en
- Adventure
- 18-day trip
- From €3,375 p.p.
Colombia trip | Family trip to enchanting Colombia
You will start this amazing family trip in Colombia's capital Bogotá, which you will explore by bike. You will then travel on to Colombia's famous coffee region, to the city of Manizales. On a coffee and chocolate tour, you will get to know this coffee culture in detail. After a visit to the extraordinary Cocora Valley & the colourful Salento, you travel on to modern Medellín. After visiting this dynamic city, spend one more night in beautiful Guatapé, known for the El Peñol mountain, before travelling to the north of the country. At Minca, you will enjoy a unique glamping adventure and visit the unforgettable surroundings of Minca with an adventurous zipline excursion and a visit to the Marinka waterfalls. After a visit to historic Cartagena, considered by many the most beautiful city in South America, you will end the trip on the paradisiacal beaches of Isla Barú. Isla Barú is known for its enchanting beaches, clear blue waters and relaxed atmosphere.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 – 2 Arrival in Colombia
- Day 3 Colombian coffee region
- Day 4 Coffee and chocolate tour
- Day 5 Excursion to Valle de Cocora and Salento
- Day 6 – 7 Medellín City Tour
- Day 8 Colourful Guatapé
- Day 9 Glamping in Minca
- Day 10 – 11 Tour of the Minca area and the Marinka Waterfalls
- Day 12 – 13 Colonial Cartagena
- Days 14–16 The idyllic island of Barú
- Day 17 Final day in Cartagena
- Day 18 Departure from Colombia
- Day 19 Arrival
Arrival in Colombia
You’ll arrive in Colombia’s capital, Bogotá! A transfer will take you to the hotel where you’ll be staying for the first few nights of your trip. Stay at Hotel Casa Deco, a charming boutique hotel situated in the cultural and historic centre of Bogotá, just a few blocks away from the city’s main tourist attractions (including the Museo de Oro, the Museo de Botero and Monserrate, amongst others).
After your first night’s stay, you’ll set off on a guided cycle tour of the city. This will include a visit to the historic Candelaria district, where Monserrate Mountain stands in the heart of the city centre. You’ll also visit other key neighbourhoods in the Colombian capital.
Included:
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Private cycling tour of Bogotá, including an English-speaking guide and snacks
• Accommodation including breakfast
Exclusive:
• Intercontinental flight
Colombian coffee region
The next destination is Colombia’s coffee region, where you will stay at the charming Hacienda Venecia hotel. This is a unique boutique hotel situated in Manizales, Colombia. It is renowned for its beautiful surroundings, as it is nestled amidst a coffee plantation with lush green landscapes. The Colombian coffee region is also known as the Coffee Triangle (Triángulo del Café), and the coffee produced here is considered by many to be the best in the world. The hotel therefore offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an authentic coffee experience, from exploring the coffee plantation to learning about the coffee production process.
In addition to the coffee experience, Hotel Hacienda Venecia offers comfortable accommodation with a rustic and colonial atmosphere, which adds to the charm of the place. Here, you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and countryside.
Included:
• Private transfer to Bogotá airport
• Domestic flight Bogotá – Pereira
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Coffee and chocolate tour
You will take a coffee and chocolate tour from your hotel. Here, you will have the opportunity to have an authentic coffee experience, from exploring the coffee plantation to learning about the coffee production process. During the tour, you will be introduced to the world of coffee and chocolate, from bean to cup and bar.
Includes:
• Coffee & chocolate tour including a cocoa workshop and an English-speaking guide
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Excursion Valle de Cocora and Salento
This day is dedicated to a visit to the Valle de Cocora where wax palms, the tallest palm tree species in the world and national tree of Colombia, grow extensively. These palm trees can grow up to 60 metres tall and create an incredibly picturesque landscape. Besides the valley, you will also visit the charming village of Salento. This colourful town is part of Colombia's coffee cultural landscape. The town is also known for its traditional architecture, with brightly coloured houses and cobbled streets. It has a relaxed atmosphere and offers an array of local artisan shops, cafes, restaurants and bars.
Included:
• Cocora Valley & Salento, including entrance fees, transport, an English-speaking guide and lunch
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Medellín City Tour
You’ll continue your journey to the modern city of Medellín. The city is also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ due to its favourable climate. Despite a notorious past (Medellín was once home to the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar), today it’s a must-visit for city lovers. Vibrant, modern and thriving. A hotspot in South America.
