WHY IT'S DIFFERENT?
An epic adventure packed with unique experiences from the Amazon, through the coffee region to the Caribbean blue waters. Truly memorable!
Based on two people sharing, not including international flights (just domestic) learn more
Amazon Rainforest
The world’s largest rainforest, famed for its biodiversity, stretches across 9 different countries and is a truly unique jungle paradise. Teeming with wildlife from colourful birds to howler monkeys and the pink dolphins.
Cartagena
The jewel in Colombia's crown, located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena was founded in the 16th century. The colourful walled colonial Old Town is littered with cobbled streets and enjoys a tropical climate.
Coffee Region
Famed for being home to some of the finest coffee in the world, the coffee region is also blessed with beautiful landscapes with quaint towns offering an insight into authentic Colombian rural life.
Caribbean Coast
Colombia's Caribbean coast has all you would expect: from the crystal clear waters to the fine white sand but without the crowds of better known Caribbean destinations. Surrounded by national parks and indigenous tribes.
Cloud Forest
The mysterious, yet beautiful cloud forests of Minca are fabulous for bird watching, hiking Los Pinos, swimming at Marinka Waterfall and visiting the famous Casa Elemento hammock which offers panoramic views.
Monkey Sanctuary
The open air sanctuary allows the monkeys total freedom of the jungle, but with most having been previously domesticated illegally, they rely on the food provided by the sanctuary making them inquisitive and friendly.
The Culture
Colombia is truly a melting pot of different cultures, tribes and traditions, making it a fascinating and welcoming place to visit. You'll notice very quickly that Colombians are incredibly hospitable.
Salsa Dancing
Quite simply, salsa dancing is part of a Colombian's DNA, gender or age are never a barrier! It makes for a fun and vibrant night out, with the locals always happy to offer some impromptu lessons on the dance floor.
"Amazing location, stunning varied experience and the most welcoming of people. A highly recommended trip"
Marion - Guest
YOUR EXPERIENCE
A journey through Colombia will expose you to a multitude of experiences, just as diverse as its landscapes and people. Your adventure starts in the high-altitude capital city of Bogota. From there, you will travel straight into the deep jungle of the Amazonian Forest which will be your home for the next three days. You will explore the forests and rivers in search for the indigenous fauna and getting a glimpse into the amazonian way of life. Your journey will be crowned by getting close and personal with the monkeys in the Monkey Sanctuary. From the Amazon, you'll travel to the Coffee Region, a sweet heaven for all the coffee lovers. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, you will be able to explore and take in the natural beauty, learn the ins and outs of coffee making and, of course, drink as much coffee as your heart desires. As no trip to the coffee region is complete without Medellin, Pablo Escobar's hometown, you will learn about the turbulent history and how the city emerged and changed through it all. From there on, you'll travel to the sunnier landscapes, all the way to the Caribbean coast. Enjoy the charm of the colonial town of Cartagena, hike through the Cloud Forest of Minca, get to know the local tribes or relax on a pristine beach in Tayrona National Park, the perfect spot to take it all in after such an enriching journey.
YOUR EXPERTS
James
The Brains Behind the Operation - Meet James
NEED TO KNOW
| DESTINATION | Colombia |
| DURATION | 14 nights |
| GROUP SIZE | 8 people |
| ASSISTANCE | Hands on |
| AIRPORT(S) | Bogota |
| FLIGHTS | For more information on flights from the UK please refer to the Trip Details section. |
| VISA | UK, EU & US not required |
| VACCINATIONS | Yes - Yellow Fever |
Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes. Depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore the city on your own or relax. Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, so we recommend taking it easy during the first couple of days.
INCLUDED
Today, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, at the Museo Botero. In addition, we will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, and we will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.
An early morning start when you will visit Plaza de Paloquemao, one of Bogota's largest and most popular markets. You will be amazed by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables found there. At the market, you can try some fruits, fruit juices and various Colombian snacks. Then we will transfer you to the airport for your flight to Leticia, the main city in the Colombian Amazon region and one of the major ports on the Amazon River. It is also the city where Colombia, Brazil and Peru come together in a place known as the three frontiers (Las tres Fronteras), which allows you to visit the three countries in just one day. Upon arrival in Leticia, your tour guide will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel to leave your luggage and start exploring this wonderful region of Colombia. The tour will start at 3:30 pm. This adventure will begin with Tabatinga, the neighbouring Brazilian city connected to Leticia by road and footpath. You will learn about the history of this town and visit some of the most interesting places there, such as the triple border and a viewpoint to see the magnificent Amazon River. Next, we will try Cachaza, the typical and famous Brazilian cocktail made from sugar cane distillation. Then, in Leticia, you will visit the tourist boardwalk or malecón turístico to see the colourful canoes and a little plaza with lots of shops and restaurants. Finally, you will finish this tour with a visit to Parque de Santander at dusk to observe hundreds of parakeets returning from the jungle to feed and rest in the park. The noise is impressive, and even if you are not that interested in birds, there is no doubt that it is a unique experience.
