I finally ticked off one of my bucket-list destinations – Colombia. I expected stunning landscapes and great coffee; I did not expect to fall completely in love with the place. But here we are.
Medellín: Proof That a City Can Reinvent Itself
First stop: Medellín, a city with a past so dramatic it could have its own Netflix series (well… it does). But the Medellín of today is something entirely different. It’s modern, creative, and forever spring-like, the kind of weather that makes you question why you bother living anywhere else.
On a History & Transformation Tour, I saw how the city pulled off the greatest glow-up in urban history. The best example? Comuna 13. Once dangerous; now bursting with color, local art, music, and people who redefine the word “resilient.” Riding the cable car above the hills felt like floating above a city that refuses to be anything but hopeful.
Into the Coffee Region - And Into a Traffic Jam
The next day we began our six-hour drive to the Coffee Region. About an hour in, traffic came to a full stop thanks to roadworks. Did we complain? No! We wandered off, found a tiny roadside café, and ended up drinking fresh juices and coffee with owners who insisted on taking photos with us. The friendliest people on Earth might actually all live in Colombia.
By late afternoon, we reached Finca Romelia, welcomed by coffee, dogs (the best combo), hummingbirds, and more orchids than I knew existed. Over 800 species, all living their best lives in this lush little corner of paradise.
Cocora Valley & Salento: Coffee Plantation
Next up: Cocora Valley, home of the famous wax palms. These trees are so tall they look like they’re trying to reach WiFi signal from space. We hiked through misty hills, dodged horses, and tried to pretend altitude wasn’t kicking our butts.
Then came Salento, peak charm in human form: colorful houses, cute cafés, locals in trilbies, and a general atmosphere of “no one is in a hurry, please relax.”
In Salento we jumped into a classic Willy’s Jeep – the only vehicle brave enough for those bumpy, narrow lanes – and headed to Hacienda El Ocaso. Here we learned everything about coffee: picking, planting, roasting, and how not to mess up a cup. We tasted the final product at 1,800 meters above sea level, which I am convinced is where coffee naturally tastes its best.
Cartagena: Sunshine, History, and Very Good Timing
Our next stop was Santa Rosa de Cabal, where we sampled fruit at a local market and shopped for ingredients for a cooking class at Hacienda Santa Clara. We whipped up Sancocho, made arepas, cooked Santarrosano chorizo, and mixed fresh lulo juice. Basically, we ate our way to the heart of authentic Colombia.
Then we flew to Cartagena, landing right in the middle of Independence Day celebrations. The streets were buzzing with music and dancers – we were ever hopeful that it was a welcome party thrown just for us (of course not, but let me have this).
We explored the historic walled city the next morning and visited the Convent of San Pedro Claver, dedicated to a saint who did extraordinary work supporting enslaved communities. Cartagena’s history is intense and fascinating and the colorful architecture alone could keep you wandering for hours.
La Boquilla: The Best Afternoon of the Entire Trip
In the afternoon, we headed to La Boquilla, a fishing community holding onto its culture while the modern city creeps ever closer. First stop: meeting the amazing women of DAMARTES, who craft jewelry and home décor out of coconut shells. They taught us how to make our own pieces, and we probably laughed more in an hour with them than in the last month combined.
Then came one of the absolute highlights of the trip. Local drummers and dancers from the local Kilele musical school, welcomed us at sunset, taught us rhythms on handmade drums, and had us joining in until the sky turned pink. It was joyful, loud, a little chaotic, and one of the best, unforgettable evenings I’ve ever had.
Tayrona National Park: Rainforest Meets Caribbean Beaches
After a long drive, we arrived at Tayrona National Park, which looks exactly like a screensaver come to life. After a night in a cozy wooden cabin surrounded by rainforest, with the sound of the nearby waves, we woke early to trek through the Tayrona National Park, to Cabo San Juan, passing beaches with dramatic waves and calm natural pools. We had lunch in a tiny café supplied by donkeys (yes, donkeys) and soaked in the peaceful atmosphere.
Then came the horse ride back. Two hours of fast trotting (the least comfortable gait ever invented) through the rainforest. Beautiful? Yes. Comfortable? Absolutely not. But the perfect way to end my rainforest experience.
That night, our guide somehow arranged for a tiny beach bar to stay open just for us. The group danced in the waves while I sat listening to the ocean and thinking, “Yep… this is one for the memory bank.”
Bogotá: A Final Taste Before Heading Home
Our last stop was Bogotá, where I managed to sneak in some last-minute shopping in the most colorful souvenir market I have ever wandered through. Ponchos, handbags, jewelry, brightly embroidered T-shirts… far too much to choose from. I couldn’t fit it all in my luggage – which clearly means I need to return with a larger and emptier suitcase.
We then wandered the cobbled streets of La Candelaria, surrounded by murals, colonial courtyards, and busy local cafés. The city buzzes with energy, it’s intellectual, artistic, slightly chaotic, but in the best way. I was starting to feel my age and the altitude by this time, so I had a little rest while the group rode the funicular up Cerro de Monserrate, where the sanctuary overlooks the sprawling city below. It was a perfect final moment to chill and enjoy the peace before this all-too-short dream vacation came to an end.
Colombia, I’m Coming Back for You
At Bogotá airport, our friends at Air Europa allowed us to enjoy a very generous upgrade to Business Class, the most luxurious way to float home, with friendly staff, a comfy bed for the night and delicious meals.
As we flew home, one thing was obvious: This trip wasn’t long enough.
Colombia is the kind of country that grabs you gently by the shoulders and says, “Oh no, you’re not done yet.”
And I’m definitely not done. I can’t wait for round two.
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Check out the Finest Journeys tours in Colombia:
A Colombian Immersion, stopping at Bogotá, Yopal, Medellín, Nuquí and Río Negro – highlights include Traditional Flower Farm, Eco-lodge Reserve, Guided Safari Eastern Llanos, Humpback Whale Watching and Historical Medellin Transformation Tour
Colombian Natural Treasures visiting Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Bucaramanga, Riohacha, Cartagena and Islas del Rosario. Highlights include Coconut Handicraft Workshop, Underground Salt Mine, “Envuelto” Cookery Class, Mud Painting Workshop, Flamingo Sanctuary, Coffee Plantation Tour, Cable Car Ride.
Thanks to Elcy & Andrés at Phoenix PHX, Alvaro from Air Europa and Lucy at The Adventure Collection for making this adventure possible
Alison Eastgate, Marketing Executive, Finest Journeys