Real Colombia

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 26 reviews submitted.
18 to 35s
From
CHF  1,310
This trip is for 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 45 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.
Bucket list destinationsTick off all the popular spots and enjoy unique local experiences
Great valueAffordable trips with the freedom to choose how you spend your time
Meaningful experiencesConnect to the places you go and the communities at the heart of every Intrepid experience

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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 03 March 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

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
Optional 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

4.8 out of 5 based on 26 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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Hillana · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

Lucy · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

Kyle · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

James · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 27 Aug 2024

Zali · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 28 Aug 2024
Real Colombia
From
CHF  1,310