The following day, a city tour is on the programme. Led by an English-speaking guide, you’ll visit the city’s main attractions. Among other things, you’ll visit the Comuna 13 district, one of the neighbourhoods that has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years. A local guide will teach you about the city’s culture, traditions and social development. You’ll also attend a hip-hop show in Comuna 13. In Comuna 13, hip-hop workshops, dance classes and open-mic events are organised to offer young people alternative forms of expression and steer them away from violent activities. These activities foster creativity in the neighbourhood.
Includes:
• Private city tour with a hip-hop show, including an English-speaking guide and lunch
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Accommodation including breakfast
Colourful Guatapé
Today, you’ll be taken to the colourful town of Guatapé by private transfer. Guatapé is home to El Peñol, a 200-metre monolithic rock formation offering one of the most beautiful views in Colombia. In Guatapé, you’ll stroll with your guide through the colourful streets lined with coffee bars, which lend the village a lovely atmosphere. You’ll then be taken by boat to your accommodation.
Tonight, you’ll stay in a unique accommodation with a fascinating view of Lake Guatapé. You’ll be staying in a private bungalow. A really lovely experience!
Includes:
• Private excursion to Guatapé, including transport, an English-speaking guide and lunch
• Boat trip to your accommodation
• Overnight stay on a half-board basis (breakfast and dinner)
Glamping in Minca
From Guatapé, you will be transferred to Medellin airport from where a domestic flight will take you to the northern city of Santa Marta. A private transfer will then take you to beautiful Minca. You will spend the next few nights in a special accommodation, a tractor glamping, located in the middle of nature. Although glamping offers comfort, you still retain the feeling of being outdoors and the natural environment. Enjoy fresh air, the sound of flowing rivers and birdsong.
Included:
• Private transfer to Medellín Airport
• Domestic flight from Medellín to Santa Marta
• Private transfer to your hotel
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Surrounding Minca and Marinka waterfalls tour
The day after arrival, you have a private tour planned where you will explore the beautiful surroundings of Minca and also the Marinka waterfall. Marinka Falls is surrounded by dense rainforest and lush vegetation. The water flows from different levels creating a picturesque setting, a highlight of this area! You will also go ziplining during this tour. Here, you will have the chance to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and mountains. Finally, you will visit the Cocoa Museum, where you will learn about the fascinating history of Theobroma Cacao, the food of the gods.
Included:
• Private excursion to Minca, including an English-speaking guide, ziplining, transport and entrance fees for the Cocoa Museum
• Accommodation including breakfast
Colonial Cartagena
A private transfer will take you to the Caribbean city of Cartagena. Cartagena’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by well-preserved city walls dating from the colonial era. It features narrow cobbled streets, vibrantly painted buildings and beautiful squares, making it an enchanting and picturesque setting to explore. This beautiful city offers plenty of little shops, restaurants, bars, outdoor cafés, salsa clubs and much more. A place every traveller simply must visit!
For example, visit the Convento de La Popa on Popa Hill, which is the highest point in Cartagena. As well as the colonial centre, you can also stroll through the Getsemani district, where there is plenty of street art to be found.
Included:
• Private transfer to Cartagena
• Accommodation including breakfast
Paradise island of Barú
Today you will leave beautiful Cartagena for a delightful island you will travel to by boat, Barú. Barú Island is a two-hour boat ride away from Cartagena. The island is part of the San Bernando Archipelago group of islands, which have been part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park since 1996. The island is the ideal location for those who wish to be surrounded by the relaxing sounds of the sea, the rustling of palm trees and a refreshing sea breeze. Nearby, you can enjoy various water sports such as diving and windsurfing or just do nothing at all. Relaxation at its best!
Included:
• Private transfer to the harbour
• Boat transfer to Barú
• Accommodation on a full-board basis
Last day Cartagena
After some wonderfully relaxing days, today you will travel by boat and transfer back to Cartagena where you will stay one more night. You will have the last day to explore the beautiful streets and squares of the colonial city.
Included:
• Private transfer (partly by boat) to Cartagena
• Overnight stay including breakfast
Accommodations
Hotel Casa Deco
Casa Deco is a charming and majestic hotel, offering the perfect combination of discreet service with a personal, cosy and artistic touch. The hotel is like an oasis in the heart of Bogotá's historical and cultural centre. It is located in the most antique, romantic and colonial district; 'La...
Casa Deco is a charming and majestic hotel, offering the perfect combination of discreet service with a personal, cosy and artistic touch. The hotel is like an oasis in the heart of Bogotá's historical and cultural centre. It is located in the most antique, romantic and colonial district; 'La Candelaria'. The hotel offers every comfort, friendliness and good design making guests' experience unforgettable and pleasant.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hacienda Venecia
Hacienda Venecia is a coffee farm that is part of the "Cultural and Landscape Heritage Site" declared by UNESCO in 2009. The hacienda offers their guests several detailed coffee tastings and walks through the surrounding nature and beautiful tropical gardens.
