Colombia with Teenagers: A Spring Break of Adventure, Culture, and the Beautifully Imperfect
Updated: Apr 17
We almost went back to Mexico for spring break, but when flights were so expensive, my husband and I had the same thought: if we are going to spend that much anyway, where else in the world can we go that feels new, exciting, and full of life?
That question led us to Colombia.
Not everyone in the family was initially sold. My daughter had hoped for more of a beach vacation, while my husband was craving something entirely different — adventure, great food, family bonding, a new culture and a chance for our kids to speak Spanish and connect more deeply with their roots. In the end, this trip gave us all of that and more.
For us, the best family trips are not always the easiest ones. They are the ones that activate all the senses. The trips where you taste something new, hear a different rhythm, see landscapes that stop you in your tracks, learn something that expands your view of the world, and physically experience the place in a way that makes you feel fully alive. Colombia gave us all of that.
It also gave us bug bites. So many bug bites. Despite packing bug spray and using it, we came home looking like we had chicken pox. We also had our share of stomach issues, some less-than-ideal bathroom situations, and a few moments that felt sweaty, gritty, and far from glamorous. But that is part of travel too. And honestly, those imperfect moments matter. They teach resilience. They teach perspective. They teach kids to adapt, laugh, and focus on the reward rather than the discomfort.
This was not a polished, perfect, lounge-by-the-pool kind of trip (even though we had some pool time). It was better.
It was one of those trips that made us feel alive.
Our Colombia Itinerary: Day by Day
Day 1: Arrival in Medellín
Our trip began with a flight into Medellín, where we landed later in the evening. By the time we got through customs, it was quite late. One thing I would absolutely do differently next time is fill out any entry forms or visa-related information ahead of time if possible. We ended up in line for about an hour.
By the time we got to our Airbnb, we were too tired to go back out for dinner, even though Medellín is very much alive at night. So we did what any travel-weary family should do: went straight to bed and got a good night’s sleep. We were very happy with where we stayed, and that first night was really about arriving, exhaling, and getting ready to explore.
Day 2: Laureles, Palm Sunday, Pueblito Paisa, and Comuna 13
For the first part of our trip, we stayed in the neighborhood Laureles, and it ended up being a great fit for our family of four. We had read a lot about where to stay in Medellín, and for us, a 2-bedroom Airbnb made the most sense. With teenagers — especially a 16-year-old daughter — extra room, a washer & dryer and bathroom space go a long way.
Laureles immediately reminded us a bit of La Condesa in Mexico City — leafy, walkable, relaxed, and full of neighborhood life. It felt like the perfect place to land.
Our first full day happened to be Palm Sunday, the start of Holy Week, or Semana Santa, and that added an unexpected layer of meaning to the day. We spent the morning walking through the neighborhood, through a nearby park, and stopping for breakfast at a lovely little café. We had hoped to experience the city’s Ciclovia, but Palm Sunday processions were happening throughout the area, so the city had a different rhythm that day.
And honestly, that made it even better.
At one corner café that was a perfect breakfast spot, Joesefina, we found ourselves right as a neighborhood procession was beginning. It was one of those moments I always hope for while traveling — not something planned, not something curated for tourists, but a chance to simply witness local life and tradition.
Later, we took an Uber up to Pueblito Paisa, a charming little replica village on a hilltop overlooking the city. It was beautifully decorated for Semana Santa, full of locals, with a festive and welcoming energy. We wandered, had paletas and smoothies, shopped a bit, and took in the views. It was tourist-friendly, yes, but still really enjoyable.
From there, we headed to Comuna 13, for a guided tour we booked through GetYourGuide. This is one of Medellín’s most visited neighborhoods, known for its transformation from a place once marked by violence into a vibrant area known for art, innovation, and community resilience. We had a great guide who grew up there, and that made all the difference. He shared the history of the neighborhood in a way that felt personal and grounded. We saw incredible street art, break dancers, outdoor escalators built into the hillside, and a community that has worked hard to reclaim its story.
