Day 1: Arrive Medellín, Colombia
Welcome to Colombia!

Arrival in Colombia begins in the vibrant city of Medellín. After clearing Immigration and Customs and collecting luggage, a Big Five representative greets arriving guests outside the Customs Hall and provides a seamless transfer to the hotel.

Elcielo Hotel offers a refined stay defined by attentive, personalized service and understated luxury. Frequently praised for its Michelin-starred dining experience, the hotel also features a relaxing spa, rooftop pool, and an exceptional breakfast. Guest rooms are thoughtfully appointed, combining comfort with contemporary design, while the tranquil atmosphere and convenient location near Medellín’s acclaimed restaurants and nightlife further enhance the experience.

Fonda Hopping – 4-Hour Evening Experience

An introduction to Colombia’s vibrant social traditions unfolds in Sabaneta, the country’s smallest municipality, where the beloved Fonda culture remains integral to local life. Once serving as neighborhood general stores, Fondas have evolved into lively gathering places where food, drinks, music, and conversation come together. Several Fondas surrounding Sabaneta’s central park each offer their own distinct atmosphere, providing an authentic glimpse into everyday Colombian culture. On select evenings, from Thursday through Saturday, some venues also feature traditional equestrian shows.
Elcielo Hotel Medellín – Single Room

Day 2: Medellín
Constelaciones | Comuna 3 Manrique – 4 Hours

In recent years, Medellín has gained international recognition as a model of social development and urban transformation, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite its past as the epicenter of conflict and violence in several of its neighborhoods during the late 1980s. A walk through the streets and alleyways of  Manrique, in Comuna 3, reveals a vibrant open-air gallery adorned with approximately 30 murals that tell the story of the neighborhood from its founding to the present day.

These expressions of urban art do more than beautify the landscape; they recount the struggles, daily lives, and aspirations of the people who have shaped this community with the hope of building a better future for their families. “The Constellations” artistic project offers an opportunity to explore the stories of its residents and the transformation they have experienced over time. Accompanied by a local guide, the experience reveals the meaning behind the murals, each one reflecting inspiring stories, dreams, and aspirations. Encounters with local residents, neighborhood perspectives, and regional culinary specialties further enrich the understanding of this remarkable community.

Coffee Process & Tasting at Capilla del Rosario – 4 Hours

Just ten minutes from the vibrant heart of Medellín, Capilla del Rosario welcomes visitors to a beautifully preserved house with more than 120 years of history. Surrounded by rolling green hills planted with coffee and overlooking breathtaking views of the city, this family-owned estate blends tradition, sustainability, and exceptional scenery to showcase what has made Colombian coffee renowned worldwide.

The experience follows the fascinating journey of coffee from bean to cup. A guided walk through the plantation introduces more than 26 coffee varieties from around the world while exploring the nursery, seedbeds, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and roasting techniques. Along the way, the influence of altitude, climate, and the dedication of local coffee growers becomes evident, as do the distinctive characteristics of washed, honey, and natural processing methods.

The visit concludes with a professional tasting of the estate’s finest specialty coffees, thoughtfully paired with fresh fruit and panoramic views of the valley. Rich aromas, complex flavors, and the history and legacy of this traditional estate come together in a memorable introduction to one of Colombia’s most celebrated traditions.

Return to the hotel.
Elcielo Hotel Medellín – Single Room (B)

Day 3: Medellín
Visit to an Orchid & Hydrangea Farm – 6 Hours

A journey into Colombia’s remarkable botanical heritage begins with a visit to a traditional orchid garden in La Ceja, approximately one hour and fifteen minutes from Medellín. Guided by a local expert, the experience explores a sanctuary dedicated to rare native species and one of the country’s largest orchid collections, with nearly 20,000 plants, approximately 1,000 of which are in permanent bloom. An ecological trail winds through lush gardens filled with mosses, anthuriums, bromeliads, and other flowering plants that attract hummingbirds, while offering insight into the fascinating world of orchid cultivation, pollination, and conservation. The visit also includes 15 hectares of pristine white hydrangeas, carefully cultivated for international markets.

Surrounded by the mountain landscapes of Antioquia, the experience blends science, tradition, and natural beauty, offering a deeper appreciation for why Colombia is recognized as the country with the greatest orchid diversity on Earth.

Cooking with Purpose in Comuna Buenos Aires – Via Cocina – 3 Hours

An inspiring culinary experience unfolds at Via Cocina, a community-driven social enterprise located in Medellín’s Comuna Buenos Aires. The project provides professional culinary training for local residents and refugees with limited resources, transforming regional ingredients into innovative and accessible cuisine while creating meaningful opportunities for economic empowerment.

