Complete Colombia: Coastal Caribbean & Inland Hidden Gems

Duration

17 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Basic

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

We get it, choosing the right itinerary for a country as diverse as Colombia is tough. But we’ve got you covered with this 17-day whirlwind adventure that ticks all the boxes.

Includes

Activities

Your G for Good Moment: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local, Medellín Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Santa Marta Your Big Night Out Moment: Bogotá
CEO-led orientation walks in old town Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Guatapé
Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca
Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike
Palomino beach bonfire
Comuna 13 visit and tour
Climb El Peñol
Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs visit
Moderate hike in the Cocora Valley
Walking tour of La Candelaria neighbourhood in Bogotá
Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, and Santa Marta, Guatapé, Santa Rosa de Cabal, Salento, and Bogotá
Internal flight
Transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodation

Hostels (2 nts, multi-share), Hotels (14 nts).

16 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

Private vehicle, public bus, plane, walking

Group Leader

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, Indigenous local guides.

Highlights

Enjoy laid-back coastal vibes with a beach bonfire in Palomino
Explore the jungle trails and biodiversity of Tayrona National Park with a local guide
Visit Comuna 13 in Medellín and witness the area’s reinvention and a G Adventures-supported community initiative there
Visit and climb up El Peñol Rock in Guatapé
Relax and soak in the warm soothing thermal waters in Santa Rosa de Cabal

Complete Colombia: Coastal Caribbean & Inland Hidden Gems

Trip Details

Duration

17 days

Transportation

Private vehicle, public bus, plane, walking

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cartagena, Colombia

Finishes

Bogotá, Colombia

Accommodations

Basic

Travel Style

18 - 39 Year Olds Only, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Cartagena

Arrive at any time. After a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, choose to join your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner and check out the local flavours and bustling atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad.

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.Activity - Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Colonial

Day 2: Cartagena

Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk through streets of the historic old town. Depart from your hotel and pass by the Plaza de San Diego, Murallas de Cartagena for views of the Caribbean Sea, Heredia Theatre, and Monumento Torre del Reloj, during the route. Then, the day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Check out the San Felipe fortress, keep walking the lively streets, or take a break from the heat and people watch in one of the city's many plazas, like Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.Free_time - Choose your own adventure today! From numerous museums to city tours and nearby island visits, there's no doubt you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.Accommodation - Hotel Villa Colonial

Day 3: Cartagena/Minca

Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena behind and travel to the small town of Minca, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take advantage of free time to explore. This growing village has a laid back, but energetic vibe with lots of opportunities for jungle hiking, waterfalls, and other adventurous activities.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Cartagena to Minca.Free_time - Settle in to this town in the middle of the rainforest in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A place brimming with hiking trails, coffee and cocoa plantations, rivers, and waterfalls. The ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a hike or explore the town on your own.Accommodation - On the rock hostel

Day 4: Minca

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, set off on one of the best, but lesser-known activities while in Minca; a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. These two large jungle cascades can be found about 3.6km from town amidst the beautiful forest, and they offer a deep swimming pool to cool off in after your hike. The group will arrive back to Minca for a free afternoon to lounge about, or be as adventurous as you choose.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - After the hike travel back to Minca and spend the afternoon on your own. Maybe head to Pozo Azul, a collection of three swimming areas on the river that runs by town, or choose to tour a chocolate and coffee farm.Activity - Hike to the impressive Marinka waterfalls that flow with crystal clear water and generate a natural pool perfect for swimming. This easy to moderate hike offers a great chance to feel refreshed in nature amid the beautiful jungle scenery.Accommodation - On the rock hostel

Day 5: Minca/Palomino

Get ready to lean into those beach vibes and a laid-back coastal paradise energy as the group travels from Minca to Palomino, on the Caribbean coast. Due to it's location at the southern portion of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you get the lush mountain greenery right up against the warm sea. Upon arrival there will be free time for lunch on your own as well as the opportunity to book an optional tubing activity on the nearby river. Later, kick back with your travel buddies around a beach bonfire before a free night out in Palomino on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Enjoy yourself during a free afternoon in the small beachside town of Palomino. This off-the-beaten-track is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches or tube down a lazy rive beneath the jungle trees.Activity - Hang out on the beach with your travel pals and enjoy a bonfire as the sun goes down and you enjoy one another's company.Accommodation - La Riviera Playa

Day 6: Tayrona National Park

Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike thorough the stunning landscape accompanied by a local guide. Experience the natural biodiversity and beautiful trails while any nature lovers unite on a search for wildlife amid the dense jungle forest. Spend half of the day here in the park before an included lunch and transfer back to Palomino. Arrive in the early evening and spend it as you choose. Opt to find a local spot for dinner and toast with your travel pals to a day well spent, maybe catch the sunset.

