Colombia Fun: Cartagena and Medellin Trip

Full Day by Day Itinerary

I recently returned from my two-week Cartagena and Medellin Colombia trip. As promised, I wanted to share my itinerary with you. It was my first time in South America so it was definitely a new experience. Overall, I spent 5 nights in Cartagena and 4 nights in Medellin. If you are planning your trip to Colombia, you can pre-book your own tours & excursions on my affiliate links here: Cartagena Tours and Medellin Tours.

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Day 1

At 7:00a, my Jet Blue flight took off to Ft. Lauderdale. After a quick layover, I arrived in Cartagena at 2:35p. In the afternoon, checked into Ibis Cartagena Marbella. That hotel is conveniently located right on the beach. Ibis Cartagena Marbella hotel is located between the international airport and the city center, in the Marbella district just four minutes away from the city walls along Via Santander. The hotel has 180 rooms, a restaurant with sea views, bar open 24 hours to enjoy a relaxing coffee, car park with 76 spaces, a car lobby on Avenida Santander and over 1.9 miles of beach. On this beach, you’ll find the brightly colored CARTAGENA letters – perfect for a photo opp!

Enjoying the Walled City

The hotel is also a very close drive to the Walled City. It costs about 8.000 Colombian Pesos each way ($2.86 USD). The walled city is absolutely beautiful. You cannot walk anywhere in this city and not see a beautiful doorway. Obsessed! Among the most iconic fortifications of “La Heroíca”, the Walls of Cartagena are the most recognized. It was a project that lasted nearly two centuries and ended in 1796, constructed with the aim of defending the city from the continuous pirate attacks that it suffered.

The first night there, my group walked around just soaking up the Cartagena vibes. We didn’t have any specific reservations. For once in my life, I experienced spontaneity. After walking around, the group decided to have dinner at La Latina Gastrobar which was surprisingly good. Looks like it is permanently closed unfortunately. But we were seated at the top rooftop, which allowed for great people watching from below. My recommendation would be to start with the fresh ceviche (a South American classic!) and cheese-stuffed yuca. After dinner, we were all so tired from a travel day, plus full bellies. So we were out early!

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Day 2

On the first full official day of our Cartagena and Medellin trip, I thought it would be a good idea to get a lay of the land. What better way than to participate in a Cartagena City sightseeing tour? There are many tour operators out there, but highly recommend This Is Cartagena. Very reasonably priced, and the tour is SO organized. My full review can be found here.

City Sightseeing Tour

9:00a – This 3-hour tour began early in the morning. We met at the This Is Cartagena office within the walled city. After checking in and given bottled water, Ronaldo, our wonderful tour guide met us and we were off! We walked around the San Diego and Santo Domingo area within the wall, given important historical and educational information.

He didn’t just give facts that you could find from a textbook. He offered up more info on day-to-day life as a Colombian and gave insight into the socioeconomic background. For example, Colombian families were given a rating of 1-6 (6 being the most wealthy). The most wealthy used to actually live within the walled city. Now, it’s mostly tourist restaurants, and rented out accommodations that are within the walled city. Not many residents live there due to the crazy costs. The different rating comes with different tax brackets (much like in the United States) and other variances. Think my favorite part of the tour was this dance party we had in the middle of the streets.

This walking tour also helped me properly understand the historic struggle between Colombia’s indigenous population, the country’s brutal Spanish colonists and the pirates and buccaneers that raided Cartagena to steal the plundered riches of the Americas. I also understand gained a better understanding of the city’s powerful influence on literary greats like Gabriel García Márquez and the stories behind the city’s quirky street names.

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Dinner in Getsemani & Plaza People Watching

The tour concluded at noon where we walked around near the Getsemani district and saw some neat graffiti with historical meaning. Enjoyed lunch at Casa de Socorro located in the Getsemani District, a little outside of the walled city. The rest of the afternoon and evening was at leisure. I loved sitting outside in the Plazas for dinner and watching the dancers and people watching. What I disliked, was the constant peddlers pushing different random products when I was just trying to enjoy dinner. I can respect the hustle though. After dinner, this grandma went straight to sleep. From what I heard… the nightlife here is incredible. Couldn’t tell you. Couldn’t give recos. #GrandmaLife.

