Back from Colombia: Luxury Travel Guide to Medellín, Bogotá, Baru Island & Cartagena
- Molly McMillen
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
After a whirlwind trip through Colombia, I’m back—and still soaking in everything from the buzzing energy of Medellín to the coastal charm of Cartagena. This journey wasn’t just about luxury hotels and Instagram-worthy landscapes (though there were plenty of both); it was a meaningful immersion into Colombia’s diverse character, deep history, and vibrant culture.
Medellín, Colombia Luxury Travel: Art, Altitude & Chicharrón
We kicked things off in Medellín, staying at the ever-hip Click Clack Hotel. This concept hotel captures the city’s urban pulse with playful design, creative spaces, and a rooftop cocktail bar with the best ceviche and coca leaf cocktails.
The highlight of our stay was a guided day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol—the iconic monolithic rock towering above the lush countryside. After hiking the 740+ stairs to the summit (yes, it’s worth it), we stopped at El Alto de Chocó, a rustic chicharrón restaurant that also happens to be a petting zoo. It was quirky, delicious, and authentically Colombian.
Bogotá, Colombia Luxury Travel: Sophistication at Altitude
From there, we traveled to Bogotá, checking into the elegant Four Seasons Casa Medina. While the hotel’s charm and architecture are a draw, it was the staff who truly made the stay exceptional—warm, thoughtful, and incredibly accommodating. As we are Virtuoso partners, they upgraded our room to a stunning fireplace suite!
We indulged in spa massages, the steam room, explored the surrounding area, and took a guided day trip to Zipaquirá to visit the famous Salt Cathedral. Carved deep into the tunnels of a salt mine, this underground church is both surreal and sacred. Highly recommend booking the tour directly through the Four Seasons for a seamless experience.
Baru Island, Colombia Luxury Travel: Barefoot Luxury Meets Caribbean Waters
After Bogotá, we headed for the Rosario Islands, where we checked into Hotel Las Islas on Baru Island. Our oceanfront bungalow with a private plunge pool was pure tropical indulgence—surrounded by jungle, steps from the sea, and beautifully private.
But let’s talk about getting there.
We took a 45-minute boat transfer from Cartagena’s main harbor during a torrential downpour—all guests arrived utterly soaked. If you prefer, you can take an Uber for an 1.5 hour drive up the coast and then hop on a 15-minute boat ride, or splurge on a 18-minute helicopter transfer from the airport straight to the hotel’s private heliport.
Important tip: book your transfers as far in advance as possible, as communication with the hotel staff can be a bit challenging.
The property itself is stunning and laid-back, but we found the service to be inconsistent and not quite up to true luxury standards. That said, the highlight was snorkeling and island-hopping. We booked a private charter (booked through the hotel) and explored the surrounding reefs and keys—an unforgettable day on the water. Our helicopter ride back to Cartagena added a dramatic and scenic end to our stay.
Cartagena, Colombia Luxury Travel: Colonial Charm & Coastal Cool
We wrapped our trip in Cartagena, staying at the Charleston Santa Teresa, conveniently located in the heart of the walled city. While the location was ideal, the interiors felt a bit tired—and we experienced a full power outage during our stay, which meant hiking the stairs in the dark.
But the city itself delivered. The standout experience was dinner at La Cevichería—incredible food, gracious staff, and a lively setting. We also enjoyed shopping local boutiques, where we found emerald jewelry, qualify leather gifts, and many boutique shops—perfect pieces to bring a bit of Colombia home.
Getting There & Around
We flew first class on Copa Airlines from San Diego into Colombia. While the flat-lay seats were a welcome luxury, don’t expect much in terms of food or service—think champagne in a paper cup and a crew that felt more business than boutique.
For domestic travel, we flew Avianca between cities. Flights were clean, efficient, and ran on time—ideal for quick transfers across Colombia’s mountainous terrain.
Important Travel Notes When Traveling to Colombia
A few essential tips to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Colombia and luxury travel experience:
Always confirm pricing upfront. Whether for taxis, tours, or restaurants—ask the price before you say yes.
Never let your credit card out of sight. Restaurants and vendors are accustomed to bringing handheld card machines right to your table—only pay when you can see the screen.
Uber is widely used and is a safe, easy way to get around most cities. However, Uber is not permitted to pick up from baggage claim at airports. Use a pre-arranged transfer or official taxi upon arrival.
Book transfers and activities early, especially for island destinations. Communication with some hotels can be inconsistent, so lock in your transport well in advance.
Our quick journey through Medellín, Bogotá, the Rosario Islands, and Cartagena offered a beautiful slice of Colombian life—each destination with its own rhythm and charm. What stood out just as much as the scenery was the genuine warmth of the Colombian people. From hotel staff and tour guides to street vendors and shopkeepers, we were met with kindness, hospitality, and a sense of pride that added so much to the experience.
We came for the adventure and stayed for the soul of it all.
Colombia is bold, colorful, and full of contrast—and I will definitely return.
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