Explore Colombia

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

4.6 out of 5 based on 52 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
USD $1,924
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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 33.63 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 - COP20000
  • Cartagena - Volcan de Lodo El Totumo - 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 - Museo Nacional - COP4500
  • Bogota - Graffiti Tour - USD7
  • Bogota - Montserrate cable car - COP21000
  • Bogota - Gold Museum - COP4000

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

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 52 reviews submitted.
While we try our best to display all reviews, removal may be due to the following: privacy concerns, profanity/inappropriate content or it is unrelated to this trip. We welcome honest feedback and will directly respond to negative reviews.

Filter by rating

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

Theodora · Traveled March 2023
This is an excellent tour if you want an overview of Columbia and its food, people, history and geography. I highly recommend this tour!
Review submitted 11 Apr 2023

Trudy · Traveled March 2023
Back to back x 2 tours. Cafe Colombia & Explore Colombia I highly recommend doing both tours for a comprehensive infusion of the past and the NEW Colombia and its people. This was #2 tour with excellent guide Manuela. Beach, forest, hike, hills, city. A good variety & a safe way to experience Colombia as a solo traveller.
Review submitted 23 Apr 2023

Caoimhe · Traveled March 2023
I loved every minute of this incredible trip, learnt so much and loved experiencing the country and people. And Will the guide is a bonus he is phenomenal.
Review submitted 21 Mar 2023
Explore Colombia
From
USD $1,924