Yes, it is touristy. Very touristy. But it was still worth doing, especially with someone who could give deeper context. There are a lot of stairs and hills, so wear good walking shoes, and I would also recommend carrying a light rain jacket.
That evening, after freshening up back at our Airbnb, we walked to Laurel Rooftop Bar for dinner in Laureles. It was a mellow Sunday night, and it ended up being one of our favorite family meals in Medellín. Great food, great service, and excellent mocktails for the kids too.
A wonderful first full day.
Day 3: Guatapé, Piedra del Peñol, and a Paragliding High
We were picked up early by a tour company, Guanabana Tours, we had hired for several excursions and headed out toward Guatapé and Piedra del Peñol with a breakfast pit stop set up for tourists to see llamas and other animals. I should note it was a private tour with our own driver. Let me be honest here: this was probably the one part of the trip that did not live up to the hype for me.
The view from the top of Piedra del Peñol is absolutely spectacular. There is no denying that. But the actual experience of getting there, especially during Holy Week, felt overwhelmingly touristy. Between the crowds, the lines, the vendors, and the general chaos, it felt less magical than I had imagined from all the dreamy photos online. The best comparison I can make is that parts of it felt like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, with fake mini replicas of the Eiffel tower and Christ the Reedemer in Brasil dropped into the Colombian countryside.
Still, the view really is stunning, and I understand why it is on so many Medellín itineraries. After that, we went into Guatapé town itself, which was much more enjoyable. Yes, it is also set up for tourism, but it is undeniably charming. The colorful buildings, painted baseboards, doors, and decorative details are beautiful. It is easy to see why people love photographing it, and why it is often said to have inspired elements of the Disney movie, Encanto.
But the true highlight of the day — and one of the highlights of our entire trip — came later. After lunch, our guide took us to Cocorná, where we went paragliding.
It was incredible.
If you are heading to the Medellín area and are at all open to adventure, I would put this near the top of the list. Colombia is known for paragliding, and this experience was unforgettable. We each flew tandem with a pilot, soaring above waterfalls, treetops, and lush green landscapes before landing in a field near a local soccer pitch. We had been watching the weather nervously, since rain had been in the forecast, but the conditions worked out beautifully. These pilots know what they are doing.
That evening, after the long drive back to Medellín, we went out again in Laureles for another rooftop dinner and were reminded how much we loved that neighborhood.
Day 4: Whitewater Rafting and a Change of Neighborhood
This was another major highlight.
We had a slightly later start, which was nice. Before being picked up, we had breakfast at Revolución in Laureles, which was a total gem. If we had stayed longer in that neighborhood, we definitely would have gone back.
Then we headed back out past Cocorná for whitewater rafting — and this was one of the best things we did on the trip.
Our rafting company took us deep into the landscape, first by vehicle and then on foot through a bit of jungle down to the river. We rafted the Río Calderas on Class III and IV rapids, and it was just our family with the guides. They were outstanding — experienced, calm, and clearly experts at what they do. One had been doing this for over 20 years, and another followed alongside in a safety kayak. We absolutely loved it.
At one point, we stopped by a riverbank where they cut up fresh pineapple for us and gave us snacks. If you want, you could also look for gold in the water (no joke). It was one of those experiences that felt adventurous and raw and completely worth it.
My one regret? I listened when they told us not to bring anything. We left our phones in the car, even though I had a waterproof bag. I wish I had trusted my instincts and brought at least one camera. They did film some video on a GoPro, but I would have loved more photos. Also, learn from me: do not leave behind your bug spray or sunscreen. We did. Big mistake.
After rafting, we were wet, bug-bitten, and changing clothes in less-than-ideal conditions, which is exactly the sort of less glamorous moment travel blogs tend to skip. But it is real, and honestly, those are often the moments that become part of the family story later.
