9-Day Women-Only Tour: Medellin, Cartagena and Panama City

• Day 1: Arrive to Panama City

  

  Upon your arrival at Tocumen International Airport, your guide will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name—your personal welcome beacon to the city. From there, we’ll whisk you away in a private, comfortable vehicle for the 40 to 60-minute drive to your hotel. We take your comfort and safety seriously, ensuring every part of your journey meets the highest standards so you can simply lean back and watch the city transform from a modern transit hub into the charming, colonial heart of San Felipe.

  • Activity:Arrival.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Dinner.
  • Accommodation:Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo or similar.

• Day 2: Discover Panama City

  

  Today is all about the “wow” factor as we dive into the heart of what makes Panama globally iconic. We’ll start with a visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal. There’s nothing quite like standing on the observation deck and watching a massive vessel—sometimes just inches from the concrete walls—be effortlessly lifted by the power of water. With your expert guide by your side, you won’t just see a feat of engineering; you’ll hear the stories of the thousands of lives that shaped this passage and how it changed the world forever. The interactive museum is a fantastic way to truly grasp the scale of this monumental achievement.

  After the Canal, we’ll take a breezy, scenic drive along the Amador Causeway. This beautiful stretch of road was actually built using the very rocks excavated during the canal’s construction, connecting four small islands to the mainland. It’s the best spot in the city for panoramic views of the skyline and the majestic Bridge of the Americas.

  For lunch, we’re taking you where the locals go: the San Felipe Neri Market. Since 1914, this has been the heartbeat of daily life in the city. It’s a sensory feast of tropical fruits, aromatic spices, and sizzling local delicacies. We love this spot because it’s authentic and supports the small-scale vendors who keep Panama’s culinary traditions alive. We’ll cap off the day wandering through Casco Antiguo (the Old Quarter). This UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream of colonial architecture and vibrant street life, the perfect place to reflect on your day over a cold drink.

  • Activity:Exploring. Walking. Tasting.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo or similar.

• Day 3: Panama’s Jungle Canopy & Gatun Waters

  

  Today, we leave the city skyline behind and drift into the lush, emerald wilderness of Panama’s interior. This is a day where nature’s quiet grandeur takes center stage, and every moment is designed to help you reconnect with the rhythm of the earth. We’ll begin with a truly breathtaking ascent by aerial tram, gliding silently above the treetops. As you rise through the different layers of the rainforest, the canopy reveals its secrets—from vibrant orchids to the distant calls of howler monkeys. Up here, you aren’t just an observer; you are part of the ecosystem, gaining a perspective of the “green lungs” of the Isthmus that few ever see.

  Our journey continues with a visit to the Sloth Sanctuary. In this intimate refuge, time seems to slow down to the pace of these serene creatures. Guided by dedicated biologists and conservationists, you’ll learn about the delicate balance of Panama’s ecosystems and the vital work being done to protect these gentle icons. It’s an educational experience that feels more like a conversation with a passionate friend than a formal tour.

  To cap off the afternoon, we’ll trade the treetops for the water as we board a boat to explore Gatun Lake. Once the world’s largest man-made lake, it is now a peaceful haven for wildlife. As we glide past lush, hidden islets, keep your binoculars ready—it’s common to spot capuchin monkeys, sun-bathing crocodiles, and toucans darting through the shadows. This experience is a golden thread through Panama’s untamed soul, custom-fitted for those who seek stillness and natural wonder in equal measure.

  • Activity:Exploring. Hiking.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Hotel La Compañía Casco Antiguo or similar.

• Day 4: Flight to Medellin - Colombia

  

  Today, as part of this women-only group tour through Latin America, we bid farewell to Panama and make our way to Medellin, Colombia. Known affectionately as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its year-round blooms and perfect temperate climate, Medellín is a place that truly captures the heart. Upon landing at the airport, you’ll be met with a warm smile and a private transfer to whisk you toward the city. Your English-speaking guide will be right there with you, ready to share the best local spots for a world-class coffee or a traditional bandeja paisa.

  Once settled, we dive straight into the soul of the city. We’ll start at Botero Plaza, home to 23 of Fernando Botero’s iconic, oversized bronze sculptures. It’s an open-air museum that feels incredibly approachable and fun—perfect for a few photos! From there, we take to the skies on the Metro Cable toward Santo Domingo. This isn’t just public transport; it’s a symbol of social innovation that has connected once-isolated communities to the heart of the city. Floating over the red-tiled roofs offers a perspective on Medellín’s scale that you simply can’t get from the ground.

