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Peregrine Travel Centre

Best of Colombia

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Best of Colombia

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Description

Discover South America’s best-kept secret on this 17-day adventure through the verdant mountains and powdery beaches of Colombia. Head into the serene highlands of Colombia’s famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Fall in love with Bogota’s heart, laze on palm-fringed stretches of Caribbean shoreline and hang with locals that redefine hospitality. 

Trip Name
Best of Colombia
Last Updated
2024-08-22
Days
17
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Stay in the vibrant Chapinero neighbourhood in Bogota, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.
  • Embark on a spectacular guided hike through the Cocora Valley, home to hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees.
  • Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in coffee country.
  • Discover the new face of Medellin and learn about the city’s transformation from most dangerous neighbourhood in Colombia to arts and culture haven.
  • Try your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport (think bocce with gunpowder!). Join your group on this fun activity in Salento, made better with a free beer in hand.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bogota
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota! Situated at 2644 metres, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic, mix of old and new.. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, cosmopolitan Bogota is full of surprises. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where your group will be meeting.    There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. After, why not go out for a group dinner? 
Day 2 - Salento
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a free beer.
Day 3 - Coffee Estancia
Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.
Day 4 - Coffee Estancia
Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. 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, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Day 5 - Medellin
Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader.
Day 6 - Medellin
Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).
Day 7 - Medellin
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips!
Day 8 - Cartagena
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. Tonight there will be a meeting at 6 pm to meet new travellers who may be joining you for this next leg. After the meeting, step out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city (sometimes this walk may take place tomorrow morning instead).
Day 9 - Cartagena
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.
Day 10 - Guachaca
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.
Day 11 - Tayrona National Park / Guachaca Region
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.
Day 12 - Giron/ Barichara
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.
Day 13 - Barichara
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.
Day 14 - Barichara
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.
Day 15 - Bogota
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.
Day 16 - Bogota
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.
Day 17 - Bogota
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).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
14-12-202430-12-2024AUD $ 6,424-
04-01-202520-01-2025AUD $ 7,785-
18-01-202503-02-2025AUD $ 6,048-
08-02-202524-02-2025AUD $ 5,824-
22-02-202510-03-2025AUD $ 5,824-
08-03-202524-03-2025AUD $ 6,048-
15-03-202531-03-2025AUD $ 6,048-
05-04-202521-04-2025AUD $ 5,824-
12-04-202528-04-2025AUD $ 5,824-
10-05-202526-05-2025AUD $ 5,596-
07-06-202523-06-2025AUD $ 5,596-
21-06-202507-07-2025AUD $ 5,596-
05-07-202521-07-2025AUD $ 5,824-
19-07-202504-08-2025AUD $ 5,824-
02-08-202518-08-2025AUD $ 5,824-
16-08-202501-09-2025AUD $ 5,596-
23-08-202508-09-2025AUD $ 5,596-
06-09-202522-09-2025AUD $ 5,596-
20-09-202506-10-2025AUD $ 5,596-
04-10-202520-10-2025AUD $ 5,596-
11-10-202527-10-2025AUD $ 5,596-
25-10-202510-11-2025AUD $ 5,596-
01-11-202517-11-2025AUD $ 5,596-
08-11-202524-11-2025AUD $ 5,824-
22-11-202508-12-2025AUD $ 5,824-
29-11-202515-12-2025AUD $ 6,048-
06-12-202522-12-2025AUD $ 6,048-
13-12-202529-12-2025AUD $ 6,048-
20-12-202505-01-2026AUD $ 7,560-
23-12-202508-01-2026AUD $ 7,560-
27-12-202512-01-2026AUD $ 7,560-
03-01-202619-01-2026AUD $ 7,940-
17-01-202602-02-2026AUD $ 7,940-
31-01-202616-02-2026AUD $ 7,940-
07-02-202623-02-2026AUD $ 7,645-
14-02-202602-03-2026AUD $ 7,645-
28-02-202616-03-2026AUD $ 7,645-
07-03-202623-03-2026AUD $ 7,940-
14-03-202630-03-2026AUD $ 7,940-
28-03-202613-04-2026AUD $ 7,940-
04-04-202620-04-2026AUD $ 7,645-
11-04-202627-04-2026AUD $ 7,645-
09-05-202625-05-2026AUD $ 7,345-
06-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 7,345-
20-06-202606-07-2026AUD $ 7,345-
04-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 7,645-
18-07-202603-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
01-08-202617-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
15-08-202631-08-2026AUD $ 7,645-
22-08-202607-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
05-09-202621-09-2026AUD $ 7,345-
19-09-202605-10-2026AUD $ 7,345-
03-10-202619-10-2026AUD $ 7,345-
10-10-202626-10-2026AUD $ 7,345-
24-10-202609-11-2026AUD $ 7,345-
31-10-202616-11-2026AUD $ 7,345-
07-11-202623-11-2026AUD $ 7,645-
21-11-202607-12-2026AUD $ 7,645-
28-11-202614-12-2026AUD $ 7,940-
05-12-202621-12-2026AUD $ 7,940-
12-12-202628-12-2026AUD $ 7,940-
19-12-202604-01-2027AUD $ 7,940-
22-12-202607-01-2027AUD $ 7,940-

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nights),Coffee Estancia (2 nights)

Transport

Plane,Private Bus,Private vehicle,Public bus,Van

Map

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