Best of Colombia
Experience Overview
Discover South America's best-kept secret on this 17-day adventure through the verdant mountains and powdery beaches of Colombia. Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Fall in love with Bogota's heart, laze on palm-fringed stretches of Caribbean shoreline and hang with locals that redefine hospitality.
Highlights
- Stay in the vibrant Chapinero neighbourhood in Bogota, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
- Embark on a spectacular guided hike through the Cocora Valley, home to hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees.
- Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in coffee country.
- Discover the new face of Medellin and learn about the city’s transformation from most dangerous neighbourhood in Colombia to arts and culture haven.
- Try your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport (think bocce with gunpowder!). Join your group on this fun activity in Salento, made better with a free beer in hand.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1924
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,Private Bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Van
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: GGSSC
Starts: Bogota, Colombia
Finishes: Bogota, Colombia
Duration: 17 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (14), Lunch (3), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (14 nights),Coffee Estancia (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $6,325 ($372 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota! Situated at 2644 metres, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic, mix of old and new.. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, cosmopolitan Bogota is full of surprises. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where your group will be meeting. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. After, why not go out for a group dinner?
Included Activities:
- Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
Optional Activities:
- Bogota - Montserrate cable car (29500 COP)
- Bogota - Gold Museum (5000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour (390000 COP)
- Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour (380000 COP)
- Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour (270000 COP)
- Bogota - Museo Nacional (10 USD)
- Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour (50000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour (270000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a free beer.
Included Activities:
- Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
- Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.
Accommodation:
- Coffee Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Included Activities:
- Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting
Accommodation:
- Coffee Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).
Included Activities:
- Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
- Medellin - Flower Garden tour
- Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips!
Optional Activities:
- Medellin - Comuna 13 Tour (150000 COP)
- Medellin - Guatape + Penol Rock Day Tour (140000 COP)
- Medellin - Violence + Posconflict Tour (50000 COP)
- Medellin - Museo de Antioquia entrance fee (30000 COP)
- Medellin - Historic Downtown Tour (50000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. The old city, particularly the inner walled town, is the main attraction – it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Your hotel is located in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, a part of the old town with loads of colourful street art and an authentic feel. Tonight there will be a meeting at 6 pm to meet new travellers who may be joining you for this next leg. After the meeting, step out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city (sometimes this walk may take place tomorrow morning instead).
Included Activities:
- Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend some free time getting to know the old and new of Cartagena. Wander the old city, shop for local handicrafts, head up to San Felipe de Barajas Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) or take boat to Punta Arenas or Playa Blanca for a well-deserved swim in the Southern Caribbean. Otherwise, book yourself in a tour out of town to the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Instead of lava, this peculiar volcano spews a cream-like mud that is said to contain many healing properties. Enter for a strange bathing experience, then wash the muddiness off in the nearby lagoon.The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Make sure to check in with your leader for great places to try some local food.
Optional Activities:
- Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (33000 COP)
- Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour (300000 COP)
- Cartagena - Mangroves Tour (150000 COP)
- Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) (70 USD)
- Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
- Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour (50000 COP)
- Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour (50000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, take a private van transfer (approximately 6 hours) north of Cartagena to Guachaca – your home for the next two nights. Guachaca is located in northern Colombia and is surrounded with lush jungle and mountains that collide with the sun-kissed coastline. Visit an initiative that fights to preserve the prehispanic Tayrona culture that populated this area and glimpse what the famous lost city once was. Meet with an indigenous member from one of the four communities that are still occupying La Sierra. You will even have the chance to give back to nature and the community by helping in a local project to reforest the area. Your accommodation is a simple and comfortable family-run guesthouse, nestled high in the jungle. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers or treat yourself to a relaxing massage.
