The Gourmet VacationChef-led culinary journeysEat, drink & discover
Founded by a chefDifferent roads, one shared tableSmall groups
EuropeCome hungry. Leave inspired.Latin America
Chef-ledEvery journey is led by a chefSmall groups
Booking now Colombia

Colombiawith Chef César Zapata

Medellín · Guatapé August 7–14, 2027
Dates
Aug 7–14, 2027
Destination
Colombia
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Group size
1–18 travelers
From
$5,749
Deposit
$1,200
Status
Booking now
Add this journey to your calendarApple / iCalGoogle CalendarOutlook
The journey

From the Roots to the Table: Colombia with Chef César Zapata

You are invited on a journey through Colombia where landscapes become flavor, stories become meals, and every day unfolds like a beautifully plated experience, crafted with intention, connection and soul.

Curated by Chef César Zapata and Chef Richard Gruica, this immersive experience explores Colombia's roots through its people, culture and cuisine.

Highlights

  • Rooftop welcome in Medellín with chef-hosted cocktails and skyline views
  • The flower traditions of Santa Elena with a rustic Paisa lunch
  • Plaza Botero and the Flower Festival Parade from private stands
  • A Chiva Rumbera night ride and street food crawl
  • A hands-on ceramics workshop in El Carmen de Viboral
  • A lakeside escape in Guatapé with private boating
  • A 100-year-old coffee farm and farm-to-table cooking
  • Lunch at Casa Eterna and the story of Comuna 13
  • A four-hands finale at Zombra with Chef Pablo Naranjo
Chef César Zapata
Meet your chef

César Zapata

Phuc Yea and Antaño · Miami, United States

Chef César Zapata is a Colombian-born, Michelin-recognized chef and the creative force behind acclaimed restaurants including Phuc Yea in Miami and Antaño. Known for his fearless creativity and deep respect for heritage, Chef César brings authenticity and artistry to every plate.

  • Michelin-recognized
Meet the chef
Chef Richard Gruica
Hosted by Chef Richard GruicaChef, culinary travel expert and founder of The Gourmet Vacation.
Photo gallery
16 photos from Colombia
Day by day

The itinerary.

8 days, Medellín · Guatapé. Itineraries may adjust slightly for seasons and openings.

  1. Pre-tourEveFriday, August 6

    Arrival in Medellín & Rooftop Welcome Celebration

    Settle in to our five-star hotel in El Poblado. As the sun sets we gather on the rooftop of The Click Clack Hotel, with Medellín glowing below, for a personal welcome from Chef César Zapata and Chef Richard Gruica.

    Cocktails in hand, meet your fellow travelers and ease into the rhythm of the days ahead. This night's accommodation is not included in the tour price.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  2. Day01Saturday, August 7

    Flowers, Flavors & a Night That Dances

    In the hills of Santa Elena we meet the silleteros, artisans who turn flowers into living art. At a local flower farm, learn the history behind the silletas carried during Medellín's festivals, then sit down to a slow, rustic Paisa lunch.

    After dark, a private Chiva Rumbera, a brightly painted open-air party bus, rolls us through the city to a curated street food crawl: arepas hot off the griddle, savory bites and sweet treats.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  3. Day02Sunday, August 8

    Art, Flavor & the Grand Spectacle of Medellín

    We start at Plaza Botero and a private guided tour of the Botero Museum, then a curated foodie tour through neighborhoods, markets and hidden gems: tropical fruits, street-side specialties and regional dishes.

    The highlight is the Desfile de Silleteros, the Flower Festival Parade, watched from private palcos, a shaded grandstand reserved for our group. The day closes with a relaxed dinner together.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  4. Day03Monday, August 9

    Lakeside Escape, Living Traditions & Crafted by Hand

    In El Carmen de Viboral, a family-run ceramics workshop opens exclusively for us. Shape and paint your own pieces from start to finish; they are fired and delivered back to our hotel in Medellín. A private, custom-prepared lunch is served inside the workshop.

    In the afternoon we continue to Guatapé and check in to The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection. The evening is yours.

    Overnight: The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection
  5. Day04Tuesday, August 10

    Choose Your Adventure: Peaks, Paths & Lakeside Revelry

    Design your own day around Guatapé:

    • Climb El Peñón de Guatapé for sweeping views of lakes and islands
    • Horseback riding through the countryside
    • Paragliding above the water
    • An off-road quad adventure
    • An in-room massage

    A gourmet sandwich box keeps everyone fueled. By mid-afternoon we reunite at the marina for a private pontoon cruise with music and drinks, then dinner at the hotel's restaurant.