On the way back, our driver stopped at a mirador overlooking Medellín, where we had hot chocolate Colombian-style — with cheese in it — along with arepas and other snacks from local vendors. It was one of those unexpectedly memorable small moments that made us feel closer to how locals experience the city.
That evening, we switched neighborhoods and checked into a new Airbnb in El Poblado for the last part of our Medellín stay. It had a jacuzzi on the balcony, which felt like exactly the reward our bodies needed after a day on the river.
And for the record: if you are in the Medellín region, I think whitewater rafting is a must.
Day 5: Shopping, Soccer, and a Rainy Night at the Stadium
This was a more relaxed city day.
My husband had some work calls, and our kids were eager to do a little shopping, so we explored El Poblado and its various malls and plazas. That area is much hillier than people may expect — truly steep in places — and honestly made San Francisco’s famous hills feel small by comparison. What surprised us most, though, was how green it felt. A river runs through the neighborhood, and between the trees, the hills, and the lush surroundings, parts of it almost feel like you’re in a forest tucked inside a city with large high rise buildings.
We explored a few shopping centers, from open-air malls to a more traditional commercial mall, and it was interesting to see where locals hang out. In some ways, it reminded us again of Mexico City.
That night, we had something really fun planned: a tour to see Atlético Nacional, one of the best soccer teams in Colombia play. We booked this soccer match experience through GetYourGuide because we wanted more of a local fan atmosphere without having to figure out the logistics on our own. The tour included transport, jerseys, drinks, and a lively group atmosphere. Faces were painted, music was going, and it felt more like joining a party than just attending a game.
One thing to note for families: our son was 12, and the stadium has strict age rules for some fan zones. Children under 13 are not allowed in certain sections, so we paid a bit more to have proper seats instead. That ended up working out well, and the tour team was very helpful.
Right before kickoff, it started raining. Then it really started raining. It rained the entire game. And yet the fans never stopped. The singing, drumming, chanting, and energy continued the whole time. It was festive, electric, and so much fun. My husband and son were especially thrilled to see legendary goalkeeper René Higuita, known for his scorpion move, which made the night even more memorable for them.
If you are in Medellín and there is a match happening while you are there, I would absolutely recommend going.
Day 6: Art, Botero, and a Final Medellín Night
No city trip feels complete to me without some art, so on our last full day in Medellín, we went to the Museo de Antioquia. We took an Uber there and were dropped right in front of the museum, where the plaza is filled with Botero sculptures and framed by a beautiful church and lively city energy. It was such a good experience.
The museum itself was spectacular. Floor after floor, room after room, it offered another way into understanding Medellín and Colombia. We loved everything from the artwork itself to the feeling of the space. Even the museum café was wonderful — excellent coffee, great food, and a peaceful place to pause.
We easily could have spent all day there, but my husband had another work call, so we headed back to our Airbnb and made the most of the building’s pool and jacuzzi.
That evening, we walked up to Plaza Amsterdam and had a nice final dinner in the area, followed by ice cream and dessert at Crepes & Waffles, which felt like a fittingly easy and sweet way to close out our Medellín days.
Day 7: Renting a Car and Falling for Jardín
On day seven, we left Medellín and drove about three hours to Jardín through the breathtaking Andes.
Renting a car in Colombia is not for everyone. My husband grew up in Mexico City and has driven all over the world, so he was completely comfortable with it. But it is worth noting that roads can be steep, winding, and in some cases unpaved. Also, our rental was manual, which is another thing travelers should be prepared for. That said, having a car gave us flexibility, and we made sure to arrange a return at the airport for the end of the trip.
Jardín was magical. We stayed at Gulupa Ecolodge, and from the moment we arrived, it felt special. The views were breathtaking. There were hammocks, nets suspended over the hillside, a hot tub, even a zipline. It was peaceful, lush, and one of those places where you instantly wish you had booked a longer stay.
The owners, Tavo and Naty, were warm and lovely, and the whole property felt personal and cared for. I had originally booked through Booking.com, but they asked if I would cancel and book directly so they could avoid the heavy commission fees. I was happy to do that.
