Possible Schedule​

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• Tuesday, Dec 11th 

  • 10:07 AM Arrival - Pick up at the airport. Driver will be waiting with a sign. 

  • 11:30 AM Estimated arriving time to apartment - You will find the key inside a security box located outside the door. Security code will be provided couple of days before check in date.  Apartment might not be ready for check-in, but you will be able to leave bags, while you explore the neighborhood before it's time to check in. 

    • This can be a perfect time to grab lunch in one of the many restaurants in the area.

    • You could also go see the Castillo Museum. it is a beautiful house converted in Museum/gallery. It is close by, beautiful, and with amazing view of the city.

    • Today, you could also check out the downtown of Medellin. See places like Plaza de Botero and Museo de Antioquia (heart of downtown, relatively safe, busy, but also fascinating); Another area good for walking is near Parque de los Pies descalzos, Plaza Cisneros, and Monumento de la Raza (near Alpujarra Metro Station) this one is a newer side, interesting architecture; Another one would be around the Jardin Botanico, Parque de los Deseos/Planetarium, and Parque Explora.  All good areas for short walks, and with interesting buildings/parks to explore and leisure around. 

      • An option to do is also via free walking tours. I know one that leaves around 2:30pm on weekdays. Registration starts 2 days before. Let me know if you would like to me make a reservation. 

 

• Wednesday, Dec 12

  • Drive to Guatape - Drive to Guatape is about 2 hours.  You can drive to and climb the steps at El Peñol, check out the lake (even take a boat tour if you want), and visit the town where you can grab lunch and spend time walking around its colorful streets.

    • Pick up car at Rentadora De Colombia (13 min walk from the apartment). Car rental, GPS, and insurance cost are included.  Gasoline is not included. Please make sure to bring driver license and major credit card for safety deposit and any additional expenses.  

    • Renault Captur/Mazda CX5 or similar, manual, small SUV.​

    • Reservation starts at 7AM. Good time to leave. Avoid heavy traffic. It is recommended you are back before 7/8PM.  Please discuss with them the schedule.  If you prefer to pick the car later, let me know so I can give them a heads up.

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• Thursday, Dec 13th

  • 08:30 AM - 01:00 PM Street Food and Social Tour - I was able to work out a tour that combines the two you were interested in doing, and that way have an extra day to do the bike experience, or any other you choose to do.  It would be about food, but also a social and cultural experience. You will see markets, street art, "barrios", ride public transportation (which locals and Colombians are very proud of), see good views of the city, and of course try some good food, fruits, and juices.  

    • Meet your guide at a Toucan cafe located at ​Calle 10 # 41 -32.  A short walk from the apartment. They have good coffee too! 

    • Make sure to bring your passports. This is to fill out travel insurance docs. 

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• Friday, Dec 14th to Saturday, Dec 15th

  • Exploring Jardín -  Drive to Jardin is about 3.5 hours.  The area is beautiful, once in town you can enjoy walking around, the plaza, colorful streets, restaurants, cafes, etc. 

    • Rental car service as previous day. This time you can have it all day the 14th and 15th. Reservation starts at 7AM on the 14th, good time to leave. Avoid heavy traffic, etc. It is recommended you are back before 7/8PM on the 15th.  Please discuss with them the schedule.  If you prefer to pick the car later, let me know so I can give them a heads up.

    • You will be staying in the cabin you selected (breakfast included). Which is like 10 minutes away from the town. Currently coordinating the best time and place to meet with your hosts. 

    • Once in Jardin, you can visit Coffee farms, go trekking, visit waterfalls, caves, etc.  I am already getting some information on coffee farms for you, but let me know if there is anything else that you would like me to look into. This is a high season and I recommend making reservations or making plans in advance. At the same time, you could play it by ear and see options once you are there. 

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• Sunday, Dec 16th

  • 08:00 AM - Biking Experience - This would be a 5-6 hour experience. You have chosen the "forgotten road" experience.  Riding bikes down the mountain on a forgotten old road  that was replaced by a new and faster tunnel. Views will pretty spectacular, and the guide will make stops for refreshments and photos along the way. BBQ lunch would be provided on the way back. 

    • PLEASE REMEMBER - Rides is relatively easy, but it still requires physical activity, medium fitness level, and an adventurous attitude. The tour provider likes to point out that all riders are under their own risk and responsibility.  They are not to be liable for any accidents. They might make you sign a release form.  

    • They will pick you up at the apartment, and drive at least 40 minutes to where the ride will start. 

    • The additional cost for this one is $110. It won't be private, but as part of a small group. which I think is better and funner. 

    • It might be a little cold at the beginning, make sure to have a jacket and dress comfortably. 

    • Also make sure to have money and your passports as well.  Money will be needed to buy things along the way (they won't stop at ATMs), and the passports might be requested by road police. 

    • I will let you know if there are any changes with time. 

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• Monday, Dec 17th 

• 06:00 AM - Airport Pick Up.  09:30 AM Flight. 

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Option for Activities with Additional Cost

• Visit to Coffee Farm - Tour, workshop, and tasting (4 -5 hours)

• Visit to Coffee Farm and Jardín; gorgeous colorful mountain town (8-10 hours)  

• Horseback riding in mountains around the city - gorgeous views, cute interesting stops (4-5 hours)

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Recommendations 

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• Cartagena - Check out the small guide I created to share with customers and friends for recommendations on restaurants, things to do, and cafes.  For cafes, I share a blog from one of the groups I work for. They captured the best cafes in town.   My favorite is Cafe Epoca (The have two locations, my favorite is the one closer to your house)

• Medellin - I don't have a guide for Medellin yet, but based on my own experience and after doing some research, I would like to recommend the following:

  • Coffee Shops: You will be staying in an area full of restaurants, and cafés.  Have fun exploring them and walking this area of the city in your search for food and coffee. I am sure you won't be disappointed. Some to highlight are Pergamino Cafe, Cafe Velvet, Kodama, Hija Mia Coffee Roasters, Macanas (Close to you). 

    • I also found an interesting article about coffee shops in Medellin, I like it because they talk about places in other areas, so you could check them out if you find yourself in those neighborhoods. 

  • Restaurants: Medellin has a pretty good food scene, usually Colombian food but there are more and more international and fusion options everyday.  Again, the area where you will be staying is perfect to walk around and find some good spots, for all kinds of food.

    • Give small restaurants a chance, they are usually tasty and have good lunch specials. 

    • Try one of the Paisa (From the region) typical restaurants. They feel like places from small towns, cool vibe and the food is always good.  Fun to try at least once. I like Hacienda Original, not too far from your place 

    • If you feel like spending good money for a unique experience, check out El Cielo.  It's an experience for all the senses. ​​

    • I have not been but I have been told Mercado del Rio is a fun place to go. It is one of those "markets' where you find multiple restaurants and bars in a social and communal atmosphere.