Planning a bachelor party in Colombia? You might be wondering which city is the best to have a blast with your friends. Colombia has become one of the world’s top tourist destinations. In fact, Medellin and Cartagena are two of the most popular Colombian destinations for international visitors, including those who want to celebrate their bachelor party in Colombia.
Both cities have a lot to offer, but they also have some differences that might make one more suitable for your preferences and budget. Here’s a comparison of the main aspects to consider when choosing between Medellin and Cartagena for your bachelor party.
Why is Colombia such a hot destination?
You may have heard about Colombia in the news. Whether they are about politics, security, or a popular TV show about drug leaders, you already have a certain idea. But Colombia has stood apart from the controversial topics to stand out for its beauty. And by beauty, we meant cultural and natural biodiversity. In fact, Colombian modern cities cohabit with lush tropical forests, Caribbean beaches, snowy mountains, the largest rivers, and breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re into culture, nature, and adventure, you’ll travel to a country that has it all. And in this post, we’ll share with you the top five destinations you should visit in Colombia. This list is based on international tourism awards from 2020 to 2023. Why did we choose the parameter? Well, the reason is simple: Colombia has many destinations to visit, so a top 5 is a shorter list to show them all. So this way, at least you’ll know the relevant places, according to international advisers.
Let’s dive into some of the actual reasons why Colombia is a hot destination.
The world’s second-most biodiverse country
So yes, Colombia is a rich, biodiverse country, and now is the perfect time to discover all it has to offer! In fact, in 2023, more than 3.8 million foreign visitors (not including Venezuelan citizens) traveled to Colombia. And 345,285 of them were passengers on international cruises. Following the data from the report of the Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism, the main countries of origin for foreign visitors were the United States, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru.
The most visited country after the pandemic
This data shows the trend that ranks Colombia as one of the most visited countries after the COVID-19 crisis. To prove it, more than 4.1 million international visitors visited Colombia in 2022. A record number that surpassed the pre-pandemic levels of 2019 based on the data from the World Tourism Organization.
Despite the natural richness and the increasing number of travelers, what also makes Colombia a hot destination are the international tourism awards that honor it. For instance, in 2023, Colombia received:
- The Best Destination in South America award from the World Travel Awards.
- The Best Emerging Destination by Travel + Leisure.
- The Best Adventure Destination by Lonely Planet.
These awards honor Colombia’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. As well as its diversity of attractions and experiences.
Thus, when traveling to Colombia, you should expect to experience a mixture of modern facilities and natural monuments. Besides, you’ll enjoy nightlife, top restaurants, extreme adventure, and the feeling of wanting to get back.
Adventure-Packed Colombian Bachelor Party Guide
Now that you know Colombia will be your bachelor party destination, it’s time to decide the city. As we mentioned, there are many places to visit in the country of beauty. But there are two main cities when it comes to celebrating bachelor parties.
Why two? Well, both cities combine the best of modern facilities with lush nature. Imagine a party district where nature, nightlife, and luxury amenities are at your disposal. Boat parties, adventure tours, modern life, and VIP treatment in two different spots: Medellin and Cartagena. Whether you want to party hard, relax, or explore, you’ll have a blast at your Colombia bachelor party.
Find out a sample itinerary for the most popular cities to celebrate a bachelor party in Colombia. Feel free to mix and match these activities according to your preferences, or add more if you have the time. Let’s dive into it!
Knowing the Medellin vibes
Medellin doesn’t have a beach and is not as famous as Cartagena. But the city is known for its yearlong springtime weather, low prices, and, of course, spectacular women. This city, once known to be the home of pop culture icon, Pablito Escobar has seen drastic changes in the past 10 years. Today, the city has a record-low crime rate. As well as an increase in social projects that will see a more prosperous future. Both are good news for potential visitors.
Get into the Cartagena mood
A city known for being the first city where the Spanish landed in the 1500s. Cartagena is a beautiful city with an eclectic mix of new and old. Cartagena features 16th-century architecture. Its cobblestone streets, walled city, and colorful colonial buildings earned it the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But the city’s history and treasures aren’t enough to lure partygoers. It’s Cartagena’s weather, prices, and, of course, the beach that attract thousands of bachelors each year.
Medellin: The City of Eternal Spring
Medellin is Colombia’s second-largest city and a hub of culture, innovation, and entertainment. It’s also known as the City of Eternal Spring, thanks to its pleasant climate and green surroundings. Here are some of the best things to do in Medellin for your bachelor party:
Lively nightlife and beautiful women
The city has a reputation for having some of the best nightlife in Latin America. Actually, you’ll find bars, clubs, and lounges for every taste and budget. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife are Parque Lleras, La 70, La 33, and Las Palmas Avenue.
Find next to Lleras Park one of the world’s coolest streets: Provenza. This venue is perfect to start the party: dinner, drinks, and nice views! Then, let the party go on in Gusto at Lleras Park. And if you want more, go to La Isla Club on Las Palmas Avenue. After a party night, if you want to relax, visit the parlott massage at La 33 Avenue.
There’s also the option of booking a party bus or a limo, but even though this could be fun for the largest groups, it may not be so convenient. The reason is simple: privacy and security. We want you to have a blast. That’s why we advise celebrating in an exclusive club with a personal driver and a host at your disposal.
Adventure tours and thrilling nature
Besides nightlife and leisure, one of the best things about having a bachelor party in Colombia is the variety of adventure tours. Enjoy the natural adrenaline of climbing a giant rock in a waterfall, or ride fast in the ATV adventure. In fact, you will choose from paragling, helicopter tours, and paintball. But if you prefer a more classic experience, try a golf set or a soccer game.
