Best of Colombia
Best of Colombia
Best of Colombia
9 Days Starting in MedellÃn and ending in Cartagena
Visiting: Medellín, Santa Marta, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Cartagena, San Basilio de Palenque
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AAD
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTour Overview
Combining Colonial-era relics with forward-looking cities, ancient civilisations with brash, bold street art, rainforests soundtracked by howler monkeys with ever-so-wild beaches, Colombia is the best of South America in one neat package. Discover it for yourself on this immersive trip, which combines the city life of MedellÃn and Cartagena with an exploration of the rural and natural, visiting Tayrona National Natural Park and an organic coffee farm in Minca.
This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start MedellÃn
Location: Medellín
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Café Hotel by Lars (or similar)
Our adventure starts in MedellÃn, nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring thanks to a year-round agreeable climate. This modern metropolis is cradled by the Andes mountains and combines innovative architecture, beautiful sculptures (including many by the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero), and thought-provoking street art. Once synonymous with drug lord Pablo Escobar, it has transformed in recent years into one of the most exciting cities in Latin America. We can check into our hotel this afternoon or evening.
Accommodation: Café Hotel by Lars (or similar)
Day 2 : Guided Tour Of MedellÃn
Location: Medellín
Accommodation Name: Café Hotel by Lars (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we have a half-day tour of MedellÃn, focussing on how it transformed from ‘the most dangerous city in the world’ to the thriving, innovative hub we see today. At the beginning of the Nineties, the hunt for Pablo Escobar, head of the MedellÃn cartel, reached its peak, only ending when he was shot dead on a roof by special forces in 1993. From 2002, MedellÃn gradually began to change for the better and it is now considered one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. We embark on a fascinating tour of MedellÃn’s past and present and learn more about its transformation.
We visit Plaza Botero and the city centre, take a ride on the metro and metrocable, and visit Comuna 13, once a dangerous neighbourhood, but now a living gallery packed with incredible street art murals.
Accommodation: Café Hotel by Lars (or similar)
Day 3 : Fly To Santa Marta; To Tayrona National Natural Park
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We are driven to the airport today for our flight (1hr 20min) from MedellÃn to the city of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. We take a morning flight (subject to schedules and availability) then transfer about 1hr 30min to our accommodation surrounded by tropical gardens, close to the beach and Tayrona National Natural Park. We have the afternoon free to relax.
Accommodation: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Day 4 : Discover Tayrona National Natural Park
Location: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Accommodation Name: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, we drive a short way along the Caribbean coast to El Zaino, the main entrance to Tayrona National Natural Park. Following a walk, we reach Cañaveral beach, a wild and beautiful place; from the top of a small hill, we can enjoy a spectacular view of the sea. The tour continues with a one-hour hike through the tropical forest to Arrecife, another beach. There is plenty of time to have lunch at a restaurant (not included). We continue our trek for another hour, passing beaches such as Arenillas, La Piscina and Cabo San Juan – where we have time for a well-deserved swim and a relax on the palm-backed sands.
We have about four hours of walking today. The trail ascends and descends partly over steps and wooden planks and takes you through tropical forest with very high temperatures and humidity. Be sure to bring appropriate footwear (eg walking shoes), sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
Due to strong currents, many beaches in Tayrona are unsafe for swimming. Please consult your tour leader before swimming.
Accommodation: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Day 5 : Visit Taironaka In The Sierra Nevada De Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Accommodation Name: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We visit Taironaka today, a nature reserve in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Ruins of the Tayrona civilisation can be seen here and the descendants of the Tayrona, the Kogi people, still live in the area. Howler monkeys roam the treetops, toucans and other exotic birds hide in the branches, and tropical flowers line the paths.
We drive from our hotel to the Don Diego riverbank. We board a small boat and head upstream to the reserve. In the small Tayrona Museum, we have an introduction to the indigenous culture and history of the region. We visit a typical Kogi house (known as a bohÃo), the prehispanic stone terraces of the Tayrona and hike to a viewpoint (approximately 1hr 30min). We then enter the forest and follow a path along the Don Diego River. We float gently down the river in tubes until we reach the sea (you may walk along the riverbank if you prefer not to join this activity). Here we have time to relax, enjoy the surroundings and the beautiful scenery.
