COLOMBIA ESSENTIALS (15 DAYS)
Dig into some of the most exciting places Colombia has to offer and learn about the biological and cultural diversity of this wonderful country.
Starts: Bogotá
Ends: Santa Marta
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Prices Per Person:
2-3 Travelers: US$5700
4-5 Travelers: US$4100
6-7 Travelers: US$3725
8 Travelers: US$3400
Cash discounts available!
All prices are based on 4-star and boutique hotels. We're happy to adjust for 3 or 5-star hotels.
Highlights:
Explore the vibrant capital city of Bogotá. Sample the world’s best coffee. Hike among the iconic wax palms of Valle de Cocora. Explore the traditional coffee town of Salento. Witness firsthand the stunning transformation of Medellín. Climb the imposing El Peñol. Get lost in the walled city of Cartagena. Relax on a tranquil Caribbean beach. Experience the breathtaking nature at Tayrona National Park.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive in Bogotá any time. You’ll have free time to enjoy the city after checking into your hotel. A trip orientation will be held in the evening.
Day 2: BL
Spend the morning in the historic district of La Candelaria. Enjoy a traditional ajiaco for lunch. In the afternoon you have the option to go on a bike tour, graffiti tour, or visit the Museo del Oro and Monserrate.
Day 3: B
Take a day trip to Zipaquirá to see the incredible Salt Cathedral. Return to Bogota and fly to Pereira. Continue to Salento for the night.
Day 4: BL
Kick off the day at the breathtaking Quindío Botanical Garden in Calarcá, where you'll embark on a guided tour to discover Colombia's incredible biodiversity. In the afternoon, enjoy an immersive and entertaining coffee tour where you’ll experience the coffee cultivation process from seed to cup while immersing yourself in the colorful Paisa culture.
Day 5: BL
Adventure awaits in Valle de Cocora! Marvel at the towering wax palms, a true Colombian treasure. Choose to hike the stunning loop trail (about 6 hours), enjoy an optional horseback tour, or simply soak in the picturesque views. Have a traditional lunch in the valley, then spend the rest of your day exploring Salento's charming shops and local delights.
Day 6: B
Sleep in or enjoy a couple hours in Salento in the morning, then fly to the City of Eternal Spring, Medellín. The rest of the day is yours.
Day 7: BL
Visit Comuna 13, once considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia, to see some of the world's most colorful street murals and learn more about the city’s incredible transformation. Head to the city center for a short walking tour and a traditional lunch.
Day 8: B
Embark on an exhilarating day trip to tackle the 700+ steps of the majestic El Peñol for breathtaking views of the countryside, or relax in its shadow. Check out the zócalos in the town of Guatapé with a tour in a tuk-tuk. Don't miss the chance for souvenir shopping or an optional boat ride!
Day 9: B
Fly to Cartagena in the morning. The rest of the day is free to wander through the streets of the UNESCO World Heritage listed walled city. You can also visit Castillo San Felipe (the strongest Spanish fort ever built), the former slave quarter of Getsemaní, and sample delicious street food and fresh exotic fruit juices.
Day 10: B
Another free day to explore more of the city or take an optional day trip. Choose from exciting options such as the mud volcano and mangroves, National Aviary and Playa Blanca, Bazurto Market, or Rosario Islands.
Day 11: BL
Take an excursion to Isla del Encanto. The private island resort features a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and a variety of optional activities.
Day 12: BL
Our transfer to our lodge near Tayrona National Park will pick us up in the morning. We'll make a stop in Santa Marta for lunch and a quick look at the city.
Day 13: B
A day of hiking and beaches awaits at Tayrona National Park. A scenic 2-hour trek takes you to the popular Cabo San Juan, or you can opt to get there on horseback instead. Restaurants are located within the park to satisfy your appetite for lunch.
Day 14: B
Spend the day relaxing at the lodge, which boasts its own private beach, or take an optional excursion in the area. You can visit an indigenous village to learn about the local culture or another spectacular natural place like Quebrada Valencia or Buritaca.
Day 15: B
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
What’s Included:
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14 breakfasts, 6 lunches
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Bottled water throughout the tour
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All transportation and airport transfers
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Internal flights to Pereira, Medellín, and Cartagena
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All accommodation (11 nights in hotels, 3 nights in a lodge)
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Excursion to Zipaquirá
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Admission to Quindío Botanical Garden in Calarcá
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Coffee experience in Calarcá
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Admission to the hiking trail at Valle de Cocora
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Comuna 13 tour in Medellín
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Admission to climb El Peñol
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Tuk-tuk tour in Guatapé
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Excursion to Isla del Encanto from Cartagena
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Excursion to Tayrona National Park
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Personal travel insurance
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Accompaniment by the owners throughout the trip and local guides where applicable
What’s Not Included:
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International flights
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Optional activities at Valle de Cocora
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Horseback riding at Tayrona National Park
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Optional tours, excursions, and activities not covered in the itinerary
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Admission to museums and attractions not covered in the itinerary
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Wine and mixed alcoholic drinks during meals included in the itinerary
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Minibar consumption in hotels
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Excess checked luggage fees
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Personal expenses
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Tips for local guides
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Allow at least $400 per person for meals not included