Journeys: Explore Colombia
Experience Overview
Luxurious mountains, quaint colonial towns, irresistible coffee—discover Colombia’s abundant charms on this incredible journey. Observe the rebirth of Medellín’s most notorious neighbourhood; wander the cobblestoned streets of Cartagena, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site; and venture into the picturesque coffee growing region of Armenia. Round out your experience alongside local artisans who turn coconuts into handicrafts, and sway to this South American nation’s infectious rhythms of salsa.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Armenia's coffee culture
- Visit the transformed Comuna 13 neighbourhood
- Explore the historical highlights of Cartagena
- Take some time to explore the culinary specialities of the region
Trip Details
Product Code: 2838
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Bus, private vehicle, jeep, plane, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles:
National Geographic Journey
Tour Operator:
G Adventures
Supplier Code: SMENG
Starts: Bogotá, Colombia
Finishes: Cartagena, Colombia
Duration: 9 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Colombian Coffee Farm Visit, Salento Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Medellín Community Walk, Medellín Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Coconut Workshop, Cartagena Your G for Good Moment: Damartes Beachside Coconut Workshop & Social Enterprise Introduction, Cartagena Your Foodie Moment: Colombian Coffee Immersion and Tasting, Salento Your Foodie Moment: Colombian Caribbean Cooking Experience, Cartagena
- Arrival transfer
- Excursion to Salento and Cocora Valley
- Coffee tasting
- Cartagena city tour
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels – 6 nts, hacienda/farm – 2 nts.
- 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Transport
- Bus, private vehicle, jeep, plane, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $3914 ($435 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Bogotá
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Modern Bogotá offers visitors a wide variety of activities combined with the picturesque beauty of its cultural and architectural past. Colonial churches and pre-Columbian art contrast with the futuristic high-rise buildings of a busy metropolis.
If you arrive early, take a walk around some of the interesting neighbourhoods including La Candelaria, La Macarena, Parque de la 93, La Zona T, La Zona Rosa (bars and restaurants), La Zona G (international cuisine), or visit the Monserrate Santuary and enjoy great views of the city.
Day 2: Bogotá/Armenia
Catch a flight to Armenia, one of Colombia's coffee capitals. Head to a small, family-run coffee farm in nearby Montenegro, and meet with a coffee expert to learn about the different stages of coffee production, from bean to cup. Continue on to a traditional hacienda on a working coffee farm, where we'll spend two nights.
Day 3: Armenia
Set out on a full-day excursion to Salento, a charming coffee-growing town set amid verdant mountains, and venture to the nearby Cocora Valley for a hike. This breathtaking protected landscape harbours groves of gigantic wax palm, Colombia's national tree and the tallest type of palm in the world. Later, during an immersive coffee tasting, sip espresso and watch a demonstration of latte art by a local barista. Then enjoy free time to explore Salento, strolling its quaint streets and browsing the local craft stalls.
Day 4: Armenia/Medellín
This morning, fly to Medellín. Surrounded by lush hills and fragrant flower farms, this thriving city is currently in the midst of a resurgence. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Medellín
Alongside a local guide, embark on an eye-opening tour of Comuna 13—formerly one of Colombia's most dangerous neighbourhoods. Ride on the cable cars and outdoor escalators that span the sprawling hillside, and learn how public transport and art and music programs have transformed the area into a peaceful, vibrant community. Afterward, opt for a historical tour of Medellín, visit some of the city's museums, or go shopping.
Day 6: Medellín
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring Medellín. Choose to visit nearby Guatapé, located on the shores of a scenic reservoir. Wander amid the town's brightly decorated houses, and opt to climb a steep flight of stairs to the summit of El Peñol, a towering monolith that affords breathtaking views of the reservoir's sparkling waters and lush green isles.
Day 7: Medellín/Cartagena
Catch a flight to the fabled city of Cartagena, perched on Colombia's Caribbean coast. In the afternoon go on an excursion to the nearby beach of La Boquilla and visit an arts workshop run by women who transform coconuts into jewellery, crafts, and other art. As we listen to their stories and learn their techniques, try your hand at creating a souvenir out of natural materials. Later, head to the Saborarte Restaurant for a hands-on cooking class. As we learn to make Caribbean and Colombian specialities, hear how the restaurant amplifies cooking traditions while working with household mothers and small market producers.
