Explore Colombia

10 days4.851 reviews
Explorer
From
USD $2,730

Experience South America's best-kept secret.

Colombia is one of those gems of South America that still is often skipped on the tourist trail. Be captivated by Bogota’s historic 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.

Map of Explore Colombia including Colombia
Trip code: GGSC
Start
Cartagena, Colombia
End
Bogota, Colombia
Destinations
Colombia
Meals
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners
Transport
Plane, Private Bus, Private vehicle, Public bus, Van
Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights)
Days
10
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Ages
Min 15
Theme
Every trip caters to specific interests and activities, such as wildlife or family.
Explorer
Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: 4+ star accommodation, exclusive premium inclusions, our most experienced leaders
Original
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
This trip generates 38 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 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.

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

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

Itinerary

Map of Explore Colombia including Colombia

Inclusions and activities

Meals

8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners

Transport

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

Accommodation

Hotel (9 nights)

Included activities
  • Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
  • Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit
  • 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'

Optional activities
  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle - COP33000
  • Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour - COP300000
  • Cartagena - Mangroves Tour - COP150000
  • Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) - USD70
  • Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City - COP50000
  • Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour - COP50000
  • Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour - COP50000
  • 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 - Montserrate cable car - COP29500
  • Bogota - Gold Museum - COP5000
  • Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour - COP390000
  • Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour - COP380000
  • Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour - COP270000
  • Bogota - Museo Nacional - USD10
  • Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour - COP50000
  • Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour - COP270000

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.

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 51 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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Michelle · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 16 Nov 2024

Sally · Traveled November 2024
Review submitted 16 Nov 2024

Michelle · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 16 Nov 2024

Lynette · Traveled October 2024
Review submitted 29 Oct 2024

Gemma · Traveled August 2024
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024
Explore Colombia
From
USD $2,730