From CAD 2,550 Was CAD 3,400
Guarantee
Small Group
Average
Rating
(20 reviews)
Experience Overview
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.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1905
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Plane,Private Bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Van
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGSC
Starts: Cartagena, Colombia
Finishes: Bogota, Colombia
Duration: 10 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (8), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (9 nts)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2550 (CAD 255 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. The old city, particularly the inner walled town, is the main attraction – it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Your hotel is located in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, a part of the old town with loads of colourful street art and an authentic feel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After the meeting, step out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city (note that this may take place tomorrow morning instead).
Included Activities:
- Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Spend some free time getting to know the old and new of Cartagena. Wander the old city, shop for local handicrafts, head up to San Felipe de Barajas Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) or take boat to Punta Arenas or Playa Blanca for a well-deserved swim in the Southern Caribbean. Otherwise, book yourself in a tour out of town to the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Instead of lava, this peculiar volcano spews a cream-like mud that is said to contain many healing properties. Enter for a strange bathing experience, then wash the muddiness off in the nearby lagoon.The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Make sure to check in with your leader for great places to try some local food.
Optional Activities:
- Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (33000 COP)
- Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour (300000 COP)
- Cartagena - Mangroves Tour (150000 COP)
- Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) (70 USD)
- Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
- Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour (50000 COP)
- Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour (50000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
In the morning, take a private van transfer (approximately 6 hours) north of Cartagena to Guachaca – your home for the next two nights. Guachaca is located in northern Colombia and is surrounded with lush jungle and mountains that collide with the sun-kissed coastline. Visit an initiative that fights to preserve the prehispanic Tayrona culture that populated this area and glimpse what the famous lost city once was. Meet with an indigenous member from one of the four communities that are still occupying La Sierra. You will even have the chance to give back to nature and the community by helping in a local project to reforest the area. Your accommodation is a simple and comfortable family-run guesthouse, nestled high in the jungle. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers or treat yourself to a relaxing massage.
Included Activities:
- Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit
Head to Tayrona National Park – a series of jungle and coves surrounding the Caribbean coast on the foothills of the Santa Marta mountains. Today is all about hiking the forest trails for Tayrona’s beaches, and with a fair amount of hiking involved today, be prepared and make sure your walking shoes are on and you’ve packed some bug spray. Along the way, you’ll experience lush the green rainforest, the ambience of the jungle and all wildlife that inhabit it, and the special glimpses of coastline and beaches that peek through the canopies. The trail to stunning Cabo San Juan is well worth the effort; it's further away than some other beaches however highly recommended. The hike today is flexible and can be tailored to suit all fitness and energy levels. There can be some steep ups and downs, high humidity, and some muddy spots if it’s been raining, so your group leader can organise a route that pleases everyone. When you’ve had enough hiking, swimming and relaxing, head back to Guachaca for the evening.
Included Activities:
- Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee
- Tayrona National Park hike
Accommodation:
- Family Posada (Number of Nights: 1)
Enjoy a final morning in your jungle haven. After a continental breakfast, head off for an included flight from Santa Martha to Bucaramanga (with a transit in Bogota). Arrive at Bucaramanga in the late afternoon and then head onto the peaceful town of Giron. This quintessential 'white city' is part of the Colombian Heritage Towns, thanks to the cobble street and colonial buildings well preserved to this day. Follow your leader on an orientation walk then have some free time enjoying this town in the evening.
Depending on flight times you may arrive early enough to go straight to Barichara to allow more time to explore the well presevered Spanish architecture and expereince what this town has to offer.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, leave Giron behind and enjoy a spectacular drive through the iconic Chicamocha Canyon to Barichara (approximately 3.5 hours).
On arrival, head to a local factory where you’ll learn the traditional method of making paper from the natural fibres of the Andean fique plant. This factory is the number one employer in Barichara, which began with the aim to financially support single-parent women who previously did not have any promise of work. Afterwards, set out on a 3-hour walk along the Camino Real with a local guide to the village of Guane. Declared a national monument in 1988, the ancient trail was built by the indigenous Guane people as a trade route between towns, and you’ll be hiking a small section between Barichara and Guane. Along the way visit a local skilled artisan who will demonstrate the intricate process of crafting with plantain fiber and explain how this craft has been essential in supporting her family. The walk is stunning, full of panoramic views of the mountain ranges. It starts off with a gentle descent down the rim of a canyon before crossing a valley filled with cacti. The walking is mostly downhill, and you'll likely spot a few fossils embedded in the stones that pave the trail en route. On arrival in Guane, refresh with a cooling drink, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps check out the town’s church, before catching the local bus back to Barichara.
Included Activities:
- Barichara - Visit to a local artisan paper factory
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
With its quaint cobbled streets, stuccoed houses and hilly backdrop, Barichara is probably the prettiest colonial-style village in all of Colombia.
With some free time, spend today however you please. Barichara means ‘resting place’ in the local indigenous language and is itself a fine place to wander around on foot, with its laidback feel and range of shops and artisanal workshops to explore. If you'd like to get more active, head over to San Gil, the thrill-seeking capital of Colombia (approximately 30 minutes' drive). Speak to your group leader for suggestions of things to do – rafting, mountain biking – it’s an adventure sport hub. The Pescaderito swimming hole on the way there is well worth a visit too; even if the water is a little chilly, it's an idyllic spot to relax for an hour or two.
