From CAD 2,635
Guarantee
Small Group
Light
Rating
(17 reviews)
Experience Overview
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!
Highlights
- Go behind the scenes of the beans during a unique stay on a traditional coffee estancia located deep in Colombia's coffee country – caffeine addicts rejoice!
- Take part in a game of Tejo – Colombia's national sport and a popular pastime in Salento (think bocce with gunpowder) – with the locals in the Tejo hall.
- Hike through the lush Cocora Valley – home to cute little hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees!
- Explore Colombia’s Caribbean coast with two free days in Palomino. Chill out on the beach, hike through the jungle in nearby Tayrona National Natural Park or dine on delicious seafood – the choice is yours!
- Lose yourself in the colours of Cartagena as you wander through the cobbled streets packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, and mansions. Then, enjoy two full days of free time to choose your own adventure.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, PAC. Donations help them bring life-changing healthcare to rural communities in Colombia.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1967
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Plane,Local bus,Private vehicle,MetroCable Acevedo
Guide Language: English
Supplier Code: GGYS
Starts: Bogota , Colombia
Finishes: Cartagena , Colombia
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (11), Lunch (1), Dinner (2)Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights),Hostel (2 nights),Coffee Estancia (2 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2635 (CAD 220 /day)
Itinerary
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in the capital city Bogota with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you can join your leader and fellow travellers early for an orientation walk around this gorgeous town at 1 pm this afternoon. Check out the colonial-era buildings framed by mountains and the cobblestoned centre of La Candelaria. Later, why not head out for dinner with the group at one of the local restaurants? Your leader will have all the best recommendations!
Included Activities:
- Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, arise nice and early and explore the colourful Paloquemao Market with your trip leader. Get to know the locals and try new flavours at this bustling whirlwind of colours and scents. From the market, hop on a short flight to Colombia's famous coffee region and then transfer to the beautiful village of Salento. When you arrive, take your time strolling through the quaint streets and admiring the paisa architecture. For dinner tonight, maybe tuck into the local favourite of trout – there are many different ways to enjoy it here, 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, visit the local tejo hall and give it a go.
Included Activities:
- Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
- Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, hop in a jeep and head 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 with a hike to Finca la Montana. At 2860 m, there are some pretty incredible views of Morrogacho Mountain (if cloud and fog permit) and the valley below during the hike to the top. If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley on your own and then cruise back to town in a jeep. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay at Guayabal – an old-school coffee estancia, owned and run by a local family in Chinchina. Guayabal has been in the family since 1950, survived an earthquake in 1979 and with lots of dedication and hard work, became the humble estancia it is today, surrounded by lush greenery and mountain peaks.
Included Activities:
- Coffee Region - Cocora Valley visit & Hike
Accommodation:
- Coffee Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Thanks to the 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 much better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre today. 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. You’ll try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing them, finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. Later, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surroundings of sloping green hills and valleys.
Included Activities:
- Leader-led Informal Spanish Lesson
- Manizales - Coffee plantation tour, coffee tasting and coffee making
Accommodation:
- Coffee Estancia (Number of Nights: 1)
Jump aboard a comfortable public bus this morning and head to Medellin. This is a bit of a long drive, so grab a good book or your favourite playlist or play some road trip games and get to know your group a little better. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get your bearings. Learn about how Medellin 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 now turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. With some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture (and a much safer and more comfortable atmosphere), it's easy to see why it's getting more popular. Tonight, you’re free to relax or ask your leader for the best local hang outs where you can try some arepas (crispy white corn cakes usually stuffed with meat and vegetables.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today, you’ll take part in a Barrio transformation tour. Take a metro cable Acevedo to meet your local guide and discover more about how Medellin has transformed its most populated neighbourhoods. You’ll explore its history, the struggle of its people, the outstanding achievements and the different faces of the city’s recent transformation. Later, return to Medellin, where you’ll have free time to search out one of the city's pumping salsa bars (Medellin's nightlife may well be the best in Colombia!).
