Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
Time: Throughout the day
Description: Welcome to Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital city nestled high in the Andes. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before meeting your group for an afternoon orientation walk through La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. This area is a treasure trove of colonial architecture, colorful murals, and lively cafes. Later in the evening, join the group for a welcome meeting and optional dinner to kick off your Colombian adventure.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: None
Activities: Orientation walk in La Candelaria
Day 2: Bogotá to Salento
8:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to Paloquemao Market, a bustling spot brimming with exotic fruits, flowers, and local delicacies. After indulging in the market’s offerings, catch a short flight to Armenia in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Upon arrival, transfer to the charming town of Salento, known for its colorful buildings and vibrant culture. In the evening, try your hand at Tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport, which involves tossing metal discs at gunpowder targets. It’s a fun and lively experience, especially with a cold beer in hand.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Market visit in Bogotá + Traditional Tejo Game
Day 3: Exploring Cocora Valley and Coffee Estancia
8:00 AM: Journey by jeep to the stunning Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest palm trees. Take a scenic hike through the valley’s breathtaking landscapes, filled with wax palms that stretch towards the sky. After the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the lush surroundings. Later in the day, travel deeper into Colombia’s coffee country for a stay at a traditional coffee farm. Here, you’ll gain insights into the coffee-making process, from bean to cup, in one of the world’s top coffee-producing regions.
Accommodation: Coffee Estancia (1 night)
Food: B-L-D
Activities: Hike in Cocora Valley + Coffee plantation tour
Day 4: Coffee Farm Experience
9:00 AM: Dive deeper into the world of coffee with a guided tour of the farm. Learn about the entire coffee production process, from harvesting to roasting, and enjoy tastings of various brews. Spend the rest of the day relaxing amidst the serene surroundings of the coffee farm, exploring the grounds or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere of Colombia’s coffee region.
Accommodation: Coffee Estancia (1 night)
Food: B-L-D
Activities: Coffee farm tour and tasting
Day 5: Coffee Region to Medellín
Morning: After breakfast, leave the coffee estancia and make your way to Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city. Once infamous for its turbulent past, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now celebrated for its innovation, arts, and culture. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel and take some time to explore the neighborhood or relax after the journey.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Transfer to Medellín
Day 6: Discovering Medellín
8:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to Medellín’s famous Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has transformed from one of the city’s most dangerous areas into a vibrant hub of street art and innovation. Take a guided tour to learn about the community’s history and its incredible turnaround. Later, ride the Metrocable, a cable car system offering sweeping views of the city, up to the lush hills of Santa Elena. Here, you’ll visit a flower farm and learn about the cultivation of Colombia’s famous flowers.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Comuna 13 Tour + Metrocable ride + Flower farm visit
Day 7: Free Day in Medellín
All Day: Today is a free day to explore Medellín at your leisure. You might choose to visit the Museum of Antioquia, which houses works by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero, or take a day trip to the colorful town of Guatapé and climb the El Peñol Rock for stunning views. Your group leader will be available to help plan your day and provide recommendations.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Optional activities in Medellín (e.g., Museum of Antioquia, day trip to Guatapé)
Day 8: Medellín to Cartagena
7:00 AM: Catch an early morning flight to Cartagena, a coastal city known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and rich history. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel located in the heart of the old town. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation walk around Cartagena’s walled city, where you’ll wander through cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, lively plazas, and historic sites.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Orientation walk in Cartagena
Day 9: Exploring Cartagena
8:00 AM: Start your day with a guided tour of Cartagena’s main attractions, including the iconic San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Convento de la Popa, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Caribbean Sea. After the tour, enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own. You might choose to visit the local markets, relax on the nearby beaches, or take a sunset cruise around the bay.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Guided city tour of Cartagena
Day 10: Tayrona National Park
7:00 AM: Depart early for Tayrona National Park, one of Colombia’s most stunning natural reserves. Upon arrival, embark on a guided hike through the park’s lush jungle trails, leading to pristine beaches where the jungle meets the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach and spend the afternoon swimming or simply relaxing in this tropical paradise.
Accommodation: Eco-Hab (1 night)
Food: B-L
Activities: Hike and beach time in Tayrona National Park
Day 11: Return to Cartagena
9:00 AM: After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in Tayrona National Park before returning to Cartagena in the early afternoon. Once back in the city, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore more of Cartagena at your own pace. Consider visiting the Getsemani neighborhood, known for its vibrant street art and lively atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Return to Cartagena + Free time in the afternoon
Day 12: Journey to Barichara
8:00 AM: Travel by plane to Bucaramanga and then continue with a scenic drive through the Chicamocha Canyon to the charming village of Barichara. This colonial town is often referred to as one of the most beautiful in Colombia, with its cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings, and tranquil atmosphere. After settling in, enjoy a visit to a local artisan paper factory, where you’ll learn how paper is made from the Andean fique plant.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Visit to paper factory in Barichara
Day 13: Camino Real and Guane
9:00 AM: Set out on a picturesque walk along the historic Camino Real, an ancient trail that connects Barichara to the nearby village of Guane. This easy hike takes about 3 hours and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Upon reaching Guane, explore the village’s quaint streets and enjoy a refreshing drink before taking a local bus back to Barichara.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Camino Real walk to Guane + Bus back to Barichara
Day 14: Free Day in Barichara
All Day: Today is a free day to enjoy Barichara at your own pace. Wander through the town’s scenic streets, visit local artisanal shops, or simply relax in the town’s peaceful squares. For those seeking more adventure, consider a short trip to San Gil, Colombia’s adventure sports capital, where you can try activities like rafting, paragliding, or mountain biking.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Optional activities in Barichara or San Gil
Day 15: Travel to Bogotá
8:00 AM: Take a local bus back to Bogotá, passing through scenic landscapes along the way. After arriving in Bogotá, check into your hotel in the Chapinero neighborhood, known for its diverse culture and vibrant atmosphere. Spend the evening exploring the area or relaxing at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Transfer back to Bogotá
Day 16: Exploring Bogotá
9:00 AM: Spend your final day in Bogotá exploring more of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visit the Gold Museum, home to one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts in the world. Later, take a ‘War and Peace’ tour to learn about Colombia’s complex history and its path to peace. The rest of the day is free to explore or do some last-minute shopping.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Food: B
Activities: Gold Museum visit + ‘War and Peace’ tour
Day 17: Departure from Bogotá
Morning: After breakfast, your Colombian adventure comes to an end. You are free to depart at any time, with airport transfers arranged based on your flight schedule. If you’d like to extend your stay in Bogotá, additional nights can be arranged.
Food: B
Activities: Departure
Minimum 2 people
In-Depth Cultural Experiences
