Cultural Explorations in Bogotá & Medellín
Your TourHero
Hi! My name's Anastasia and I'm a huge foodie! I love traveling to new places to expand my palate and discover new cuisines, new cultures, and new people! I'm pretty daring with my food choices, so I won't shy away from the weird stuff. I've eaten my way through 13 different countries and I hope to grow this number! I've planned this trip to Bogotá & Medellín because they've been on my bucket list for so long — if you want to see if the arepas are as good as they say they are in Colombia, come along with me!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 – 11, 2022
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Uber, van, airplane, cable car
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
20 – 30
Travel interest
Food, wine, culture, sightseeing
Fellow Travelers
Don
Leighton
Brion
Audrey
Lydia
Avery
Jin
Bella
Leo
Tobias
Branson
Tiffany
Carah
Lindsay
Todd
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Meghan
Christen
Ami
Tyrone
Cooper
LindyYour Local Guide
Awake Travel stands as Colombia's pioneering B Corp Travel agency (certified for its social and environmental impact), boasting over a decade of experience collaborating with 300+ hosts across 70 diverse destinations.They pride themselves on working closely with local communities and inviting travelers to discover Colombia with them in a safe, ecological, and socially conscious way. The team is equipped with all the training and expertise needed to ensure your trip runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Let them take care of all the details for you — just let your unforgettable adventure unfold.
Come for the culture and stay for the food on this elevated trip to the Colombian cities of Bogotá and Medellín. The trip starts with two nights in Bogotá where you’ll learn its rich history and eat your way through the streets with the locals. Next, pack your bags and head to Medellín to explore the tragedy and triumph of what was known as the most dangerous city in Colombia. Tour this diverse location filled with authentic food, biodiversity, inspiration, and art at every turn.
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
Your TourHero
Hi! My name's Anastasia and I'm a huge foodie! I love traveling to new places to expand my palate and discover new cuisines, new cultures, and new people! I'm pretty daring with my food choices, so I won't shy away from the weird stuff. I've eaten my way through 13 different countries and I hope to grow this number! I've planned this trip to Bogotá & Medellín because they've been on my bucket list for so long — if you want to see if the arepas are as good as they say they are in Colombia, come along with me!
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Travel Date
Mar 7 – 11, 2022
Activity Level
Light
Group Size
6 – 15
Transportation
Uber, van, airplane, cable car
Come for the culture and stay for the food on this elevated trip to the Colombian cities of Bogotá and Medellín. The trip starts with two nights in Bogotá where you’ll learn its rich history and eat your way through the streets with the locals. Next, pack your bags and head to Medellín to explore the tragedy and triumph of what was known as the most dangerous city in Colombia. Tour this diverse location filled with authentic food, biodiversity, inspiration, and art at every turn.
Timeline
- Day 1 · Bogotá
- Arrive in Bogotá
- Transfer from El Dorado Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento International Airport to Accommodation
- Check-in at Masaya Hostel Bogotá (or similar according to availability)
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 2 · Bogotá
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Bogotá City Tour
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Andrés Carne de Res Night Tour
- Dinner (not included in price)
- Day 3 · Medellín
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Transfer from accommodation to airport
- Fly from Bogotá to Medellín
- ~ 1 hr 5 mins plane
- Check-in at Masaya Hostel Medellín (or similar according to availability)
- Medellín City Tour
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 4 · Medellín
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Comuna 13 Tour
- Lunch and dinner (not included in price)
- Day 5 · Departure
- Breakfast (not included in price)
- Check out of accomodation
- Private transfer from accommodation to airport
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Bogotá, Colombia — the bustling capital city and the country’s cultural epicenter
Welcome to Bogotá and your first day in Colombia! We’re excited to have you on this cultural journey through the streets of history in this majestic place. After you check into the hostel, take a stroll through the La Candelaria neighborhood and enjoy authentic Colombian food, lively bars, and shopping at every turn. Head back to the hostel for a great night’s sleep and get ready for a guided day of exploration.
Day 2
Discover the beauty of Bogotá through a city walking tour with a local guide
After a restful sleep, grab a hearty breakfast and prepare to learn the ins and outs of Bogotá’s diverse history. You’ll start the journey with a trip to the Andes mountain range by way of the cable car system and explore the Sanctuary of Monserrate, a Catholic temple that surrounds the city at 3150 meters over sea level. Make sure your phone is charged. You don’t want to miss these incredible views! You’ll then explore some of the most famous and historic neighborhoods in the city with stops at the Botero Museum and the Chorro de Quevedo. This tour will open your eyes to the complex history of this wondrous place.
Journey to the most iconic spot in Bogotá for dinner and dancing with an Andrés Carne de Res Night Tour
After a day on your feet, freshen up and enjoy the ride to a must-see on any trip to Colombia. Andrés Carne de Res is a five-floor complex featuring authentic Colombian food, two dancefloors, and eclectic art on every wall, floor, and ceiling. This famous hotspot has a wild history, and you’ll learn it all on this four-hour excursion.