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Day 3

City Exploring – Palenqueras

Monday was a day of exploring. My main goal was to meet the famous Palenqueras, AKA the fruit sellers. Found them! Remember how I was talking about the hustle I can appreciate? It will cost you some pesos to take a picture with these beauties #worthit. Palenqueras represent the lasting influence of African culture on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. They are reminders of … the role that women as traders continue to play in the city. What started off as selling fruit for money, these beautiful women now trade photos in exchange for money.

Think at one time that was their main occupation. It’s just the quintessential Cartagena experience. There’s just something sweet about this cute little town. Romantic horse and carriage rides, the romantic language of dance like salsa and merengue.

Something I noticed while people watching in the streets of Cartagena. Many friends and families just seemed so close and enjoying each other’s company. In United States, I’m guilty of being out with friends and on my phone. The Colombian people seemed to soak up every single moment they had with loved ones and friends. It was refreshing to witness, and something we can all learn a thing or two from. Learn to be more present.

Make sure to try some local food at the stands. They’re MUCH cheaper than eating at a restaurant if you’re looking for a quick and cheap fill up while you’re out. I tried some empanadas on the street. It was SO dry and not very good, but I’m guessing that was just the particular stand I went to and don’t hold a grudge against other merchants.

Plaza Santo Domingo

Today was just a good day to check out the city and explore a little more of the Walled City. If you get to the edge of one of the sides outside of the walled city you’re treated to incredible views of the skyline from afar. That skyline, I believe, is mostly commercial buildings and some more hotels. I’m sure there are also residential buildings because the workers have to live somewhere. Really neat contrast between the old/Colonial/historic and new/developed/modern:

The rest of the afternoon was pretty chill. In the evening, I decided to check out the famous Cafe Del Mar for their famous sunset viewing opportunities and overpriced delicious drinks. Also.. don’t forget to rub the booty of the famous voluptuous statue in the middle of the Plaza Santo Domingo. She is a part of the work by artist Fernando Botero, a Colombian figurative artist and sculptor. Born in Medellin, his signature style known as “Boterismo” depicts people and figures in large, exaggerated volume, which can represent political criticism or humor, depending on the piece. He is considered the most recognized and quoted living artist from Latin America and his can be found around the world such as Park Avenue in NYC and the Champs-Elysees in Paris. Yassss queen. Work!

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Day 4

On Day 4, I took a day trip to Rosario Islands. Even though this was booked with Viator as the tour company, the actual tour supplier was This Is Cartagena. Have I mentioned how great they are? You can read more about the Rosario Islands day trip here.

Let Cartagena’s brilliant Caribbean archipelago be your world class oyster with a day trip to a laid-back, family-orientated beach resort that will more than live up to your Caribbean fantasies of platinum sands and crystalline waters.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the quay ready to be whisked away to the Caribbean island, Isla Grande, the largest of the islands in the Rosario Islands National Park. Spend the morning chilling on your own beach lounger, swimming in turquoise waters, reading and sunbathing. The only thing that will break your beach stride is the traditional fish platter at lunch time. Kick back after lunch for a siesta before heading back to town with your battery bank fully re-charged. Overall, a fantastic day trip!

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The tour ended right before evening and all that sun will wear you down. So it was another chill evening. Just enjoyed some good dinner in the hotel after this day trip.

Day 5

This was a built-in FREE DAY. Nothing really scheduled, though I did spend quite a few hours on the Hop On Hop Off bus. I really recommend it if you are only in town a few days. It gives you a chance to really see a lot of the city and learn even more about the history. Plus, it’s like having a free cab to get around. The full tour lasts about 1.5 hours so I didn’t get off until I heard the full thing. Then jumped off at the Bocagrande Mall to get my hair done. I 100% communicated with the hair stylist via Google Translate (Gracias Google!). And I didn’t end up bald, #winning. The rest of the day was back to oogling at the beautiful walled city.

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Day 6

Thursday, I was off to Medellin! My second and final stop on the Cartagena and Medellin Trip. I will admit I was torn between Bogota, Medellin, and Cali as my second city to visit. I’m so glad Medellin won. When I stepped off the plane, I immediately just felt cold. That was my first feeling. Coming from Cartagena which was so hot and often times humid, to Medellin high up in the Andes Mountains. Completely different weather.

My friends and I took a taxi from the MDE Airport to our hotel for 100.000 Colombian pesos ($36.00 USD) for the one-way. Nothing notable happened this day. Stayed at Binn Hotel and enjoyed dinner and relaxed there in the evening. There’s a lovely Italian restaurant onsite. Of course, I have work on my brain a lot of the time so I was happy to get through some emails and send out some quotes.

