Colombia: Medellin, Jardin, Santa Marta, Tayrona, Cartegena & Providencia
- More about your Oliver Guide: Megan Harvey
- Trip type: Family, Beach, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 2-3 weeks. This trip was actually two trips for us. Our first trip consisted of a week (Ski Week) in Providencia with a two night layover in Panama. On our second trip we visited Medellin, Jardin, Tayrona National Park and Cartegena over a two week time span (Winter Break).
to & from
Avianca via San Salvador or Copa Via Panama both UAL affiliates.
Where to Stay
Medellin – Anywhere in the Poblado area. We stayed at Du Park Royal. Charlee Hotel is another good option.
Jardin – A typical Colombia Pueblo about a 3 hour bus ride from Medellin. We chose Jardin because we wanted the Colombia countryside experience but we did not have time to go to the more popular Salento area. Stay anywhere off the main square.
Santa Marta – The gateway for trip to Tayrona National Park. Skip if you can, or stay for only one night. Stay close to the centre as the outskirts can get seedy quickly, I am speaking from experience.
Tayrona – Villa Maria we LOVED. Ask for Villa #7 with an ocean view.
Cartegena – I highly recommend staying in the Getesmani area. Getesmani is vibrant and full of life with street art, live music. Less touristy. You can easily walk to the walled city. We LOVED Casa Lola, the roof top pool is a great spot to cool off and have a mojito or a Club Colombia.
Providencia – Deep Blue or rent a private house. We stayed at Hotel y Centro de Buceo Sirius which was very barebones. Happy to have an in depth conversation if you are considering booking here as best to set expectations– it is way past its prime.