    Overnight: The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection
  6. Day05Wednesday, August 11

    From Lakeside Stillness to Culinary Soul

    A late checkout, then back to Medellín for lunch at Casa Eterna, the family-run restaurant of global artist Maluma, where Chef María Antonia Vélez brings Colombian tradition to life with elegance and heart.

    The rest of the day is open, with no scheduled dinner.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  7. Day06Thursday, August 12

    From Bean to Table: Coffee & Craft

    At La Casa Grande, a 100-year-old family-run coffee farm, we follow coffee from seed to harvest, drying and roast with the family who has worked this land for generations.

    Surrounded by the farm, we gather for a hands-on cooking class and lunch with fresh regional ingredients. Back in Medellín, the evening is yours.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  8. Day07Friday, August 13

    From Castles to Color: Culture, Resilience & a Culinary Finale

    The morning begins at El Castillo Museum and Gardens, then Medellín's cable car floats us above the city to Comuna 13, where outdoor escalators, murals and local guides tell the story of the city's transformation. Lunch is at a beloved local grill.

    Dinner is the grand finale at Zombra: a four-hands collaboration between Chef César Zapata and Chef Pablo Naranjo, one of Colombia's most celebrated culinary talents.

    Overnight: The Click Clack Hotel, El Poblado
  9. Day08Saturday, August 14

    Farewells in Medellín: Until We Meet Again

    Airport transfers are arranged around your flight. Until we meet again at another table, in another corner of the world: safe travels and buen viaje.

What’s included

Everything at the table.

Included

  • Chef timeThe chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef César and Chef Richard personally throughout the trip.
  • 7 nights accommodationLuxury accommodation, 4+ stars throughout the trip.
  • All excursionsIncluding all tours, food, tastings and classes and so much more.
  • All transportationAll transportation, including airport transfers in Medellín.
  • MealsAll breakfasts, and the equivalent of 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
  • Your personal guidesYour hosts and guides, Chef César and Chef Richard Gruica, are experts on Colombia and Spanish speakers.
  • Airport transfersTransfer to and from the host hotel in Medellín.

Not included

  • AirfareAirfare to Medellín is not included. We advise arriving in Medellín no later than Friday, August 6 to start the tour on Saturday, August 7.
  • Travel insuranceThis is very STRONGLY recommended.
  • Extra tips and gratuitiesExtra tips for servers, guides and drivers.
  • Extra food and drinkAny other food or drink not provided on the tour.
Where you’ll stay

Four stars and up, always.

El Poblado, Medellín
5 nights · El Poblado, Medellín The Click Clack Hotel

Five-star base in El Poblado, with the rooftop where the journey begins. The pre-tour night of August 6 is not included.

Guatapé
2 nights · Guatapé The Brown Guatapé, Autograph Collection

A lakeside escape among emerald hills and shimmering water.

Destinations

Where this journey takes you

Trip details

The fine print.

Reservations, deposits and payments are handled securely through WeTravel.

Reserve on WeTravel
Price
$5,749 per person
Deposit
$1,200
Group size
1–18 travelers
Arrival
Medellín. Arrive no later than Friday, August 6. Transfers to the host hotel are included.
Departure
Medellín on Saturday, August 14. Airport transfer included.
Travel insurance
This is very STRONGLY recommended.
Questions

Good to know.

When should I arrive?

Arrive in Medellín no later than Friday, August 6 for the rooftop welcome. The tour officially starts on Saturday, August 7. The night of August 6 is not included in the tour price.

Are the tours suitable for all dietary preferences?

Yes, we accommodate various dietary preferences and ensure that your culinary experience is tailored to your specific needs. You can specify your preferences when booking the tour.

What kind of hotels do you use?

Luxury accommodations of 4 stars or higher are included on every journey.

How do I book?

Every journey is booked and paid securely through WeTravel. Use the Reserve button on the journey page to hold your place with a deposit.

Should I buy travel insurance?

We highly recommend obtaining insurance for a trip of this nature. It is always better to be covered.

What should I bring on a tour?

It’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing and footwear for exploring, as well as an open mind and appetite for discovering new flavors and experiences.

Booking now

Ready to taste Colombia?

August 7–14, 2027 Chef César Zapata From $5,749
Reserve your place
Add this journey to your calendarApple / iCalGoogle CalendarOutlook
Colombia Aug 7–14 From $5,749 Reserve
Book this journey
ColombiaAug 7–14 · From $5,749 Reserve