Included Activities:
- Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Get out and about in Medellin with a free day today. 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 you can 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 pretty great photo ops, and the plaza is also home to a daily market where vendors sell varieties of locally grown Tamarind (you can try a few samples). One of the best things to do here is mosey through the cobblestone streets and take in the local scene at your own pace.
Optional Activities:
- Medellin - Museo de Antioquia entrance fee (6 USD)
- Medellin - Day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia (6 USD)
- Medellin - Museo de Arte Moderno (4 USD)
- Medellin - Comuna 13 Transformation Tour (based on 4 participants) (42 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
This morning, you’ll fly to Santa Marta and then take a private transfer north to Palomino – a small town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the Guajira region. Watch the scenery go by and maybe get stuck into your book before arriving this afternoon. When you arrive, your leader will show you around Palomino town and if you fancy, you can pick up some empanadas for lunch. This is the perfect town for some quality beach time, so with your free afternoon, why not laze on the warm sands and enjoy the views (on a clear day) of the glacial peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. If you’re looking for something more active, visit the surrounding National Park for a hike. Tonight, take the chance to feast on some fresh seafood, like lionfish or prawns – with its Caribbean location, Palomino is naturally home to some excellent restaurants with some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in Colombia. The best of them can be found at the far end of the beach, where the river meets the sea.
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today is a free day in Palomino. Get active and maybe take a hike in the nearby Tayrona National Natural Park – a large, protected area of the foothills of the Siera Nevada de Santa Marta known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons and biodiverse rainforest. Here, you can soak up the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada ranges and the glittering Caribbean Sea. If you prefer, you can just spend some time chilling on the beach until it’s time to hit the bar or find something delicious for dinner tonight.
Optional Activities:
- Palomino – Tayrona National Park visit (22 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hostel (Number of Nights: 1)
Travel to Cartagena this morning – a port city on the Caribbean coast known for its walled Old Town founded in the 16th century. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk around the hotel. Then, you’ll have the chance to soak up all this city offers at your own pace, with two whole days free. The Old Town’s inner walls are the main attraction – inside, 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 take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands for more coastal bliss. You could also take on a rum tasting (yum) or learn some new moves at a champeta dance class. If you fancy, maybe take a private sunset cruise on the water and watch the city transform as darkness falls. Your leader will be on hand to give you tips on making the best of your time.
Optional Activities:
- Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) (70 USD)
- Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (6 USD)
- Cartagena - Graffiti Tour (based on 4 participants) (21 USD)
- Cartagena - La Boquilla Mangrove tour (based on 4 participants) (47 USD)
- Cartagena - Rum tasting experience (74 USD)
- Cartagena - Street Food Tour (based on 4 participants) (31 USD)
- Cartagena - Champeta Class (from) (12 USD)
- Cartagena - Private Sunset Cruise (based on 4 participants) (179 USD)
- Cartagena - El Totumo Mud Volcano (based on 4 participants) (75 USD)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 2)
After breakfast today, it's time to say adios to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end in Cartagena this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.
