The River House Experience & Santa Fé de Antioquia (2 Days Tour)

Discover the Best of Colombia’s Countryside and Colonial Heritage in Just Two Days

If you’re looking to escape the hustle of Medellín and soak in authentic Colombian rural life, the River House Experience & Santa Fé de Antioquia tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and relaxation. Priced at $304 per person, this private two-day adventure takes you to some of the region’s most picturesque spots, including the famous Puente de Occidente, the charming Santa Fé de Antioquia, and a tranquil finca nestled by a river. Your guide, Marton, and Colombia Bliss tailor this experience to fit your pace, with a comfortable SUV, and even offer personalized drone footage to capture your memories.

Two things we especially appreciate about this tour are the opportunity to walk across the historic hanging bridge—which is an engineering marvel from the 19th century—and the chance to unwind at the River House, a cozy finca with a pool and scenic views. The flexibility of the itinerary allows for spontaneous stops or more relaxed pacing. However, keep in mind that the schedule is full and might feel rushed if you want to linger longer at each site. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of cultural exploration, stunning landscapes, and a touch of leisure in a private setting, especially families and those wanting an authentic peek into Colombia’s countryside.

Key Points

• Authentic Culture: Explores colonial towns, bridges, and traditional villages.
• Scenic Views: Enjoy breathtaking vistas from the historic Puente de Occidente and river views.
• Relaxing Environment: Spend a night in a peaceful finca with a pool and natural surroundings.
• Flexible Experience: Customizable itinerary with private transportation.
• Authentic Experiences: Tuk tuk rides, local food, and wine tour at Viña Sicilia.
• Personal Touch: Guided by knowledgeable locals with options for drone footage and group discounts.

The River House & Santa Fé de Antioquia: A Detailed Review

What Is This Tour All About?

This 2-day trip offers a chance to dive into Colombia’s rural charm—a side of the country often missed by travelers rushing through tourist hotspots. Starting from Medellín, you’ll visit iconic sites like Puente de Occidente, a grand stone bridge from the late 19th century that has stood as a symbol of engineering ingenuity. Then, you’ll wander the cobblestone streets of Santa Fé de Antioquia, a town founded in 1541 that still whispers stories of colonial times. Finally, you’ll unwind in Olaya, a small Spanish-built village, and relax at the River House, your peaceful retreat.

The tour is completely private and customizable, allowing you to tailor your experience. Whether you want to walk more, spend extra time at a particular site, or simply enjoy the scenery, your guide will accommodate. The transportation is a comfortable SUV with air conditioning, which makes traveling between sites both easy and enjoyable. Colombia Bliss also offers a personalized drone video of your trip, a nice touch that makes for a memorable keepsake.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out?

Two highlights truly stand out. First, crossing the Puente de Occidente on foot and then taking tuk tuks to Santa Fé adds an element of fun and adventure. Second, the River House provides not only a beautiful setting but also a chance to relax — especially if you enjoy swimming or just listening to nature. The wine tour at Viña Sicilia adds a sophisticated touch, allowing you to taste Colombian wine with spectacular river views.

Possible Drawbacks or Considerations

Given that the tour is a two-day package, it can feel a bit packed if you prefer slow travel or wish to spend more time at each stop. Travelers who like to linger might find the schedule tight. Also, while the experience is family-friendly, younger children should be comfortable with outdoor activities and the short hikes involved.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who want a personalized, authentic taste of Colombia’s countryside. If you love history, scenic views, and relaxing in nature, this tour checks all those boxes. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate cultural preservation and want to avoid crowded tourist spots.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Day 1: From the City to Santa Fé de Antioquia

Puente de Occidente is the first stop, and it’s a highlight not just for its impressive engineering but also for the views across the Cauca River. Walking across the bridge and then riding tuk tuks up to the viewpoint offers a fun, engaging start. The bridge’s location as a historical monument makes it a perfect photo opportunity, and the free admission means you can enjoy it without extra costs.

Next, you’ll stroll through the colonial streets of Santa Fé de Antioquia. Founded in 1541, this town is a living museum with whitewashed buildings, wooden balconies, and centuries-old churches. One reviewer described it as a charming little town full of history, perfect for wandering at your own pace. You might want to grab a coffee or a local meal in one of the plazas, soaking in the atmosphere.