Early in the morning, we will transfer you to Calanoa Reserve. At the reserve, you will visit a Tikuna community where you can appreciate how their life revolves around the river and the jungle. In the afternoon, after lunch, a hike crosses the Calanoa Reserve to the Matamata Creek, on the limit of the Amacayacu National Park. There, a canoe is waiting for you to descend, paddle to the Amazon, and return to the lodge (if the water level allows it). Navigating the forest's canopy during the high-water season is an incredible experience. In the evening, we will do a night exploration at the reserve.
In the morning, you will enjoy a visit to Mocagua Island, where very different flora and fauna can be seen. The island also has gorgeous interior lakes where the lotus flower Victoria Amazonica blooms. After lunch, in the afternoon, a boat takes you to the Peruvian margin of the Amazon River for dolphin watching and to see the sunset and its explosion of colour from the river.
We will go by boat to Leticia for a flight to Medellin at the required time. Upon arrival in Medellin, we will transfer you to the hotel.
Today, we will take a day trip to the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) Natural Park, Salento and Filandia. Our tour will begin in the typical town of Filandia. We will cross its colonial streets and visit the Quindío viewpoint. There will be a stop at a wickerwork workshop, and later, you will have the opportunity to have a gastronomic experience in a local restaurant. After visiting Filandia, we will head to the cloud forest at Valle de Cocora, a prime example of the amazing diversity of fauna and flora that is special to Colombia's Coffee Region. While trekking across the valley, surrounded by the famous and unique palmas de cera (wax palms), we will hear stories about this amazing place and its meaning for the native tribes that inhabited the area before the Europeans came to America. We will have lunch at the park rangers' base before continuing our trip to Salento. Salento is a traditional and picturesque Paisa town, where the colours of the houses and the colonial architecture blend with the natural beauty of the region and the smell of freshly roasted coffee. Salento is a perfect place for a gentle stroll or a delicious cup of Colombian coffee.
Today, we will visit the coffee farm San Alberto in Buenavista. This farm produces one of the best coffees in Colombia thanks to its rigorous five-step selection process to produce a unique product with an unparalleled flavour and aroma. At the farm, you will learn the details of each step, from planting the coffee beans to picking and roasting. You will also learn how to select and pick only the ripe coffee cherries and also how to taste and evaluate the coffee’s quality, just like an expert coffee taster. At the end of the tour, we will go to the airport for your flight to Medellin.
Today, we will visit the most iconic areas of the city including Plaza de Botero, El Pueblito Paisa and Parque LLeras. The Plaza de Botero is a medium-sized plaza full of sculptures created by the famous Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero (originally from Medellin). He is famous for his style of painting, which makes everything look "chubby". The Parque Lleras and El Pueblito Paisa are Medellin's must-see quarters. The Pueblito Paisa, a small replica of a typical Antioquia township, located on top of the 80m hill "Cerro Nutibara" is the perfect place to get a great panoramic view of the city. While the Parque Lleras is one of the most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife in Medellin. Then, in the afternoon we will focus tour in the transformation of the city after the violence generated by Pablo Escobar and the “Cartel of Medellín” in the early 90s. The transformation of Medellín is an ongoing process of impressive social and urban change you will witness on this tour. You will visit the new memorial park of the dark years of Pablo Escobar, “Parque Conmemorativo Inflexión", built on one of his former properties and honour the countless victims. Explore the ”Casa de la Memoria" - an urban conflict investigation centre – that offers exclusive insights into the controversial part of the city’s recent history - nowadays a place of hope and a landmark of social transformation and historical dimension of the phenomenon of Pablo Escobar. Your expert guide provides insider information on the historical dimension of the phenomenon of Pablo Escobar and you will obtain a deeper understanding of the unique history of Medellin and the uniqueness of its transformation.
In the afternoon, we will go to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena, we will meet you at the airport and take you to the airport.
