Colombia Revealed

Colombia combines vibrant cities, ancient ruins and superlative landscapes with African rhythms and exquisite colonial architecture. We start this trip in the capital Bogota, exploring its charming historic quarter of La Candelaria as well as the nearby Nemocon Salt Mine, where we descend eighty metres below the surface to discover a series of intriguing underground tunnels.

We then head to Colombia’s famed ‘coffee region’, a land of picturesque farms steeped in tradition, and valleys dotted with the iconic wax palm trees, stretching several storeys into the sky. We learn about the heritage and customs of the region, as well as travelling through some of Colombia’s most scenic parts.

Whilst in the area, we also take the opportunity to hike through the protected reserve of Barbas Bremen, searching for a variety of bird species and interesting amphibians such as the Poison Dart frog.

In Medellin we learn how a city has transformed itself from one of the most dangerous in the world to a thriving, rejuvenated community, meeting the people who have helped to turn around its fortunes.

Our final stop is the gorgeous Caribbean city of Cartagena, a profusion of typical cobbled streets, colourful colonial buildings and easy going atmosphere. Once the site of great riches, it was a frequent target for piracy, and oozes history around every corner.

Colombia has so many different facets that even a month long tour couldn’t cover them all, but this tour includes some of its well recognised highlights as well as showing a little more beneath the surface. Colombia is starting to become better known as one of Latin America’s most exciting countries – discover it before more people do.

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Colombia fruit seller

Highlights

  • The Caribbean city of Cartagena
  • Explore the farms of the coffee region
  • Learn about the turbulent history of Medellin
  • The archaeological site of San Agustin
  • The landscapes of the Tatacoa Desert

Day 1 - Bogota

Arrive in Bogota and transfer to your hotel. Overnight Hotel Casa Deco or similar.

Bogota
Situated on a plateau and surrounded by mountains, at 2640m Bogota is the third highest capital in the world, after La Paz and Quito. It was once home to the indigenous Muisca people, who settled here in small villages until the arrival of the conquistadors in the 16th century, and became the capital of Gran Colombia – a political union of present day Colombia, Panama, Ecuador and Venezuela – in the early 19th century.

Once one of the most dangerous cities on the continent, Bogota has come a long way in the last couple of decades, reinventing itself as a stylish and chic metropolis, with a huge amount of green space – there are almost 5000 public parks in the city’s boundaries. Sleek skyscrapers jostle for space with elegant residential neighbourhoods, and for visitors one of the most interesting areas is the historic quarter of La Candelaria. Here you’ll find pastel coloured colonial building, balconies draped with flowers and quaint cobbled streets – a little taste of Bogota a couple of hundred years ago. The Gold Museum is also well worth a look, even if you’re not normally into museums – the collection of pre-Columbian gold jewellery is exceptional.

Day 2 - Bogota

Spend the day exploring Colombia’s capital on a walking tour. We visit the historic district of La Candelaria with its traditional houses and picturesque streets, visiting key buildings and monuments such as the State Palace and Plaza Bolivar, as well as its pretty churches. We’ll also visit the impressive Museo del Oro – the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the hill of Monserrate for panoramic views over the city. Overnight Hotel Casa Deco or similar. (BL)


Day 3 - Nemocon Salt Mine

Transfer to the Nemocon Salt Mine, located in the Boyaca region of Colombia. Descending 80 metres below the surface, we explore a network of tunnels and discover the highlights of the mine including the Heart of Nemocon, a stunning 1300-pound salt crystal sculpture, the Mirror Chambers, where underground pools reflect the shimmering salt formations, and the underground salt cathedral. We also learn about the lives of the miners and the centuries-old techniques used to extract salt. We return to Bogota for the evening.Overnight Hotel Casa Deco 0r similar. (BL)


