12 days in Cartagena & Medellin Itinerary

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Go for a jaunt from Cartagena to Isla Baru to see Playa Blanca about 1h 5 min away. Spend the 6th (Wed) among aquatic life with a scuba or snorkeling tour. Next up on the itinerary: explore the historical opulence of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, don't miss a visit to Plaza Bolivar, take in the spiritual surroundings of Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, and gain insight at Plaza Santo Domingo.

For maps, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Cartagena route planner.

Madison, USA to Cartagena is an approximately 11-hour flight. Traveling from Madison to Cartagena, you'll lose 1 hour due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Madison in February, expect Cartagena to be much hotter, temps between 88°F and 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Thu) early enough to travel to Medellin.

Nestled between rising hills in a narrow valley, Medellin serves as an energetic melting pot of people from all socio-economic classes.

Change things up with these side-trips from Medellin: Museo Historico Casa de la Convencion de Rionegro (in Rionegro) and Piedra Del Penol (in Guatape). There's much more to do: take in the local highlights with Walking tours, take in nature's colorful creations at Jardin Botanico de Medellin, get a dose of the wild on Alma del Bosque, and observe the fascinating underwater world at Parque Explora.

To find other places to visit, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, read our Medellin trip planner.

You can fly from Cartagena to Medellin in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Cartagena in February, things will get little chillier in Medellin: highs are around 82°F and lows about 64°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to travel back home.