Real Colombia


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!

12 days, from

$1,491

per person

GROUP SIZE

16 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

 
2
Trip code: GGYS
Style: Basix
Theme: 18 to 35s

Details

Countries Visited:  Colombia
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights), Hostel (2 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights)
Transportation: Plane , Local bus , Private vehicle , MetroCable Acevedo
Included Meals:

  • 11 breakfasts
  • 1 lunches
  • 2 dinners

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 16

  • Get under the skin of what was once the most notorious neighbourhood in Colombia on a guided tour through Medellin’s Comuna 13

  • Lose yourself in the colonial gem of Cartagena, wander through the cobbled streets, packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, and mansions.

  • Take a hike through the lush Cocora Valley, home to colourful hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees

  • Go behind the scenes of the beans during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia located deep in Colombia's coffee country

  • Explore Colombia’s Caribbean coast with two free days in Palomino. Chill-out on the beach, hike through the jungle, or dine on delicious seafood – the choice is yours!

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Bogota

Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. Settle into your accommodation in Bogota, then meet your leader and fellow travellers for an orientation walk around this good-looking town at 1 pm. Check out the colonial-era buildings framed by mountains. For those arriving later there will be a second group meeting at 6 pm. Afterwards, why not head out for dinner with the group.

Day 2: Salento

Today is an early start as we leave the hotel to explore the colorful Paloquemao Market. Get to know the locals and try new flavors! From the market, our transfer will take you straight to the airport to take a take a short flight (approximately 1 hour) to Colombia's famous coffee region and transfer (up to 2 hours depending on the flight) to the beautiful village of Salento. Take the time to stroll through its quaint streets and admire the colours of the 'paisa' architecture. For some tasty local food, trout is the way to go. There are lots of different ways to enjoy it, but mostly it's served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Colombia's national sport, Tejo, is a popular pastime in Salento - think bocce with gunpowder! If you're game, why not visit the local tejo hall and give it a go.

Day 3: Cocora Valley/Coffee Estancia

Travel by jeep out to the Cocora Valley, home of the tall wax palm (Colombia's national tree). You could spend the morning checking out the region's awesome scenery on foot wit a hike to Finca la Montaña - at 2860m you can enjoy incredible views of Morrogacho mountain (if cloud and fog permit). You can expect jaw-dropping views of Colora Valley during your hike to the top. Don't worry, if you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley on your own, then cruise back to town in a jeep. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in an old-school coffee estancia.

Day 4: Coffee Estancia

Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s biggest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown and harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, and then sample first-hand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees, finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. Afterwards, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.

Day 5: Medellin

Jump aboard a comfortable public bus and head (approximately 8 hours) to Medellin. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk of this beautiful city. Having spent the 1980s and 90s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (no thanks to Pablo Escobar's notorious drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture (as well as a much safer and comfortable atmosphere now) it's easy to see why it's getting more popular.

Day 6: Medellin

Today we take part in a Barrio transformation tour. Take the metrocable Acevedo to meet your local guide and discover more about how the transformation in Medellin has happened in one of its most populated neighborhoods.We will explore its history, the struggle of its people, their outstanding achievements and the different faces of the city’s recent transformation.
Back in Medellin, you might want to search out one of the city's pumping salsa bars (Medellin's nightlife may well be the best in Colombia).

Day 7: Medellin

Get out and about in Medellin. You might want to visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. Or go further afield on an optional day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia. This 16th-century township has kept a lot of its colonial-era pizazz. The Bridge of the West, Metropolitan Cathedral and House of Two Palms are sure to provide nice photo-ops, and the plaza is also home to a daily market where vendors sell varieties of locally-grown Tamarind product (you can try a few samples). One of the best things to do here is just moseying through the cobblestone streets and taking in the local scene.

Day 8: Palomino

Fly to Santa Marta (approximately 1 hour). Take a private transfer (approximately 5 hours) north to Palomino, a small town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, in the Guajira region. It's about 40 minutes away from Tayrona National Park. This afternoon your leader will show you around Palomino town. For dinner, take the chance to feast on some fresh seafood like lion fish or prawns (Sua is a good place to go for dinner).

Day 9: Palomino

Today is a free day with no scheduled activities. Maybe take the chance to hike in Tayrona National Park and enjoy the stunning view of the majestic peaks of the Sierra Nevada ranges standing right next to the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Or just spend some time chilling on the beach. It’s a tough life.

Day 10-11: Cartagena

Travel to Cartagena (approx. 5 hours). The leader will take you on a short orientation walk around the hotel in one of South America's most historic cities. Then it’s your free time for today and tomorrow to explore the city. Head out to explore the Old City as you please. The inner walled town is the main attraction – it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, and mansions. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, or hit one of the nearby beaches. You could visit the coral islands, or people-watch in Getsemani, Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. Your tour leader will be on hand to give you tips of how to make best use of your time to explore the walled city and beyond.

Day 12: Cartagena

After breakfast today, it's time to say adios to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end in Cartagena this morning.