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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
Nazim - Traveled, July 2023
The experience was truly fantastic. Initially, I had my doubts about taking the Colombia tour through Intrepid, but it turned out to be a wonderful decision. Not only did I make great friendships, but I also had an amazing time. I highly recommend the Real Colombia tour to anyone who wishes to explore the cultural aspects of Colombia and have a fun-filled adventure.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Brianna - Traveled, July 2023
This trip is a really fun way to see Columbia with a lot of other young people who are interested in exploring this beautiful but lesser known country. The country offers incredible vistas and the food is delicious, very accommodating to vegans.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/05/2023
Sidrah - Traveled, June 2023
I made some of the best memories on this trip. THIS is the trip for you if you are wanting to experience culture, food, adventures, and some relaxation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/03/2023
Sarah - Traveled, June 2023
I would highly recommend this tour. Our tour leader Andres was so knowledgeable and welcoming. It was a great way to see Colombia, especially as someone who does not speak Spanish. The country is beautiful, the people are kind, and the food is awesome.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/27/2023
Martijn - Traveled, April 2023
Real Colombia is designed to show you the highlights of Colombia, but also takes you to places that most tourists would never go. It left me feeling like I had truly experienced the country and was ready to explore even more.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/24/2023
Livia - Traveled, August 2023
Intrepid was a great possibility to see as much as possible of a country in a small amount of time. They provide the best local leaders which show you a lot of the culture, dishes and activities. I would totally recomend it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/11/2023
Ryan - Traveled, August 2023
This trip is packed with adventure, culture, and opportunities for truly incredible experiences. By shifting between cities and locations off the beaten track, the trip was well paced and gave a great taste of the immense diversity of Colombia. Most importantly, our guide Manuela was so fun, caring, and knowledgeable about the places we visited. She made the trip incredible and unforgettable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/30/2023
Emily - Traveled, August 2023
This tour was amazing! I would 100% recommend it. It was a great mixture of different locations and our guide, Manuela was the best!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/09/2023
Nathalie - Traveled, November 2022
The real Colombia tour was nothing short of amazing! The iterinary included a perfect mix of activities and chill days. We saw land and city, had amazing guides on the activities and learned a lot. I felt connected to Colombia in a way i did not imagine i could have done. Our tourleader Andrea was the best, through her we saw and felt the real Colombia. She made is feel safe and was always available! Thank you so much! I came with little knowledge and leave with a lot! Accommodations were great and my group as well! Small and familiar with loads of fun :) Papayeros will be back!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/06/2022
Devan - Traveled, March 2022
This trip was excellent! Our guide Andres was perfect. He was very knowledgeable, organized, and communicated well. The itinerary is great as it covers much of the main sites of Colombia, while also going to a few less traveled places such as Salento & Cocora Valley. The group was great and made the trip more enjoyable, especially as we were all in the same age range. The accommodation was decent, 3-stars across the board, with the Coffee Estancia being the best one. All in all I highly recommend this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/07/2022
Deepa - Traveled, March 2022
I would highly recommend this tour - its a lovely snap shot of how beautiful Colombia truly is and our guide, Andres, made the whole experience engaging, fun and memorable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/11/2022
Freddie - Traveled, April 2023
Real Colombia was one of the best Intrepid Trips I have ever done, and one of my favourite ever. It has the perfect mix of rural and city activities, as well brilliant tours with local guides at each location. Our Tour Leader Manuela was phenomenal, and I would recommend her and everything about this trip. 5/5*
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2023
Ashrut Mohan - Traveled, April 2023
This trip included a balanced itinerary exploring cities, nightlife, nature, hiking, and other unique aspects of Colombia, while also leaving free time to explore on your own. The group leader Manuela was incredibly well organized and went above and beyond to make sure the entire group felt included and had a great time throughout the trip. The itinerary had some flexibility built in, wherein you could fill each stop with multiple intense activities, or pursue a more relaxed approach if you'd like a rest. Would highly recommend!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/21/2023
Zachary - Traveled, April 2023
Real Colombia was a fantastic Intrepid trip that I cannot recommend highly enough! Over nearly two weeks, you will explore some of the main sights of Colombia, a beautiful and largely safe country that has successfully overcome its prior violent reputation. This trip successfully melds urban exploration, natural wonders, cultural interactions, and food to truly deliver the best of "real Colombia" to foreign tourists. Along the way, you'll see breathtaking sights, meet interesting and diverse people, and discover the beautiful land that is Colombia! If you want to explore the country but are hesitant about going alone, as I was, Intrepid's Real Colombia trip is the ideal way of having an adventurous solo trip with the safety, logistical support, and friendship of a group tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Ellie-Jai - Traveled, April 2023
One of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life was coming on this tour. It was a brilliant way to see a lot of Colombia in a short time. My tour guide Manuela was absolutely brilliant and we really gelled as a group, which eased all my nerves about solo travelling for the first time!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/30/2023
Shweta - Traveled, November 2022
Sufficient itinerary, some travelling time but made up for by proactiveness of tour guide. Good balance of city break, outdoors activities, nightlife and relaxing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/11/2022
Ben - Traveled, November 2022
Real Colombia was a great way to see the beauty of Colombia in a relatively short time frame. The tour can be busy, but you will experience a lot of great locations and culture with some great people!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/10/2022
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