Colombia is a destination whose rhythm is the variety of its landscape, from its mountains, valleys and rivers, to the colours of the birds flying through the sky, to the Caribbean waves that caress the beaches, or the Pacific Sea where whales can be seen, through its plains before the dense Amazon.
Welcome to Medellin. When you arrive at the airport please complete immigration formalities and collect your luggage. Then, remove costumes, exit the arrival hall, and then clear the customs. You will find your guide outside holding a sign with the name of your hotel. You will reach your hotel after a 45 minute transfer (under normal traffic conditions).
PM – Medellin – Walking tour through el Poblado with your guide. To get to know the city better, we invite you today to spend 3 hours walking around the neighborhood of “El Poblado”. El Poblado, the most modern area of the city, reflects the rapid growth that has occurred in recent years. You will end the tour by heading to a “tejo field”. It is a prehispanic game that involves hitting a metal “bocin” ring with a “tejo”. The distance to the ring is about 22mts. The game is made more exciting by the inclusion of gunpowder in small triangular packets, called “mechas”.
Overnight at El Cielo Hotel or similar
Meal: No Meal
9:00 AM – Medellin: Visit of Medellin (8h), plus graffiti expert at comuna 13 Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring”, is today the most innovative Latin American city. In the recent past, Medellin was closely linked to Pablo Escobar’s life and violent gang wars. Medellin has undergone some dramatic changes in the past twenty years. Medellin was transformed from the most dangerous place in the world to a modern city by an innovative development program. You will visit the Botero Square today to see an exhibition by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero whose sculptures are now an icon for the city. Afternoon, you can take the Metro Cable to comuna 13 which was once notorious for gang violence. The cable car was built to connect people living in the suburbs of Medellin with metro medellin. The unique Electric Escalators give visitors an insight into the daily lives of people living in the district. The graffiti on the walls tells the story of the inhabitants.
Overnight at El Cielo Hotel or similar
Meal: Breakfast
AM- The driver will pick up you at your hotel to make the 15 minute transfer to the airport, in time for you to check-in for your domestic flight. Please note that Easyfly, a local airline, is the carrier. The luggage limit per person is 15 kg (33lb) for checked luggage and 5 kg (11lb). Additional kilos may be paid at the airport during check-in. There may be fees for changes and refunds.
Zona cafetera – Armenia
PM- Arrival transfer with meet & greet
Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa or similar
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
9:00 AM – Zona Cafetera
Visit to Pijao a small village in the Andes mountains is located at the foot of the Andes. It is the inhabitants’ stories that give this place its magic. A local guide will accompany you on a tour to Pijao where you will meet Don Leo a small farmer who will be kindly accompanying you as he shares the story of his life. Pijao houses are an important part of the tour. They hide beautiful gardens with hydrangeas. Enjoy a warm drink and a chat with a local while enjoying the aromas of the plants in their garden. You will discover that coffee is a central part of the culture in this Colombian area. You can enjoy the Pijao plantations after sharing your experiences with these lovely people.
Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa or similar.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
Cacao Tour 8:00 AM Zona cafetera (2h)
Welcome Hacienda Bambusa.
A beautiful bamboo house situated in the middle plantain and cacao plantations. Here you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature in the Colombian Coffee Region. The hotel guide will take you on a hike around the property, circling the large cocoa plantation. You will also visit the nursery, where the yellows, oranges and reds of the cocoa tree will enchant. Discover the hand-made fermentation and drying process that turns the cocoa bean into a ready to export product. You will also see banana plantations, and a bamboo forest that invites you to relax and get lost in its shade.
10:00 AM – Zona Cafetera – Horseback Riding in La Maria Natural Reserve (with Lunch)
Ride a horse through a nature preserve near Hacienda Bambusa and feel like a cowboy. A professional rider will take you on a journey through the forest, which is reforested with indigenous tree species. You will also see a pineapple plantation, some streams and cattle. This will provide you with many funny moments in the calm landscapes, along narrow paths and lush trees. A rustic al fresco lunch is included at the end.
Transfer to Hacienda Bambusa (round trip) included (about 25min each way).
2:00 PM – Zona cafetera- Pereira
Departure transfer Your Spanish-speaking driver will pick up you at your hotel to take you to the airport. We’re glad you came. We are glad you were here. Please collect your luggage at the airport and proceed to the arrivals hall. You will find your guide outside holding a sign that includes your name. You will reach your hotel after a 15 minute transfer (under normal traffic conditions).
Overnight at Casa San Agustin or similar.
Meal: Breakfast and Dinner
9:00 AM- Getsemani is one of the most trendy neighborhoods in the city. Cartagena was the first city in Gran Colombia to be free. The independence revolution started here. The tour lasts 3 hours. Your guide will explain why this neighborhood was named one of the coolest in the world. This tour will give you the chance to meet the locals. Luis, the leader of this community, is waiting to show you around his home and let you immerse yourself in their culture. Discover the different Cartageneros who live in Getsemani. You will be amazed by their work in their homes.
