Explore Colombia

10 Days | Experience South America's best-kept secret.

4.7 out of 5 based on 39 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $2,200
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Colombia is one of those gems of South America that still is often skipped on the tourist trail. Be captivated by Bogota’s colonial-era centre, laze on palm-fringed stretches of Caribbean shoreline and meet the locals that make Colombia one of the world's friendliest countries on this 10-day South American adventure. While Tayrona National Park and the Guachaca region offer gorgeous hiking trails, off-track swimming holes and powdery beaches nestled in lush jungle, eye-catching towns like Barichara are a dream to explore, and adrenaline-fuelled San Gil is just moments away. For an off-track trip in that’s full of rhythm, music, colour and life, Explore Colombia is right up there with the best of them.

Trip overview

Map of Explore Colombia including Colombia
Start
Cartagena, Colombia
Finish
Bogota, Colombia
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
Colombia
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
GGSC
This trip generates 34 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Wander beneath the floral balconies of Cartagena – the World Heritage-listed town combining Caribbean splendour and irresistible old-world charm.
  • Tayrona National Park is a nature escape that seems to have it all, from perfect beaches and mountain backdrops to wildlife-filled jungle.
  • Admire the colonial-era architecture of Barichara – this little gem is widely considered Colombia's prettiest town. Get lost on the cobblestone streets or head to nearby San Gil – a hotspot for adventure sports.
  • Head to a local factory supporting women in work and keeping alive a traditional paper-making method by using the natural fibres of the Andean fique plant.
  • Stay in the vibrant Chapinero neighbourhood in Bogota, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Bicycle Relief. Donations provide school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas with bicycles that provide access to education, healthcare, and income.

Is this trip right for you?
  • Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid on the coast. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection.
  • The hiking in Tayrona Park (Day 4) is one of the highlights, but it’s important to prepare. Bring footwear you can tackle (possible) mud in, and don’t forget your swimming gear for the beaches along the way.

Itinerary

Map of Explore Colombia including Colombia

Inclusions

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Activities
  • Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
  • Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee
  • Tayrona National Park hike
  • Barichara - Visit to a local artisan paper factory
  • Barichara - Walk along Camino Real to the village 'Guane'
Add on activities
  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle - COP25000
  • Cartagena - Volcan de Lodo El Totumo - COP140000
  • Mountain Bike Cañon Suarez (transportation included, min 7 pax) - COP390000
  • Barichara - Pescaderito swimming hole - USD16
  • Rafting Fonce River (transportation included) - COP190000
  • Ants Cooking Class - COP45000
  • Coffee Tour - COP150000
  • Bogota - Museo Nacional - COP40000
  • Bogota - Graffiti Tour - USD7
  • Bogota - Montserrate cable car - COP22000
  • Bogota - Gold Museum - COP5000

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) in order to purchase Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

3. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Cartagena. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.

4. This trip ends on Day 10 and you are free to leave at any time.

5. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 39 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Nora · Traveled February 2024
An amazing trip through a wonderful and fascinating country! Manu was an excellent leader and the group were all very friendly. I especially enjoyed the hikes, the sloths and monkeys, and learning more about the history of Colombia.
Review submitted 02 Mar 2024

Erna (Jasmine) · Traveled February 2024
Colombia was interesting and beautiful. Everywhere you are surrounded by mountains, but this also makes travel from one area to the next slow. So relax and enjoy the experience. We visited forests and learned about indigenous people of the past and present. Learned about past turmoil of the country and things that are improving. Our guide was friendly, energetic, and truly enjoyed sharing her country with visitors.
Review submitted 23 Feb 2024

Sharlyn · Traveled December 2023
The Columbia trip was surprisingly more amazing then I expected. Cartegena was a colorful city that deserves arriving a couple days early for (stay in Getsemani- and have a pool available). The jungle hike and stay, as well as the charming city of Barichara were a nice mix. I only wish I knew about Medallin so I could have found a tour that included that. I loved the para-gliding I did over Chicamocha canyon. I will definitely visit Cartegena again. A festive Christmas.
Review submitted 06 Jan 2024

Amira · Traveled December 2023
This was my first Intrepid tour and in fact, my first solo tour - I normally travel with my sisters so I was a bit apprehensive initially. But the whole process with Intrepid from booking the tour and flights to the tour itself was seamless. The itinerary was perfect for my needs and really gave me a good feel of Colombia, and Manuela (our guide) was fantastic - I honestly can't fault her in any way and she was the one that made the trip so memorable. The food, accommodation and transport were also fantastic.
Review submitted 30 Dec 2023

Lisa · Traveled September 2023
This was an incredible trip. Our guide, Rodrigo was amazing and so knowledgeable. He did a great job making she we saw everything and experienced the culture. I was unsure what to expect and was a bit nervous about heading to Columbia. I am so glad I went! I met some amazing people who helped make the trip memorable. I cannot believe the beauty of the country, from the gorgeous mountains in Barichara and Bogota, to the beautiful beaches at Tyrones National Park, and the lovely towns in between. I highly recommend this trip.
Review submitted 19 Sep 2023
Explore Colombia
From
USD $2,200