Colombia itinerary (Xmas)

[Anonymous]

Every year we visit family in sf over Xmas and every year it rains the entire time. I think we are looking for something different and I’m interested in Colombia. So far I’m thinking we would spend 3 nights in Cartagena, 2 nights Rosario island and the. 3-4 nights near pareira or Corcora etc (some ecolodge type place in the coffee region) and then fly back from bogota. Going with teens, 9-10 days and 3 stops probably enough.

Are we missing out by not going to Medellin? Do we need a car for the coffee region or are there tours/drivers? Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Cartagena will be incredibly hot so make sure you have pool access to cool down! We stayed at Sofitel Baru which has lovely pools but it’s remote (you have to take a boat to get there) and not that great for little kids.

[Anonymous]

That sounds like a really good itinerary. I wouldn't rent a car, just not worth the hassle. You can get around fine by bus and taxi. Salento and Santa Rosa de Cabal are definitely worth checking out. I'd download all of the rideshare apps (Uber,Cabify,inDrive,Didi) because pricing and availability varies a lot. And lots of places don't take credit cards, so always carry cash.

[Anonymous]

Great idea! I would love to spend Christmas in Colombia, especially in Barranquilla. Guaranteed 85 deg day with plenty of sun and a festive Christmas city. Really want my parents to come around on that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Cartagena will be incredibly hot so make sure you have pool access to cool down! We stayed at Sofitel Baru which has lovely pools but it’s remote (you have to take a boat to get there) and not that great for little kids.

We stayed on isla baru as an alternative to the rosario islands but not instead of staying in cartagena. Was a cool place with tree lodges and ocean front villas