3:00 PM- Cartagena – Classic Walking Tour Walled City + Sunset Drinks at Cafe del Mar (3 hr) This tour allows you to familiarize yourself with the historic center of Cartagena within the walls which protected it from pirate invasions and were declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. We will show you the colonial architecture and colorful streets of the historic walled city. The most popular attractions will be seen, including the Clock Tower, Parque de Bolivar and Plaza de San Pedro Claver. You’ll also see the Santo Domingo, San Diego, Plaza Fernandez Madrid and Plaza Fernandez Madrid. The guide will explain the history of Cartagena and share legends, pirates, and interesting facts around every corner. After the tour, you can relax with a drink at the Cafe del Mar Restaurant and watch the sunset. This is a bar-restaurant on the Bastion Santo Domingo, with a great view of the Caribbean and live music. The tour will last approximately three hours. Your guide will pay close attention to your questions, concerns, and interests to ensure that you have a pleasant time.
Overnight at Casa San Agustin or similar
Meal: Breakfast
10:00 AM – Transfer from Cartagena to Santa Marta.
Overnight at Senda Watapuy or similar
Meal: Breakfast
10:00 AM- Santa Marta, Katanzama Native Community + 1h Hiking + Don Diego River Tubbing “Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta”, is one of Colombia’s few remaining indigenous regions.
Katanzama, one of these communities, is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We hike to the community after a short drive. We learn about the Arhuacos’ customs and cooking, and visit their houses and community centers. You will be able to ask any questions you want during this time. Remember that at first they will be shy, so you’ll need to break the ice and establish trust. The visit continues with a picnic and a view of a beautiful sea. We can also learn how to weave traditional backpacks. You can also ask for voluntary donations, such as school kits, toiletries or work tools like shovels, machetes, axes and ax.
You will then tubbing at Rio Don Diego for approximately 90 minutes, from the starting point to the beach. You will then head back boating and find your vehicle to head back to your accommodation.
Overnight at Senda Watapuy or similar
Meal: Breakfast and Lunch
09:00 AM- Santa Marta – Hike to La Danta
On the coastal road connecting the departments of Magdalena Guajira is the village of Gauachaca, known for its beach and river, and has great natural diversity for being located in the foothills Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We leave our hotel and head towards the Guachaca river, where we trek with a guide to the Danta falls, named by locals after the animal of the same name which was once seen in the area. The 3 km hike is very enjoyable as we travel along the river. We can hear the sounds of nature and see banana plantations. We also pass through streams. Finally, we arrive at our destination where we take a dip in the waterfall and enjoy the view. We will also take a dip at the base of the waterfall. We’ll have some time to relax and enjoy local snacks and fruits. We will then return to our starting point and return to our hotel. The starting point for our return to the hotel. Length: 5 hours
Overnight at Senda Watapuy or similar.
Meal: Breakfast
12:00 PM
Departure Transfer your Spanish-speaking driver will pick up at your hotel to take you 1 hour to the airport.
We look forward to seeing you again. International flight.
End of services.
Meal: Breakfast
- Senior travel designer with experience in trip planning.
- Matching with carefully selected guides.
- Reservations at restaurants are available on request.
- Preparation and preparation of travel documents.
- During your trip, you will receive:
- Hotel and lodgings with breakfast daily according to the price.
- Meals according to your itinerary.
- Drinks are not usually included.
- Tickets for places visited (museums etc.).
- Taxes, if applicable. All transfers and tour are private.
- Staff are available to answer your emergency calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Permanent coordination. Monitoring of domestic flight and web check-in on the day prior to each flight.
- Tips.
- Personal Insurance.
- Visa expenses.
- International flights.
Accommodation
2 nights at El Cielo Hotel or similar, Medellin
2 nights at Hacienda Bambusa or similar, Armenia
2 nights at San Agustin or similar, Cartagena
3 nights at Senda Watapuy or similar, Santa Martha
Highlights
Exploration of El Poblado: Guided walking tour of the modern El Poblado neighborhood, followed by a visit to a Tejo field to experience the traditional Colombian game.
Discovering Medellín: Full-day tour exploring Medellín’s transformation from a troubled past to a vibrant city. Highlights include Botero Plaza and a visit to Comuna 13 with its unique Metro Cable and Electric Escalators.
Exploring Pijao: Visit to Pijao, a small town nestled in the Andes mountains. Experience the local coffee culture, interact with residents, and tour a coffee farm.
Cacao Tour and Horseback Riding: Explore Hacienda Bambusa’s cocoa plantation, followed by a horseback riding adventure in La Maria natural reserve.