Meals included: Breakfast,Lunch

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Activity - Enjoy the first part of the day in the beautiful landscape of Tayrona National Park on a moderate hike led by a local guide. Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and simply enjoy the outdoors.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Free_time - Spend the evening on your own. Opt to grab dinner together with the group or find a spot in town to watch the sunset.Accommodation - La Riviera Playa

Day 7: Palomino/Santa Marta

In the morning the group will travel by private vehicle to Santa Marta from Palomino. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk of the town passing by landmarks such as, Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Then, take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore. Choose to grab some lunch at a local restaurant, or maybe head to El Rodadero for white sand beaches and warm water. Tonight, head out for a final night out on the town with your travel crew.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Walk through town with your CEO and pass by landmarks like Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Get to know this gorgeous place on the Caribbean Sea and simply enjoy the coastal location.Free_time - Explore on your own and choose from the optional activities available locally.Activity - Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials, or hanging out by the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Accommodation - Hotel Tayromar

Day 8: Santa Marta/Medellín

Wheels up! In the mid-morning, fly inland to Medellín, a city that has transformed into one of Latin America's safest destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to become acquainted with your surroundings on your own before an optional night out with the group.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and relax as you fly from Santa Marta to Medllín.Free_time - Enjoy time to get settled in Medellín and explore on your own.Accommodation - Yolo Hostel Medellin

Day 9: Medellín

Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and learn more about the organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. Afterwards, enjoy time to grab lunch on your own and choose to visit museums, take a historical tour, or try one of the other optional activities available in the area.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Explore dynamic communities and support women–owned social enterprises on a tour led by residents of the Comuna 13 of Medellin. A G Adventures,–supported project, Berracas de la 13 is a nonprofit organization who have developed a new Comuna tour and meal service, benefitting women and youth from the community. Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local guides, visit small shops, try local food and purchase unique handicrafts.Free_time - Spend free time exploring the city and make sure to try as many fun optional activities as you can. If you haven't ridden the metrocable yet then we suggesting catching a ride up for sunset views.Accommodation - Yolo Hostel Medellin

Day 10: Medellín

Take advantage of this full free day in Medellín to try various optional activities in the area. Perhaps prebook a day trip to a nearby town focused on adventure activities, or ride the metrocable, which is this cool cable car part of the city's public transportation, and enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and sprawling Medellín.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The entire day is yours in Medellín to enjoy various optional activities available in the area. Maybe prebook a day trip out to a nearby town for some active and adventurous activities, or ride the metrocable for memorable views of the surrounding mountains and sprawling city.Accommodation - Yolo Hostel Medellin

Day 11: Medellín/Guatapé

Travel from Medellín to Guatapé, where the town sits on the shores of the man-made reservoir, and is home to the climbable granite stone called El Peñol Rock. Climb the staircase in the rock and from the top, enjoy epic views of mountains and lakes in the distance. Then, enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk of the town and spend the remainder of the day free for optional activities in the area. Consider pre-booking a boat trip out onto the lake for some fun on the water.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Formed approximately 70 million years ago, El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135m (7,005 ft) above sea level. Climb the 649 steps that have been built into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and surrounding area from the peak. Activity - Walk around the town of Guatapé with your CEO and get to know the lay of the land. Pass by sites like the Community Historical Museum, Calle de los Paraguas, and Plazoleta de Los Zócalos.Free_time - Spend free time in Guatapé this afternoon to enjoy some of the optional activities available in the area.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Medellín and Guatapé.Accommodation - Hotel Bambu

Day 12: Guatapé

The entire day is yours to adventure is the funky outdoorsy town. Walk the streets adorned with brilliantly painted frescoes (called Zócalos locally) each one telling a story. Choose to prebook a boat excursion on the lake or try kayaking along the shores. Maybe even climb El Peñol again. There are also loads of restaurants and street food to try like arepas and fresh cheeses.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - The whole day is yours to enjoy the gorgeous landscape of Guatapé. Choose to head out on the man-made reservoir by boat, kayak along the shores of the lake, or choose to try some of the local specialty treats at various cafés and restaurants.Accommodation - Hotel Bambu