After a couple of hours here, you’ll head towards Olaya, a quaint Spanish-built village. It’s a peaceful spot with a short walk and a refreshingly sweet fruit juice. The stop is brief but charming, giving you a taste of rural life before heading to the River House.

Day 2: Leisure and Local Flavors

The next morning, you’re free to enjoy breakfast at the finca, relax by the pool, or take a short hike to the river. The focus here is on unwinding — a real contrast to the busy city life. Many reviews mention how relaxing and peaceful this part of the trip is, with one reviewer noting they loved the way the River House feels like a perfect summer retreat.

Later, the wine tour at Viña Sicilia offers a chance to taste local wines, often surprisingly good based on reviews. The vineyard’s location by the river provides spectacular scenery, making this a highlight for wine lovers or those wanting a leisurely afternoon.

Finally, after a relaxed day, you’ll make your way back to Medellín, feeling refreshed and enriched by your rural adventure.

Transportation and Logistics: Why They Matter

Traveling in a private SUV with AC ensures comfort and flexibility, crucial for a trip involving multiple stops and outdoor activities. The tour’s schedule allows for roughly 8 hours on the first day and 4 hours on the second, but the pace is manageable, especially with a guide who can adapt to your preferences.

Since the tour is private, you avoid the large group rush, giving you space to explore, take photos, or simply relax. The fact that it’s fully customizable means you can prioritize what interests you most, whether that’s the historic bridge, the town, or enjoying leisure time at the finca.

Authentic Experiences and Unique Touches

Many travelers raved about the guides, particularly Marton, who was described as knowledgeable and capable of making the trip both fun and informative. The tuk tuk rides and the chance to explore less touristy spots give the tour an authentic flavor many visitors crave.

The offer of personalized drone footage is a special touch — a modern way to preserve your memories of Colombia’s scenic beauty. With reviews praising the well-organized company and excellent local hospitality, you can trust that your experience will be smooth and enriching.

Pricing and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $304 per person, this trip might seem on the higher side, but considering it includes private transportation, guided visits, and personalized footage, it offers good value for a personalized, immersive experience. The cost covers the relaxed pace, the comfort, and the ability to customize your itinerary — features that often come with higher-priced tours.

Participants consistently mention how the tour felt well-organized, and many reviews highlight how the experience exceeds expectations for a two-day trip. It’s an opportunity to see Colombia’s countryside without the hassle of self-driving or unorganized group tours.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who value cultural authenticity and scenic beauty. Families with kids can enjoy the relaxed pace and kid-friendly activities like pool and tuk tuk rides, while couples and solo travelers will appreciate the personalized touch and scenic variety. It’s especially suitable for those who want to escape the city, explore historic sites, and relax in nature.

If you’re after a combination of history, local culture, scenic views, and leisure, this tour delivers on all fronts without feeling rushed or overly commercial. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Colombia’s rural roots, enjoy stunning landscapes, and come away with meaningful memories and fantastic photos.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
The $304 fee covers private transportation in a comfortable SUV, guided visits to Puente de Occidente, Santa Fé de Antioquia, Olaya, and the River House, as well as the wine tour at Viña Sicilia. Personalized drone footage is also included.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, many reviews mention how family-friendly the trip is, with kids enjoying tuk tuk rides, the pool, and easy walks. Just ensure children are comfortable with outdoor activities and short hikes.

How long is each day’s activity?
Day 1 involves about 8 hours including stops, while Day 2 is roughly 4 hours of leisure and the wine tour, making it manageable for most travelers.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, swimwear if you wish to swim, and cash for any optional purchases or tips.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, the tour is private and flexible, allowing you to tailor stops or pacing based on your interests.

What’s the best time to take this tour?
The tour operates year-round from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, so you can choose a time that suits your schedule, but mornings tend to be cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities.

In summary, the River House Experience & Santa Fé de Antioquia tour offers a well-balanced mix of history, scenery, and relaxation. It’s especially suited for travelers who enjoy cultural authenticity, picturesque landscapes, and personalized service. With knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, it promises a genuine glimpse into Colombia’s countryside, making it a worthwhile addition to your Medellín itinerary.