A Caribbean vacation mixed with a cultural city is what you get on a quick trip to Colombia. Here is how I would spend a slow 10 days in Colombia with kids, traveling to Medellin for eternal spring, and the beachy city of Cartagena.

If you have 10 days, you might be able move a little bit faster than what I have recommended and fit in 3 cities; adding Bogota or Cali into the mix. It depends on your family. I find that the more kids that are in the mix, the more slow we like to take it. Decide for yourself.

Day 1 in Medellin, Colombia

Welcome to Colombia! Arrive in Medellin

Assuming that you will arrive sometime in the afternoon/evening, take this day to get acquainted to your surroundings, and just stroll the streets near your accommodations. Get some good rest tonight after a long day of travel.

Day 2 in Medellin, Colombia

AM Download an audio guide and walk around El Centro (the historic downtown) to see the sights. You can also take a free walking tour, but most kids won’t last the 3 hours.

PM Depending on your kids ages, you can opt to take them to Parque Explora (a kids science museum with aquarium and outdoor park within it) OR go to play in the fountains at the Barefoot Park (Parque Pies Descalozos). The water museum in right behind the fountains so you could do that too if you wanted.

Day 3 in Medellin, Colombia

AM Head to San Felix to go Paragliding. Kids 5 and older are allowed to participate; younger kids will have to wait with mom or dad while the other parent watches and then you can switch. Flying is about 15 minutes per person, so kids will only have to wait 30 minutes in total, and they are occupied watching all the parachutes.

PM Ride the escalators in Comuna 13 which was once ran by the cartel, but is now a colorful graffiti filled neighborhood. There is security everywhere and it is no longer unsafe. We chose to walk it ourselves as our kids would not have lasted on a 3 hour graffiti tour. If your aren’t going to take the tour, I would recommend reading up on Comuna 13 before you go.

Day 4 in Medellin, Colombia

AM Take the metrocable up to Parque Arvi and spend the day adventuring. This nature center has hiking, ziplining, lagoons, horseback riding, paddle boating and more. If you are going with your kids, Comfama (section 5) is where you will want to go.

PM Climb Cerro Nutibara to see Pueblito Paisa; a replica of a turn of the century town. Enjoy an ice cream and beautiful sunset on the hill.

Day 5 in Colombia – Medellin to Cartagena

AM Take a nice long breakfast and stroll the streets nearby, we like to grab coffee and search for a playground.

PM Fly to Cartegena; have a relaxing evening getting acquainted to the new city

Day 6 in Cartagena, Colombia

AM Head to the beach and relax in the sun. We were going to go to Isla de Tierra Bomba to avoid the crowds, but Playa Castillo Grande (next to where you would get the boat to go to Tierra Bomba) was so empty that we decided just to stay and I would recommend it!

PM Explore the colorful old town and watch a traditional dance at sunset under the clock tower

Day 7 in Cartagena, Colombia

ALL DAY Spend the day taking a catamaran to the Rosario Islands – I would suggest Isla Grande, Islabela, Isla del Pirata, Gente de Mar

Day 8 in Cartagena, Colombia

AM If you didn’t stay the night on the islands and you have the morning free, head back to the beach. Your kids will be dying to go. I prefer the beaches in Castillo Grande, as the Bocagrande beaches are more packed. If you want a different beach than day 1 you could try Playas El Laguito.

PM Explore the Getsemani neighborhood and have dinner at Plaza de Trinidad

Day 9 in Cartagena, Colombia

AM Drive to Convento La Popa and experience the panoramic views of the city and the convents garden. Spend the rest of your morning walking through the markets and doing a little bit of shopping.

PM Use your last night to do whatever you want. When in a city, you often hear about something there that you didn’t know about before and want to do. Use this afternoon/evening to do it!

Day 10 in Cartagena, Colombia

Breathe in the Colombian air one last time – You’re headed home

The one thing I really wish we could have done is Tayrona National Park. BUT we had an infant and the risk of yellow fever was not worth it. I really hope to get back someday to see it. I would encourage you to try it out if you don’t have that restriction and you have the time (because it’s a ways away from Cartagena).

The time change wasn’t an issue for us, but if you’re coming from a different time zone, you can check out this post for tips on beating jetlag with kids.

If you’re looking for a little something different, or you have more time, here are some more ideas for these two cities.

Add on options Medellin

• Day trip to Guatape (2hrs away) – There is a massive rock to climb for views, and pretty lakes to jet ski around
• Take a salsa lesson
• Head to Museo del Agua (free and geared towards kids) to learn all about water
• Relax in one of the many other parks around the city
  • Parque del Rio (urban park)
  • Cerro el Valador
  • Cerro de Las Tres Cruces
  • Cerro Pan de Azucar
• If you happen to be in Medellin on a Sunday, go to Avenida Poblado between 7am and 1pm as the street becomes a pedestrian way reserved for what they call “Ciclovia” which encourages fitness and meetups for residents
• If you’re there on the final Friday of the month, the Museum of Modern Art is free from 6pm-10pm
• Visit Jardin Botanico, a free botanical garden with a butterfly farm

Add On Options Cartagena

• Tayrona National Park – This is really a better day trip from Santa Marta, but it is possible from Cartagena if you have the time. It is one of my ‘must sees’ in Colombia. You can swim in the Caribbean, hike the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and see wildlife like monkeys and condors
• See the 17th century fort of Castillo de San Felipe (10 min away). It has great views of the city and ocean
• Totumo Volcano – Take a mud bath in an old volcano with great views while getting a massage. It is a free attractions, but the locals like to be ‘tipped’ for the massage
• The National Aviary near Playa Blanca is one of the biggest in Latin America and has hundreds of amazing birds. You could easily see this on your way to Playa Blanca if you are already planning to go
• Take a break from the heat and go to a museum. They have a gold museum, chocolate museum and emerald museum
• Get a local guide and visit the Bazurto Market