Included Activities:
- Barichara - Walk along Camino Real to the village 'Guane'
Optional Activities:
- Mountain Bike Cañon Suarez (transportation included, min 7 pax) (390000 COP)
- Barichara - Pescaderito swimming hole (16 USD)
- Rafting Fonce River (transportation included) (190000 COP)
- Ants Cooking Class (45000 COP)
- Coffee Tour (150000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll travel by local bus to Bogota via San Gil (approximately 8 hours), so kick back and enjoy the drive as the scenery rolls by. There will be only the one stop along the way, so ensure you take drinks and snacks for the journey. Your hotel in Bogota is located in the Chapinero neighbourhood, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Time for some exploring – today, You’ll explore the oldest area in the city and understand more about the Colombian past, present and future. One is La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. Boasting a wealth of cosy cafes and colonial churches, it's a neighbourhood full of surprises. As well as loads of museums, art and great food to try, it's also just a beautiful town to walk around, an interesting clash of the old and new. You’ll also head to the Gold Museum for a chance to learn about the wealth this country once had. Fascinating and easy to navigate, the museum has 55,000 artefacts from various eras on display. During the day, you will also learn about Colombia’s turbulent past on a ‘War and Peace’ tour, which outlines their history of war, including political assassinations and armed groups in conflict, and how the country has developed into the situation it finds itself now.
Optional Activities:
- Bogota - Montserrate cable car (29500 COP)
- Bogota - Gold Museum (5000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour (390000 COP)
- Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour (380000 COP)
- Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour (270000 COP)
- Bogota - Museo Nacional (10 USD)
- Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour (50000 COP)
- Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour (270000 COP)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After an included breakfast, there are no planned activities today and no accommodation planned at night. If you wish to spend more time in Bogota, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Eva - Traveled, March 2024
I can't put into words just how great this trip was. Andrea, our tour leader, was incredible in every way! The itinerary has the perfect balance of everything! Whether that's history/culture, nature/urban landscapes/small towns - there's something for everyone. We met absolutely fantastic people along the way, from local crafts/traders to other tour guides who are specialists in areas like Bogota and Tayrona park. Loved seeing just how resilient the people of Colombia are. I couldn't recommend this trip more!!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Nora - Traveled, February 2024
An amazing trip through a wonderful and fascinating country! Manu was an excellent leader and the group were all very friendly. I especially enjoyed the hikes, the sloths and monkeys, and learning more about the history of Colombia.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2024
Sharlyn - Traveled, December 2023
The Columbia trip was surprisingly more amazing then I expected. Cartegena was a colorful city that deserves arriving a couple days early for (stay in Getsemani- and have a pool available). The jungle hike and stay, as well as the charming city of Barichara were a nice mix. I only wish I knew about Medallin so I could have found a tour that included that. I loved the para-gliding I did over Chicamocha canyon. I will definitely visit Cartegena again. A festive Christmas.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/06/2024
Amira - Traveled, December 2023
This was my first Intrepid tour and in fact, my first solo tour - I normally travel with my sisters so I was a bit apprehensive initially. But the whole process with Intrepid from booking the tour and flights to the tour itself was seamless. The itinerary was perfect for my needs and really gave me a good feel of Colombia, and Manuela (our guide) was fantastic - I honestly can't fault her in any way and she was the one that made the trip so memorable. The food, accommodation and transport were also fantastic.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/30/2023
Lisa - Traveled, September 2023
This was an incredible trip. Our guide, Rodrigo was amazing and so knowledgeable. He did a great job making she we saw everything and experienced the culture. I was unsure what to expect and was a bit nervous about heading to Columbia. I am so glad I went! I met some amazing people who helped make the trip memorable. I cannot believe the beauty of the country, from the gorgeous mountains in Barichara and Bogota, to the beautiful beaches at Tyrones National Park, and the lovely towns in between. I highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Christina - Traveled, March 2024
The adventures continued in this area of Columbia. Never a dull moment. Our group leader Andrea was a group source of information and went above and beyond by following up after answering our questions with additional articles that we could read if we were interested. Very informative. We learned an enormous amount about life in Columbia and we will return. The food was so yummy, and the Columbians were always kind and friendly, with many of them providing additions tips to add knowledge to our trip. Columbia should be on everyone's list. Hurry, before word gets out and it's overrun by tourist and cruise ships.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Lonnie - Traveled, March 2024
Columbia was a reminder that many/most countries, history can be complicated, but much can be learned so history doesn't repeat itself. Hungry for tourism, you are instantly welcomed with open arms and a sense a gratitude before you even have a chance to drop your pack. Go now!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/29/2024
Erna (Jasmine) - Traveled, February 2024
Colombia was interesting and beautiful. Everywhere you are surrounded by mountains, but this also makes travel from one area to the next slow. So relax and enjoy the experience. We visited forests and learned about indigenous people of the past and present. Learned about past turmoil of the country and things that are improving. Our guide was friendly, energetic, and truly enjoyed sharing her country with visitors.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Ryan - Traveled, August 2023
I would highly recommend Explore Colombia! The itinerary is great, with a nice mix of destinations (cities, beaches, mountains, small towns). You will learn the local culture and explore the nature around you.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/07/2023
Neil - Traveled, June 2023
We thoroughly enjoy doing short tours with small groups and this one was great. we love to meet people from all over the globe as we find it much more satisfying to share the experience with like minded people. Plus the added bonus of having a tour leader and local tour guides to share their knowledge and occasionally a fascinating story.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/18/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/15/2023
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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2023
Julie - Traveled, February 2023
I would advise anyone participating in an Intrepid trip to carefully review the itinerary and type of tour. There were variances from the itinerary on my tour which caused confusion. It was compounded by a lack of communication. I doubt I will participate in an Intrepid Trip again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/01/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/01/2023
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/21/2023
Ian - Traveled, February 2023
Intrepid plan the itinerary to get the most out of the time available. Choose excellent local guides so that you get the best experience in each location. Held together by an excellent person chosen to take the stress out of the trip so that all the connections are made. All in an ethical and sustainable way. Highly recommended. I know we shall book with Intrepid again.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/02/2023
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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/30/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2024
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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2024
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