August 04, 2026
6 minute read
There’s more to Colombia than many travellers expect, and Medellín and Cartagena offer two unforgettable places to begin discovering it.
One sits high in the Andes, surrounded by lush green mountains and known for its remarkable transformation through art, innovation, and community. The other overlooks the Caribbean Sea, where colourful colonial streets, historic fortifications, and coastal charm have welcomed travellers for centuries.
Whilst they're often paired together, these cities couldn't feel more different — and that's exactly what makes experiencing both so rewarding.
On the Columbia extension on our small group Explorations tour Costa Rica: A World of Nature, travellers experience both through the people who know them best.
Surrounded by the Andes, Medellín has become one of South America's most inspiring success stories.
Whilst its past is well documented, today's Medellín is defined by creativity, resilience, and the communities that helped reshape the city from within.
Rather than visiting famous landmarks, Collette introduces travellers to a neighbourhood where those stories come alive. On a privately guided tour, local residents share firsthand how art, education, and collaboration transformed their neighbourhood into a symbol of hope. Colourful murals tell stories of resilience, whilst personal conversations offer a perspective no museum could capture.
The experience continues in the heart of the city at Plaza Botero, where Fernando Botero's iconic bronze sculptures celebrate Colombia's most famous artist. Nearby, the Museum of Antioquia showcases even more of his unmistakable "Boterismo" style, giving travellers another window into Colombia's creative spirit.
Just outside Medellín, another side of Colombian culture awaits.
In the hillside village of Santa Elena, travellers visit a traditional flower farm where generations of families have preserved the centuries-old tradition of the silleteros — the artisans behind Medellín's famous Feria de las Flores.
Learn how elaborate floral displays, known as silletas, are carefully handcrafted before enjoying a home-cooked meal surrounded by vibrant gardens. It's an experience that celebrates not just flowers, but the families and traditions that have made them a symbol of regional pride.
If Medellín looks towards the future, Cartagena invites you to step into the past.
Set along Colombia's Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage city is one of the country's most recognizable destinations. The city's centuries-old stone walls frame colourful colonial buildings, flower-covered balconies, lively plazas, and charming cafés, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in South America.
A guided walk through the Walled City reveals the stories hidden within its cobblestone streets, whilst a visit to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas — the largest fortress the Spanish built in the Americas — brings centuries of colonial history vividly to life. Wander through hidden tunnels, stand atop coral stone ramparts, and hear how Cartagena successfully defended itself against pirates and invading armies.
Some of Cartagena's most memorable experiences happen just beyond the city walls.
In the Afro-Caribbean fishing village of La Boquilla, travellers discover traditions that have been passed down for generations. Local performers welcome visitors with music and dance before inviting everyone to try the rhythms themselves during a hands-on drumming workshop.
Travellers even get the chance to glide through peaceful mangrove forests by canoe alongside a local guide who explains the importance of this unique ecosystem and the wildlife it supports.
Back in Cartagena, travellers have another opportunity to connect through culture during a hands-on cooking class featuring regional ingredients and traditional Colombian recipes.
Medellín and Cartagena reveal a side of Colombia that is vibrant, welcoming, creative, and full of life.
For travellers exploring on our small group Explorations tour Costa Rica: World of Nature, the optional Colombia extension offers the chance to continue the adventure with five unforgettable days that pair meaningful local experiences with two of South America's most captivating cities. Whether you're walking alongside community leaders in Medellín, crafting floral traditions in Santa Elena, wandering Cartagena's colourful streets, or learning to cook regional specialities, you'll leave with a richer understanding of the people and places that make Colombia so extraordinary.
Both Medellin and Cartagena offer completely different experiences, making them ideal to visit together. Medellín is known for its mountain setting, vibrant art scene, and inspiring transformation through community and innovation. Cartagena offers Caribbean charm, colonial architecture, centuries of history, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Many travellers find that two to three days in each city allows enough time to experience their highlights whilst also exploring beyond the most famous attractions. On Collette's Colombia extension, travellers spend three days discovering Medellín's neighborhoods and nearby Santa Elena before continuing to Cartagena's historic streets and surrounding communities.
Medellín is celebrated for its remarkable transformation, public art, innovative urban planning, and welcoming culture. Visitors can explore neighborhoods filled with colourful murals, admire Fernando Botero's iconic artwork, and experience traditions like the famous silletero flower culture in nearby Santa Elena.
Cartagena is famous for its UNESCO-listed Walled City, colourful colonial architecture, Caribbean coastline, and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore historic fortresses, stroll cobblestone streets lined with flower-filled balconies, experience Afro-Caribbean traditions, and enjoy the city's renowned food scene.
Colombia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on the experiences you're looking for and how it fits into a broader South American itinerary. If you're planning a multi-country journey, it's worth considering seasonal weather patterns across the continent. Read our guide to the best time to travel to South America for a season-by-season breakdown to help you choose the right time for your adventure
Small group travel makes it easier to connect with local communities and experience destinations in a more meaningful way. Rather than simply visiting major attractions, travellers can meet the people who live there, participate in hands-on cultural experiences, enjoy home-style meals, and gain deeper insight into Colombia's history, traditions, and everyday life through expert local guides.
Ready to experience Colombia beyond the highlights? Explore our Costa Rica: A World of Nature tour Colombia extension.
ABN 32 600 161 671 © 2014 Collette Pty Ltd. All rights Reserved. © 2026 Collette Worldwide Holidays Australian Division. All Rights Reserved.
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