El Retiro

Neighborhood tours

Discover the quaint beauty of 3 different colonial towns outside of Medellin. Visit El Retira, La Ceja, and Rionegro, all places significant in the history of Colombia. The first stop is at El Retiro, a town built in the 18th century. Wander around the central park, see an old church, and traverse pretty streets. Pick up insights into the town's past from your guide. Make a pit stop at a remarkably beautiful waterfall on the way to La Ceja. Explore another town built in the 18th century. Marvel at its historical Spanish architecture. Cap off the half-day experience with a visit to Rionegro, the largest municipality outside Medellin, founded in 1541. This was one of the most important cities during the independence struggle in Colombia, and is home to a museum that highlights this history.

2 Adrenaline packed Adventures!! ¡¡¡ Zip-line- and Rock Wall Climb !!! (no experience necessary) First... a 250m Zipline High above the jungle floor awaits you.. ...the view; simply Incredible, as you zip along at a quick, yet comfortable pace, literally from one mountain to another You can choose to return via second zip-line, or there is a little suspension bridge you can walk across for a most satisfying selfie.... (always strapped in with safety harness) ...Then after the 1st adventure, your guide will take you down to the base of the mountain, (approx.15-20min, decent hike), where you can take a most Amazing photo to remember the experience! After the amazing picture, then, to return back to base, we must cross the river on yet another zip-line.. (approx. 50m) ....where you will arrive at the Rock Wall!! Approx. 70M climb, constantly clipped in to a safety system, (harness), and pre-existing steps… ....Physically, the climb is very safe, and can be done by anyone who can climb a ladder...., and mentally It can be done by anyone who has the nerve !!! ...a very safe and very exhilarating adventure !!!

Following pick-up from your hotel in Medellín, drive towards the Andes mountains and get panoramic views of the valley from a mountain top. Taste classic dishes from the northwest Paisa region and make your way to El Retiro for lunch by the scenic waterfall. Continue to Llanogrande and San Antonio de Pereira to sample a selection of traditional desserts. Get amazing views of the evergreen forests and mountain landscapes, visit colonial churches and spot some of the opulent villas of Colombia along the way. Benefit from an itinerary that can be customized to your interests and get the chance to explore at your own pace. Use the time to learn more about the culture, cuisine and history of Colombia. Return to Medellín along a route that cuts through the jungle, where wildlife can be spotted at the edge of the road.

The word paisa refers to a regional subculture of Colombia and is commonly associated with the smaller rural towns of Antioquia, the state surrounding Medellín. On this tour you will discover the true meaning of the word paisa. This traditional Colombian culture still exists, and each small town is unique in its own way, boasting a specialty that is waiting to be discovered. El Retiro is known for its beautiful plazas and woodworking talent. We will stroll through the town, learn about the traditional Paisa culture and admire its picturesque streets. El Carmen de Viboral focuses on ceramics and its community is full of masters in this craft. We will have the opportunity to enter a store where you can watch the experts meticulously creating and painting their work, after which we will have the opportunity to purchase some of these masterpieces. San Antonio de Pereira’s claim to fame is its local desserts, which are ideal for those with a sweet tooth, and who want to sweeten up this full-day tour.

Benefit from hotel pick-up in Medellín at 09:00 AM, and then journey by comfortable, private air-conditioned SUV to the great rock of El Peñol in the municipality of Guatapé, Antioquia. Learn all the intricacies of Colombia's history, culture and landscape on the 2-hour drive to the rock. Get explanations from your bilingual guide to accompany the incredible views of the rock during several stops along the way. Climb to the top of the rock with your guide for stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Then, head into the picturesque town of Guatapé to look at the homes and buildings of vibrant colors. Go to the promenade just 2 blocks from the main square, and enjoy a brief stroll caressed by the cool breeze from the lake. Enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants by the water, and join an optional party boat ride around the lake (depending on time and how quickly guests take to climb up and down the rock). Next, visit a replica of the old town of El Peñol and see models of important sites, such as the church and town hall before the town was flooded in the late 1970s to create the Peñol-Guatapé reservoir. Head out to the regions of Rionegro, Llanogrande and El Retiro to encounter more of Colombia's beautiful landscapes and appreciate nature, now intertwined with new dwellings. Journey back to Medellín towards the end of the afternoon, and get dropped off at your hotel at approximately 04:45 PM.