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Explore Colombia

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 50 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
EUR €1,620
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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

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 December 2023 - 01 February 2024

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 50 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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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

Ryan · Traveled August 2023
I would highly recommend Explore Colombia! The itinerary is great, with a nice mix of destinations (cities, beaches, mountains, small towns). You will learn the local culture and explore the nature around you.
Review submitted 07 Sep 2023

NEIL · Traveled June 2023
We thoroughly enjoy doing short tours with small groups and this one was great. we love to meet people from all over the globe as we find it much more satisfying to share the experience with like minded people. Plus the added bonus of having a tour leader and local tour guides to share their knowledge and occasionally a fascinating story.
Review submitted 18 Sep 2023

Jane · Traveled March 2023
I did 2 Intrepid trips back to back, from Bogota through the coffee region, Medellin to Cartagena, then back via Barichara and the Sierra Nevavda. Simply a fabulous trip, the beauty and history of Colombia was captivating. Thoroughly enjoyed the hiking days and was most impressed by our guide Manuela and the local guides. Special mention to Martin on the Taranga National Park hike. Also have to mention the many great restaurants throughout the whole trip.
Review submitted 01 May 2023

Sandi · Traveled March 2023
This was an excellent first trip to colombia. Range of urban, rural and mix of activities. Consider adding a day or two on front or back end to get better sense of Cartagena and Bogota. I went to Medellín at end.
Review submitted 15 Apr 2023
Explore Colombia
From
EUR €1,620