Day 4 - Armenia - Salento

Fly from Bogota to Armenia. On arrival we visit the Quindio Botanical Garden, a hub dedicated to ecological conservation, scientific research and environmental education. We explore the gardens in the company of an expert, which is home to more than 120 species of birds, Colombia’s largest butterfly, and exhibits showcasing aquatic, carnivorous and succulent plants. In the afternoon we immerse ourselves in the world of Colombian coffee with a visit to Finca El Paraiso coffee farm, nestled in the lush mountains surrounding Armenia. We learn about the stages of coffee production, take a walk through the plantations, and end the visit with a coffee tasting session. Overnight Hotel Salento Real or similar. (BL)

The Coffee Triangle

The ‘Coffee Triangle’, situated around Colombia’s temperate Andean slopes is famous for its superior quality coffee, which is exported worldwide. As well as its numerous picturesque coffee plantations – there are around 300,000 growers in the region – the region as a whole has much more to offer: butterfly farms, botanical gardens, hot springs, river rafting, and national parks such as Los Nevados, with multiple volcanoes. One of the prettiest areas is the Cocora Valley, known for its iconic wax palm tree, which can reach 60 metres in height, and its numerous hummingbird species.

Day 5 - Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve - Salento

This morning we head to Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve, an area of well-preserved forest, rich in biodiversity. We enjoy a guided hike (2-3h) along scenic trails that wind through the forest in hope of spotting a variety of wildlife. Species that can be found here include Howler monkeys, Poison Dart frogs, transparent butterflies, orchids, and many different species of colourful birds. In the afternoon we wander the charming colonial streets of Salento, with its artisan shops, lively centre, and scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. Overnight Hotel Salento Real or similar. (BL)


Day 6 - Salamina

Make the long trip to Salamina through Colombia’s breathtaking coffee region. We pass verdant mountain scenery, traditional coffee farms and picturesque towns such as Manizales. On arrival into Salamina we visit the main square, La Basilica, and a local bar where the owner keeps a list of the town’s deceased. We also stop at one or two local houses for a snack or refreshment typical of the region. Overnight Casa de Lola or similar. (B)


Day 7 - San Felix - Samaria Valley

Embark on a scenic journey to the peaceful village of San Felix. We take a stroll to take in the relaxed atmosphere here, discovering its rich history and stopping for a glass of red wine and a local snack, named bunuelo. Afterwards we head to the Samaria Valley, home to the majestic Bosque de Palmas de Cera (wax palm forest). We take in the beautiful landscapes of towering wax palms and rolling green hills, a haven for both native and migratory bird species. After lunch at a striking viewpoint, we travel back to Salamina. Overnight Casa de Lola or similar. (BL)


Day 8 - Marulanda

Take a day trip from Salamina to Marulanda. Here we are greeted by mutli-coloured mountains, the scent of eucalyptus typical of the region, and the Guarino River which originates and flows through the heart of the Colombian Andes. The river plays a crucial role in the irrigation of surrounding agricultural areas producing coffee, sugar cane and other crops. Marulanda is most famous for its sheep and the wool it produces, with which the best quality ruanas (wool ponchos) are made. We visit an artisanal wool factory that preserves machinery from the 1820s before returning to Salamina. Overnight Casa de Lola or similar. (BL)


Day 9 - Medellin

Drive to Medellin, a long but scenic journey via winding mountain roads, pretty valleys and quaint towns. Overnight Lettera Hotel or similar. (B)


Day 10 - Medellin

Explore the city of Medellin. From a reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous cities in the 1990s, Medellin has undergone a remarkable transformation, and is now one of the most innovative and progressive cities in Latin America. Visits include Plaza Botero, Parque Berrio with its historic Basilica la Candelaria, and Comuna 13, a neighbourhood once associated with hardship but now a testament to positive transformation, resilience and creativity. Overnight Lettera Hotel or similar. (BL)

Medellin

Known as the ‘city of eternal spring’ for its ever-pleasant climate, Medellin is also known for its murky past. Back in the early 90s when the search for drug cartel leader Pablo Escobar was underway, Medellin was an incredibly dangerous place, and the cocaine capital of the world. Feuds between gang members and left-wing revolutionary groups led to the city suffering a high rate of murder and other violent crime, but since the early 2000s Medellin began to change.

