Members save more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide
Unlock member discounts
Unlock exclusive discounts and inclusions
Members only pricing
Bonus hand-picked inclusions
Best of Colombia
Operated by Intrepid Travel
Tripcode: GGSSC
Overview
Destination:
Colombia,
Duration:15 days
Type:Group tour (max 12)
Travel Period
November 2025 - December 2027
Discover South America's best-kept secret on this 15-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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Cofee Estancia) and Day 11 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
3. This trip starts with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm on Day 1 in Bogota. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
4. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Day 8
5. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
6. This trip includes a domestic flight as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
3. This trip starts with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm on Day 1 in Bogota. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
4. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Day 8
5. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
6. This trip includes a domestic flight as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
Highlights:
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Cofee Estancia) and Day 11 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary. 3. This trip starts with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm on Day 1 in Bogota. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation. 4. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Day 8 5. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1. 6. This trip includes a domestic flight as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.
Standard inclusions
- Meals: Meals: 14 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners.
- Transport: Plane, Private Bus, Private vehicle, Public bus, Van.
- Accommodation: Hotel (11 nights), Guesthouse (1 night) Coffee Estancia (2 nights).
- Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour.
- Salento - Traditional Tejo Game.
- Bogota - Visit to food market.
- Cocora Valley - Wax palm tree forest hike.
- Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting.
- Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour.
- Medellin - Flower Garden tour.
- Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena.
- Cartagena - Orientation walk.
- Cartagena -La Boquilla Mangrove Tour.
- Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit.
- Tayrona National Park hike.
- Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee.
- Santa Marta - Orientation walk.
- Cartagena - Street Food Tour.
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allDay 1: Bogota
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota. Sitting at 2644 m above sea level, 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, there’s plenty to do and see here. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine. As there's little time spent in Bogota on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to see all the sights this incredible city has to offer.
Day 2: Salento
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit to a local food 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 in the the wax palm tree forest. 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
Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. 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). This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.
Day 9: Cartagena
This morning, set off on a daytrip to La Boquilla – a small fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena – to explore the mangroves that are part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen coastal lagoon system. On arrival, you'll see the contrast between two sides of Cartagena: one of its most underprivileged areas alongside rising five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Hop in a canoe with a local boatman to explore the mangroves and the Juan Polo swamp, gliding through tree tunnels and past fishermen at work. The biodiversity here is rich, with a good chance of spotting various birds, crabs, and – with a bit of luck – a raccoon or green parrot along the riverbanks. Finish the tour with a fresh coconut, then return to Cartagena for some free time to relax.
Day 10: Cartagena
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. You could join a half-day tour of the Old Town to explore highlights like La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) and Las Bovedas – a former military fortification and network of dungeons that has been turned into a craft market. Or how about an island-hopping adventure around Islas del Rosario? This archipelago is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkelling! Make sure to check in with your leader for recommendations to try some local food.
Day 11: Taironaka
Take a private transfer this morning to Taironaka – an ancient Tayrona archaeological and ecotourism reserve on the banks of the Don Diego River. This afternoon, you’ll meet a member of the Kogui community – one of the four Indigenous groups living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – and learn about their beliefs, ancient wisdom and deep connection to the land. The community also leads reforestation and regeneration projects, and you’ll have the chance to muck in and plant some trees yourself. This evening, maybe enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers.
Day 12: Tayrona
Get your walking shoes and bug spray ready – today’s all about exploring the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park! Stretching along a lush section of the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to some of the country's prettiest beaches, coral reefs and abundant wildlife – with over 100 species of mammals and more than 300 types of birds. You’ll hike to Cabo San Juan – a gorgeous beach only accessible by boat or on foot. Along the way, weave through rainforest, catch glimpses of the turquoise water and maybe spot a sloth or howler monkey overhead. Once you reach Cabo San Juan, cool off with a well-deserved swim or sip a fresh coconut under the palms. You’ll then head back to Taironaka for a free evening – how about treating yourself to a relaxing massage after today’s adventures?
Day 13: Santa Marta
Today you’ll take a private transfer to Santa Marta at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This coastal city is South America's oldest European-founded town. Once you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre to find your bearings. Stroll past Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, and hear stories about the city’s layered past. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to unwind or explore further. When hunger hits, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations.
Day 14: Santa Marta / Cartagena
Travel like a local this morning on a public bus back to Cartagena. One of the best ways to gain an insight into the culture is through food, so this afternoon you’ll hit the streets on a tasting tour with a local guide. Wander market stalls, meet lively Cartageneros vendors and try a range of local snacks – think: carimañolas (torpedo-shaped meat pies), chorizo sausage, corn on the cob buns and enyucado (cassava cheesecake). As this is your final night as a group, you might like to go for one last dinner together and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in Colombia. Salud!
Day 15: Cartagena
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Colombia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) – just let us know when booking.
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. 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).
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid is a small group tour travel company with humble beginnings that now sends over 100,000 travellers a year on grassroots and responsible travel tours.
Important Information
*Terms and conditions
Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
For more information, please see Terms of Use
Book now
Need help?
Price from
$5,540
$5,263
*
Member price from
$5,263*
per person
14 nights
Check departuresCan't find the answer you're looking for? Get in touch with our friendly Travel Consultants.
Call 1800 850 888Speak to one of our friendly consultants, available during business hours.
Mon to Fri · 9am - 5pm AEST
Speak to an expert in-store
Prefer to plan in person? Make an appointment at our Travel Store to speak with one of our experts
You might also like
7 days
Group tour (max 16)8 daysGroup tour (max 12)9 daysGroup tour (max 12)1bf7528171c17aac211db62c2f612fdc
© 2025 Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV) All rights reserved.