A Guatape boat party and a day excursion to Guatape
This is an unforgetable experience in Medellin. Take a day trip to the charming town of Guatape. This colorful town is located about two hours from Medellin. It’s famous for its painted houses and its giant rock called El Peñol. Climb to the top of the rock and enjoy the panoramic views of the lake and the countryside. Guatape is also a great place to enjoy water sports like kayaking, jet skiing, or having a boat party.
Cartagena: The Jewel of the Caribbean
This is a coastal city that combines colonial charm with tropical vibes. It’s one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Colombia and a perfect place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Here are some of the best things to do in Cartagena for your bachelor party in Colombia:
Explore the old town
Cartagena’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, it preserves the history and culture of the city. Go on a walking tour along the cobblestone streets and admire the colorful buildings, churches, plazas, and monuments. Also visit some of the museums, galleries, or shops that showcase local art and crafts. Don’t forget to meet Getsemani, a colorful venue that transforms into a party hub at night.
Relax on the beach
Find some of the best Colombian beaches in Cartagena. Imagine a yacht charter equipped with a DJ, drinks, and your crew partying in the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy the different beaches like Bocagrande, Rosario, Castillogrande, or Marbella. You can also rent a boat or a yacht and visit some of the nearby islands, like Baru, Rosario, or Tierra Bomba.
As well as Medellin, in Cartagena you can always party in a bus (Chiva). A chiva is a traditional wooden bus that has been converted into a mobile party. Hop on a chiva and enjoy music, drinks, and snacks as you tour around the city. A chiva is a fun and unique way to experience Cartagena’s nightlife and meet new people.
Try the delicious food
Cartagena is a paradise for seafood lovers. Enjoy fresh and delicious dishes like ceviche, fish soup, lobster, shrimp, or crab. You can also try some of the exotic fruits, like coconut, mango, papaya, or passion fruit. Find out here about our list of the best restaurants in Cartagena.
Take an ATV Medellin
Add some adrenaline to your bachelor party in Colombia. Take an ATV tour and explore the natural beauty of Cartagena. Ride through different terrains like sand dunes, forests, or beaches. You could stop at some scenic spots, like lagoons or caves. This is a challenging experience you can’t miss.
Join a Guatape boat party and a five-island tour.
One of the best ways to enjoy Cartagena’s coast is to join a Guatape boat party. Book a private or shared boat and cruise along the Caribbean Sea. You can listen to music, dance, drink, and have fun with your friends and other guests. You can also stop at some of the islands and snorkel, swim, or relax.
Besides, visit five islands. If you want to see more of Cartagena’s islands, you can do a five-island tour and visit some of the most beautiful and diverse ones. Go to Isla Grande, Isla del Encanto, Isla del Pirata, Isla de Baru, and Isla de Rosario. These beaches promise a white-sand sea, turquoise water, and coral reefs.
These are just some of the ideas for planning the ultimate bachelor party in Colombia. Of course, you can customize your itinerary according to your interests and needs. The most important thing is to have fun and make memories with your crew.
Bachelor Party in Colombia: Why Choose Medellin?
Medellin has a lot more going for it as a bachelor party destination than Cartagena. A lot of this is because of the size of the two cities.
This city is home to more than 3 million people and has 10 times more nightclubs, strip clubs, and party areas than Cartagena does.
In fact, aside from the walled city, Cartagena doesn’t have much going for it as far as nightlife. While Medellin boasts a cornucopia of different night spots packed with beautiful local girls.
Cartagena has great nightclubs but when you ask around, most of the city’s beautiful girls are actually from Medellin. So why not cut out the middle man? Enjoy more options as far as nightlife, and enjoy many daytime activities.
Bachelor Party Medellin: Why Choose Cartagena?
In Cartagena, I’ve noticed that although nice beaches and a Guatape party boat every day are enough for many to have a good time. For me, a city needs more than a nice beach and a yacht. Cartagena does have some of the best nightclubs in Colombia. And if you enjoy seafood, Cartagena’s restaurant scene is the best.
Imagine yourself with a group of your friends on the beach, loading up booze and food onto a large yacht. Getting ready to bid farewell to your freedom with people you’ve known your entire life. In the company of new friends you met that day, you were about to share an epic experience you won’t soon forget.
Oh yeah, and ask how much this experience will cost when compared to a similar experience in Miami?
Medellin vs. Cartagena: Which city is better to have a bachelor party in Colombia?
Overall: Both Medellin and Cartagena are great destinations for a bachelor party in Colombia, but they have different pros and cons that might suit different types of travelers. Either way, you’ll have an unforgettable time with your friends in Colombia.
Both cities see thousands of visitors each year. Both guarantee to provide an amazing bachelor party in Colombia. But Medellin has the advantage of the better nightlife. Not to mention a wide range of daytime activities.
We know you’ll be tempted to spend the day sleeping to prepare for what’s in store at night. But with so many adventure-packed daily tours and activities, we want you to get out and see the city.
The beach and ocean are nice for any bachelor party Medellin. But that will get old after about 2 days, you’ll want to be in a city where every day is a new adventure waiting to happen.
Whether you decide on Medellin or Cartagena we want you to have the best possible experience, and we want to be a part of your bachelor party in Colombia. Contact Medellin VIP today for insight and to plan your bachelor party Medellin.