Because it was Holy Week, Jardín was full of Colombian families and holiday travelers. That gave the town a lively energy. We decided to walk down into town from the ecolodge, and that ended up being its own adventure — a trail winding through fields, viewpoints, cows, lush greenery, a river, and a slightly rickety bridge.
By the time we reached town, we were sweaty and ready to sit down, so we grabbed a table right off the main plaza near the church and just soaked in the atmosphere. People watching in Latin America is one of life’s great pleasures, and Semana Santa in Jardín made it especially memorable.
That evening, after some shopping and dinner, we unexpectedly found ourselves caught up in one of the Holy Week processions. Hundreds of people filled the streets as they reenacted the carrying of Christ in a coffin through town. It was powerful, moving, and honestly magical to witness. It was one of those moments that no itinerary could ever fully plan.
Day 8: Waterfalls and One of the Best Coffee Farm Experiences
This was one of the best days of the trip.
We started with breakfast at the ecolodge, with sweeping views all around us, then headed not far down the road for a short hike to some local waterfalls. It was an easy outing, fun for the kids, and a nice way to be active without taking on anything too intense. Since it was still a holiday period, there were definitely plenty of people around, but it was still worth it.
After warming up back at the lodge in the jacuzzi, we headed into town and then were picked up by jeep for another major highlight: a visit to Café Historias, a family coffee farm high above the valley.
This experience was extraordinary. If you are looking for a coffee finca experience in Jardín, this is the one I would recommend without hesitation.
We were the only group there for our visit, and over the course of several hours, the family walked us through the entire coffee process, from picking the beans to understanding production, roasting, and tasting. We also learned about the bananas and other things they grow on the farm.
It was hands-on, beautiful, educational, and deeply personal. They even had little details that made it feel wonderful for kids too. Our appreciation for coffee changed after that visit. More importantly, it gave us a deeper appreciation for the labor, care, and knowledge behind something so many of us consume daily without much thought.
The views were spectacular, the family was incredible, and it was one of those experiences that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Truly, 20 out of 10.
That evening, after being taken back into town by jeep — which is necessary, because the roads up there are no joke — we had a delicious dinner at La Parrilla de Mi Pueblo before heading back up to the ecolodge.
An unforgettable day.
Day 9: One Last Hike, Hidden Waterfalls, and Saying Goodbye
On our last full day, we intentionally slowed down a little.
We lingered over breakfast at Gulupa, sat in the hammocks, took in the view, and did not rush. Then we headed down for coffee at Cafe Jardin overlooking the town and set out for one last walk.
We started on a trail, Camino de la Herrera. What began as a simple walk turned into another memorable adventure. Along the way, we passed smaller waterfalls, kept going uphill and downhill through the landscape, and eventually reached a cave entrance where we paid a small fee to enter.
Inside, a local boy — who couldn’t have been older than 12 — guided us through the cave. He proudly told us how his grandfather had the vision to carve it out, building it alongside two friends. As he led us through, pointing out bats and narrow openings, the path eventually opened dramatically onto a hidden waterfall.
It was such a fun surprise.
After that, we continued on to a mirador, where we had drinks and watched birds and hummingbirds while waiting out the rain. Eventually, we continued on and took a cable car, known as a "Garrucha", back down into town, which was the perfect ending to the walk.
For our final meal, we ended up getting burgers at Raices Jardin— not what you might expect to seek out in Colombia, but apparently one of the town specialties, and shockingly good. The beef came from local farms, and it was a perfect final meal before doing a little more shopping and beginning the drive back toward Medellín and the airport.
As we left, one thing felt very clear: we did not have enough time in Jardín. We easily could have stayed a week. There were plenty of other activities, waterfalls and hikes we didn't get to experience due to time.
In fact, if someone is short on time and trying to decide between Guatapé and Jardín, I would choose Jardín in a heartbeat. It felt more authentic, more peaceful, and more emotionally memorable for us. It was one of the real gems of the trip. And for those looking for adventure, you can even paraglide in Jardín — so you wouldn’t necessarily miss out by skipping Guatapé altogether.