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Day 7

On Friday, I spent a full day on a Guatape Tour with the Penol Rock included. Check out my full review here. The tour cost just $35 USD. It included breakfast, lunch, free time exploring two towns (one of which is Guatape), and round-trip transportation. It cost additional if you wanted to climb the Penol Rock (CHALLENGING for the out of shape, believe me). But it was an incredible tour, and I highly recommend it.

Discover Guatapé on a day trip from Medellin. Take in views from the top of Piedra del Penol, discover the Zócalos area on a guided tour, try traditional, locally made Colombian food, and enjoy a boat ride of the Penol-Guatapé hydroelectric reservoir.

Enjoy the green landscapes and rolling hills and mountains as you journey from Medellin to Guatapé. Ascend 742 steps, as you make your way up to the top of the Piedra del Penol for sweeping views of the area. Explore the colorful Zócalos of Guatapé on a guided tour and enjoy 1 hour of free time to explore on your own. Enjoy a typical Colombian dish made by natives of the small pueblo. Tour a large section of the Penol-Guatapé hydroelectric reservoir on a boat cruise and enjoy the beautiful surrounding landscapes.

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Day 8

As a coffee lover, this day was one of the best days of our Cartagena and Medellin trip. Colombia is known for 2 major exports: One of which isn’t legal so we’re not going to talk about it… and the other is COFFEE! So I really wanted to spend a day on a “finca” and touring a coffee farm. It was a very thorough and in-depth tour of the full coffee production process. Our tour guide, Hernan, with Toucan Cafe & Tours was really passionate about his job. It was the owners at Cafe de la Cima who was actually giving us the tour. Check out my full review of Cafe de la Cima here!

Savor the rich coffee culture of Colombia during this full-day trip from Medellín to an authentic coffee farm. This coffee-fueled adventure is a great option for those who want to take the time for a full-day trip. Leave Medellín behind as you travel to a beautiful coffee farm producing high-quality Rainforest Alliance-certified beans, learning about the growing, harvesting, and roasting process.

Then taste a cup of ‘tinto’ (black coffee) and tuck into a delicious lunch inside the farm’s beautiful main house. This coffee-themed trip also included entrance fees, lunch, coffee, a driver-guide, and round-trip hotel transport.

Day 9

Today was probably the most meaningful day. I toured the Comuna 13 neighborhood with Comuna 13 Tours. For those unfamiliar, Comuna 13 was once considered “The World’s Most Dangerous Neighborhood.” It is now this vibrant neighborhood that is safe for tourists to explore (with a led tour guide).

We were able to go into the neighborhood and get a small glimpse of what day to day life is like for the locals. There were many art galleries with paintings, tons of food stands. We didn’t go inside anyone’s residence, but caught a quick glimpse. I found that the locals in general were friendly towards tourists. I really only felt unsafe right when we got there. An altercation between two women occurred and one woman slammed a beer bottle on the ground and started to lunge towards the other. But their friends started to break it up so luckily nothing happened.

On the UP and UP!

In addition to the improvements in mobility, our tour guide also pointed out this new building built to help with domestic violence victims. He explained that domestic violence is one of the many challenges the women in this neighborhood face. Of course that is a widespread problem, and not just in Comuna 13; but I was just happy to see there is something being done to improve that. One of the works of graffiti we saw was of a woman with an unborn child crying with one eye shut (which represented domestic violence). It was very heartbreaking and moving.

One of the most notable improvements within the neighborhood is the addition of the multi-million dollar escalator systems. In such a hilly area (as you can see from the pictures), you will see why they needed improvements with mobility. There is now escalators as well as a tram that you can ride to get higher up. Very cheap to ride too. I was happy to see the elderly have an easy way to get around.

After doing a tour of the graffiti, we saw a small performance show by break dancers. It was an interesting show and I was happy to support them with pesos as a thank you for letting me into their community. At the end of our tour, we stopped for a quick sweet treat – frozen mango with a lime/salt combination that almost resembled a margarita. Yum! Overall, an excellent tour and I highly recommend.

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Day 10

Back to United States. Loved my time in Cartagena and Medellin and would love to return one day. If anyone’s stayed in Colombia and has any tips and advice to add, please do so in the comments. Would love to read. Shoot me an email for your free quote: cassandra@accent-on-travel.net. I will help you plan the best trip to Cartagena and Medellin.

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