Highlights
Bogota - Visit its superb pre-Colombian Gold Museum and the historic streets of La Candelaria Salento - Wander the cobbled streets of this charming town in the Andean foothills, where hummingbirds fly between giant wax palms Medellin - Discover how this diverse modern city has transformed its reputation from Pablo Escobar to the present day Flower Festival departure - Witness Medellin's most colourful festival, Feria de las Flores, on our special departure date to catch the annual celebration.
Itinerary
Colombia is a country of contrasts—an apt theme for the "Contrasts of Colombia" active and outdoor tour. Over 14 days, this thoughtfully curated trip takes experienced travelers from the bustling capital of Bogota, through the dramatic landscapes of Chicamocha National Park, and onward to the Caribbean allure of Cartagena.
Explore the treasures of Bogota, including the world-renowned Gold Museum and the historic district of La Candelaria. Journey to Salento, where cobbled streets and hummingbirds among giant wax palms offer a serene escape in the Andean foothills. Medellin, once infamous, now stands transformed—a city that showcases Colombia’s resilience and creativity. Along the way, you’ll traverse both Colombia’s lush coffee region and vibrant coastal towns, sampling the nation’s famed biodiversity and warm hospitality.
The unique selling point of this journey lies in its updated 2025 itinerary, offering travelers a fresh look at Colombia’s ever-evolving story. From the modernity of Medellin to the traditions of Andean villages, this tour package masterfully blends culture, nature, and local encounters for an immersive South American experience.
day 1Join trip in Bogota
Our tour starts today in Bogota, the beating heart of Colombia. The vibrant capital is cradled by the high the high ranges of the Cordillera Mountains, blanketing the Andean peaks with an eclectic mix of historic buildings and urban architecture. Its name comes from the Muisca indigenous people who inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spaniards in 1538, and the remnants of not only the Muisca empire but of Colombia's many other indigenous cultures can be found in the city's impressive Gold Museum. For those arriving on time, our Tour Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Bogota at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Bogota's El Dorado International Airport (BOG), approximately a 45-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the meeting, our tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, head out to explore the colourful streets of La Candelaria, where you'll find museums, bars and restaurants dotted between colonial convents and churches. It's a great spot to orientate yourself and get a snapshot of local life. For those arriving in the early hours today, your accommodation will be available to check straight into.
day 2Taste the fruits at Paloquemao farmers' market; explore the city on foot
day 3Cable car up Mount Monserrate; drive to Villa de Leyva via the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
day 4Find pre-Columbian and colonial history in the surroundings of Villa de Leyva; free afternoon
day 5Drive to the pretty town of Barichara via Socorro
day 6Walk the Camino Real (Royal Road) to Guane; afternoon 'rammed earth' workshop with local architect
day 7Drive into Chicamocha National Park; cable car ride across the canyon; fly to the coffee region
day 8Cooking class with a Colombian chef; tour a coffee plantation and taste the local brew
day 9Full day exploring the wax palms of the Cocora Valley; traditional lunch in colonial Salento
day 10Scenic drive to Medellin
day 11Visit colourful Guatape town; walk up El Penol rock and take a rickshaw ride
day 12Explore Medellin on foot and by cable car; fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean Coast
day 13Free time in Cartagena; evening sunset and dinner at the seaside hub of La Boquilla
day 14Trip ends in Cartagena
What's Included
What's Excluded
Customer Reviews
This was a very busy but interesting trip. There were only 4 of us so am not sure how things would have worked out with a group of 16. Particularly when walking through the streets of Bogota. Bogota was my least interesting place to visit. Too crowded. One of my favourite places was Barichara. Peaceful. Pretty. And the hotel was very nice. The hike along the ‘royal road’ was a lovely day. Seeing the countryside and some beautiful birds. The visit to the rammed earth workshop was fascinating and a fun experience. The coffee plantation was a nice visit. Beautiful flowers and birds. For a couple the accommodation was disappointing. The room was large but the bathroom was minuscule. Really needed a revamp. Felt old and grubby especially when compared to the singles rooms in the main house. Beautiful bathrooms. Medellin was very interesting. The cable car was fun. We had an excellent informative guide here. Cartagena was another experience. Hot and busy. Overall I would have preferred to stay in upgraded accommodation. Some of the breakfasts could have been better. An enjoyable trip.
Andras was very enthusiastic hard working and caring. He always wanted to give that little bit more. Sometimes instructions were a little bit muddled or contained a bit too much information, but he was always willing to answer questions and he made sure we came to love Colombia. I found the country very interesting and the tour very varied and colourful. It definitely exceeded my expectations.
Great busy trip. Best tour leader I have ever had and I have done many Explore trips. Columbia is a fantastic country and I would highly recommend it. Be prepared for some long travelling days.
This tour was extensive and had many amazing and culturally significant activities that truly highlighted Columbia and its beautiful people. The tour guide, Andres, was extremely informative, funny, kind and went above and beyond to accommodate all members of our group. He’s a true gem! I would highly recommend this tour if you want an immersive experience of Colombia!
A great trip in a fascinating country ! Colombia’s “darker reputation” is decades old. Yes, there are still problems today but they are working on it. As a visitor, I was fascinated by the history, the smiles and the wealth of bright, tropical colours ! The trip is well paced with time out in the itinerary (should you want it). We were also lucky enough to have a fantastic tour leader. His experience, his boundless energy and his attention to detail ensured smooth running at all times. As I said - fantastic !
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