Local politicians started to invest Heavily in infrastructure and public education, and slum areas were given a thorough makeover – Medellin experienced a huge renaissance and is now one of the most pleasant and beautiful cities in Latin America.

Day 11 - Guatape

Also known as Pueblo de Zocalos, Guatape is one of the most charming towns in Colombia’s interior. Located around 1.5 hours from Medellin, we drive through the beautiful eastern highlands of Antioquia. On arrival we explore Guatape, famous for its vibrant zocalos – the decorative panels that adorn homes here and depict local traditions, history of the region, and everyday life. We take a walk around the town, stopping at the main square and church, returning to Medellin in the late afternoon. Overnight Lettera Hotel or similar. (BL)


Day 12 - Medellin

A day dedicated to Medellin’s infamous history and how it has changed over the decades. We start in the beating heat of Medellin, the neighbourhood of Manrique. We get to know the rich tapestry of this spirited community, steeped in history and adorned with captivating murals and street art. We learn about its evolution and how the community has been transformed through art and social work, becoming a proud example of Medellin’s heritage. Overnight Lettera Hotel or similar. (B)


Day 13 - Cartagena

Fly from Medellin to the Caribbean city of Cartagena, perhaps Colombia’s most striking. After settling in at the hotel, we head out to explore the city’s historic centre. Sites include the monuments of Torre del Reloj and Don Pedro de Heredia – the founder of the city, the stunning Palace of the Inquisition, and the Sanctuary of San Pedro Claver, dedicated to the Spanish priest and missionary who devoted his life to caring for Africans who were brought over as slaves to the Spanish colonies. In the afternoon there is free time to relax or explore the city at leisure. Overnight La Campana Hotel or similar. (B)

Cartagena

Cartagena – or Cartagena de Indias, top give it its full name – is one of our most favourite cities in Latin America, with gorgeous colonial architecture, brightly painted old houses and quaint cobbled streets. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, due to its fortified historic centre – the most extensive on the continent. Its fortifications were necessary to protect it from marauding bands of pirates keen on stealing gold from the Spanish empire, wealth which was manifested in the impressive cathedrals, palaces and other buildings that give the city such character. This is a great place to just wander around and soak up the atmosphere, stopping from time to time at a pavement café to watch the world go by…

Day 14 - La Boquilla

The small fishing village of La Bouqilla is our destination for today. We take a canoe ride through the mangrove forest to Juan Polo Lake. On our route we are likely to see local fishermen at work and may be lucky to spot different species of birds, including the Green parrot. After navigating the mangroves we visit a women’s enterprise founded by a group of mothers who transform coconuts into handicrafts such as vases, jewellery and other decorative accessories. Return to Cartagena for the evening. Overnight Hotel Masaya Cartagena or similar. (BL)


Day 15 - Cartagena

Transfer to the airport for your departure. (B)


This trip can be combined with our Panama – From the Cloudforests to the Caribbean tour for an epic adventure through Central and South America.

What's included?

  • Airport transfers

    We include arrival and departure transfers regardless of whether you book flights yourself, or we book them for you. If you’re booking them yourself, then please let us know the details so that we can arrange the transfers. Please note though that if you arrive earlier than Day 1 of the tour, and leave after the final day, we may need to make an additional charge for an airport transfer.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation as listed in the dossier. The nature of the destinations that we operate may sometimes mean that we need to change hotels, but we’ll always endeavour to keep the same standards. Please be aware that as we operate in many countries where tourism is in its infancy, hotel standards may not be the same as you’re used to elsewhere.

    Please note that while we prefer to use centrally located hotels where possible, this is not always practical and in some locations they may not be the best option in terms of standards or reliability.

