Medellin Stopover

Upon arrival to José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin, please proceed through Customs, collect your baggage and proceed to Arrivals. Once in the Arrivals hall, please look for a representative holding a sign with your name on it. This representative will lead you to your awaiting private vehicle, which will then transfer you to your hotel. Approximate transfer time is 1 hour.

Accommodation: Diez Hotel

Discover the vibrant essence of Medellin on this full-day tour. The Medellin Botanical Gardens, sprawling over 14 hectares, safeguard 4,500 species of flora, including a striking orchid exhibit under a remarkable 65ft wooden canopy. The gardens feature a butterfly house, cactus garden, lakes, and tropical forest walkways. The Botero Sculpture Park introduces the iconic oversized art of Fernando Botero, housing 23 colossal bronze sculptures. Witness the interaction with these distinctive installations, from the immense bronze Head to the nude Roman Soldier. Medellin's positive metamorphosis is epitomized in the Comuna 13 neighborhood. Once a troubled area, it now thrives through innovative urban architecture and social rejuvenation. Nestled on the city's eastern slopes, Comuna 13 has evolved from its violent past to a secure and harmonious community. It's a hub of cultural expression, fostering music, dance, and captivating street art. The transformation is intertwined with an integrated transport system, including open-air escalators and a pioneering cable car network, offering not just breathtaking vistas but also enhanced mobility and connectivity for residents.

Discover Medellin's surrounding gems on this full-day adventure. Experience the geological wonder of El Peñol monolith rock and the charming lakeside town of Guatapé, all within the scenic Andean mountains of Antioquia. A 2-hour drive east of Medellin leads you through breathtaking landscapes to El Peñol, a towering granite rock resembling Rio's Sugar Loaf Mountain. This monolith, over 65 million years old, holds historical significance for the indigenous Tahami people. Ascend over 700 cliff-hanging steps to its summit for panoramic 360-degree vistas. Gaze upon the serene man-made lake, contrasting with the bustling city nearby. The area's exclusivity is highlighted by luxury lakeside homes, including those seized from Pablo Escobar. Nearby, El Peñol village and its unique Temple of the Rock church add cultural intrigue. Just 30 minutes away lies Guatapé, a picturesque lakeside town founded in 1811. Originally rural, it transformed after the construction of a hydroelectric reservoir in the 1970s, making the lake a prominent attraction. Guatapé preserves its historical charm through vibrant houses and shops along the waterfront, adorned murals in Zocolo Park, and colorful facades on Calle del Recuerdo or "Memory Lane". After a day in the Antioquia countryside, you will be returned to your hotel in Medellin.

Tonight, set out to discover some of the best gastronomy that Medellin has on offer. Arranged to coincide with your preferred dining time, reservations will be made with the restaurant of your choice (subject to availability). To take you to and from the restaurant, private transfers will be arranged. Top dining choices in Medellin include Oci. Mde, Carmen, and In Situ. If you have a specific dining option, please speak with your Destination Specialist. Please note, that your food and drinks are not included and are to be paid for on-site.

Following breakfast, you will be privately transferred to José María Córdova International Airport ahead of your onward flight.