We loved every part of it.
Logistics
A few practical notes from our trip that may be helpful:
Where we stayed
We split our Medellín stay between Laureles and El Poblado
For our family, Laureles felt more relaxed, walkable, and neighborhood-oriented
El Poblado gave us a different side of the city and had great amenities, but it was definitely hillier
In Jardín, we loved Gulupa Ecolodge and would absolutely stay there again
Transportation
We used Uber all over Medellín and found it very easy and convenient
For day trips and excursions, we booked a private tour company, Guanabana Tours (https://guanabanatours.com) for some experiences and also used GetYourGuide for others
We rented a car for the Jardín portion of the trip, returning it at the airport at the end
Renting a car is doable, but not for everyone. Expect steep hills, curves, and possibly manual transmission. You can easily find drivers and use buses to travel.
Traveling with kids
We needed to show our children’s birth certificates in addition to passports at lodging check-ins. This appears to be a standard anti-trafficking precaution
I would absolutely bring copies and digital photos of:
passports
birth certificates
any key travel confirmations
Many tour operators asked for passport information, so having photos ready on your phone makes life easier
Holy Week / Semana Santa
We traveled during Semana Santa, which added beautiful cultural moments but also meant more crowds, more Colombian holiday travel, and a busier atmosphere overall
If you want quieter experiences, avoid holiday weeks, but were told by locals that Christmas is also a great time to visit
If you want to witness tradition and local celebration, Holy Week is incredibly memorable
What to Pack
Colombia for us was a mix of city, hiking, adventure, and changing weather, so packing smart mattered and having access to a washing machine and dryer is key.
I would recommend bringing:
Bug spray
And even then, prepare yourself. We used it and still got absolutely eaten alive.
Sunscreen / SPF
Benadryl cream or anti-itch relief
Trust me.
Wipes and toilet paper packets
Very useful, especially on longer day trips and post-adventure bathroom stops
Rain jacket or lightweight rain shell
Comfortable walking shoes / tennis shoes
Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
Closed-toe water sandals for rafting
They wanted proper footwear, and this really is the best option
Swimsuit
A waterproof bag
Especially if you are doing rafting, boating, or wet excursions
Extra change of clothes for adventure days
Photos of passports and important documents on your phone
Jeans if you want to fit in. Locals love to wear jeans.
A Note on the Imperfect Parts
I never want these blog posts to make travel sound easier or prettier than it really is.
Yes, this trip was amazing. But it was also itchy, sweaty, muddy, crowded, rainy, and at times physically uncomfortable. We got bitten up. We all dealt with stomach issues at some point. There were bathrooms we would rather forget. There were moments when everyone was a little tired, a little hungry, or a little over it. And still — or maybe because of that — it was wonderful.
Travel with older kids is such an interesting stage. They are old enough to really see, absorb, and remember things. They are old enough to complain, yes, but also old enough to grow from the discomfort. To me, there is something valuable in letting our kids experience the less polished side of the world too. Not unsafe. Not reckless. But real.
Not every memorable travel moment happens in perfect comfort. Sometimes the best parts come right after the hardest ones.
Final Thoughts
Colombia gave us adventure, beauty, culture, incredible food, warmth, and perspective.
It gave my husband the feeling he was craving — that sense of being fully alive. It gave our kids challenge, novelty, and memories that felt bigger than a standard vacation. And it gave all of us the chance to experience a place through taste, sight, sound, learning, movement, and shared family moments.
That, to me, is what good travel does. It awakens the senses. It reminds you that the world is bigger, more layered, and more interesting than your daily routine. And when you experience that together as a family, it becomes something even more lasting.
We came home with stories, inside jokes, bug bites, and a deeper love for Colombia than we ever expected. And if you are considering it with older kids, I would say: go. Especially to Jardín.