In the morning you will take a tour of Cartagena. During the tour, we will visit the Convento de la Popa, the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by the impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters. The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in their colonies. It was built at the end of the XVI century to defend the city. Its construction began on September 8 1614, after the attack of the legendary Sir Francis Drake by order of King Philip III. It is the most preserved and complete fortification in South America and one of the best-walled cities in the world. It is a World Cultural Heritage Site and an invaluable treasure that has resisted the attacks of invaders, time and nature. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting and passing by the main historical sites. You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring the old city, admire its architecture and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere.
You have the day to carry on exploring Cartagena on your own. You can wander around the cobbled streets in the historic city, visit some colonial churches or go to Getsemani to see its colourful graffiti.
We will pick you up at your hotel in the morning to start our trip toward Santa Marta. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape of the Caribbean region. The total journey will take around 4.5 hours.
You will have the day free to relax by the beach and explore the nearby places at your own pace.
Optional excursions to Tayrona National Park, Minca, Rubber ring river experience and to visit local tribes.
You will have the day free to relax by the beach and explore the nearby places at your own pace.
Optional excursions to Tayrona National Park, Minca, Rubber ring river experience and to visit local tribes.
A selection of our accommodation, which is subject to availability, however alternatives are always of a similar price, grade and location.
Bogota
Colombia
The foodie district of Usaquen will be your home in Bogota, close to the fusion restaurants, chic eateries and the world's best cuisines.
Typical Accommodation: Bio Hotel or similar
Amazon
Colombia
Disconnect from the world and connect to nature in Amazon. The wildlife comes alive at night as you'll fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Typical Accommodation: Calanoa Lodge or similar
Coffee Region
Colombia
Great coffee, impressive landscapes and charming little towns like Salento and Salamino define the coffee region.
Typical Accommodation: La Casa de Lola Garcia, El Mirador del Cocora or similar
Medellin
Colombia
The transformation of Medellin over the last few years is impressive and you will be in the middle of it all and witness it first-hand.
Typical Accommodation: Park 10 Hotel or similar
Cartagena
Colombia
The colonial charm comes alive in Cartagena. Explore the cobbled streets, marvel at the architecture and bask in the sun blinking over the sea.
Typical Accommodation: Bantu Hotel or similar
Caribbean Coast
Colombia
Enjoy the relaxing pace of the Caribbean lifestyle on the coast's sandy beaches and lush forests of the Tayrona National Park.
Typical Accommodation: Casalina Ecolodge or similar
WHERE YOU'RE GOING
From the silvery-sanded beaches of the Caribbean coast to the stunning landscapes of the Andes and the richness of the Amazonian Rainforest, Colombia is a treat for all tastes. The diversity does not end here, however. As pleasing as it is to the eye, the melting pot you will find here and the powerful culture and traditions of every region you will visit will captivate you from the beginning to the end. Shaped, but not defined by its turbulent history, Colombia is an undiscovered gem, ready to amaze you with its incredible sights and people.
FAST FACTS
| CAPITAL | Bogotá |
| POPULATION | 50.88 million |
| CURRENCY | Colombian peso |
| TIME DIFFERENCE | UTC-05:00 |
"Colombia is a land of variation and contrast. This extends to its weather, you can be enjoying the sun on the Caribbean coast and then need your a jacket, jumper and scarf in Bogota which is at over 2600m!"
James - Untravelled Paths
Binoculars
Not essential but will likely enhance your experience so do bring binoculars if you or any of your friends have them! Alternatively, if you have one, your camera zoom may help.
Language
If you don't speak Spanish then we highly recommend you bring a phrase book to help you get by as many of the locals won't speak English and most of the menus will be in Spanish.
Malaria & Yellow Fever
Malaria is largely low risk with the exception of the Amazon so we recommend taking Malarone tablets just if you visit. You will also need a yellow fever certificate to visit the Amazon region.
Clothing
No matter what time of year you travel packing will be a challenge as when you are in the high areas you'll need to keep warm and it's the exact opposite in the jungles and Caribbean coast.
As a tour operator we are not able to offer inclusive flights as part of our experiences however we are more than happy to help you find the most appropriate incoming and outgoing flights for you. All the listed airports fly directly in and out of Bogota. If you are willing to connect there are various other options. We highly recommend using Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights.
Domestic flights will also need to be organised, which we can assist you wish.
INSURANCE
In order to be fully covered on your trip should anything happen, we suggest getting an insurance before you travel. We recommend True Traveller, designed especially for adventure travel, who will be able to tailor an insurance package based on your needs. You can find out more here.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
Our prices are based on people sharing, for solo travellers who would prefer a private room the price per person will include a solo occupancy fee.
EXTRA NIGHTS
If you wish we can also organise extra nights at either end of your trip for you.
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