Day 8: Cartagena
Enjoy a walking tour of Cartagena. Visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering atmospheric plazas, soaring churches, and important historic landmarks. Spend the rest of the day on your own soaking up the tropical charm of Cartagena. Opt to visit Cartagena's Gold Museum, showcasing intricate pre-Colombian ornaments and pottery, or choose to learn the basics of Colombian salsa, known as Cali style, during a private lesson with two local dancers.
Day 9: Cartagena
Depart at any time.
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures, founded in 1990 by Bruce Poon Tip, is a global adventure travel company specializing in small-group tours that emphasize authentic, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences. Originally launched as GAP Adventures (“Great Adventure People”), the company pioneered the concept of community-driven travel by offering affordable trips that connect travelers with local communities while minimizing environmental impact. Today, G Adventures operates in more than 100 countries, offering a wide range of itineraries across themes such as active adventures, wildlife, wellness, family, and National Geographic–partnered tours, while maintaining a strong commitment to responsible tourism and social enterprise through its Planeterra Foundation.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Jonathan - Traveled, May 2024
Amazing and would recommend it to anyone. One of the best trips of my life Guide Freddie was so professional and great representative.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/26/2024
Paul - Traveled, August 2022
This was an amazing and memorable experience! Can't wait to come back to Colombia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/25/2022
Eric - Traveled, March 2020
The G Adventures/National Geographic Colombia Journey was all that I expected and more. It's a great mix of urban and rural touring, with a wide variety of activities. We saw a number of different areas of the country, meeting with local people to get a better understanding of the country. Our main Guide was enthusiastic and supportive.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2020
Elizabeth - Traveled, March 2020
This tour was a wonderful experience. I particularly enjoyed the coffee farm and the Cocora Valley tour. Medellin was fascinating. There was a good mix of structured and unstructured time. Our guide, Franklin, was resourceful, knowledgeable, and charming. The group itself had a broad mix ages and nationalities. I would go again in a heartbeat.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/20/2020
Jamie - Traveled, March 2020
Colombia was wonderful. This trip itinerary had many problems. The guide, Franklin, was very sweet but was not knowledgeable AT ALL about Colombia. He is from Ecuador. When a fellow traveler had a problem with Got-Tours and needed help, Franklin told him to call Go-tours himself and did not intervene. The hotel in Cartagena was a dump and moldy. We moved to another hotel at our own expense. The hacienda in armenia at the coffee plantation was dark and very rustic but that is understandable and acceptable. But the hotel in Cartegena should have been better. (Many better yet similarly priced hotels were available). When we arrived in Medillan, Franklin told us he would give us a short overview and a short walking tour. We reminded him several times but he never provided it. We had to hire guides to tell us about the city. The coffee plantation tour in Armenia was fabulous. The best coffee tour ever. We really enjoyed Colombia. Everyone there was exceptionally nice and helpful. They are working very hard to change their reputation. That was the main theme of all the tour guides.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/17/2020
Bruce - Traveled, February 2020
excellent guide (Freddie) all hotels clean with modern amenities active pace with multiple experiences. very pleased with tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/17/2020
Steve - Traveled, March 2019
Really good tour! Accommodation was 3 to 4 star level...no issues overall. Breakfast always included..some included meals they were very delicious. Tour was physical..you are walking quite a bit. The tour of wax palms in Salento area you will climb uphill quite a bit. You also dodge horse poop on trail. On way back you will be taxed on the steep hill going down. Make sure you use sunscreen! Overall mix of included tours and options at your own cost. Internal flights to cut down on bus driving.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2019
Dennis - Traveled, June 2024
More interactions with local people. They make the country what it is and I missed it. It needs some work but I enjoy my self.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/19/2024
Gurneet - Traveled, June 2024
I love how these tours do a good job of mixing tourist attractions and authentic local experiences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2024
Julie - Traveled, June 2024
My first G Adventures trip, but definitely not my last. Great tour leader; great accommodation; good itinerary.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/24/2024
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