Enjoy Medellin "City of Eternal Spring", Colombia ⛰️: Cool off in a clear river, Immerse yourself in the Colorful Paisa Culture and Delight Yourself with the Best Coffee ☕ and a Crispy Chicharrón 🐽!

Day 1. Medellín, "City of Eternal Spring", is a vibrant and dynamic city located in the Aburrá Valley in the Andes Mountains of Colombia. It is the capital of the Antioquia department and is known for its rich history, stunning natural surroundings, and a remarkable transformation from a once-infamous city plagued by drug violence to a thriving, innovative metropolis. The first day that we will all meet, we cannot miss the opportunity to visit La Ceja, try traditional Colombian dishes and enjoy the rich flavors of the region with a good conversation. After settling in our accommodation we are going to a beautiful viewpoint (miradores) that offer panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain where visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery and take in the city's landscape. Then let’s discover El Poblado and the Provenza neighborhood which are known for their vibrant nightlife. Those are home to numerous bars, pubs and rooftop bars which offer stunning views of the city along with a variety of drinks. After dinner and some drinks we will rest in a comfortable hotel, and the next day the great adventure begins. Day 2. We will start the day getting lost in a local market where we can delight ourselves with the great variety of fruits and different foods from our rich Colombian land. After a delicious breakfast, walking the streets of Medellín is a great way to explore, but it's easy to miss the details and history if you're not guided.So we will get a tour to visit the landmarks, also the present, the past, the daily culture and the hidden gems of the city. Admire and learn about churches, parks, and squares; and finish with local snacks at a rooftop restaurant. In the afternoon, we will discover the transformative graffiti art of Column 13 on a guided tour. We will travel by subway, climb the houses on top of the mountain with the metrocable, and take the public bus to the graffiti district for a walking tour filled with art, music, food, and the friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood. We will end the day in the “Pueblito Paisa”, a replica of a traditional Antioquian town and provide visitors with a glimpse into the region's culture, architecture, and way of life. Finally and optionally, we can enjoy a good party in the best clubs in the city.

Day 3. Early in the morning we will leave the hotel and begin the journey to Guatapé. We will drive through the mountains of Antioquia where after approximately 2 hours we will be at our destination, a place that will surprise everyone. Guatapé is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, colorful architecture, and the massive monolith known as the "Rock of Guatapé" (El Peñol). The town is nestled amidst a network of lakes and rivers, creating a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. As soon as we arrive, we will head to the Piedra del Peñol, a huge rock formation that offers impressive views of the surroundings. We will climb the 740 steps to the top, once at the top, we will enjoy the panoramic views of the Guatapé reservoir and the picturesque landscape. We also have the option of a helicopter flight over this beautiful place (It is not mandatory and it is not included in the budget), while those who do not wish to take it discover a little more of the surroundings. After Check-in we will take the exciting Free Tour Zócalos, history and charm of Guatapé, where the main purpose is to immerse ourselves in the historical charm of Guatapé, allowing you to discover the fascinating secrets behind the zócalos, the picturesque streets, the local characters and the everyday stories that have given life to this charming city. At the end of the day we will have dinner at a movie theater and we will sleep in our incredible and traditional accommodation to rest and recharge our energy for the next day. Day 4. We will start the day with a hearty breakfast in one of the local cafes or restaurants. Enjoy some Colombian coffee and traditional dishes like arepas or empanadas. Then, we will have a few hours free to enjoy the water or air sport they want such as Wakeboarding, Jet-ski, Kayak, Paragliding, or simply swimming in the reservoir.(the sport chosen is not included in the budget since it is of free choice). The private boat tour around the Guatapé Reservoir that we’re going to take is a popular activity that allows us to explore the stunning landscapes, islands, and shoreline of the area. These boat tours offer a unique perspective of the region's natural beauty and are a great way to relax and enjoy the views before lunch. We will take advantage of the afternoon to take a coffee tour near Guatapé. The tour will likely take you to a local coffee farm, where you'll have the opportunity to see coffee plants up close, to learn about planting, harvesting, and the care required to produce high-quality coffee beans. One of the highlights of a coffee tour is the coffee tasting session. We'll get to sample freshly brewed coffee and experience its aroma, flavor, and body. Coffee experts will teach us how to appreciate the nuances of different coffee profiles and why not to purchase freshly roasted coffee beans. This is an excellent chance to take home some authentic Colombian coffee as a souvenir. Before the end of the day and in order to explore the exuberant landscape and appreciate a beautiful sunset, we will take a colorful and fun means of transportation, a Tuc-Tuc. And finally, we will depart in our private transport to the interesting and unique Cañón Del Río Claro Nature Reserve where we will sleep in a Glamping, lodging that combines the experience of camping in nature with the comfort of a hotel.

Day 5. The Rio Claro Natural Reserve is nestled within a lush tropical rainforest, characterized by its towering trees, crystal-clear river, and dramatic limestone formations. The reserve covers an area of approximately 650 hectares and offers visitors a breathtaking natural playground. Whether you're an adventure seeker, nature lover, or simply looking for a serene escape, this reserve has something to offer for everyone. This day we’re going through the bowels of the earth to live a unique and unforgettable experience. We will explore a cave carved out by the Bornego ravine, which still runs through its soil, is 400 meters long, with monumental halls with high domes studded with hanging stalactites where the unknown "guacharos" nest (endemic birds of Colombia and Venezuela on the way to extinction). From the entrance to the exit, long continuous galleries naturally sculpted in marble are covered. Observing the different formations and textures of its rocky walls, the shadows and reflections of light behind the speleothems and folds, is an amazing adventure that will leave a mark on your memory. To get there you have to take a walk along a trail, smelling of the jungle, through the forest of the goblins and we will also enjoy some waterfalls. After a short rest, you will have a few hours free to enjoy optional activities not included in the budget such as canopy and via ferrata. We will end the day with a couple of beers and a good talk in the middle of nature, to then rest and prepare for the next day that will be a little more extreme. Day 6. Our last day in the Rio Claro Canyon Nature Reserve will be quite fun. We will navigate the rapids, downstream, along the river, in inflatable boats and enjoy the green surroundings. On this tour we will discover the imposing rock ledge through which fine drops of rainwater perennially filter, even if it is not raining, coming from the sinkholes, from the upper part of the mountain. As the boats pass below, it is a delightful surprise to perceive and discover this phenomenon. We will also observe interesting gigantic stalactites, we will do body rafting, descent in a vest, 1.5km trekking, and hydro-trekking. Finally and before returning to the city of Medellin, we will travel approximately one hour in our private transport to the Colombian Santorini. The term "Colombian Santorini" is not an official name for a specific place or destination, but it may refer to a location or area that bears a resemblance to the Greek island of Santorini in terms of its scenic beauty, architecture, or charm. Santorini is famous for its stunning white-washed buildings with blue-domed churches, and breathtaking sunsets.

Return day to each home from Medellin. After a big hug, each TripMate will take off on their respective flights. Excited and captivated by a country that has much to contribute and a population that touches your heart, it is likely that it will not be your last time in this incredible country.