The farm,...
Hacienda Venecia is a coffee farm that is part of the "Cultural and Landscape Heritage Site" declared by UNESCO in 2009. The hacienda offers their guests several detailed coffee tastings and walks through the surrounding nature and beautiful tropical gardens.
The farmhouse, referred to as "La Casa Principal" in Spanish, is a typical colonial house in Colombia's coffee zone. It features 7 characterfully decorated rooms, a swimming pool, a beautiful large garden, numerous recreational areas and stunning views of the coffee plantations. Enjoy the beautiful sunset by the mountains as you are greeted by hummingbirds and peacocks getting ready for the night. Hacienda Venecia invites visitors to enjoy the pool, hammocks and delicious "Hacienda Venecia espressos" after a coffee tour or a guided bird and flora walk around the plantation.
Hacienda Venecia also has a Coffee Lodge, located on a hill and surrounded by nature.The Coffee Lodge has 11 rooms; with 1 exception each with private bathroom & balcony. Again, there are hammocks to relax in and you can use the swimming pool.
Also located on site is Hostel Venecia, where the old coffee pickers' shelter has been transformed into great backpacker accommodation with several dorms and hammocks. Step out the door and pick fresh oranges from the tree, read a book in the hammock or take a dip in the pool.
Your stay: 3 nights
Hotel Park 10
Park 10 Hotel offers stylish suites in luxurious surroundings, surrounded by beautiful details and with personalised service. The hotel's suites are stylishly decorated and are equipped with all your necessities. Facilities include a restaurant, gym and wellness centre. The hotel is conveniently located...
Park 10 Hotel offers stylish suites in luxurious surroundings, surrounded by beautiful details and with personalised service. The hotel's suites are stylishly decorated and are equipped with all your necessities. Facilities include a restaurant, gym and wellness centre. The hotel is conveniently located in El Poblado in the city of Medellin, amid cosy restaurants, bars and boutiques.
Your stay: 2 nights
Hotel Pietrasanta
Hotel Pietrasanta in Antioquia, Colombia, offers charming cottages and bungalows with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. These include a private bathroom, toiletries, a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a balcony and a minibar. Accessible only by boat (at fixed times), the hotel offers...
Hotel Pietrasanta in Antioquia, Colombia, offers charming cottages and bungalows with modern amenities to ensure a pleasant stay. These include a private bathroom, toiletries, a flat-screen TV, Wi-Fi, a balcony and a minibar. Accessible only by boat (at fixed times), the hotel offers various activities such as guided ecological hikes, night campfires and kayaking, fishing and swimming in the lake. The hotel also has its own restaurant, a bar, a games room and a spa.
Hotel Pietrasanta wants to offer its guests peace and connection with nature, for this reason no music is played and the use of loudspeakers is also not allowed.
Your stay: 1 night
Trekker Glamping
Trekker Glamping is a luxury glamping in a natural setting near Santa Marta in Minca, Colombia. The concept of this accommodation represents the combination of the latest ecotourism trend called Glamping or "glamourous camping", and Wellness and Sensory Travel, and serves anyone who feels physically,...
Trekker Glamping is a luxury glamping in a natural setting near Santa Marta in Minca, Colombia. The concept of this accommodation represents the combination of the latest ecotourism trend called Glamping or "glamourous camping", and Wellness and Sensory Travel, and serves anyone who wants to feel better physically, mentally and spiritually.
There are several domes where you can stay amidst nature; some of the accommodation rooms have a patio overlooking the pool. Trekker Glamping also offers a restaurant, a bar, a hot tub, a garden and free Wi-Fi. An American breakfast is served every morning. Trekker Glamping offers 5-star accommodation in a unique concept. The surroundings offer excellent hiking and cycling, and the accommodation offers car rental.
Sustainability
Trekker Glamping is set up with sustainable construction of the domes and lodge, using natural materials. There is a strong connection with the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Koguis, Arhuacos, Wiwas, Kankuamos), who guide and transmit their ancestral knowledge of being in balance and harmony with Mother Earth.
More information: https://www.trekkerglamping.com/en/sustainability/
Your stay: 3 nights
Hotel Isla del Encanto
The Isla del Encanto Hotel is located just 60 minutes by boat from Cartagena, in the Corales del Rosario Park. A private island with about 300 metres of beach, where the sun, sand, sea and tranquillity come together to enjoy your holiday even more.