Day 3
Fly to Medellín and discover the rich history of this transformed city
Rise and shine, adventurers! Today, we grab a quick breakfast and fly to Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. This lively place was once considered one of the most dangerous places in the world but is now a leading city for tourism, technology, art, and fashion. Drop off your bags at the hostel and head out with a local guide for a walking city tour that will explore the main hotspots of Medellín and provide detailed information about the infamous Pablo Escobar. You’ll see Sculptures Park, aka Botero Square, and Barefoot Park, a green space with gardens and bamboo trees. You’ll also see the Park of Wishes, the Planetarium, and the University of Antioquia by riding the Metro and the Metrocable cable car system. This tour will teach and inspire, reminding us all that change is possible. After a great day of walking the streets, grab dinner with the group and toast to a stellar night out.
Day 4
Discover the history and transformation of Comuna 13, once deemed the most dangerous city in Colombia
On your last day in Colombia, it’s time to dig into the crude history of Medellín in an area of San Javier called Comuna 13. Once known as the most dangerous city in Colombia, this area holds stories of tragedy and triumph that will inspire all. You’ll see the life-changing street art created by the locals and take the Metrocable up the hill, enjoying the city from a higher perspective. The last stop is at a museum created by the community that features pictures of the Comuna before and during Orion operation: a violent event that shifted the fate of the area forever.
Day 5
Time flies when you’re seeing it all in Colombia
Enjoy your last morning in Colombia by having one final meal before your flight. Pack your things and take your transfer to the airport, reflecting on all that you’ve seen and learned. No matter where you’re headed next, we hope you had an unforgettable experience. Safe travels!
Accommodation
Masaya Hostel Bogotá (or similar according to availability)
Situated in the La Candelaria neighborhood in the heart of downtown Bogotá is your home away from home for the next four nights. This traditional hostel pays homage to the architectural heritage of the city and features dorm rooms, eclectic common spaces, a restaurant/bar, and friendly faces to make your stay memorable. With nightly activities, happy hour specials, and a prime location, you’ll sink into the chill vibes of this stellar hostel the moment you arrive. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Masaya Hostel Medellín (or similar according to availability)
Sticking with the Masaya brand, we head to the Masaya Hostel in Medellín for two more nights of fun. This trendy, downtown accommodation features a rooftop pool, lounge, and bar, along with various common areas to make new friends and enjoy your free time. Make yourself at home in the dorm and enjoy the prime location in this bustling city. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in Masaya Hostel Bogotá (or similar)
- 2 nights in Masaya Hostel Medellín (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- Bogota City Tour
- Andrés Carne de Res Tour
- Medellín City Tour
- Comuna 13 Tour
- Domestic flight (Bogotá to Medellín)
- Private transfer from/to your hotel to Andrés Carne de Res (4-hour driver wait time)
- Private transfer from airports to hostels
- Private transfer from hostels to airports
- 24/7 guest support
Not included
- International flights
- All food
- Personal expenses
- Optional add-ons
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit but before your card on file is charged for the full payment, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 30 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making the full payment, you may change or cancel your trip up to 30 days before the tour departure for a refund.
- Explore the streets of La Candelaria with your guide and see the mixing of architecture and the major historic landmarks. - Unsplash: Michael Barón
- Welcome to Bogota, where the colorful architecture tells the story of Colombia's history. - Pexels: Enrique Hoyos
- Discover the rich colonial history of this magical city. - Pixabay: alexis_villavicencio
- On this guided tour, you'll see all the important landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods of Bogota that shape the rich cultural heritage of this amazing place. - Unsplash: Random Institute
- Discover the beautiful cathedrals and churches in downtown Bogota, such as the Catedral Primada de Colombia. - Pixabay: Makalu
- Walk the vibrant streets and journey through time with diverse architecture and traditional cuisine. - Pixabay: gustavo9917
- Learn the rich history of Medellin by walking the streets with a local guide. - Unsplash: Mike Swigunski
- Learn how one of the most dangerous neighborhoods turned it around and became a treasure trove of art and culture. - Unsplash: Reiseuhu
- Walk through Sculptures Park, aka Botero Square, and explore the various sculptures and artworks embedded within the streets of Medellin. - Pixabay: Julianza
- Your guide will take you through Sculptures Park, aka Botero Square, and teach you the history of each structure you pass. - Pixabay: Julianza
- Ride the Metro and Metrocable with your guide as you explore the city of Medellin. - Pixabay: USA-Reiseblogger
- Explore Pueblito Paisa, aka Little Paisa Town, with your guide and buy all the souvenirs you can fit in your suitcase! - Pixabay: edwinesteban
- Learn the crude history of Comuna 13 and become inspired by its glorious transformation. - Unsplash: Kobby Mendez
- Learn about Comuna 13 in San Javier, once known as the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia. - Unsplash: Daniel Quiceno M
- Enjoy the many common areas at Masaya Hostel in Medellin and make life-long friends on this journey. - Masaya Website
- Enjoy the rooftop pool, bar, and lounge at this chic hostel. - Masaya Website
- Rest your head in Masaya's comfy 6-bed dorm room featuring AC, lockers, and a shared bath. - Masaya Website
- At the Masaya Hostel in Bogota, you'll find comfy furnishings in their 6-bed dorm room. - Masaya Website
- Explore this eclectic, five-floor complex on the final night of your trip. - Facebook
- Eat a great meal, go dancing, buy some kitschy gifts, or do all three on this four-hour tour. - Facebook
- Welcome to your home away from home at the Masaya Hostel in Bogota! - Facebook
- You can't leave this whimsical place without trying some of the best Colombian food in the city! - Facebook