  The day’s most moving chapter is our visit to Comuna 13. This neighborhood has undergone a transformation that is nothing short of miraculous. Once considered one of the most dangerous areas in the world, it is now a vibrant canvas of street art, outdoor escalators, and hip-hop culture. As you walk past the brilliant graffiti, your guide will share stories of resilience and hope from the people who live here.

  • Activity:Exploring. Tasting.
  • Transport:Airplane. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Wake BioHotel or similar.

• Day 5: Agroecology & Coffee

  

  Your morning begins in the most peaceful way possible—with a private yoga session as the sun rises over the Andean peaks. There is something truly grounding about finding your flow while surrounded by the crisp mountain air and the distant sound of tropical birds. It’s the perfect moment of stillness to set your intention for a day centered on connection and mindfulness.

  Once your mind and body are centered, we head into the lush countryside of Envigado for a “Travel with Purpose” highlight: an Agroecology Cooking Workshop. This isn’t just a farm; it’s a pioneer in sustainable agriculture, holding prestigious certifications like the Rainforest Alliance and Biotrade. You’ll walk through the fields with local farmers, learning how they nurture the soil to produce vibrant, organic crops. There’s something deeply satisfying about harvesting your own ingredients straight from the earth before rolling up your sleeves to prepare a traditional meal in a rustic clay oven—a soulful feast that honors ancestral flavors.

  In the afternoon, we transition to the quintessential Colombian experience: The Coffee Adventure. We will visit an authentic, family-run finca tucked into the heart of the Colombian coffee region. Here, coffee isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. You’ll wander through rows of trees as the farmer explains the journey of the bean, from the delicate white blossoms to the bright red cherries. Witnessing the labor-intensive process of drying and roasting will give you a newfound respect for your morning cup. Naturally, the day ends with a tasting right at the source—the aroma alone is enough to make you want to stay forever.

  • Activity:Tasting. Exploring.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Wake BioHotel or similar.

• Day 6: Colorful Colombia: Flowers, Nature & Villages: Silletas, Guatapé & El Peñol

  

  Your day begins in the misty, flower-laden highlands of Santa Elena, just an hour outside Medellín. This village is the ancestral home of the Silleteros—the traditional flower farmers who are the living heartbeat of Antioquia’s culture. We’ll visit an organic farm to meet a local family and see firsthand how they craft the massive, intricate flower displays known as silletas. It’s a fragrant, beautiful immersion into a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

  From the floral hills, we head toward the iconic Rock of Guatapé (El Peñol). This massive granitic monolith, once worshipped by the indigenous Tahamies, rises dramatically from the earth. If you’re feeling adventurous, the 740-step climb to the summit is rewarded with what I truly believe is one of the most breathtaking views in South America. From the top, you have a 360-degree panorama of the Peñol Reservoir, where sapphire-blue water snakes through emerald-green mountains.

  We’ll spend the afternoon in Guatapé proper, arguably the most colorful town in the world. Every house is adorned with zócalos—brightly painted bas-relief carvings that tell the story of the families within. Your guide will walk you through these vibrant cobblestone lanes, explaining the history behind the facades, before we enjoy a traditional lakeside lunch.

  After a day of climbing, exploring, and soaking in the kaleidoscope of colors, we’ll return for a sunset yoga session. It is the perfect way to stretch out your muscles after the 700-plus steps and find a moment of deep gratitude for the incredible landscapes you’ve witnessed today.

  • Activity:Exploring. Tasting. Well-being.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast. Lunch.
  • Accommodation:Wake BioHotel or similar.

• Day 7: Flight to Cartagena - Street Food Tour

  

  Today, we bid a fond farewell to the “City of Eternal Spring.” After one last delicious paisa breakfast overlooking the Andean peaks, your private transfer and English-speaking guide will whisk you to the airport for your flight to the coast. As you leave the mountains behind, get ready for a complete change of pace—the humid, salty air and rhythmic beats of the Caribbean are calling.

  ¡Welcome to Cartagena! Upon landing at Rafael Núñez International Airport, you’ll be met with a warm welcome and a private escort to your hotel. The drive is short—only about 15 to 20 minutes—but as you approach the towering 400-year-old stone walls of the Old City, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterclass in colonial romance, blooming bougainvillea, and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.

