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Colombia Highlights and Events

Travel in Colombia with Intrepid

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Gifted with tropical rainforests, romantic towns, magical beaches and colourful cities brimming with culture, Colombia could just be South America’s best-kept secret! Whether you’re seeking adventure sports, flamboyant fiestas, architectural wonders or wildlife encounters - charismatic Colombia is calling.
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Experience Colombia's highlights on these trips

Cartagena to Quito

Couple busking, Ecuador
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19 days
Basix
  • USD $1,290
    CAD $1,295
    AUD $1,255
    EUR €1,005
    GBP £780
    NZD $1,605
    ZAR R10,405
    CHF FR1,175
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $490
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $1,780*
    CAD $1,770*
    AUD $1,723*
    EUR €1,347*
    GBP £1,078*
    NZD $2,193*
    ZAR R13,812*
    CHF FR1,562*
    *     Total price tool tip

Cartagena to La Paz

Hummingbird, Colombia
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59 days
Basix
  • USD $3,820
    CAD $3,845
    AUD $3,715
    EUR €2,975
    GBP £2,315
    NZD $4,760
    ZAR R30,800
    CHF FR3,485
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $2,200
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $6,020*
    CAD $5,981*
    AUD $5,820*
    EUR €4,510*
    GBP £3,657*
    NZD $7,400*
    ZAR R46,101*
    CHF FR5,225*
    *     Total price tool tip

La Paz to Cartagena

Volcano, Ecuador
Add to Shortlist
59 days
Basix
  • USD $6,020*
    CAD $5,981*
    AUD $5,820*
    EUR €4,510*
    GBP £3,657*
    NZD $7,400*
    ZAR R46,101*
    CHF FR5,225*
    *     Total price tool tip

Quito to Cartagena

ecuador otavalo knitting
Add to Shortlist
19 days
Basix
  • USD $1,290
    CAD $1,295
    AUD $1,255
    EUR €1,005
    GBP £780
    NZD $1,605
    ZAR R10,405
    CHF FR1,175
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $490
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $1,780*
    CAD $1,770*
    AUD $1,723*
    EUR €1,347*
    GBP £1,078*
    NZD $2,193*
    ZAR R13,812*
    CHF FR1,562*
    *     Total price tool tip
* Refer to booking conditions

Highlights


Festivals and Events

Medellin Flower Fair

  • Medellin Flower Fair

  • See magical Medellin in full bloom every August, when this enchanting city’s balconies, gardens, terraces and courtyards burst into a symphony of floral wonders. With live music, classic cars, beauty pageants, dog shows, afro-inspired dance and flower exhibitions all competing for attention during this traditional festival, this is Medellin at its very best.
* Disclaimer

Intrepid has no control over changes made to festival and event dates and activities. Note that some Intrepid trips which include an event as part of their itinerary, may be surcharged. Where festivals or events are not included as part of an Intrepid trip, all costs associated with the event will need to be paid for by the client. Please check before booking your Intrepid trip that it does match up with key festival or event dates.

Colombia's Top Picks

Streets of Cartagena, ColombiaFasilides Castle, Gondar
 
Colombia Tourism’s slogan is ‘Colombia – the only risk is wanting to stay!’
 

Top 10 Must-See Cities of Colombia

  1. Medellin: What makes Medellin so magnificent? Once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellin’s temperate weather, hospitable locals, gorgeous gardens and artistic enclaves have prevailed and this cultured city has emerged full of spirit, passion and optimism.
  2. Popayan: This vibrant town may have been founded centuries ago, but nowadays Popayan has a youthful spirit due to the local university that attracts thousands of young Colombians to the region. Home to many of Colombia’s most celebrated poets, composers and painters, Popayan also has some of the most stirring Easter celebrations in the world.
  3. Cali: Known locally at the ‘Capital of Heaven’, Cali’s museums and public art may dazzle you, but it’s the up and coming food and party scene that’s getting loads of attention. With modern restaurants serving international cuisine, local eateries offering traditional fare, lively salsa bars open until dawn and a fair worth travelling for in late December, Cali shouldn’t be missed!
  4. Barichara: Less of a city and more of a colonial town, the faded charm of rustic Barichara has been endearing travellers for centuries. Coloured, whitewashed buildings with carved wooden doors and red roofs, quaint little churches and hilly streets make Barichara the perfect place to linger for a few days of quiet downtime.
  5. Bogota: Colombia’s sprawling capital is a frenetic fusion of old and new, with skyscrapers towering over colonial buildings, wild traffic giving way to peaceful parks and cobblestone streets leading to bohemian night spots. With so much going on, you’ll be exhausted trying keep up with Bogota’s pace.
  6. Tunja: Lofty Tunja’s historic architecture, spiritual sites and lively festivals make it an interesting destination for travellers from all walks of life. Whether you’re interested in magnificent art, colonial-era architecture or cultural enlightenment, Tunja delivers on all accounts.
  7. Cartagena: Surrounded by walls built to guard against pirates, Cartagena captivates travellers with colonial mansions, cobbled streets, Spanish-style houses and brightly coloured buildings. History seems to drip from every street corner, especially when Cartagena takes on a golden glow by night.
  8. Pamplona: Although one of Colombia’s less-visited spots, cultured Pamplona is well worth checking out. With a wealth of museums, galleries and churches nestled within its narrow streets and rousing Holy Week celebrations, Pamplona offers a peak into Colombian traditions and daily life.
  9. Santa Marta: Seaside Santa Marta attracts flocks of tourists chasing sunshine, scuba diving and seafood. With beautiful beaches, atmospheric bars, chilled-out open-air cafes and heritage sites, Santa Marta should feature on every travellers list.
  10. San Gil: This small city is emerging as one of Colombia’s hottest new destinations, mainly due to the plethora of adventure sports on offer in the surrounding areas. Test your limits with paragliding, caving, rafting and kayaking, and then relax in the pleasant botanical gardens and cafes of sunny San Gil.

Shortlist

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Colombia at a glance

  • 15
  • Bogota (population 7.2 million)
  • 44.7 million
  • Spanish
  • COP
  • (GMT-05:00) Bogota, Lima, Quito, Rio Branco
  • Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin), Type B (American 3-pin)
  • +57

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