Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek

Duration

15 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation.

Highlights

Hike to the Lost City to Tayrona (or Teyuna) – the most important archaeological site in Colombia. Explore this sacred place with our local guides and revel in the secrets of a site only reached my multi-day hiking.
Discover the new face of Medellin – an arts and culture haven that’s bursting with trendy cafes, epic views and the best nightlife in Colombia – salsa anyone?
Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in Colombia's coffee country.
Visit the Indigenous WIWA Community, where a spiritual guide and leader of the community will share their ways of life, including the roles that local women and men have within the community.
Explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that combines Caribbean splendour with irresistible old-world charm.

Trip Details

Duration

15 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, Plane, Local bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bogota, Colombia

Finishes

Santa Marta, Colombia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

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: Manizales

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: Manizales

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. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.

Optional Activities:

Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (33000 COP)
Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour (50000 COP)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Cartagena

Today is a free day in Cartagena. Maybe explore the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting to meet the new travellers joining you on your next leg of the adventure. Then, head out for a walk with your leader to get a feel for the city better and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional dinner.

Included Activities:

Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood

Optional Activities:

Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (33000 COP)
Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour (50000 COP)
Cartagena - Mangroves Tour (180000 COP)
Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour (50000 COP)
Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour (320000 COP)

Day 10: Santa Marta

Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will have the best recommendations.

Included Activities:

Santa Marta - Orientation walk

Day 11: Lost City

This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek, by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical forest and take in the amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.

Included Activities:

Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek

Day 12: Lost City

Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the great Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna). To get to this ancient archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Tayrona this afternoon, take a tour with your local guides and learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.

Included Activities:

Lost City – guided tour of the Lost City of Teyuna

Day 13: Lost City

This morning, hike back to the WIWA Community Camp, along the way, you’ll pass river crossings. From here, the rest of the day is free to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools and later, you’ll meet El Mamo – considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The Indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Included Activities:

Lost City - Wiwa Indigenous community camp visit

Day 14: Lost City to Santa Marta

It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping to rest and taking in the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

Day 15: Santa Marta

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

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 will do 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.

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 $5,495

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 15 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 07 Mar 2026

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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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