubing all the way down to the ocean. Along the way enjoy the view of the jungle, exotic birds, howler monkeys, and small Caymans which are harmless and very shy!
• NOTE: Don't forget to wear long trousers, closed shoes, wetsuit or a bathing suit and take your refillable water bottle. Sunscreen and insect repellent are a must! NOTE: Please reconfirm in advance your choice between paddleboard (max 5), kayak (max 4) or tubes in order to guarantee availability. PICNIC LUNCH • Enjoy a light lunch on a private picnic while enjoying an outstanding view of the ocean! Duration: 2-3 hours, and ± 30 minutes transfer each way Included: Transportation, Entrance to Tayronaka ruins, Paddle Boarding, Kayak or Tubing Equipment selected in advance

Get ready for an incredible beach day in Majagua beach club. You will be pick up at your lodging to transfer to the dock at 8:30AM to share a boat to this place. Located at the Rosario islands, 45 minutes from Cartagena, Majagua is a place where you can enjoy the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea. Have an incredible sunny day with the best service of the island and try the typical food of the Caribbean. Length: 8 hours Includes: Private transportation, shared boat, welcome drink, typical lunch, sunbed and towels.

Alongside a local fisherman learn the secrets of artisanal fishing in Don Diego river, including how to assemble, throw, and collect artisanal fishing nets. Your catch can be part of the dinner by the river. Duration: 2-3 hours (from 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM) ± 30 minutes transfer each way. Included: Transportation, Local Guide, Hydration, Traditional dinner by the river.

Explore Bazurto market with a chef and cooking class Get ready for an authentic culinary experience. In the early morning, before the cooking class, you will visit the Bazurto market with the chef who will be at your disposal to offer you the best culinary experience from the market to the food on your plate. In the Bazurto market you will walk through a maze of alleys where the chef will present you with all kinds of fruits, herbs, vegetables and seafood. During this tour, the chef will take you to meet the hidden characters of the Bazurto market, who are at the same time the true representation of Cartagena culture. Finally, at the time of the cooking class, the chef will introduce you to the ingredients before teaching you how to prepare the traditional dishes. This experience will end after lunch, around 13:30 (6 hours long). The cooking class will be organized in a specific place with the Chef after confirmation. Please understand, the market can be very "aromatic", not always in a good way. Best to wear closed closed toe shoes, not sandals or flip flops. Location: Bazurto Market

Today, on your way to the airport, you will reach "Parque Arvi" a natural reserve located in the outskirts of Medellin city. Parque Arvi is a non profit organization with conservation projects, the perfect place to enjoy great views over the western cordillera and to explore the andean highland forest. Enjoy a 1 hour hike to learn about the local ecosystem and the important history of this area. After a pic-nic lunch in the reserve, you will head to the airport, on time for your flight.

Drive 1 hour towards a beach located inside Tayrona National Park. Upon arrival, you will take a short motorboat ride to a nearby beach to enjoy the day swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing by the ocean. NOTE: Don't forget your wet suit or bathing suit, sunscreen and a hat are a must! Duration: 6 hours flexible Included: Transportation, entrance fees, snorkeling gear, hydration, Picnic, Hydration, Snacks