Day 13: Guatapé/Santa Rosa de Cabal

Transfer by private vehicle in the morning from Guatapé to Santa Rosa de Cabal with a stop en route to grab lunch on your own. The town hosts natural hot springs fed by nearby active volcanoes and is nestled at the base of the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano. Picture clouds clinging to the sides of these ultra green mountains and feel in a different, lost world out here in the jungle amid coffee plantations and thermal pools. Upon arrival in the late afternoon there will be some free time before an included visit to the hot springs for a relaxing evening.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Transport - Sit back and enjoy the scenery on today's journey by private vehicle to Santa Rosa de Cabal. There will be a stop along the way to have lunch on your own to break up the length of the drive.Free_time - Enjoy a few hours of free time to explore the small town of Santa Rosa de Cabal on your own.Activity - Visit the outdoor hot springs surrounded by lush jungle and beautiful nature in Santa Rosa de Cabal. Soak in one of multiple man-made pools and relax in this mineral water flowing directly from the mountains.Accommodation - Hotel Suite Santa Rosa

Day 14: Santa Rosa de Cabal/Salento

After breakfast at the hotel the group will travel to Cocora Valley. Along the way stop to enjoy a hike through the area where the wax palm, Colombia's national tree grows up to 197ft. Be on the lookout during the hike for the yellow-eared parrot that calls this place home. Arrive in Salento in the afternoon and enjoy exploring on your own and getting a feel of this majestically green and hilly landscape.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Head into the Cocora Valley and take in magnificent views and the towering wax palms for which it is known. Get active with a hike through the area and learn more about this fertile region.Free_time - Take advantage of free time to get to known this Andean town west of Bogotá. The town is the gateway to the snow-capped peaks of Los Nevados National Natural Park. There's plenty to see as you walk around and load of different outdoor activities of coffee farm visits you can choose from.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from your private vehicle on the way from Santa Rosa de Cabal to Salento. There will be a stop along the way to hike in the Cocora Valley.Accommodation - El Rancho de Salento

Day 15: Salento/Bogotá

Spend a free morning in Salento and choose to join some optional activities in this gorgeous area. Grab some lunch on your own before the transfer to Armenia where the group will then board a public bus to Bogota. Arrive in the evening and choose to have some dinner together or on your own.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusive inclusions: Free_time - Enjoy a slow, free morning to yourself in Salento before a long transfer day to Bogotá. Try optional activities in the area like visiting a coffee farm for some delicious, fresh brew.Transport - Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.Transport - Sit back and scan the scenery on your local bus ride to Bogotá.Accommodation - Hotel Regina

Day 16: Bogotá

Set off to explore Bogotá today on a walking tour of the charming La Candelaria neighborhood and listen to fascinating tales about the town's origin, legends, and other key historical moments. Then there will be free time for lunch and the remainder of the afternoon is open for optional activities in the area like, visiting museums or going on a cable car ride for panoramic views of the city. In the evening attend a farewell dinner with the group at a local restaurant.

Meals included: Breakfast,Dinner

Exclusive inclusions: Activity - Take a CEO-led walk through the historic and cultural heart of the city. Admire the colonial architecture juxtaposed by vibrant graffiti murals ass you pass museums and shops. Listen to fascinating tales about the town's origin, legends, and other key historical moments. This area is a must-visit for any culture and history lover, offering a laid-back way to take in Bogota's cultural gems.Free_time - Enjoy time on your own in Bogotá and partake in one of the many optional activities available locally for you to purchase.Activity - Enjoy a night out on the town with your travel friends and truly let your hair down in the lively Colombia city of Bogotá.Accommodation - Hotel Regina

Day 17: Bogotá

Depart at any time.

Meals included: Breakfast

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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.

From
AUD $4619

AUD $3,695

(Tour only)

Offer ends 01 Apr, 2026 Per Person Standard

Duration: 17 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

We get it, choosing the right itinerary for a country as diverse as Colombia is tough. But we’ve got you covered with this 17-day whirlwind adventure that ticks all the boxes.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 17 Jul 2026

View Map

Tour Operator

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

Book Now