Explore Colombia

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 47 reviews submitted.
Explorer
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USD $2,063
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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 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.

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 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.

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 January 2025 - 31 December 2025

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 - 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

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 47 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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Gemma · Traveled August 2024
This is a great trip to introduce you to the wonderful country of Colombia, however, I would wait until Tayrona National Park is available again or do the full 3 week trip. We felt very safe on the trip.
Review submitted 26 Aug 2024

Linas · Traveled July 2024
I would definately reccomend Colombia trip! The highlighs are beautiful coastal town of Cartagena and local diamond - Barichara town! The guide Rogrido made this experience unforgettable in all meanings! It made be to fall in love with Colombia!
Review submitted 31 Jul 2024

Shaaf · Traveled May 2024
This was a trip of a lifetime for me ,it was my first solo trip and Dani made me feel safe and welcome the whole journey. I will miss this country very much. Thank you again Daniel Atehortua Orozco
Review submitted 30 May 2024

Meagan · Traveled April 2024
My trip through Colombia was amazing! I learned so much about the countries history and culture. It was a lot of fun and we did a lot of activities that I never would have found on my own which made the trip special.
Review submitted 06 May 2024

Susanne · Traveled April 2024
I would highly recommend Colombia as a must see destination. It is a beautiful country and we always felt safe. I learned so much about Colombia’s history and the efforts made to make it a travel destination. Our leader Andrea Nieto was so helpful and organized that it made travel a breeze
Review submitted 06 May 2024
Explore Colombia
From
USD $2,063