The Getaway Guide: Colombia
plaza botero
Cities: Medellín & Cartagena
Colombia hums with creativity — a country reborn through art, food, and design. Between Medellín’s mountain energy and Cartagena’s coastal romance, it’s a destination that feels both soulful and modern.
I first passed through Bogotá on a quick layover and left unimpressed. But after time in Medellín and Cartagena — and hearing Gretchen’s 48-hour guide to Bogotá — I realized how much more there is to see.
Medellín
Once defined by its past, Medellín today feels like a rebirth — creative, green, and full of art.
Musts:
– Comuna 13 for a guided graffiti walk that tells the story of transformation.
– Plaza Botero, home to the city’s most famous sculptures.
– Carmen, for one of the best meals in Colombia — modern, layered, and unforgettable.
The full Medellín guide (with rooftop bars, breakfast spots, and day trips to Guatapé) is on Substack.
Cartagena
Cartagena feels cinematic — pastel walls, bougainvillea balconies, and music that spills into every courtyard.
Musts:
– The Old City, best explored at golden hour with no agenda.
– Alquímico, Colombia’s most celebrated cocktail bar.
– Blue Apple Beach House, for a chic island escape just off the coast.
For full hotel recommendations, dining notes, and island-hopping itineraries, read my Substack guide.
Read the full version: Colombia: A Zelena Travel Guide
(For paid subscribers: includes detailed hotel picks, restaurant lists, day trips, and travel notes.)
Colombia: Color, Culture & Creative Energy
Colombia has a rare vibrancy — where mountain cities pulse with art and innovation, and colonial streets glow with Caribbean light. From Medellín’s creative revival to Cartagena’s timeless charm, it’s a country that feels alive in every sense.
Each visit reveals something new — a rooftop you hadn’t heard of, a beach you never planned to reach, a meal that lingers long after you’ve left.
Ready to experience Colombia your way?
Reach out to start planning
With love, Michelle
