Squeeze every last unforgettable drop out of Colombia on this 10-day adventure through its vibrant cities and landscapes. Take in the sweeping panoramas of Guatapé from El Peñol, then head out on a half-day boat and snorkelling trip in Barú as you experience the joys of Colombia from land and water. Sip some of the best coffee in the world with a local expert, and cap off your experience in the historic walled city of Cartagena. This curated Colombian adventure is the perfect mix of iconic destinations and invigorating activities, leaving you dreaming of your next trip back before you’re even home.
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Sarah
Petra
CharlotteFrom soaring Andean peaks and the vibrant capital of Bogotá to the unspoiled Caribbean coast, Colombia’s beating heart pushes you to step out of your comfort zone. As you make your way to the city centre, scan the streets lined with colourful buildings awash with eye-catching art, and absorb the unique mix of history and modernity here. We welcome you to Colombia, and we invite you to open yourself up to curiosity as you traverse this country’s diverse lands filled with natural beauty and friendly people. Arrive to Bogotá at any time and transfer to your hotel. Meet your fellow group members at the welcome meeting in the evening and get all the important information about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, head to a nearby restaurant for a delicious welcome dinner with new friends.
The clouds that typically engulf Colombia’s mountainous Caldas province offer wet conditions and cold nights that have proven to be the perfect climate for coffee plants to thrive. Search for hints of distinctive flavours as you sip various kinds of beans and roasts. You’ll be able to walk off that coffee buzz on a tour of the historic centre of the city, featuring splendid views and a mix of old and new along its streets. Set off to explore Bogotá today with a local expert and, later, on your own. The morning begins with a coffee tasting demonstration featuring authentic Colombian brew, followed by a walking tour of the charming La Candelaria neighborhood—a must-see for any culture or history lover. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a lively local restaurant before taking a free afternoon to visit museums or take a cable car ride up Monserrate Hill.
Shrouded in myth, legend and a troubled history, Medellín has moved beyond its negative stereotypes to become a hub of innovation and the arts, with a very lively food and nightlife scene. Embark on a culinary journey as you dive into a traditional lunch that celebrates the variety and history of paisa cuisine. Fly to Medellín and sample Paisa cuisine during an included lunch at a speciality restaurant focusing on preserving long standing culinary traditions before transferring to your hotel in the city. There will be free time to explore and relax.
Colombia consistently produces world-class professional cycling athletes and you may well see them riding the hills of Medellín over your time here. A great way to discover any city, you'll mount an e-bike and pedal past tree-lined parks and vibrant neighbourhoods, stopping at some of the highlights and hidden gems along the way. Then, discover another neighborhood of Medellín that showcases its innovation, art and city planning. Begin the morning with an e-bike tour of downtown Medellín led by a local guide to uncover history, art, and legends. Later, visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood on a private tour before a free evening at your leisure.
Located in the northwest part of the country, Guatapé boasts houses painted in every colour adorned with paintings of plants and animals. Sitting on the shores of the man-made lake and reservoir, Guatapé is also close to the climbable granite stone known as El Peñol Rock. You’ll climb to the top along the brick staircase rising up through a fissure in the side of the stone, and be rewarded with magnificent views of the green mountains in the distance and the fingers of the blue lake. Climb El Peñol rock for impressive views of Guatapé. Follow this up with a walking tour around town with your CEO. Be on the lookout for colourful frescoes along the way, and enjoy a meal at a local restaurant for lunch. Transfer to your OMG Stay property to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel.
Guatapé is special for its stunningly colorful town with unique, artistic zocalos and its dramatic natural wonder. The choice is yours for a splash of whimsy or adventurous. From gliding across the Guatapé Reservoir on a breezy boat ride to a picnic nestled by the Guatapé River, you’re promised a half-day escape into the beautiful landscapes of this wonderful town. Today enjoy Guatapé's lovely landscapes. And choose between two guided activities one more adventurous and the other relaxing. Option 1 is a 90-minute boat ride to discover the Guatapé Reservoir. Enjoy the views and take breathtaking pictures from the most iconic spots in the area. The other option is a picnic by the Guatapé River, with waterfalls sounding nearby for a peaceful experience. Return to your OMG Stay. The remainder of the day will be at your leisure.
Imagine coconut palms swaying in a gentle breeze as their trunks stretch out over white sands next to teal waters—a colour too bright to even seem real—and you will soon be there. Your next destination is Barú, a peninsula not far from Cartagena and famous for its relaxing, tropical atmosphere. Dotted along the northern coast are the coral archipelagos of Rosario and San Bernardo, known for their crystal clear waters and abundant schools of fish. Travel back from Guatapé to Medllín and board a flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, the group will transfer to Barú, an island paradise along the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy lunch at the hotel with views of the inviting white sand and aquamarine water, then set off on an orientation beach walk with your CEO before a free afternoon in paradise to relax, or take part in some optional water activities.
The magic continues farther out at sea as you experience this idyllic area up close on a private boat trip to the Rosario Islands. Bask in the sun and visit this stretch of 27 isles with no roads and barely any people. Experience the rhythms of island life while you swim and snorkel in the warm, tropical waters in search of colourful fish and other underwater life. Get out on the water with a private boat trip off the coast of Barú. Visit the Rosario Islands for snorkelling and swimming in paradise. Enjoy a free afternoon and evening at your leisure, with lunch and dinner included at the hotel.
Leave Barú behind but keep the Caribbean close as you head to Colombia's coastal hub—Cartagena. You'll wander the historic walled city's cobblestone streets with brightly-painted colonial mansions and 16th century squares that served as inspiration for so many of Gabriel García Marquez's celebrated books. Travel to Cartagena and set off on a CEO-led orientation walk in order to get your bearings before enjoying the rest of the day to discover the city. Regroup in the evening for a farewell dinner together and celebrate this incredible Colombian adventure.
Today your adventure comes to an end, but the memories made during your time in Colombia are sure to live on. Depart at any time.
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
ACCOMMODATION NOTE:Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE:FREE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE 1PC:BAGGAGE: 50LB / 23KG AND 62LI / 158LCM(1 Piece, 23 kilograms or 50 Pounds and 158 linear centimeters or 62 linear inches)CARRYON HAND BAGGAGE: 10KG / 22LB AND 45LI / 115LCM(1 Piece, 10 kilograms or 22 Pounds and 115 linear centimetres or 45 linear inches)
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noice-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
Documents: • Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border) • Insurance info (required) (With photocopies) • Passport (required) (With photocopies) • Vouchers and pre-departure information (required) • Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies) Essentials: • Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.) • Binoculars (optional) • Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries) • Cash, credit and debit cards • Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights) • Ear plugs • First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking) • Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal) • Fleece top/sweater • Footwear • Hat • Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended) • Locks for bags • Long pants/jeans • Moneybelt • Outlet adapter • Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.) • Reusable water bottle • Shirts/t-shirts • Sleepwear • Small travel towel • Sunglasses • Swimwear • Watch and alarm clock • Waterproof backpack cover • Windproof rain jacket Health & Safety: • Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.) • Hand sanitizer • Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.) Warm Weather: • Sandals/flip-flops • Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended) • Sturdy water shoes/sandals • Sun hat/bandana • Swimwear
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip makes for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip makes for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It’s best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.
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