Short Trips medellin and surroudings tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 4 days

Explore Medellin , "The City of Eternal Spring" and beyond!

Experience an unforgettable four-day tour of Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city, known for its perfect climate, stunning views, and remarkable transformation into a global hub of innovation and urban development. Discover the city's most iconic attractions and its surrounding areas.

Visit a local flower farm to learn about flower cultivation and the creation of silletas, a central tradition of Medellín’s famous Flower Festival. Afterwards, head to Comuna 13, once one of the city’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, now a powerful symbol of resilience and creativity. Next, enjoy a day trip to Guatapé, where you’ll paint your own traditional zócalo, explore its cultural significance; and climb El Peñol, a towering granite monolith offering breathtaking views of emerald-green lakes, and take a scenic boat ride.

On your final day, wrap up your journey at a family-run cacao farm in San Rafael. There, you’ll explore cacao plantations, native forests, and take part in a hands-on chocolate-making experience, from bean to bar.

EXPERIENCE TYPE Community, Culture & Traditions

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Accommodation

Essential Information

Tour Highlights

Medellin

Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and a world-class modern city with stunning architecture. Medellin delights visitors with its sophistication and wealth attractions. It is called the "City of Eternal Spring" due to its perfect combination of warm days and cool nights. Known for its perfect climate, stunning views, and impressive transformation into a global hub of innovation and urban development.

Surrounded by flower farms, Medellin is one of the main flower producing centres in Colombia.

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Comuna 13

Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin, is safe to explore now, thanks to the government’s promise to improve the neighbourhood and the community’s commitment to sharing this unique part of Medellin with visitors. Ride multiple elevators installed on the side of a mountain to help people move through the community easier.

The walls of Comuna 13 are adorned with bright graffiti and your local guide will explain the meaning and symbolism behind some of the works of art. Witness for yourself how one community that was once home to immense struggle has blossomed into a colourful cultural spot in Medellin.

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Guatape

Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia!

A cute and colourful town, Guatape is located about 2.5 hours outside Medellin. It is located in a beautiful zone wedged between a government created reservoir and a colossal stone, called el Peñol de Guatape.

Upon arrival to the town of Guatape, you'll be surrounded by the most colourful houses, each one intricately decorated with zócalos, traditionally painted carvings, along the lower parts of the main entrances.

Each zócalo tells a story about daily life, local traditions, or natural elements of this region of Colombia. This artistic tradition dates back to the early 20th century, originally serving as a protective and decorative element for the homes.

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Have fun painting your own zocalo!

The artistic work of painting zocalos in the houses is part of the Guatape's culture and tradition, so what better way to immerse yourself in the local culture than by painting a zocalo?

As part of this immersive experience, you'll participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your zócalo. This workshop will allow you to express your creativity and take home a unique and personal souvenir from your visit. Led by local artisans, this workshop will give you an interesting perspective into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artwork.

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El Peñol

Climb a gigantic rock for a great view!

El Peñol is a enormous rock that you can't miss as you arrive to Guatape. The Peñol is said to be millions of years old, and if you ask local residents how the rock was formed, everyone will have a different story for you! Regardless of how the rock was formed, though, it offers an incredible view over the surrounding area. Be prepared to climb a whopping 740 stairs to reach the top of this gigantic rock!

El Peñol is not only a natural wonder but also a symbol of the area's rich history and cultural heritage, attracting adventurers and nature lovers alike.

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Santa Elena

Santa Elena is a small town located approximately 10 miles east from Medellin's city centre. Santa Elena is famous for its flowers and the ornate flower arrangements called silletas that are the cornerstone of the Flower Festival held every year in August.

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San Rafael

Cacao Agro-sustainable Farm

Discover the rich biodiversity of cacao farmers and visit a family-run cacao farm in San Rafael, just 30 minutes from Guatapé. This sustainable farm blends cacao cultivation with forest conservation.

Explore cacao agroecosystems, native forests, and natural landscapes while connecting with the local family behind the project. Take part in the full “bean-to-bar” experience, from harvesting ripe cacao pods and fermenting the beans to roasting, grinding, and crafting your own artisanal chocolate.

Stroll through cacao plantations, hike ecological trails, swim near natural waterfalls, and enjoy an immersive connection with the local family. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or a nature enthusiast, this visit offers a flavorful, hands-on experience rooted in sustainability and tradition.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Arrive in Medellin. City Tour

Travel to Medellin in the morning. Upon arrival your tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport to start the tour.

During the tour, we’ll explore the most iconic sites in Medellín, a city that has reinvented itself as a model of innovation, culture, and sustainability.We will visit Plaza de Botero, a unique space filled with sculptures by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero, who was born here. His distinctive style, characterized by exaggerated proportions, has earned him international acclaim.

Once known for violence in the 1980s and 90s, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation and now stands as a shining example of urban development and social progress.