Getsemaní Neighborhood Tour: Discover the historic neighborhood of Getsemaní, where Cartagena’s independence revolution began. Interact with locals and explore the area’s cultural significance.
Walled City Walking Tour: Guided tour of Cartagena’s walled city, including landmarks like the Clock Tower, Parque de Bolívar, and Plaza Fernandez Madrid. Enjoy sunset drinks at Café del Mar.
Visit to Katanzama Community: Encounter indigenous culture at the Katanzama community, including hiking, learning about local customs, and participating in traditional activities like weaving. Enjoy tubing on the Don Diego River.
Hike to La Danta Waterfall: Trek along the Guachaca River to La Danta Waterfall, a scenic spot for swimming and relaxation.
Each day offers unique experiences that showcase the rich cultural and natural diversity of Colombia.
Travel Tips
Preparation for Medellín:
Make sure to pack comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking during the tour of El Poblado and the visit to the Tejo field.
Consider bringing sunscreen and insect repellent, especially if you plan to be outdoors during the walk.
Keep the provided contact number handy in case of flight delays or any issues with the transfer.
Exploring Medellín:
During the visit to Comuna 13, respect your guide’s instructions and keep your belongings secure.
Always ask before taking photographs of local people and respect their privacy.
Traveling to Armenia and the Coffee Region:
Check Easyfly’s baggage limits for the domestic flight from Medellín to Armenia and ensure you comply with weight restrictions.
Pack light, comfortable clothing for the warm climate of the Coffee Region, along with insect repellent and sunscreen.
Take advantage of the opportunity to taste local coffee and learn about the cultivation process during the visit to Pijao.
Cartagena:
In Getsemaní, be respectful to local residents and their property while exploring the neighbourhood.
During the walking tour of Cartagena’s walled city, keep your valuables secure and pay attention to your guide’s instructions to avoid getting lost.
Enjoy the sunset at Café del Mar, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas.
Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada:
For the visit to the indigenous community of Katanzama, respect local customs and follow your guide’s instructions for respectful cultural interaction.
During the hike to La Danta Waterfall, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring swimwear if you wish to swim at the waterfall.
Preparations for Departure:
Ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for both domestic and international flights.
Check baggage requirements and make sure you comply with weight and size restrictions for both domestic and international flights.
These tips will help you make the most of your travel experience in Colombia and ensure a safe and hassle-free trip.
Weather Preparedness
Medellín:
September: Medellín experiences mild, spring-like weather with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F). Expect occasional rainfall, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.
Armenia and the Coffee Region:
September: Similar to Medellín, Armenia and the Coffee Region have mild temperatures with averages between 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F). Bring lightweight, breathable clothing, but also pack layers for cooler evenings.
Be prepared for short, afternoon showers, especially in the afternoons.
Cartagena:
September: Cartagena is hot and humid year-round, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F). Dress in light, breathable clothing, and stay hydrated.
While September marks the end of the rainy season, there may still be occasional brief showers, so it’s a good idea to carry a small umbrella or poncho.
Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada:
September: Santa Marta typically has warm temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F). Prepare for high humidity and strong sun exposure by wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing and applying sunscreen regularly.
In the Sierra Nevada region, temperatures may vary depending on altitude. Dress in layers for cooler mountain temperatures during hikes.
General Tips:
Regardless of the destination, it’s advisable to pack sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and insect repellent.
Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially in hot and humid climates.
Check weather forecasts regularly before departure and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions, especially in mountainous areas.
By following these weather preparedness tips, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your itinerary in Colombia.
Fitness Requirements
Medellín:
The walking tour of El Poblado and the visit to the Tejo field require moderate fitness levels. Participants should be comfortable walking for approximately 3 hours with occasional breaks.
Armenia and the Coffee Region:
The visit to Pijao may involve walking on uneven terrain and moderate inclines. Participants should have a moderate level of fitness to navigate the town and coffee plantations comfortably.
Cartagena:
Exploring Getsemaní and the walled city of Cartagena involves walking on cobblestone streets and navigating narrow alleys. Participants should have reasonable mobility and be able to walk for extended periods, possibly up to 3 hours, with breaks.
Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada:
The visit to the Katanzama community and the hike to La Danta Waterfall require moderate to good fitness levels. Participants should be prepared for hiking on uneven terrain, possibly for several hours, and be comfortable with moderate physical exertion.
Overall, participants should be able to walk for extended periods, navigate uneven terrain, and handle moderate physical activity. It’s essential to assess your fitness level and any specific health concerns before embarking on this itinerary to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience.
Rates are based on 3 star hotels, in case of upgrade please let us know enable quote accordingly.
All prices are indicative and starting from prices. Final price will be available based on availability and dates of travel.