Hola Colombia (From Apr 2024)
Hola Colombia (From Apr 2024)
$3305
Hola Colombia (From Apr 2024)
12 Days Starting in Bogota and ending in Cartagena
Visiting: Bogotá, Pereira, Colombia, Medellín, Santa Marta, Cartagena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
COLO19
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
0 - 25
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day adventure through Colombia with "Hola Colombia" starting in April 2024. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Bogotá, exploring the awe-inspiring Salt Cathedral and savoring the freshest coffee in the lush Zona Cafetera. Hike through the Cocora Valley, marvel at the world's tallest palm trees, and immerse yourself in the colorful streets of Salento. Discover the transformative spirit of Medellín, the "City of Eternal Spring," and delve into its rich history and culture. Experience the breathtaking beauty of Tayrona National Park's beaches and jungles, and wander the historic streets of Cartagena. With guided tours, scenic drives, and opportunities for solo exploration, this tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Bogota
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Hotel Morrison 84 (or similar)
Arriving this afternoon in the bustling hub of Bogota, you'll meet your Contiki crew. Get to know your fellow travelers on a free night in the city, start your exploring tonight, or wait for tomorrow. Either way, the next 12 days are going to be epic.
Day 2: Bogota
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Morrison 84 (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We'll get out and about bright and early this morning, first hitting up the famous Salt Cathedral. Then this afternoon you've got plenty of options, maybe going up the Monte Serrat Cable Car? Or if heights aren't your thing, a grafitti workshop checking out the city's famous street art, showcasing artistic interpretations of the country's past and present. Your Trip Manager will get you orientated in the city, so you're comfortable exploring solo. whether that's a visit to the Botero Museum, lunch at the Mercado La Concordia sampling the local cuisine, or checking out Park 93.
Day 3: Bogota To Combia Via Pereira
Location: Pereira, Pereira, Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Combia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of Bogota and take a speedy internal flight to the gorgeous Zona Cafetera (coffee zone).
We're here in the coffee zone, which, as well as producing some of the tastiest, most iconic coffee in the world, is also arguably one of the most beautiful regions in Colombia. A visit to a coffee farm is a no-brainer, and we don't disappoint. Learn the A-Z of this invigorating bean on an included tour of an authentic coffee plantation and have a chance to pick and taste ripe berries or buy some world-class roasted beans for yourself.Tonight's accom is going to be a special one, a hacienda out in the coffee region!
Day 4: Combia
Location: Colombia
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Combia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning it's time to get our hike on. Heading out to the Cocora Valley is the perfect opportunity to get some amazing views. Next stop is a visit to Salento, where you've got a chance to explore and grab some lunch. Maybe trying out the local game of Tejo is on your agenda? And Salento is the perfect place to try your luck.
Day 5: Combia To Medellin
Location: Medellín, Colombia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Estelar Blue (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Rise and Shine – its an early morning start as we make our way to Medellin.
The second city of Colombia, Medellín has transformed itself perhaps more than any other city in the world. Though its violent, tumultuous past is well-known, today the city is modern, innovative, and culturally rich. Named the ��City of Eternal Spring” because of its nearly perfect weather, you'll find parks, plazas and a café culture where you can sit and soak in all those rays and historic vibes.
Day 6: Medellin
Location: Medellín
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Estelar Blue (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Put your walking shoes on today as we have a full day of adventuring ahead of us. Using Medellin's efficient public transport system, we'll tour the city via metro, cable car and on-foot. Along the way we'll check out Plaza Botera, Santo Domino and Communa 13, as well as the bustling local market. As the sultry evening draws in, anyone for Salsa lessons?
Day 7: Medellin
Location: Medellín
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Estelar Blue (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Now that you know Medellin so well, it's your day to do your own thing! Check out Arvi Park for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city (easy on public transport) or stay local and wander the city - the Museo de Antioquia or Casa de la Memoria are equally impressive. For an incredible day getaway, take a day trip to Guatapé, a vibrant, cute and impossibly colourful disney-like town. Climb the 650+ stairs for peerless vistas of the surrounding landscapes, or just wander the colourful town - trying the regional badeja paisa, and a cerveza, naturally.
Day 8: Medellin To Santa Marta
Location: Medellín, Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Adios Medellin! The coasts of the Caribbean are calling, and our flight today takes us to the storybook beauty of Cartagena, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas.
Upon arrival in Santa Marta there's a walking tour calling your name. Check out sites like the 17th Century Hacienda, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro, the place where Simon Bolivar (the revolutionary who lead Latin America to Independence from Spain) famously died. We'll then walk the historic city centre, before a free night for dinner. Empanadas anyone?
