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Colombia & Panama | Family Adventures Through the Tropics
16
items Exploring two neighboring countries rich in color, culture, and rhythm… from Colombia’s lush mountain cities to Panama’s tropical coastlines and canals.
Sections
4
Medellín, Colombia
Guatapé, Colombia
Cartagena & The Caribbean Coast
Panama Adventures | From City Life to Island Escapes
Medellín, Colombia
The first stop on our journey through South America… a city once known for its turbulence, now famous for its creativity, resilience, and transformation.
We landed in Medellín just after 11 p.m. and were instantly struck by how the city glows at night. Our driver from the airport was so kind and helpful, navigating the directions to our Airbnb with ease. When we arrived and stepped onto the balcony, t...
Arriving in Medellín | A Midnight Landing and Mountain Views
After hearing countless people say “You have to see Medellín,” I finally understand why. This city is incredible, and we’ve only just started exploring. We began the day at a local panadería for coffee and pastries before taking a taxi from Envigado ...
Day One in Medellín | From Botero to the Metrocable
Today was one for the books. Our driver-turned-guide Juan spent the day showing us around Medellín, and we dove straight into the city’s most infamous history. Our first stop was Pablo Escobar’s grave at Cemetario Jardins Montesacro in Itagüí. The pe...https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg5zHNJua6j/?img_index=6
Medellín’s Narcos History | A Surreal Day with the Escobar Family
You can’t visit Medellín without experiencing Comuna 13, a neighborhood that’s gone from being one of the city’s most dangerous areas to one of its most inspiring. Once known for guerilla violence and urban conflict, it’s now alive with murals, music...https://www.instagram.com/p/Cg51R4DO1gN/?img_index=3
Comuna 13 | From Violence to Vibrance
Travel days don’t always go as planned. Our Airbnb in Medellín cancelled last minute, so instead of a cozy bed we’re making do with an overnight stay at the airport before our 3:30 a.m. flight to Panama. A late dinner, a few drinks, and a decent spot...
Airport Overnights | Farewell, Colombia
Guatapé, Colombia
Colorful streets, tranquil lakes, and the giant rock that defines one of Colombia’s most scenic destinations.
We left Medellín this morning for Guatapé, and Juan (our driver and now friend) arranged for his friend Luis to take us. Luis spoke no English but was incredibly patient, speaking slowly and clearly for us the entire way. On the drive, he stopped at ...
From Medellín to Guatapé | A Day of Ranches, Rides, and New Friends
After a peaceful night at our lakeside Airbnb, we were ready to tackle La Piedra del Peñol… the massive monolith that towers over Guatapé. Seven hundred and fifty steps later (and a lot of laughing along the way), we made it to the top. The view is u...
Climbing El Peñol | 750 Steps and Unforgettable Views
This morning started slow and peaceful… fresh bananas from the trees, birds everywhere (including a mama duck and her ducklings), and even a curious praying mantis on the balcony. Local dogs wandered by like old friends. This Airbnb has easily become...
Guatapé | Fresh Fruit, New Friends, and Home-Cooked Cuban Food
We grabbed the yogurt bowls we’d been eyeing in Guatapé and then set out to San Rafael for the day… and wow, what an adventure. The drive alone was stunning, winding through green hills and small farms. San Rafael sits along the Río Guatapé and was f...
A Day in San Rafael | Small-Town Life and River Swimming
Before flying to Cartagena, Juan picked us up in Guatapé and surprised us with a stop at Parque Temático Réplica del Viejo Peñol… a replica of the old town that was submerged when the reservoir was created. The original Viejo Peñol, founded in 1714, ...
Viejo Peñol & Farewell to the Highlands | Onward to Cartagena
Cartagena & The Caribbean Coast
Historic streets, Caribbean beaches, and colorful colonial charm meet tropical heat and ocean breezes.
Cartagena is one of Colonial Spain’s most important ports, a fortified city built to protect its treasures from centuries of pirate attacks… including Sir Francis Drake himself. The 11 km of stone walls and fortresses that still surround the city mak...
Cartagena | Beach Chaos and Sunset on the Walled City
We spent our last full day in Cartagena slowly wandering the historic walled city, camera in hand, taking in all the colors and ornate door knockers that tell stories of the past. Each design once reflected a family’s status or trade… fish and sea cr...
Cartagena | Door Knockers, Colors, and Goodbye to Colombia
Panama Adventures | From City Life to Island Escapes
From the vibrant energy of Panama City to the calm turquoise waters of the San Blas Islands, this section follows the journey south as we begin exploring a new country.
The final Colombian morning started early… very early. After an unexpected overnight at the airport, we grabbed some food, stretched our legs, and watched the planes come and go while waiting to board. The boys managed to nap through most of the wait...
Travel Day | Medellín to Panama
We made it to Panama City, and it’s instantly noticeable how different things feel… starting with using U.S. dollars again. The only goal after landing was simple: find a Wendy’s, eat something familiar, and survive the post-travel exhaustion. After ...
Arrival in Panama | A Much-Needed Nap
Today we set out to explore Casco Viejo, the historic district of Panama City. Even with the rain, wandering through the old streets was worth it… a blend of restored Spanish architecture, colorful buildings, and street-side cafés that tell the story...https://www.instagram.com/p/ChTu5fXuHlX/?img_index=9
Exploring Casco Viejo & Panama City’s Contrasts
If you visit Panama City, don’t skip the Ocean to Ocean Tour with Panama Day Trips, it’s one of the best day tours we’ve done anywhere. Our guide, John Acosta, was incredible, weaving together stories of history, politics, and ecology as we explored ...https://panamadaytrips.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnkVVTdXwEEc-Ovk6_Ylb_cBDn0iyp9lo0UWf9LqqITQ66_xIoxTvS9I186I8_aem_Vib4B6guUrilSwSTuJgwkg
Ocean to Ocean Tour | A Full Day of Wildlife & History