Colombia | Bogotá to Cartagena

9 days/8 nights
Next Departure: Call (800) 575-1540
From Call for Pricing / person
(Varies single supplement)

Colombia Adventure Vacation

Be one of the first to experience Colombia’s stunning beauty and old-world charm. Get swept up in vibrant Colombian culture as you walk along cobblestone streets under colorful colonial facades. Learn how to brew the perfect cup of coffee from picking ripe beans off the trees all the way to roasting, grinding, and finally brewing and drinking (because who wouldn’t appreciate a cup of Colombia’s finest brewed coffee?). Hike, bike, and canoe Colombia’s unique landscapes ranging from Caribbean beaches to snow-capped mountains. This nine-day tour will acquaint you with one of the most stunning and least-visited countries in South America.

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Latin America Vacations
Adult only
Biking
Hiking
Gourmet Dining
Cultural/History

Activity Level: Moderately Easy (2)

Plan Your
Next Adventure:

About
This Tour

Enjoy the oddly acclaimed tallest palm trees in the world, embrace landscapes of epic proportions, and discover Colombia's colonial charm on this all-inclusive nine-day excursion. You will not simply be savoring a cup of coffee here, but you will actually be learning and participating in the creation of some of the best coffee around. Let Colombia's art, culture, music, and festivals wash over you and awaken your senses.

Wander through narrow cobblestone streets in an unhurried atmosphere.
Take in the lush landscapes that are filled with ancient archaeological sites.
Experience Colombia's diverse landscapes ranging from sandy Caribbean beaches to lush hillside coffee plantations to snow-capped peaks with the unique high-altitude vegetation of the páramo.
Embrace the Colombians love of their country and their unparalleled hospitality as they welcome you into their homeland.

Photo: Bogota La Candelaria

"Meticulously planned down to every last detail. Our guides were superb!"

Anna G. Charlotte, NC

"Excellent Trip. Very Well Organized. Fantastic guides."

Jacqueline V Houston, TX

"Great trip. Good food. Experienced the culture and how the people live there. So cool!"

Chuck H. Glen Ellyn, IL

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Itinerary
& Map

Tour Itinerary

9 days/8 nights

Start: Bogotá (BOG) End: Cartagena (CTG)

Day 1: Bogotá Arrival

Meals Included: No meals

Overnight: Cité Hotel

Arrive at the International Airport El Dorado in Bogotá. You will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel. After a brief orientation, you are free to explore Bogotá and enjoy a delectable local meal on your own.

About Cité Hotel

Blending modern design with residence-style warmth and comfort in the heart of Bogotá, Cité Hotel provides the perfect urban retreat for holiday travelers. Boasting a chic, contemporary sophistication, with expansive windows with views of the city, Parque El Virrey or Andes Mountains, the luxurious rooms offer the full complement of amenities, including flat-screen televisions and marble bathrooms with rain showerheads, fluffy bathrobes and slippers.

Day 2: Paloquemao Market / Monserrate Hill

Meals Included: B, L

Overnight: Cité Hotel

This morning we'll take in the sights and scents of the Paloquemao Market, mingling with locals stocking up their pantries with a shocking array of fruits and vegetables. Afterwards we will visit the famous and well-preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria. A funicular ride up to Monserrate Hill to “Cerro de Monserrate” a white Catholic church located at the top that has been a site of worship since 1657, will provide spectacular views of the city. Tour the “Museo del Oro”, the most important gold museum in the world and a ‘must see’ when traveling to Bogotá. Visit the “Museo de Botero,” housed in a renovated colonial mansion.

Day 3: Chicaque Natural Reserve

Meals Included: B, L

Overnight: Cité Hotel

This morning takes us to the beautiful sub Andean forest, Chicaque natural reserve dedicated to environmental conservation and education, which keeps a significant portion of this area native vegetation. Explore a forest full of ferns, oaks and native orchids, following the tracks of the Spanish conquerors that used part of these paths to reach Bogotá’s plateau from the Magdalena river valley.

Day 4: Bogotá / Pereira

Meals Included: B, D

Overnight: Hotel El Bosque del Samán

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board a plane for the short flight to Pereira. You will be met by our representative and will be taken to your hotel. Explore the “Zona Cafetera” or Coffee Triangle, Colombia’s principal coffee growing area where you can sit back and relax while sipping on the freshest coffee you’ve ever tasted. Enjoy a delicious meal back at the hotel.

About Hotel El Bosque del Samán

This intimate hotel was built in the center of a coffee farm for the ultimate Colombian experience. Enjoy the large green spaces that surround the hotel, and perhaps see some of the unique wildlife that call the coffee region home. With just 13 comfortable rooms, its colonial construction and beautiful landscape, this is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the coffee region of Colombia.