Day 9: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: Best Western Plus (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Strap on your hiking shoes and lather on the sunscreen, because today we're visiting the spectacular Tayrona National Park. Famed for its stunning white sand beaches, lush green jungle and turquoise waters framed by the iconic Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, this place is simply unmissable. Our hike, the Pueblito Trail, winds through the jungle (eyes peeled for monkeys, parrots and the ever-elusive jaguar) to a small indigenous community, before snaking up to Cabo San Juan beach. Here you can jump in the crystalline waters to cool off.
Day 10: Santa Marta To Cartagena
Location: Santa Marta, Cartagena
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa Mara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Rise and shine, folks. We’ll start today with a scenic drive from Santa Marta to Cartagena – with an orientation tour waiting for us on the other side.
On arrival, we'll head straight to the fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Built strategically by the Spanish in 1536 on the hills of San Lazaro, it dominates the landscape whether you approach on land or by sea. Today, there's no need to defend against pirates and foreign invaders, but the awe-inspiring fortress still sparks the imagination, offering dreamy views of the city below.
Day 11: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa Mara (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you’re free to explore Cartagena on your own or with your Contiki crew. Whether you go for the colonial era buildings, the coral reefs or both, make sure you save energy for this afternoon’s optional cruise. What could be better than touring the Bay of Cartagena by water, Cuba Libre in hand courtesy of the open bar on board? Afterwards, we’re back on land… only to be swept off our feet again at a local salsa dance class. In the afternoon we'll head to the walls of the Old City, where we'll have an authentic dinner at Cafe del Mar and watch the sunset. Pure bliss.
Day 12: End Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
And with that, we’ll go from Hola Colombia to Astalavista Colombia. We’ve cruised, we’ve danced… and we now have a coach load of new travel buds from all over the world to plan many adventures with for years to come. Every cloud…
What's Included
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Salt Cathedral Visit
Visit the famous Salt Cathedral in Bogotá, built in the deep tunnels of a salt mine.
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Coffee Plantation Tour
Learn how coffee is grown and harvested at an authentic coffee plantation.
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Cocora Valley Hike
Hike through the rolling hills and valleys of the Cocora Valley, past the world’s tallest palm trees.
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Medellín Exploration
Stroll around Medellín, the 'City of Eternal Spring,' and explore the notorious Comuna 13.
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Tayrona National Park Visit
Visit the spectacular Tayrona National Park, known for its stunning white sand beaches and lush green jungle.
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Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas Tour
Explore the fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena, built by the Spanish in 1536.
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Accommodation
Accommodation in hotels and haciendas as specified in the itinerary.
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Meals
Meals as specified in the itinerary.
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Internal Flights
Internal flights between Bogotá, Pereira, Medellín, and Santa Marta.
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Local Transport
Local transport including metro, cable car, and on-foot tours in Medellín.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Colombia are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as the Monte Serrat Cable Car, graffiti workshop, and salsa lessons are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and any other travel documentation costs are not included.
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Tips and Gratuities
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
Mode of Transport
Local transport includes metro, cable car, and on-foot tours in Medellín, along with internal flights between Bogotá, Pereira, Medellín, and Santa Marta.
Accommodation
Accommodation in hotels and haciendas as specified in the itinerary, including stays at Hotel Morrison 84, Hacienda Combia, Hotel Estelar Blue, Best Western Plus, and Hotel Casa Mara.
Check out our Q&As
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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What should I expect during the visit to Tayrona National Park?
During the visit to Tayrona National Park, you will hike the Pueblito Trail through the jungle, possibly spotting monkeys, parrots, and jaguars, and visit a small indigenous community before reaching Cabo San Juan beach where you can swim in the crystalline waters.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Meals are included as specified in the itinerary.
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Are international flights included in the tour package?
No, international flights to and from Colombia are not included.
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What is the difficulty level of the activities included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as hiking in Cocora Valley and Tayrona National Park, which may require a moderate level of physical fitness.
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What activities are included in the tour?
Included activities are visits to the Salt Cathedral, a coffee plantation tour, a hike through Cocora Valley, exploration of Medellin including Comuna 13, a visit to Tayrona National Park, and a tour of Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as the Monte Serrat Cable Car, graffiti workshop, and salsa lessons are available but not included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
Accommodation will be in hotels and haciendas as specified in the itinerary. Examples include Hotel Morrison 84 in Bogota, Hacienda Combia in the coffee region, Hotel Estelar Blue in Medellin, Best Western Plus in Santa Marta, and Hotel Casa Mara in Cartagena.
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What kind of local transport will be used during the tour?
Local transport includes metro, cable car, and on-foot tours in Medellin.
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Are internal flights included in the tour package?
Yes, internal flights between Bogota, Pereira, Medellin, and Santa Marta are included in the tour package.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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