
- Boutique
- 22-day trip
- From €5,295 p.p.
Colombia trip | Colombia culture and nature trip
Colombia is a fascinating destination full of beautiful nature and with a rich culture. During this beautiful trip, you will get to know both and feel the purity of this enchanting country. You will start the trip in Bogotá, the country's capital, where you will stay in the historic centre. You then travel to the beautiful Tatacoa Desert. Afterwards, you dive into antiquity at San Agustin, where you visit the archaeological site. Here, you will be surrounded by the lush, green nature of the Magdalena River. The journey continues to the beautiful white city of Popayan, where you will visit the indigenous market of Silvia. In Colombia's famous coffee region, you will hike through the wonderful Cocora Valley and visit the colourful Salento. Via the authentic village of Cauca Viejo, where you enjoy colonial architecture, local culture and natural splendour, you travel to the dynamic city of Medellín. You will then travel to the Caribbean, where you will visit the famous Tayrona National Park, ending the trip in the beautiful colonial city of Cartagena, considered by many to be the most beautiful city in South America.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 – 2 Arrival in Colombia
- Day 3 – 4 The enchanting Tatacoa Desert
- Day 5 – 6 San Agustín Archaeological Site
- Day 7 Journey to Popayán
- Day 8 Silvia Market
- Day 9 Journey to Cali
- Day 10 Colombian coffee region
- Day 11 – 12 Cocora Valley & Salento
- Day 13 Colonial Colombia, Cauca Viejo
- Day 14 Jardín and the surrounding area
- Day 15 – 16 Medellín city tour
- Day 17–19 Tayrona National Park
- Day 20 – 21 Cartagena in the Caribbean
- Day 22 Departure from Colombia
- Day 23 Arrival
Accommodations
Experiences
Destinations
Jardin
Nestled in a green valley on the rolling hills of Colombia's coffee district, Jardin is often considered the most beautiful city in Antioquia province. The historic town is best known for its colonial charm and picturesque streets lined with colourful houses. Explore the cobbled main square of El Libertador Park, lined by the neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception and lined by inviting cafés. Visitors can view local antiques and art at the Clara Rojas Pelaez House Museum, spot more than 200 species of birds in the countryside and visit a local sugarcane mill to taste panela - delicious traditional brown sugar cakes. Don't miss the chance to venture into the surrounding area, with waterfalls, hidden caves and a variety of small coffee farms along the slopes of the Andes.


Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa desert is located in the central part of Colombia. people come here because of the surreal landscapes and because of the beautiful starry skies at night. you have the feeling of being completely isolated from the outside world. There is enough to see to spend 3 days here. The landscapes are coloured red or rocky and grey like on the moon.


Bogota
The name Bogotá derives from Bacatá which is a residence of the Muisca Indians. The city is located high up at around 2,600 metres. Because the city is far from the sea, it was not immediately obvious that it would become the capital of Colombia. Initially, therefore, the city grew slowly. Later, many Colombians moved from the countryside to the city in search of a better economic situation. Today, Bogotá is Colombia's most important centre politically, financially and culturally. As such, it is a modern, growing metropolis with many high-rise buildings in the centre and surrounded by suburbs with mostly low-rise buildings. For travellers, the extensive colonial centre and the lively district of 'la zona rosa', where most restaurants, shopping centres and clubs can be found, are the ideal starting points to explore the city. Be sure to visit the city's gold museum, undoubtedly one of the most interesting museums on the continent. For great views of the city, catch the cable car up Monsterrate Mountain.


Northern Andes, Colombia
The northern Andes, located in the heart of Colombia, has spectacular snow-capped mountains and lush rolling hills dotted with fertile farmland. This picturesque area has a rich history and culture and an incredible natural environment. Visitors can look forward to exploring the varied ecosystems in the Northern Ades, including the wet forests of Chocó, the Magdalena Medio rainforests, the upper peaks of the Paramillo and sea level mangroves. The incredible landscapes attract countless adventure sports enthusiasts, who come to this part of Colombia to hike, climb, raft and paraglide; and discover picturesque colonial villages with quaint cobbled streets and clay tile roofs.
Colombia
The Coffee Triangle
The Zona Cafetera is the coffee region of Colombia. This area produces almost half of all coffee within Colombia. There are small family plantations to large-scale coffee plantations that together cover almost the entire area. It is recommended to definitely visit a plantation here. Besides the coffee national park, where you can learn a lot about the region's coffee, you can also do some fantastic hiking or horseback riding here. On a horseback ride, you can visit the mountains with their snow-capped peaks in Los Nevados National park.


Cartagena
Cartagena is undoubtedly Colombia’s best-known destination. Few cities capture the imagination quite like this one (Cartagena is generally ranked alongside Cusco and Ouro Preto as one of South America’s most beautiful colonial cities). Within the city’s fortified walls, everything has remained intact, just as it has been for centuries. The magnificent squares, cathedrals and mansions in Caribbean pastel colours offer visitors a ‘postcard-perfect’ scene. The famous Colombian writer Gabriel García Márquez wrote in his memoirs: ‘When I first visited Cartagena, I couldn’t suppress the feeling of being reborn’.
Beyond its fascinating setting, the city also offers plenty of a lively atmosphere. Shops, restaurants, bars, terraces, salsa clubs and so on. A place every traveller simply must visit at least once. From the city, you can also organise lovely boat trips, for example to the Rosario Islands.


