Best of Colombia

Intrepid Travel · 15 days

4.3

17 Reviews

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Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Discover South America's best-kept secret on this 15-day adventure through the verdant mountains and powdery beaches of Colombia.

Highlights

Tayrona National Park is a nature escape that seems to have it all, from perfect beaches and mountain backdrops to wildlife-filled jungle.
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

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Plane,Private Bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Van

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bogota, Colombia

Finishes

Cartagena, Colombia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Bogota

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota. Sitting at 2644 m above sea level, 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, there’s plenty to do and see here. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine. As there's little time spent in Bogota on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to see all the sights this incredible city has to offer.

Included Activities:

Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

Bogota - Montserrate cable car (39000 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)

Day 2: Salento

This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit to a local food 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 food market

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Coffee Estancia

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 in the the wax palm tree forest. 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.

Included Activities:

Cocora Valley - Wax palm tree forest hike

Accommodation:

Coffee Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Coffee Estancia

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)

Day 5: Medellin

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)

Day 6: Medellin

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)

Day 7: Medellin

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) (32000 COP)
Medellin - Historic Downtown Tour (50000 COP)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Cartagena

Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. 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). This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.

Included Activities:

Cartagena - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Cartagena

This morning, set off on a daytrip to La Boquilla – a small fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena – to explore the mangroves that are part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen coastal lagoon system. On arrival, you'll see the contrast between two sides of Cartagena: one of its most underprivileged areas alongside rising five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Hop in a canoe with a local boatman to explore the mangroves and the Juan Polo swamp, gliding through tree tunnels and past fishermen at work. The biodiversity here is rich, with a good chance of spotting various birds, crabs, and – with a bit of luck – a raccoon or green parrot along the riverbanks. Finish the tour with a fresh coconut, then return to Cartagena for some free time to relax.

Included Activities:

Cartagena -La Boquilla Mangrove Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Cartagena

Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. You could join a half-day tour of the Old Town to explore highlights like La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) and Las Bovedas – a former military fortification and network of dungeons that has been turned into a craft market. Or how about an island-hopping adventure around Islas del Rosario? This archipelago is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkelling! Make sure to check in with your leader for recommendations to try some local food.

Optional Activities:

Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) (80 USD)
Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (40000 COP)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Taironaka

Take a private transfer this morning to Taironaka – an ancient Tayrona archaeological and ecotourism reserve on the banks of the Don Diego River. This afternoon, you’ll meet a member of the Kogui community – one of the four Indigenous groups living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – and learn about their beliefs, ancient wisdom and deep connection to the land. The community also leads reforestation and regeneration projects, and you’ll have the chance to muck in and plant some trees yourself. This evening, maybe enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers.

Included Activities:

Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Tayrona

Get your walking shoes and bug spray ready – today’s all about exploring the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park! Stretching along a lush section of the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to some of the country's prettiest beaches, coral reefs and abundant wildlife – with over 100 species of mammals and more than 300 types of birds. You’ll hike to Cabo San Juan – a gorgeous beach only accessible by boat or on foot. Along the way, weave through rainforest, catch glimpses of the turquoise water and maybe spot a sloth or howler monkey overhead. Once you reach Cabo San Juan, cool off with a well-deserved swim or sip a fresh coconut under the palms. You’ll then head back to Taironaka for a free evening – how about treating yourself to a relaxing massage after today’s adventures?

Included Activities:

Tayrona National Park hike
Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Santa Marta

Today you’ll take a private transfer to Santa Marta at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This coastal city is South America's oldest European-founded town. Once you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre to find your bearings. Stroll past Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, and hear stories about the city’s layered past. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to unwind or explore further. When hunger hits, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations.

Included Activities:

Santa Marta - Orientation walk

Optional Activities:

Santa Marta - Playa Cristal beach (60 USD)
Santa Marta - Tayrona Gold Museum - Free
Santa Marta - Historic home of Simon Bolivar (8 USD)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Santa Marta / Cartagena

Travel like a local this morning on a public bus back to Cartagena. One of the best ways to gain an insight into the culture is through food, so this afternoon you’ll hit the streets on a tasting tour with a local guide. Wander market stalls, meet lively Cartageneros vendors and try a range of local snacks – think: carimañolas (torpedo-shaped meat pies), chorizo sausage, corn on the cob buns and enyucado (cassava cheesecake). As this is your final night as a group, you might like to go for one last dinner together and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in Colombia. Salud!

Included Activities:

Cartagena - Street Food Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Cartagena

With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Colombia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) – just let us know when booking.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $5,540

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Discover South America's best-kept secret on this 15-day adventure through the verdant mountains and powdery beaches of Colombia.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 22 Aug 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

4.0

John Edward

Traveled, February 2024

02/24/2024

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.

4.5

Farnaz

Traveled, December 2023

01/27/2024

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!

Tour Operator

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

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