  To truly understand Cartagena, you have to eat like a local. For those ready to travel to Cartagena Colombia with a local’s perspective, this afternoon’s Street Food Tour is the ideal introduction to the soul of the city. Cartagena’s flavors are a fascinating legacy of Spanish colonization, West African heritage, and 19th-century migrations. We’ll unveil seven “culinary paradises”—small, unassuming stalls where local artisans have spent decades perfecting recipes. From the crunch of a perfect arepa de huevo to the sweetness of tropical fruit preserves, you’ll be seduced by the original versions of dishes that have inspired the new wave of Colombian cuisine. It’s a leisurely, “tête-à-tête” introduction to the Caribbean way of life—authentic, human, and incredibly delicious.

  • Activity:Exploring. Tasting.
  • Transport:Airplane. Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:OSH Hotel Getsemaní or similar.

• Day 8: History & Music

  

  Today, you explore Cartagena’s rich history, beginning at the impressive Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Walk through its tunnels and stand on its battlements as your guide shares stories of the battles that shaped the Caribbean. Then, continue to Cerro de la Popa, the highest point in the city. Visit the peaceful Convento de la Candelaria and enjoy sweeping views of the coastline, modern skyline, and colonial rooftops—an ideal moment to take in the beauty and scale of this historic port.

  In the afternoon, we leave the stone walls behind for a soulful highlight in the fishing village of La Boquilla. This is our Drum Safari, where you will discover the energetic rhythms at the heart of Afro-Colombian drum culture. Guided by local masters, you’ll learn how the drum was historically a tool of communication and resistance for African populations in the Americas. You won’t just be listening—you’ll be picking up the tambores yourself! Learning the basic rhythms of Cumbia and Mapalé is a joyful, human connection to a living heritage that continues to transform and empower this community today.

  To wrap up this day of history and high energy, we’ll return for a sunset yoga session. As the Caribbean breeze cools the air, we’ll flow through a practice designed to help you ground all that vibrant energy and find a moment of stillness. It’s the ultimate way to reflect on the stories and sounds of Cartagena before the stars come out.

  • Activity:Well-being. Dancing.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.
  • Accommodation:OSH Hotel Getsemaní or similar.

• Day 9: Depart Cartagena

  

  Today marks your final morning in the walled city of Cartagena. Depending on your flight schedule, you’ll have one last chance to enjoy a leisurely breakfast—perhaps with a side of fresh tropical fruit and that world-class Colombian coffee you’ve come to love—before your private transfer arrives.

  Your English-speaking guide and driver will ensure a smooth, comfortable 15-minute ride to Rafael Núñez International Airport, giving you one last look at the colorful streets of Crespo and the historic stone walls that have been your backdrop this week.

  This luxury women-only tour through Colombia and Panama has been more than a journey — it has been a reminder of what travel with purpose truly feels like.

  • Activity:Departure.
  • Transport:Car.
  • Meal:Breakfast.

Multi-country women tour Colombia Panama: FAQs

• Is this a women only tour?

  Yes. This 9-day Colombia and Panama experience is exclusively for women travelers. It creates a safe, empowering community through shared cultural immersion, private wellness sessions, and curated activities designed to foster meaningful connection and personal growth.

• Is this women only Colombia Panama tour suitable for solo female travelers?

  Yes, it is ideal for solo female travelers. The small-group format provides a supportive community, shared activities, and 24/7 bilingual guide support, making it one of the most accessible and safe ways to explore Colombia and Panama independently.

• What cities and destinations does this women only tour visit?

  The tour covers Panama City (Panama Canal, Casco Antiguo, Gatun Lake), Medellin (Comuna 13, Guatape, El Penol, coffee finca), and Cartagena (Castillo San Felipe, La Boquilla drum safari, Caribbean street food tour). Three countries, nine days.

• What wellness activities are included in this Colombia and Panama tour for women?

  The itinerary includes two private yoga sessions (sunrise in Medellin and sunset in Cartagena), a farm-to-table agroecology cooking workshop on a Rainforest Alliance-certified farm, and a hands-on Afro-Colombian drum safari in La Boquilla.

• Is this a luxury or mid-range women only travel experience?

  This is a boutique luxury experience from USD 4,500 per person. It includes carefully selected hotels, private transportation, a bilingual naturalist guide, and curated activities. It prioritizes comfort, authenticity, and purposeful impact at every stage.

• Is Colombia safe for women traveling as part of a group tour?

  Yes. Colombia is widely considered safe for organized group travel. Rebecca Adventure Travel uses private vetted transportation, hand-selected accommodation, and bilingual guides throughout, with 24/7 English and Dutch emergency support from a female-founded team.