  • Guides

    You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide. Please note that for very small group sizes you will have different guides in different places rather than one guide accompanying you throughout.

  • Meals

    As listed within the itinerary / dossier (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner). These will vary from trip to trip – in some areas it makes sense to include all meals while in others there is a good choice of restaurants and we feel people might like to ‘do their own thing’ now and again. Please note that when meals are included, sometimes these will be in hotels, as often these are the most appropriate option, and will sometimes be set menus. Local restaurants are often lacking in variety

  • Entrance fees

    Entrance fees are listed for those sites that we mention within the itinerary. If there are any other sites that you’d like to see, these would be at your own expense.

What's not included?

  • Visas

    We don’t arrange visas for our travellers, but if an invitation letter is necessary then we will arrange this for you. If you need any advice with visas then just give us a call, or alternatively a visa agency such as Travcour (www.travcour.com) can assist.

  • International flights

    Many of our travellers arrive from different destinations and so we don’t include international flights in the cost of our tours. If however you would like us to book flights for you, then just give us a call and we’ll be happy to discuss your options.

  • Travel insurance

    If you need any assistance with this, then let us know – although we can’t arrange it ourselves we can point you in the direction of a reputable provider that can assist.

Visas

UK nationals don’t need a visa to visit Colombia and can stay for up to 90 days. Citizens of most American and Western European countries don’t need a visa either. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Peru and you should have two blank pages in your passport. 

Visa regulations can change however and so we recommend that you contact your nearest embassy for the most up to date information. 

Health and vaccinations

We are not medically qualified and so we recommend that you speak to your doctor or nearest health professional for advice concerning recommended vaccinations. For more advice on vaccinations you can also visit https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries.

If you have any physical limitations that might impact your ability to participate in the planned tour activities, it’s essential that you make us aware as soon as possible so that we can discuss this with you.

Certain parts of Colombia, including Chingaza National Park, require proof of Yellow Fever vaccination for entry.

Insurance

It is a condition of joining our tours that you have suitable travel insurance in place, and we cannot accept travellers without insurance. All policies differ in terms of what they will cover, but as a minimum you need medical and health cover which will cover you for the whole time that you are away. Most policies will also include cancellation cover, which will cover you if an unforeseen circumstance obliges you to cancel your trip. We recommend that you obtain your insurance as soon as you book your trip.

Please note that government travel warnings often affect the validity of your travel insurance, and you should check this with your insurance company.

Money

The official currency in Colombia is the peso – confusingly, often represented by a $ sign. Not all shops, hotels, restaurants and bars accept credit cards, or may not accept all credit card types. Check if they take cards before asking for anything and keep all debit and credit card receipts. When using an ATM, it is best to do so in business hours inside a bank, supermarket or large commercial building

Local conditions

When travelling to some of the destinations we offer you need to bear in mind that things won’t always work here as we’re used to them working at home. Travelling in underdeveloped and untouristed destinations requires both patience and a sense of humour. There may be problems with infrastructure, attitudes may be different, and maintenance may not be as high a standard as we would always like, but this is very much part and parcel of travelling in such a place. We aim to resolve any issues as quickly as possible, and thank you for your patience. 

Travel advice

We keep a very close eye on the travel advice issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office so that we can keep you up to date with any warnings. At the time of writing the FCO does not advise against travel to any parts of Colombia that we visit on our tours.We work very closely with our local team and are fully confident that we can operate tours safely in Colombia. Should you have any concerns over safety please do not hesitate to contact us and we can address your concerns.

This relates to advice from the British government – other nationalities need to check the stance of their own governments.

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Date(s)
Price (PP) Exc. Flights
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Date -
01 August 2026
Price (PP) -
£3,799
Single Supplement -
£500
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Available
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Date -
30 January 2027
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£500
Trip Status -
Available
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Date -
31 July 2027
Price (PP) -
£3,999
Single Supplement -
£695
Trip Status -
Available
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