Overnight: Medellin - Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar
Meal Plan: None

DAY 2 Visit Comuna 13 and Flowers Farm

In the morning, we will take you to Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin. The area is safe to explore now, thanks to the government’s promise to improve the neighbourhood and the community’s commitment to sharing this unique part of Medellin with visitors. Ride multiple elevators installed on the side of a mountain to help people move through the community easier. The walls of Comuna 13 are adorned with bright graffiti and your local guide will explain the meaning and symbolism behind some of the works of art. Witness for yourself how one community that was once home to immense struggle has blossomed into a colourful cultural spot in Medellin.

After visiting Comuna 13, we’ll head to Santa Elena, a charming town located about 30 minutes outside Medellín, to visit a local flower farm. The farm boasts expansive grounds filled with vibrant blooms, and the friendly owners will make you feel right at home. You’ll have the chance to try traditional Colombian snacks, such as arepas and empanadas, and enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the family. This is a perfect opportunity to explore Colombian gastronomy and discover the authentic flavors beloved by locals.

Next, you'll learn about the flower cultivation process and discover why horticulture plays such a vital role in this region of Colombia. You’ll also participate in a hands-on flower arranging activity, gaining insight into how locals craft stunning arrangements called silletas for the annual Flower Festival that draw visitors from around the world.

At the end of the day, we’ll return you to the hotel.

Overnight: Medellin - Poblado Plaza or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3 Day trip to Guatape and El Peñol

We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Medellín and take a scenic 2.5-hour drive to the charming town of Guatape. Known for its vibrant colors and beautiful lakeside views, Guatapé is a popular holiday destination for locals. The main plaza features a lovely traditional church and several shops selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.

In town, you’ll have the chance to participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your own zocalo. This hands-on activity lets you tap into your creativity while crafting a unique, personal souvenir. Local artisans will guide the workshop, sharing insights into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artworks.

Just a few minutes from Guatape is El Peñol, a giant 200-meter-high granite rock that was once sacred to indigenous people. A staircase has been built along the rock, allowing visitors to climb over 600 steps to the top. The view from the summit offers a stunning panorama of the surrounding emerald-green waters.

Next, we’ll take a relaxing boat ride around the reservoir that surrounds both Guatape and El Peñol. The tour guide will share the history and importance of the area, and the boat ride provides the perfect way to unwind and enjoy breathtaking views, especially after climbing the many steps at El Peñol.

At the end of the day, we head to the hotel in San Rafael, just 30 minutes away, where you can relax and continue exploring the countryside.

Overnight: San Rafael - Raices Ecolodge or similar
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Cacao farm experience and transfer to the airport

We’ll start the day by tasting the local cuisine, made with organic products grown by farmers from the area. This will be a unique, three-course breakfast served at the table, each course offering a sensory experience of mindful eating, connection, and well-being. During breakfast, you’ll connect with the earth through the aroma of herbs, vibrant colours, and flavours.

Once the meal concludes, we’ll head to a farm located just 15 minutes from the hotel. In this 2.5-hour interactive experience, you’ll create your own 100% organic cacao chocolate bar and take a guided tour through the plantation, led by a local guide who discovered on his family’s farm a way to continue living off the land and supporting his home.

Throughout this immersive journey, you’ll learn about the cacao roasting, shelling, and refining processes. Then, you’ll craft your own chocolate bar with the toppings of your choice.

At the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy a refreshing cacao exfoliation, followed by a tasting of fresh tropical fruits served with a chocolate fountain where you’re welcome to eat as much chocolate as you like. All of this takes place in a beautiful natural setting, with the chance to spot some of the birds that often perch in the farm’s garden.

At the scheduled time, we will transfer you to the airport.

Overnight: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Medellin

Hotel El Poblado Plaza

Located in the exclusive area of El Poblado, Hotel Poblado Plaza is a distinguished hotel in the El Poblado district of Medellín, Colombia. It is renowned for its warm hospitality and elegant ambience. The spacious, classily decorated rooms have modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.

Guests can enjoy a daily gourmet breakfast buffet with seasonal fruits and delicious classic cuisine options, and relax in the peaceful garden, indulge in the gourmet offerings at the on-site restaurant, and utilise the well-equipped fitness centre. Its prime location provides easy access to Medellín's top attractions, shopping centres, and entertainment venues.

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San Rafael

Raices Ecolodge

Raíces Ecolodge, located in San Rafael, Antioquia, just 30 minutes from Guatapé, is a refuge designed to offer the perfect balance between comfort and sustainability. The rooms invite you to enjoy a peaceful stay in harmony with the beauty of the natural surroundings, ideal for those seeking a connection with nature without giving up modern comforts.

The lodge features themed rooms with king-size beds and hot water, all built with natural materials. Guests can enjoy a nutritious breakfast made with locally sourced ingredients, as well as common areas that include reading spaces, a natural spring pool, a hammock zone, and direct access to the river.