Bolivar
Spreading down inland from its coastal capital of Cartagena, the Colombian department of Bolivar lies in the north of the country. In Magangue, take scenic ferry rides along the river, explore colonial architecture and learn about the art of gold filigree, before heading towards the historic Santa Cruz de Mompox; or explore the lush Botanical Gardens in Turbaco to meet parrots, frogs, and monkeys. In the capital, meander through thirteen kilometres of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, dance the night away on a party bus or learn to salsa at one of the many clubs, or while away the day sunbathing on gorgeous beaches or watching fishermen bring in their catch. See 280 species of birds at the Wildlife Sanctuary Los Colorados, or delve into Colombian heritage by visiting the house of Rafael Nunez, four-time president and composer of the national anthem.
Medellin
Medellín is a city located in northwestern Colombia and is also known as the city of eternal spring due to its favourable climate. Despite a notorious past (Medellín was the hometown of famed drug lord Pablo Escobar), Medellín today is a must-see for city lovers. Vibrant, modern, and in full bloom. A hotspot in South America. The famous artist Fernado Botero is also from Medellín. Many of his artworks can be admired in the city's museums. You will also find some of his statues in the city.


Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia’s most beautiful and important national parks. Named after the Tayrona indigenous people, this national park is situated not far from Santa Marta. The park’s territory partly runs along the Caribbean coast and is home to more than 300 species of birds. The lush jungle, which seems to plunge straight from the mountains into the sea, provides a stunning backdrop.
Some of the country’s most beautiful beaches can be found here, and over the coming days you’ll be able to enjoy them at your leisure whilst staying in this national park. The views are breathtaking, and you can easily set off on walks further into the park (preferably in the morning), for example to other beaches.


Popayan
Popayan is one of the most beautiful cities in Colombia and is also called "the white city" because the buildings in the centre are completely white. The entire centre is built out of colonial buildings with several beautiful highlights. Popayan is an important religious centre that was completely restored to its former glory after the 2012 earthquake. You will enjoy a combination of colonial charm, ancient history, traditional food (Popayán is a designated UNESCO city in terms of gastronomy) and a lively café and bar culture.


San Agustin
San Agustin is one of the most important archaeological sites in Colombia. Many stone statues and figures of important political and religious leaders from pre-Colombian times have been recovered in several archaeological parks around San Agustin.


Pereira
The university town of Pereira is situated in Colombia’s famous coffee region. The town is usually used as a base from which to explore the colourful town of Salento. The region is characterised by a stunning landscape of lush, green rolling hills, dotted with coffee plantations where some of the world’s finest coffee is produced. As well as the National Coffee Park, where you can learn a great deal about the region’s coffee, there are also fantastic opportunities for walking or horse riding. Furthermore, the surrounding area is home to the relaxing thermal springs of Santa Rosa and San Vicente.
Pereira itself also has its own charm, with its coffee culture, nightlife, a number of fascinating museums, state-of-the-art shopping centres, and some interesting sights, such as the Bolívar Desnudo Monument and the viaduct built in honour of former President César Gaviria. This modern city has so much more to offer than just its delicious coffee.


Colombia Caribbean Coast
Colombia's Caribbean coast is known for its breathtaking beauty. It is famous for its beaches with lush palm trees, temperate climate, picturesque landscape and historical sites. Visitors can look forward to an array of wonderful highlights, including: the walled city and historic centre of Cartagena with its romantic colonial architecture, museums, new restaurants and boutiques. Also, the stunning natural landscapes of the Tayrona National Park. Further explore the lush jungle of the Darien Gap, discover the beautiful desert of La Guajira, and visit the remains of an ancient civilisation on the Ciudad Perdida Lost City trek. Other popular activities include: snorkelling, swimming, scuba diving, jungle hiking and birdwatching.
Antioquia
The department of Antioquia is situated in north-western Colombia and stretches across the majestic Andes Mountains. It boasts a diverse cultural heritage, remarkably picturesque landscapes and historic architecture. Antioquia is renowned for its gold, coffee, textile and flower industries and has developed the country’s second-largest economy.
It is home to the city of Medellín, which serves as the region’s capital and boasts the impressive, unmissable Museo de Antioquia, showcasing works by Fernando Botero, a famous Colombian artist. Visit a coffee plantation and enjoy a cup of locally grown, freshly roasted coffee; discover the charming town of Santa Fe de Antioquia with its colonial buildings, tamarind sweets and winding cobbled alleys; and enjoy a weekend break in Guatape, a seaside resort on the shores of the Penol-Guatape reservoir.
Villavieja
Villavieja is located in the Huila department in Columbia, on the banks of the Magdalena River. The main highlight in the area is the Tatacoa Desert with rocky canyons. Visitors can also look forward to exploring the city's fascinating Paleontology Museum, cycling through the remarkably beautiful terrain, enjoying a motorbike tour with a local guide and taking a dip in a swimming pool in the middle of this ancient landscape.
Cali
West of the Cauca River in the Cauca River Valley and surrounded by the Farallones de Cali Mountains, the city of Santiago de Cali, also known as Cali, is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department. Cali boasts a thriving nightlife, great restaurants, a diversity of Afro-Colombian heritage and is famous as a salsa mecca with Caribbean music and rhythmic dances. It is also known as the sports centre in Colombia, hosting a number of prominent sports championships in recent decades. Visitors can look forward to many wonderful activities, such as strolling along the river banks, enjoying the impressive architecture of the many national monuments and churches, as well as visiting the many museums in Cali. Don't miss this chance to enjoy the spectacularly beautiful mountain views, take an energetic salsa course and sample an array of tasty Colombian dishes.


Colombia trip | Colombia culture and nature trip
We offer this itinerary from €5,295 per person.
The tour price is indicative and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights as specified in ‘your itinerary’
• 21 nights’ accommodation in high-quality and distinctive properties
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All necessary (private) transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including a city tour of Bogotá, an excursion through the Tatacoa Desert and an excursion through Tayrona National Park
• Entrance fees to national parks for scheduled excursions
• Booking fees (worth €50)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Calamity Fund contribution (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)
























