Fruit Farms, Art and Vintage Cars: Private Half-Day Adventures in Colombia

By ~ Eric-Sheets 

You have probably seen photos of the dreamy Caribbean waters that brush the shoreline of Cartagena de Indias, and heard of the outstanding biodiversity shielded by the verdant Antioquian mountainsides—but to experience Colombia firsthand is to engage each of your senses in a singular way. From coast to jungle, a steady stream of vibrancy reaches every region of Colombia, especially in the lesser known corners where tourism has yet to hit a boom.

Be inspired to experience Colombia in an authentic and unique way with the following sensorial experiences—and know that you can contact us anytime to begin designing your bespoke journey or to learn more: info@latinexcursions.com

Artisanal flavors: Edible flower farm and distillery

An easy, one-hour drive from bustling Bogotá, the tranquil countryside of Colombia welcomes you to spend the day exploring expansive organic farms and tasting artisan products. 

In the morning, you will visit an edible flower farm where the owners will discuss their sustainable practices and a guided tour will introduce you to plant species native to the Andean region. Surrounded by tantalizing colors and smells, you will be relieved to finally taste some of the flowers and herbs yourself and learn of’—and perhaps even feel—their benefits. After exploring the grounds, enjoy lunch on the farm while taking in the 360º view of the crop fields. 

With your hunger satisfied, it will be time to quench your thirst. In the afternoon you will visit a small farm where production of distilled liquors’€”often incorporating Colombian fruit—takes place. Accompanied by the owner, you will discover how typical fruits like uchuva, or feijoa, and natural water coming from the moorland, are involved in the artisanal distilling process. No visit would be complete without a tasting, and you will have plenty of time to sip on special concoctions, such as the aromatic Agrarian Rum, created from sugar cane grown 850 meters above sea level.

Why you’ll love it: For those who appreciate great taste and an even better story, this tour allows you to spend some 7 hours getting close to nature and  meeting small producers dedicated to developing high-quality products while preserving natural resources and artisanal techniques.

For your eyes only: Private collection and Botero’s museum

Begin your art tour in a private home in Medellín, where a by-appointment-only gallery space hosts around 500 works of classical, modern and contemporary art by established and emerging artists from all over the world. Founded in 1991, the private collection revives the history of Colombian and international art, thus offering collectors and art lovers an enriching and cultural sphere. 

You’ll spend just a couple of hours in the art house, but the projects you see will stay with you for the rest of your time in Colombia’€”and perhaps beyond.

Now it’s time to relish in the unique chance to have a private, after-hours visit to the most important museum of Medellín: Museo de Antioquia. The grand museum overlooks Plaza Botero, and inside you will understand a bit more about the artist himself, Fernando Botero, and what his exaggerated representations aim to communicate to the viewer.  

Why you’ll love it: An exclusive experience perfect for art lovers, the impressive collections will offer insight of Colombia’s past, present and future from the perspective of true storytellers. Worried you’ll miss the details or the big picture? No worries, an expert in Colombian art will accompany you.

Feeling nostalgic: A vintage ride to the best of Cartagena 

Hop into a vintage car from the 1950s and hold onto your sombrero vueltiao (traditional Colombian hat) as you cruise through an afternoon sightseeing the most emblematic places of Cartagena de las Indias.  

From the historic center, you will head to the impressively intact San Felipe de Barajas Castle: just short of celebrating its quin centenary, this hilltop fortress has a fascinating history that begins with protecting Cartagena from the likes of pirates. Meanwhile, the Convent of Santa Cruz de La Popa takes things even higher, offering up singular panoramic views of the colorful city below.

Continuing on to other gems, such as the cheerful Getsemaí area, characterized by beautiful murals, your tour will finish with a cocktail at the iconic Café del Mar, overlooking the bay of Cartagena.

Why you’ll love it: A truly unique way to experience one of Colombia’s Caribbean gems, your private ride through Cartagena in a vintage car will be an unforgettable highlight to your trip.

Colombia has eliminated Covid-19 test requirements for travelers, meaning your visit can be quick and easy. However, that’s not to say that countrywide health and hygiene precautions have been minimized. Prior to departure, tourists will need to fill out this online form and show no signs of fever or respiratory problems; as well, newly arrived travelers will be monitored upon arrival by their insurance company as part of the Ministry of Health’s Testing, Tracking and Sustainable Selective Isolation strategy (PRASS).

Ready to experience Colombia? Talk with us: info@latinexcursions.com

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