Your stay: 3 nights
Experiences
Private excursion Cocora valley & Salento
You will take a day excursion to the Cocora Valley, located in Quindío in Colombia. Located in the Cordillera Central, the valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. After hiking through the cloud forest, you will arrive at the best vantage point. Here you will have views of a beautiful green valley with...
You will take a day excursion to the Cocora Valley, located in Quindío in Colombia. Located in the Cordillera Central, the valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. After hiking through the cloud forest, you will arrive at the best vantage point. Here you have a view of a beautiful green valley with towering palm trees that can reach 60 metres. You will also visit the colourful town of Salento, part of Colombia's coffee cultural landscape.
Destinations
Isla Baru
Isla Baru is part of the Islas del Rosario and is located near colonial Cartagena, Colombia. This tropical paradise is home to the famous palm-fringed beach, Playa Blanca, with powder-fine white sand and lapped by impossibly blue Caribbean waters. Visitors can join a boat trip to nearby Islas del Rosario, snorkel in an underwater wonderland, wake up in an airy beach room to the sound of the waves, laze in a hammock by the sea and taste 'arepas', a traditional Colombian bread . Don't miss the chance to visit the Avario Nacional de Colombia, a bird sanctuary with a variety of bird species including flamingos, condors, peacocks and macaws.
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.
Manizales
Manizales, located in the department of Caldas, is a city in western Colombia. The city is located in the mountainous, coffee-growing region of Colombia. It is the main centre for the production of the world-famous Colombian coffee and is known to be home to a range of higher education institutions. Manizales is best known for its cool climate, lively cultural festivals, steep hilly streets and breathtaking views of the magnificent Nevado del Ruiz volcano. Visitors can look forward to a range of activities, including: enjoying the breathtaking view of the city from the roof-top of the neo-Gothic Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, strolling through the central Bolívar Square and visiting the neo-colonial Palace of the Governor . This charming city has a European feel with the charm of a small town in the Swiss Alps. Don't miss the chance to explore its spectacularly beautiful natural surroundings.
Minca
The small village of Minca, located high in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the picturesque Magdalena department, is known for its natural beauty. This charming village has a laid-back, serene atmosphere and is known for its organic coffee, remarkable landscapes and extensive birdlife with more than 300 different species. It is considered one of the top destinations for birdwatching in South America. Minca is an excellent base for a wide selection of wonderful activities, including: mountain biking, hiking, 4x4 driving, motorcycling along the winding mountain roads. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular views, enjoy a wide selection of other outdoor adventure options, visit a coffee plantation and learn about the local history of chocolate at the Museo del Cacao de Minca.
Santa Marta
Besides being a coastal city, Santa Marta is also the oldest surviving city in Colombia. The area around Santa Marta was inhabited by the Tayrona Indians even before the arrival of Spanish explorers. Today, the place is an important port city as well as a centre of tourism, history and culture. With the growth in tourism to Colombia, Santa Marta is booming. New boutique hotels and restaurants are opening their doors. A nice place for a relaxing city stroll.
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.
Guatape
Walking through the cobbled streets of Guatapé in the Antioquia district of Colombia, you may think you have taken a step back in time. This picturesque village, surrounded by green hills and freshwater lakes, tells its own story through beautiful pastel-coloured paintings that adorn the lower half of most buildings. On weekends, the waterfront promenade bustles with local vendors selling art, food and souvenirs. Boat trips are offered, while adventure lovers can take a ride on the Cable Vuelo, a canopy-zipline across Lake Guatapé, or climb El Peñol, the massive mountain for which the city is famous.
Rosario Islands
Located right off the coast of Colombia, 35 kilometres from the historic city of Cartagena. The Rosario Islands are a small archipelago consisting of 27 small picturesque islands, all part of a national park, the PNN Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo . These islands are known for their impossibly blue crystal clear waters and abundant offshore coral reefs. This Caribbean paradise offers spectacular sunsets, world-class snorkelling and pristine beaches. Highlights include hiring a private boat to spend a day on and in the shimmering waters around these spectacular islands, enjoying an exclusive night of luxury on Isla Coralina and visiting the secluded secret Chiringuito beach on Tierra Bomba island.
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.
Colombia trip | Family trip to enchanting Colombia
We offer the described tour from €3,375 per person, based on a group of four.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights as specified in ‘your itinerary’
• 17 nights’ accommodation in charming and high-quality establishments
• All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
• All necessary (private) transfers as mentioned
• All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary, including a cycle tour of Bogotá, an excursion through the Cocora Valley & Salento, and a city tour of Medellín
• 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
• Accommodation at Trekker Glamping
• Cycling tour of Bogotá
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Seat reservations on flights
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)