Day 5: Filandia / Valle del Cocora / Salento / Bosques de Palma Natural Reserve

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Hotel El Bosque del Samán

After a hearty breakfast, mount your bicycle and head to Filandia. Explore the Plaza de Bolívar, pedaling along colonial streets, viewing the local houses and typical “fondas.” Take in the beautiful Cocora Valley located in the department of Quindío. Be amazed by the natural beauty and diversity of fauna and flora that you will encounter throughout the valley. Visit the town of Salento with its well-preserved examples of Bahareque architecture. Walk to Bosques de Palma Natural Reserve and take in the landscape.

Day 6: Otún Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary / Pereira

Meals Included: B, L, D

Overnight: Hotel El Bosque del Samán

Just outside of Pereira we visit the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a protected area of 1200 acres characterized by rainforest vegetation and sub-Andean forest. Look for the 259 species of flora (including many species of orchids and bromeliads) while watching for colorful birds, butterflies and small mammals. Enjoy a hearty lunch and make sure to try the local trout. Hike to a lovely waterfall and take a dip if you feel up to it!

Day 7: Pereira / Cartagena

Meals Included: B

Overnight: Hotel Bantú

Board a plane to Cartagena. Our guide will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel. From there, spend the afternoon exploring by foot Cartagena de Indias with its historic charm, narrow cobblestone streets, and horse-drawn carriages.

About Hotel Bantú

Hotel Bantú’s architecture fits perfectly into Cartagena’s old-world cityscape of colorful colonial buildings, narrow streets and towering mission steeples. This hotel puts you in the heart of the city, allowing you to explore at your leisure. Boasting a 5-star hotel category, Hotel Bantú offers an avant garde interior design, eighteenth-century colonial architecture and unique services: colonial courtyard, chill-out terrace, solarium area and swimming pool, spa, bar, restaurant … a tailor made accommodation.

Day 8: Boquilla Mangroves / Getsemani / San Felipe Fortress

Meals Included: B

Overnight: Hotel Bantú

After breakfast, visit “La Boquilla,” a traditional fishing village with a deep history in the slave trade. Wander along the narrow beach separating the Caribbean Sea from "Ciénaga de la Virgen" Lake. Paddle a traditional wooden canoe through tunnels made by towering mangroves. From there, explore San Felipe’s Fort and take a walking tour of Getsemaní with its colonial architecture and acclaimed restaurants.

Day 9: Cartagena Departure

Meals Included: B

Overnight: No overnight

Adiós Colombia! Your guide will transfer you to Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez Airport approximately three hours prior to your departure time.

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Dates, Rates
& Details

Stop daydreaming and start planning your adventure today. Confirmed departure dates and rates are listed below, so call us when you're ready to book.

Not finding what you're looking for? Feel free to call one of our travel specialists for information on custom trips. Over 33% of our itineraries are tailored to fit your group or family needs. Let us plan your next adventure of a lifetime!

9 days/8 nights
Next Departure: Call (800) 575-1540
From Call for Pricing / person
(Varies single supplement)

Recommended Travel Months

CALL (800) 575-1540 for details

Additional Trip Information

Arrival & Departures

On Day 1, arrive to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport where you will be met in the Arrivals Hall and transferred to Cité Hotel for check-in. On Day 9 you will be transferred to Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez Airport approximately three hours prior to departure time.

Activities

Hiking/Walking: 1 to 4 miles per excursion exploring cities, nature reserves, markets and more. Easy to moderate terrain. Sometimes multiple shorter hikes will be completed within one day.
Biking: Up to 10 miles on Day 5. Terrain is pavement and mostly flat.

Meals

The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price. Included in the Trip Price

Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
Meals as listed in itinerary: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Private services with local English-speaking guide.
Any necessary equipment – all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Entrance fees and activities as described in program.

Not Included in the Trip Price

Gratuities for guides and hotel staff.
Local flights.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Meals as not listed in itinerary.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.

Pre-departure Information After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.

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Photos

Photos & Videos

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Testimonials

With over 20-years of experience in the adventure travel industry, we've perfected the recipe for crafting award-winning small group trips and custom itineraries on all seven continents. On every departure, we aim to exceed your expectations with best-in-class service, expert guides and the finest in regional cuisine and accommodations. From first-time travelers to seasoned alumni, our guests agree that on each Austin Adventures journey , the hardest part truly is going home. We're happy to share that 99.26% of these travelers say they'd join us again...and again...and again. But don't take our word for it. Our guests say it best:

“Overall I really enjoyed the trip. The activities were fun and the guides were very knowledgeable. ” Jody M., Burlingame, CA

“Well planned trip. Guides were fantastic and very knowledgeable. Always willing to help. ” Richard K., Conroe, TX

“Itinerary was very well planned. We saw so many facets of the country and the people, and each day was filled with diverse activities. Overall a fun way to see and experience Colombia. ” Joanne R. , New York, NY

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Regions we visit in Latin America: Galapagos, Baja, Argentina ...

Colombia | Bogotá to Cartagena