Real Colombia

12 Days | Discover one of South America’s best-kept secrets

4.9 out of 5 based on 18 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
AUD $1,964
View dates and book
This trip is for the 18 to 35 year olds

There’s no doubt about it – Colombia is one of the world’s friendliest countries in South America. Mix the smiling locals with gorgeous beaches, mountains, coffee plantations, grand Spanish buildings, salsa clubs, exotic fruits, flower bouquets, hummingbirds and jungle treks and you’ve got a pretty cool adventure. On this 12-day journey through real Columbia, you’ll start in Bogota, explore Salento’s market, and stay on a coffee estancia to learn why this is one of the best places in the world for the mighty coffee bean. Discover the transformation of Medellin and soak up loads of free time in Palomino and Cartagena with heaps of opportunities for active hikes, beach days lazing in the sun and all the fresh seafood you could eat!

Trip overview

Map of Real Colombia including Colombia
Start
Bogota, Colombia
Finish
Cartagena, Colombia
Theme
18 to 35s
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
Basix
Ages
Min 18 - Max 35
Group size
Min 1 - Max 16
Trip code
GGYS
This trip generates 39 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
  • Go behind the scenes of the beans during a unique stay on a traditional coffee estancia located deep in Colombia's coffee country – caffeine addicts rejoice!
  • Take part in a game of Tejo – Colombia's national sport and a popular pastime in Salento (think bocce with gunpowder) – with the locals in the Tejo hall.
  • Hike through the lush Cocora Valley – home to cute little hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees!
  • Explore Colombia’s Caribbean coast with two free days in Palomino. Chill out on the beach, hike through the jungle in nearby Tayrona National Natural Park or dine on delicious seafood – the choice is yours!
  • Lose yourself in the colours of Cartagena as you wander through the cobbled streets packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, and mansions. Then, enjoy two full days of free time to choose your own adventure.
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, PAC. Donations help them bring life-changing healthcare to rural communities in Colombia.

Is this trip right for you?
  • As this trip only has limited time in Bogota, we highly recommend staying a few extra days before your tour to enjoy all this amazing destination has to offer.
  • The Cocora Valley hike is pretty rigorous, so you'll need to be fit and have sturdy walking shoes. If you'd rather relax, you can opt out of this activity.
  • Colombia enjoys a stable climate all year round, but it can get pretty hot and humid in the north. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection, especially in Cartagena on the coast.

Itinerary

Map of Real Colombia including Colombia

Inclusions

Meals

11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

Plane, Local bus, Private vehicle, MetroCable Acevedo

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Hostel (2 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights)

Activities
  • Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
  • Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
  • Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market
  • Coffee Region - Cocora Valley visit & Hike
  • Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
  • Manizales - Coffee plantation tour, coffee tasting and coffee making
  • Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
Add on activities
  • Medellin - Museo de Antioquia entrance fee - USD6
  • Medellin - Day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia - USD6
  • Medellin - Museo de Arte Moderno - USD4
  • Medellin - Comuna 13 Transformation Tour (based on 4 participants) - USD42
  • Palomino – Tayrona National Park visit - USD22
  • Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) - USD70
  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle - USD6
  • Cartagena - Graffiti Tour (based on 4 participants) - USD21
  • Cartagena - La Boquilla Mangrove tour (based on 4 participants) - USD47
  • Cartagena - Rum tasting experience - USD74
  • Cartagena - Street Food Tour (based on 4 participants) - USD31
  • Cartagena - Champeta Class (from) - USD12
  • Cartagena - Private Sunset Cruise (based on 4 participants) - USD179
  • Cartagena - El Totumo Mud Volcano (based on 4 participants) - USD75

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 (Coffee Estancia) 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) for 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. 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

4.9 out of 5 based on 18 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.

Filter by rating

Livia · Traveled August 2023
Intrepid was a great possibility to see as much as possible of a country in a small amount of time. They provide the best local leaders which show you a lot of the culture, dishes and activities. I would totally recomend it!
Review submitted 11 Sep 2023

Emily · Traveled August 2023
This tour was amazing! I would 100% recommend it. It was a great mixture of different locations and our guide, Manuela was the best!
Review submitted 09 Sep 2023

Ryan · Traveled August 2023
This trip is packed with adventure, culture, and opportunities for truly incredible experiences. By shifting between cities and locations off the beaten track, the trip was well paced and gave a great taste of the immense diversity of Colombia. Most importantly, our guide Manuela was so fun, caring, and knowledgeable about the places we visited. She made the trip incredible and unforgettable!
Review submitted 30 Aug 2023

Nazim · Traveled July 2023
The experience was truly fantastic. Initially, I had my doubts about taking the Colombia tour through Intrepid, but it turned out to be a wonderful decision. Not only did I make great friendships, but I also had an amazing time. I highly recommend the Real Colombia tour to anyone who wishes to explore the cultural aspects of Colombia and have a fun-filled adventure.
Review submitted 06 Aug 2023

Alexandra · Traveled July 2023
This trip is a great way to see a lot of Colombia in just 12 days. Coffee, hikes, beaches, and nightlife were the highlights. With so much rich history, I highly recommend reading/watching on the country before coming.
Review submitted 06 Aug 2023
Real Colombia
From
AUD $1,964