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Essential Information

What's Included

Airport pick up and drop off
3 nights' accommodation (double occupancy)
Private ground transport
Meals as defined in the itinerary
Local English-speaking tour guides
Guatape Workshop experience
Chocolate-making experience
Entry tickets to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary

What's Not Included

International flights
Domestic flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips and other discretionary expenses

How to Book

If you wish to book this tour, please click on the yellow "Book Now" button, select the date, number of people, complete the details and go through a secured online payment platform.

If you have any question or whish to change something, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Absolute perfection

Exceptional experience! Uncover Colombia has a perfect organization; nothing left to chance by the proposed hotel to the driver guides! Precision professionalism! The guides: Marta and Jorge not only guides but exceptional people; great advice great explanations. Practically friends!!

– Paolo, April 2025

Blown Away

I'll write 2 reviews. First the quick one; every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could.

The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an intersting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla - we were met at the airport, taken to the finest hotel in town. The next day we were taken on a city tour. I didn't know much about the city so I was very pleasantly by how much I liked it. The carnival museum is fabulous, we really enjoyed the boardwalk around a lagoon.

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive. Even later at night. She sent me our guides contact information before each leg of the trip and they also reached out as we were arriving . The guides were all good and the vehicles were comfortable. I definitely would use them again and refer my friends as well.

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...

– Daniela, July 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2023

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable. I can highly recommend using Uncover Colombia for your trip!

– Nora, February 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.

– Mates, July 2024

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

Uncover Colombia did a wonderful job of providing me with a itinerary covering some of the best of Colombia's many highlights covering cities and villages, mountains and beaches, and more, and accommodating my own wishes and preferences. Every day was a different experience and a chance to see something completely different from my own life, not a moment was wasted and I never felt rushed.

– Robert McTaggart, March 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2023

4 day Amazonas Tour

It was actually two whole days plus two half days. Everything was well organized. I was accompanied by our guide Sergio from the first to the last minute. He was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The program was very exciting and I felt safe and in good hands at any time.

– Rob, February 2023

A perfect organization!

I'm the Italian President of CIGV (Club Internazionale Grandi Viaggiatori) and I decided to organize the trip to Colombia for 14 club members selecting Uncover Colombia agency. The program they made has been fantastic, touching the most interesting sites of this country but also their, guides, drivers and hotel selection I found simply perfect. Not a mistake, never a delay. I would recommend this agency to everyone...

– Luca, January 2023

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Myself and my wife did a private tour with Juan Carlos to the Salt Cathedral. The tour and Juan Carlos were both great. He had an intimate knowledge of the Salt Cathedral having worked there previously, and also knew a lot about the nearby town and local area. It's a really fascinating structure, and would definitely recommend visiting it if you're in Bogota.

– Barra M, January 2023

Arranged an incredible two week trip

We had an amazing two weeks tour arranged by Uncover Colombia for our honeymoon. Nidia suggested great hotels and activities and made adjustments based on our feedback. All our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and professional with excellent English. Great activities in a beautiful country. They've got a UK-base so are ATOL protected - reassuring given uncertainty with travel at the moment.

– Louise, October 2022

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

We selected Uncover Colombia after reading their great reviews online and it was definitely the right choice. They were the best communicators and within a few emails back and forwards, we had tailored our perfect tour. We spent 15 days traveling Colombia, with all connections, accommodation and activities being handled by Uncover...

– Ben, September 2022

7 extra days in Colombia

We needed a tailored tour to follow a wedding we were attending and wanted to make the most of our travels. Nidia was helpful, responsive and excellent in organising our trip from Periera to Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. Everything worked like clockwork. Our 3 guides (one for each place) were also perfect, Andreas, Roberto & Camilo. They knew their stuff, were responsive and very personable.

– Daniel, August 2022

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

They Organized activities in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena for the two of us. They modified the activities to our needs of seeing wilderness as well as a local culture. Been around the word a few times, we were a little demanding as well. They came thru on everything at a very reasonable price.. Pays to have local organizers like them who truly know Columbia and the needs of the Clients...

– Dolly, December 2021

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Short Trips medellin and surroudings tour

Explore Medellin , "The City of Eternal Spring" and beyond!

Medellin

Comuna 13

Guatape

Visit one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia!

Have fun painting your own zocalo!

El Peñol

Climb a gigantic rock for a great view!

Santa Elena

San Rafael

Cacao Agro-sustainable Farm

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrive in Medellin. City Tour

DAY 2 Visit Comuna 13 and Flowers Farm

DAY 3 Day trip to Guatape and El Peñol

DAY 4 Cacao farm experience and transfer to the airport

Medellin

Hotel El Poblado Plaza

San Rafael

Raices Ecolodge

What's Included

What's Not Included

How to Book

Absolute perfection

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

3 Week Tour of Colombia

4 day Amazonas Tour

A perfect organization!

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Arranged an incredible two week trip

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

7 extra days in Colombia

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

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