Head to Tayrona National Park – a series of jungle and coves surrounding the Caribbean coast on the foothills of the Santa Marta mountains. Today is all about hiking the forest trails for Tayrona’s beaches, and with a fair amount of hiking involved today, be prepared and make sure your walking shoes are on and you’ve packed some bug spray. Along the way, you’ll experience lush the green rainforest, the ambience of the jungle and all wildlife that inhabit it, and the special glimpses of coastline and beaches that peek through the canopies. The trail to stunning Cabo San Juan is well worth the effort; it's further away than some other beaches however highly recommended. The hike today is flexible and can be tailored to suit all fitness and energy levels. There can be some steep ups and downs, high humidity, and some muddy spots if it’s been raining, so your group leader can organise a route that pleases everyone. When you’ve had enough hiking, swimming and relaxing, head back to Guachaca for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee
- Tayrona National Park hike
Accommodation:
- Family Posada (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a final morning in your jungle haven. After a continental breakfast, head off for an included flight from Santa Martha to Bucaramanga (with a transit in Bogota). Arrive at Bucaramanga in the late afternoon and then head onto the peaceful town of Giron. This quintessential 'white city' is part of the Colombian Heritage Towns, thanks to the cobble street and colonial buildings well preserved to this day. Follow your leader on an orientation walk then have some free time enjoying this town in the evening.
Depending on flight times you may arrive early enough to go straight to Barichara to allow more time to explore the well presevered Spanish architecture and expereince what this town has to offer.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave Giron behind and enjoy a spectacular drive through the iconic Chicamocha Canyon to Barichara (approximately 3.5 hours).
On arrival, head to a local factory where you’ll learn the traditional method of making paper from the natural fibres of the Andean fique plant. This factory is the number one employer in Barichara, which began with the aim to financially support single-parent women who previously did not have any promise of work. Afterwards, set out on a 3-hour walk along the Camino Real with a local guide to the village of Guane. Declared a national monument in 1988, the ancient trail was built by the indigenous Guane people as a trade route between towns, and you’ll be hiking a small section between Barichara and Guane. Along the way visit a local skilled artisan who will demonstrate the intricate process of crafting with plantain fiber and explain how this craft has been essential in supporting her family. The walk is stunning, full of panoramic views of the mountain ranges. It starts off with a gentle descent down the rim of a canyon before crossing a valley filled with cacti. The walking is mostly downhill, and you'll likely spot a few fossils embedded in the stones that pave the trail en route. On arrival in Guane, refresh with a cooling drink, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps check out the town’s church, before catching the local bus back to Barichara.
Included Activities:
- Barichara - Visit to a local artisan paper factory
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With its quaint cobbled streets, stuccoed houses and hilly backdrop, Barichara is probably the prettiest colonial-style village in all of Colombia.
With some free time, spend today however you please. Barichara means ‘resting place’ in the local indigenous language and is itself a fine place to wander around on foot, with its laidback feel and range of shops and artisanal workshops to explore. If you'd like to get more active, head over to San Gil, the thrill-seeking capital of Colombia (approximately 30 minutes' drive). Speak to your group leader for suggestions of things to do – rafting, mountain biking – it’s an adventure sport hub. The Pescaderito swimming hole on the way there is well worth a visit too; even if the water is a little chilly, it's an idyllic spot to relax for an hour or two.
Included Activities:
- Barichara - Walk along Camino Real to the village 'Guane'
Optional Activities:
- Mountain Bike Cañon Suarez (transportation included, min 7 pax) (390000 COP)
- Barichara - Pescaderito swimming hole (16 USD)
- Rafting Fonce River (transportation included) (190000 COP)
- Ants Cooking Class (45000 COP)
- Coffee Tour (150000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll travel by local bus to Bogota via San Gil (approximately 8 hours), so kick back and enjoy the drive as the scenery rolls by. There will be only the one stop along the way, so ensure you take drinks and snacks for the journey. Your hotel in Bogota is located in the Chapinero neighbourhood, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Time for some exploring – today, You’ll explore the oldest area in the city and understand more about the Colombian past, present and future. One is La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. Boasting a wealth of cosy cafes and colonial churches, it's a neighbourhood full of surprises. As well as loads of museums, art and great food to try, it's also just a beautiful town to walk around, an interesting clash of the old and new. You’ll also head to the Gold Museum for a chance to learn about the wealth this country once had. Fascinating and easy to navigate, the museum has 55,000 artefacts from various eras on display. During the day, you will also learn about Colombia’s turbulent past on a ‘War and Peace’ tour, which outlines their history of war, including political assassinations and armed groups in conflict, and how the country has developed into the situation it finds itself now.
