Overview
Learn about the art, music, and food culture that has developed during Medellin’s gradual transformation: from a city of conflict towards one that is becoming truly world class. See the urban street art in the comunas of San Javier and the massive sculptures by Fernando Botero in the heart of Medellin’s city center. Visit nearby Lake Guatape to enjoy what locals call the best view in Colombia and “eternal spring” weather. Overnights are in the charming boutique Patio del Mundo Hotel.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive / Santa Elena / La Comuna 13
After arriving at the airport in the mountains, you will pass through Santa Elena, a village best known for its large, ornate flower arrangements displayed annually at Medellin’s Flower Festival. The people of Santa Elena have learned how to create colorful shapes, figures, and even faces out of flowers—a tradition that has been handed down through generations. Enter Medellin by cable car and, utilizing the ingenious public transportation system, head to La Comuna 13, the most (in)famous neighborhood in Medellin. Comuna 13 was once a hub of crime and never visited by foreigners, but is now a thriving community and art scene. With a local artist as your guide, you will see more than 200 graffiti murals, and hear the stories of conflict, community, and overcoming adversity behind them. Overnight at Patio del Mundo Hotel.
Arrive / Santa Elena / La Comuna 13 - Day 1
Patio del Mundo
Medellin, Colombia
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Surrounded by a lush garden, the welcoming family-run Patio Del Mundo is an oasis in the bustling city of Medellin. This boutique hotel is a converted villa that has just seven rooms and is centrally located to nearby restaurants and shops. Each guest room is unique and features fun accent walls with wallpaper, colorful tiles in the bathroom, and private balconies. Breakfast is served on the terrace amid tropical plants, where you can watch birds flutter through the trees as you enjoy your morning coffee.
Day 2
Piedra Peñol / Guatape
A full-day tour begins early in the morning so you can beat the crowds up the 740 steps of Piedra Peñol, a huge monolith that faces a picturesque Lake Guatape, and snap the perfect postcard shot. Bike from the base of the rock along dirt roads to the docks, where our private boat waits to take us to a picnic on the lake. Relax and enjoy the springtime weather of the region before returning to the town of Guatape. You’ll explore the narrow streets of this small town and observe the zocalos lining the walls of seemingly each and every building. Since its foundation, all the inhabitants of the town began the tradition of decorating their houses with the unique stories of their families, their livelihoods and the events that marked their lives, memories and families. Finally, you’ll return to your hotel in Medellin with plenty of time enjoy dinner at one of the city’s many acclaimed restaurants. Overnight at Patio del Mundo Hotel…BL
Driving Details: Approximately 4 hours
Piedra Peñol / Guatape - Day 2
Patio del Mundo
Medellin, Colombia
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights)
Surrounded by a lush garden, the welcoming family-run Patio Del Mundo is an oasis in the bustling city of Medellin. This boutique hotel is a converted villa that has just seven rooms and is centrally located to nearby restaurants and shops. Each guest room is unique and features fun accent walls with wallpaper, colorful tiles in the bathroom, and private balconies. Breakfast is served on the terrace amid tropical plants, where you can watch birds flutter through the trees as you enjoy your morning coffee.
Day 3
Depart
Transfer to airport and depart…B
