— A taste
What we're walking into.
A small primer. The view from El Peñol. The light in the old city. The water at Rosario.
Fly into Medellín, ferry through Guatapé, hop a domestic flight to Cartagena, then out to the Rosario Islands. Home from Cartagena.
A small primer. The view from El Peñol. The light in the old city. The water at Rosario.
Toddler-pace. One main activity, then pool, food, sleep. Tap any day to expand.
Same heart system as the hotels. Pick the experiences that excite you and I'll fit them in.
A mix of Airbnbs and hotels. Tap the heart on the ones you love and your favorites save here. Send me the ones you flag and I'll book.
Airbnbs win. More space, full kitchen, pool buildings, residential blocks. Book the full window (~4 nights) and leave bags during the side trips. Cheaper than splitting stays.
Hotels win. Small town inventory in Guatapé, and the Rosario boat transfer is bundled into the island hotels. Don't fight the logistics.
Carmen Medellín, Simah Cartagena, OCI.Mde. The rest we play by ear.
Estimates for late September pricing. Flights swing the most, watch fares from June.
Realistic all-in for the family of three including vaccinations, eSIM, tips, and drinks. Buffer baked in.
Tap to check things off. Saves locally so we don't lose track.
Late September is the tail end of one of two rain peaks. Expect afternoon thunderstorms in Cartagena. Pack ponchos, plan mornings, build pool breaks into midday.
740 stairs. Cloud cover rolls in by mid-morning, especially in rainy season. Be at the gate by 6:30 AM. The view is the whole reason we drove out there.
Picaridin (safer than DEET for our boy), child-safe SPF 50, lightweight rain poncho, a USB-C fan for Cartagena heat, and an iPad loaded with downloads for the Guatapé drive.
A day trip with a 3-year-old is rough. Choppy water, all-day sun, fixed return time. The overnight at San Pedro de Majagua is calmer, looser, and the bioluminescence at night is the cherry on top.
USD is widely accepted at hotels and tour operators but COP rules elsewhere. Bring small US bills for tips, withdraw COP from a Bancolombia ATM on arrival. Notify your cards beforehand.
Trinidad citizens enter Colombia visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid 6+ months past return. Bring proof of onward travel just in case immigration asks.
Recommended for Colombia, especially Cartagena and the Rosario Islands. Some neighboring countries (Trinidad included) may ask for proof on re-entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel — it's a single dose, lifetime coverage. Confirm at your travel clinic 4-6 weeks out.
When traveling internationally with a minor, airlines and Colombian immigration may ask for proof both parents consent. We're both going so it's usually fine, but a $20 notarized letter prevents the worst-case airport mess.
Airalo or Holafly eSIM for Colombia, ~$15-25 for the week. Way cheaper than international roaming. Set up before flying so you land connected. WhatsApp is the default in Colombia for hotels and drivers.
Children's Tylenol + Motrin, pediatric loperamide, ORS sachets (non-negotiable for travel diarrhea), digital thermometer, Benadryl liquid, bandages and antibiotic ointment. Save the nearest pediatric hospital in each city offline before you go.
Legally required in Colombia for under-5s. Driver services sometimes provide one but often don't — confirm in writing when you book, or bring a foldable travel car seat (Cosco Scenera packs flat).
Colombia general emergency: 123. Tourist police: +57 1 337 4413. Save them in your phone alongside your travel insurance hotline before you fly.