Accommodation: Villa Maria Tayrona (or similar)
Day 6 : Minca Coffee Tour; To Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our day by driving (1hr 30min) to the village of Minca, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta at 1,970ft (600m) above sea level. From here, we visit an organic coffee farm at 2,950ft (900m) and learn about coffee production. Fortified by the caffeine, we visit Don Camaritos, a local who prepares us some delicious smoked fish and sausages. A short 4x4 ride and hike brings us to the Marinka Waterfalls in the jungle, where we can take a refreshing dip. We have a short tour of Minca before driving to Cartagena, about five hours’ away, arriving in the evening.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Day 7 : Walking Tour Of Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cartagena is packed with stories, fascinating sites and colonial architecture.
We have a half-day walking tour through the picturesque old town, a Unesco World Heritage site. We pass through cobbled streets and squares and along the old city walls. The afternoon is free.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Day 8 : Discover Afro-Colombian Culture In San Basilio De Palenque
Location: San Basilio de Palenque
Accommodation Name: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
We travel out of Cartagena today to visit San Basilio de Palenque, about two hours’ away. Founded in 1603 by Benkos Biohó, a man who escaped slavery, it was the first free African town in the Americas. Here, the Afro-Colombian population still preserve their Creole language, Palenquero, which is considered the only Spanish-based creole language still alive. The town was recognised by Unesco in 2005 as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The monuments, music and dance styles bear witness to a rich history.
A guide from the community will teach us some basic Palenquero words and we learn about the history of San Basilio. After a walk through the town, we listen to the students of the Batata music school. The rhythms, including mapalé and bullerengue, have strongly influenced the musical identity of the Colombian Caribbean. We also try playing some of the traditional instruments. After our visit, we return to Cartagena.
Accommodation: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)
Day 9 : End Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our adventure ends in Cartagena this morning. If you’d like a bit more time in this intoxicating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts
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All accommodation
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All transport and listed activities
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Tour leader throughout
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Domestic flight (MedellÃn to Santa Marta)
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
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Single accommodation (available on request)
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Visas or vaccinations
Food
All breakfasts are included on this trip.
Breakfast is often eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled), bread or arepas (thick corn pancakes), local cheese, tea or coffee and a fruit juice.
Please note, rural Colombia is not very vegetarian friendly, where meat forms a major part of the diet. However, in MedellÃn and Cartagena there is a wide choice.
Accommodation
The three hotels chosen for this trip represent an intriguing look at the vastly different architectural styles of Colombia, while also providing a comfy place to rest in activity-packed locations. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip.
Medellin: Café Hotel by Lars (nights 1 and 2)
In El Poblado district, this modern three-star hotel offers a relaxing stay in a buzzy part of town. When you’re not out exploring, unwind in the rooftop dipping pool, hit the gym with views over the city or re-energise with an expertly crafted coffee at the bar.
Near Tayrona National Natural Park: Villa Maria Tayrona (nights 3-5)
Villa Maria by Kali Hotels is a jungle retreat just 2mi (3km) from Tayrona National Park. The property has views towards the Caribbean Sea and an outdoor pool where you can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The tranquil grounds that lead to the sea are the perfect place to relax.
Cartagena: Hotel Monterrey (nights 6-8)
Enjoy plenty of spots to kick back at this ideally located traditional hotel. There’s a rooftop terrace with a small swimming pool and views over the walled city, plus a tree-filled dining courtyard and wood-beamed restaurant.
Check out our Q&As
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
If you would like to be paired with a tour member of the same gender, there is no additional charge. A single supplement can be requested if you would like your own room.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, our local guides are English speaking.
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
The minimum age for this tour is 16 years old.
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Are flights included in this tour?
International flights are not included with this tour.
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Who is Exodus Travels?
At Exodus Travels, we've been exploring the world for nearly 50 years. From Walking and Trekking, Cultural and Cycling, Responsible Wildlife, to Polar and our new Premium Adventures, we are proud to offer award-winning small group and self-guided tours to 100+ countries worldwide.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
We are happy to assist with pre and post tour accommodation. Please enquire for detailed information.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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