Hosted by Chef Brian Johnston, whose culinary journey has taken him to more than 25 countries, the experience explores the flavors, traditions, and stories that define Colombian cuisine. Guests prepare, taste, and share regional dishes while discovering the techniques and ingredients that connect food with Colombia’s rich cultural heritage.

A walk through the Buenos Aires neighborhood offers additional insight into the surrounding community and the positive social impact of Via Cocina. A private lunch or dinner further supports the project’s mission, with all proceeds reinvested into participant training, educational resources, equipment, and the continued operation of the center. Through food, the experience demonstrates how culinary traditions can become a powerful vehicle for opportunity and community development.
Elcielo Hotel Medellín – Single Room (B)

Day 4: Medellín / Cartagena
This morning begins with a transfer to the airport for the flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, a Big Five representative welcomes guests and provides a seamless transfer to Casa San Agustín.

Created from three beautifully restored colonial homes, Casa San Agustín is a boutique retreat where Cartagena’s rich history is thoughtfully woven into every detail. Its 20 guestrooms and 11 suites celebrate the city’s architectural heritage while embracing contemporary luxury. Awarded a Michelin Key in 2025, the hotel is also a distinguished member of  The Leading Hotels of the World, reflecting its commitment to exceptional service, authenticity, and refined hospitality in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center.

Once one of the Spanish Empire’s most important ports in the Americas, Cartagena played a defining role in Colombia’s fight for independence, earning the title La Heroica (The Heroic City). Today, the capital of the Department of Bolívar presents a captivating blend of colonial heritage and modern vibrancy. Within its centuries-old walls, narrow cobblestone streets are lined with colorful balconies overflowing with flowers, grand wooden doorways, inviting cafés, acclaimed restaurants, and elegant boutique hotels. Recognized as a Colombian National Heritage site in 1959 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, the Walled City remains one of South America’s most treasured historic centers.

Walled City, Getsemaní & Street Food – 3 Hours
Founded in 1533 by the Spanish conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena de Indias became one of the Spanish Crown’s most prized colonial cities and remains one of Latin America’s most culturally significant destinations. A guided walk through the historic center reveals centuries of history reflected in its colorful streets, colonial architecture, thriving artisan shops, and vibrant public squares. Along the way, traditional Caribbean street foods are sampled at locally celebrated establishments, offering an authentic introduction to the region’s distinctive culinary traditions.

Palenquera Fruit Tasting & Champeta Experience – 1 Hour
Beyond its historic walls, Cartagena’s African heritage comes to life through vibrant traditions, music, and flavors. This experience explores landmarks that reflect the enduring legacy of African communities in the city, from the Bastion of San Ignacio to plazas and churches that witnessed centuries of cultural resilience and exchange.

A tasting of tropical fruits presented by the iconic Palenqueras, women descended from San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town in the Americas and a lasting symbol of African resistance—provides a flavorful connection to the Caribbean’s rich cultural heritage. The experience concludes with an introduction to champeta, Cartagena’s energetic musical and dance tradition, where local dancers share the rhythms, movements, and cultural pride that define this uniquely Colombian art form.

Rum Tasting – 2 Hours 30 Minutes
Located in the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood overlooking the Convention Center, The Arsenal offers an inviting setting dedicated to Colombia’s rich rum tradition. Created by acclaimed chef, bartender, and rum specialist Dau Abraham, the lounge showcases an exceptional collection of premium Colombian rums.

The tasting begins with a signature welcome cocktail, then explores a curated selection of Colombian rums, aguardiente, and house-crafted rum infusions, thoughtfully paired with a variety of Colombian chocolates. Guests discover the distinct character of rums aged between four and twenty-seven years while learning about their history, production, and distillation techniques. A selection of light bites from Chef Dau’s menu completes the experience.
Casa San Agustín – Single Room (B)

Day 5: Cartagena

Cooking Class with Jorge Escandón in Turbaco – 6 Hours
A short journey beyond Cartagena leads to Turbaco, where a private culinary experience with Chef  Jorge Escandón offers an authentic introduction to the region’s rich gastronomic traditions. Tailored to individual dietary preferences and requirements, the experience combines hands-on instruction with the flavors and techniques that define Caribbean Colombian cuisine.

Guided by Chef Escandón, participants prepare a selection of regional specialties, such as traditional paella or refreshing ceviche, using fresh local ingredients adapted to personal tastes and dietary needs. Throughout the class, practical culinary techniques, local ingredients, and the stories behind each dish create an engaging and immersive experience.

Set in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, the class celebrates the shared enjoyment of cooking while offering meaningful insight into one of Colombia’s most vibrant culinary traditions.
Casa San Agustín – Single Room (B, L)

Day 6: Cartagena Departure
Adios! – Farewell

This morning, a transfer is provided to Cartagena’s airport for the onward journey home.
(B)

Please call for rates.

Priced Per Person, Per Day, Double Occupancy, Land Only