Optional Activities:
- Bogota - Montserrate cable car (29500 COP)
- Bogota - Gold Museum (5000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour (390000 COP)
- Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour (380000 COP)
- Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour (270000 COP)
- Bogota - Museo Nacional (10 USD)
- Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour (50000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour (270000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After an included breakfast, there are no planned activities today and no accommodation planned at night. If you wish to spend more time in Bogota, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
John Edward - Traveled, February 2024
Intrepid’s Best of Colombia was such an incredible, eye-opening experience. The amazing transformation of the Colombian social life is beyond comprehension ! From a country that tourists dare not travel in even just 10 years ago, to the beautiful countryside full of friendly people that Colombia is today is absolutely stunning. We loved our 17-day Intrepid tour through Colombia and recommend it to friends, family and fellow travellers.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/24/2024
Farnaz - Traveled, December 2023
I loved my visit to Colombia. Colombia was such surprise for me. The charming villages, the scenery, the people, the food!!! I loved my time in Colombia! I highly recommend the Bogota to Bogota. So much to do and see!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/27/2024
Sadiya - Traveled, December 2023
The Best of Colombia was a well organized and amazing trip to enjoy Colombia. It has plenty of inclusions to learn history, appreciate culture and be in nature. It was an active trip, I walked miles either exploring cities or hiking in nature. Our tout guide Manuela was amazing and made the trip so memorable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/03/2024
michael - Traveled, December 2023
Can really recommend this trip! I found the locals very welcoming, colourful and helpful. Our guide, Diana, was great. It was was a very intense, but very rewarding trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/22/2023
Lyndsay - Traveled, November 2023
The itinerary was varied and enabled us to see a lot in the time available. Martin was a brilliant guide - his knowledge of Colombia was excellent and he answered countless questions from the group. He was also enthusiastic and made the trip really fun. A highlight was being in Cartagena for independence day celebrations.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/26/2023
William - Traveled, April 2023
An enjoyable trip, including three main cities, a coffee region, a beautiful Caribbean coast and many insights to Colombian life. Well organised, well led and very good value.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
Liesan - Traveled, February 2024
This trip is such a great way to see the different parts of Colombia. From the cooler Bogota and coffee growing regions to the serious vibe in Medellin, to the coastal heat of Cartagena, onto the tropical zone near Santa Marten and then the very dry mountain conditions of Barichara. All had something to offer. The people are great, the food is good and the accomodation on this trip is great. Loved it and would highly recommend doing the whole trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
Charles - Traveled, February 2024
An excellent tour. Well researched, well organised with a variety of activities and great tour leadership.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/21/2024
Robert - Traveled, February 2024
The trip to Colombia was great with a lot to do and a knowledgeable and fun tour guide. I would thoroughly recommend ..
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2024
Sonia - Traveled, December 2023
This trip was amazing! Our guide William was brilliant and knowledgeable and showed us some amazing parts of Colombia!! This was my first ever group tour and certainly will not be my last! Thank you Intrepid for your great work, Sonia x
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/13/2022
Suzanne - Traveled, September 2022
The Best of Colombia tour covered a wide range of environments (cities, small villages), climates, and ecosystems. I feel like I received a comprehensive first look at this diverse country and can't wait to return! Excursions were also varied and informative. I met a lot of wonderful people, including the guide who made the trip truly spectacular. Go to Colombia now!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2022
Robin - Traveled, August 2022
Best trip ever! I loved everything!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2022
Robin - Traveled, August 2022
This trip will change your life. Best days of my life!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/01/2022
Sarah y Joaquin - Traveled, August 2022
Fantastic way to see Colombia. The walk in Cocora valley and the Cafe Estancia stay were highlights for us. Would recommend a trip to Guatape from Medellin if you can. Going with a knowledgable guide was brilliant as we didn’t need to plan everything ourselves and we got to see so much more than we would have done if we weren’t going on our own.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2022
Halli - Traveled, July 2022
Fun, sights, food galore! Colombia is a fabulous country to visit!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/24/2022
Zebadiah - Traveled, April 2022
A strong pass. The second half of this itinerary is half wasted with painful travel days.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/03/2022
Justin - Traveled, January 2022
Absolutely loved Colombia, this was one of my favourite trips ever. Some of the travel days are long, but it is so worth it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/14/2022
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