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.
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
Explore 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
Encounter wildlife including colorful birds, butterflies and small mammals among the diverse 259 species of orchids, bromeliads and other other eye-catching flora
Experience the sights and scents of the Paloquemao Market while mingling with locals as they stock their pantries with a delicious array of fruits and vegetables
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
The sightseeing is phenomenal. Colombia is turning over a new leaf and you can take in this edgy sightseeing opportunity by bike or by foot.
02
The street art is exceptional. Bogotá's flyovers, office blocks and municipal walls are canvases to some of the world's best street artists.
03
If you're like us and love your food, Colombia's exotic fruit selection may be a highlight of your trip. Dive in to a local market and enjoy the abundance of these lavish fruits.
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.
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.
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.
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 Hacienda Combia
Hacienda Combia is a family-owned agricultural farm and colonial-style hotel, located in a unique natural environment, surrounded by green coffee trees. The hotel, located on 96 acres, has 33 comfortable rooms, a convention hall, a panoramic swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath and sauna.
Filandia / Valle del Cocora / Salento / Bosques de Palma Natural Reserve
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.
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!
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.
Boquilla Mangroves / Getsemani / San Felipe Fortress
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.
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.
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to explain the details of each activity, answer any questions, and demonstrate the use of all equipment. Each activity has been carefully planned to include options for all levels. Most importantly, your guides will help you select the distance that’s right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
Colombia is a country that is so steeped in colonial charm that it appears lost in time. Narrow cobblestone streets and an unhurried atmosphere harken back to a less complicated era. The lush landscape is filled with ancient archaeological sites that rival Machu Picchu in both mystery and architecture. Colombia’s landscapes offer more diversity than almost any other, ranging from sandy Caribbean beaches to lush hillside coffee plantations to snow-capped peaks with the unique high-altitude vegetation of the páramo. While there is plenty to draw a traveler in, it’s the Colombian people’s legendary hospitality that makes you want to stay. Colombians love their country and have an unparalleled desire to share it with visitors, creating an opportunity for visitors to see a place that few others have explored.
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.
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.
What's Included
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.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
South America Expert
Dan Austin
Not sure what to expect when you get your boots on the ground—or bike on the road or paddle in the water—in that dream destination? Dan Austin would love to tell you. More than likely, he’s been there, done that, and then some. The founder and president of Austin Adventures, Dan is a boots-on-the-ground influencer in the company, helping guests, ensuring guides lead the way he would, and curating new trips by personally experiencing and evaluating every detail. While always happy to add to his list of 64 countries and counting, Dan most highly values helping guests experience their adventure in the most inspiring and energizing way possible.
