Overview
Colombia tends to be an underrated travel destination, which just means there’s more untouched parts of this beautiful country for you to explore. If you have two weeks to spare, there’s no better way to experience Colombia than to jump in with both feet and experience the national parks, beaches, village communities, and cities firsthand. Plus, there’s no better place to be if you’re looking to try delicacies such as fresh seafood on the beaches of Cartagena and delicious coffee from the region of Calarcá. Be a part of the revitalization of this warm, welcoming country and come back with more read more stories than you’ll ever have time to tell.
Trip Length
16 Days
Trip Starts
Bogota
Trip Ends
Santa Marta
Departures
Trip Style
Classic
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
12-99 Years
Max. Group Size
16
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
SMCC
Countries Visited:
Itinerary
Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Accommodation:
Hotel Retiro 84
Included Experiences
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Optional Experiences
- Gold Museum Visit: Explore this veritable treasure trove! Be amazed by the Bogotá Gold Museum’s collection of over 30,000 gold pieces in addition to thousands of bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts from 13 different pre-Hispanic societies.
- Monserrate Hill Cable Car: Ride the cable car up the hill for spectacular views of the city.
- National Museum of Colombia Visit: Visit the largest museum in the country and one of the oldest on the continent. Built in 1823 and originally used as a prison, the National Museum of Colombia houses a collection of over 20,000 pieces. Explore exhibits of archeological and ethnographic artifacts and admire works of art by masters including Andrés de Santa María and Fernando Botero.
- Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Visit: Take some time and visit Zipaquirá, a city in central Colombia just northeast of Bogotá, known for its subterranean Salt Cathedral. You will have the opportunity to see this impressive structure for yourself on a tour. The church is 180 metres underground and will offer you a unique perspective into what the daily lives of miners looked like at one time. It was they who created this small chapel carved out of rock salt. Visit the structure, admire from the Viacrucis to the Corus and appreciate the grandeur of the world's largest underground cross. Please note this activity starts at 8:00AM. We recommend booking prenights to make sure you are in Bogotá on time for this morning start.
Enjoy breakfast in Bogotá before boarding a flight to Armenia, in Colombia’s coffee region. Spend two nights outside Armenia in a traditional hacienda.
Accommodation:
Hostal Mi Monaco
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Hacienda Stay: Spend the night in a traditional hacienda (Spanish for "estate") and coffee farm and get a closer look at life in Colombia’s beautiful coffee region.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Visit Armenia market before coffee farm tour in the Calarcá area to learn more about the coffee culture here.
Accommodation:
Hostal Mi Monaco
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Armenia Market Visit: Visit the city's historic, bustling market centre. Frequented daily by Armenia's residents and chefs alike, Armenia Market offers everything from new-age ingredients to traditional Colombian staples. Get caught up in the whirlwind of food stalls, flower shops, boutiques and cafés before determining your route through the market to sample the best the city has to offer.
- Coffee Farm Tour: Visit a local coffee farm to learn more about the production of this important crop, from the planting stage all the way to your coffee mug, and savour a taste of this famous export.
- Hacienda Stay: Spend the night in a traditional hacienda (Spanish for "estate") and coffee farm and get a closer look at life in Colombia’s beautiful coffee region.
Take a morning hike through the Cocora Valley before an afternoon arrival to Salento. Continue the full coffee experience in the region of Quindío. Enjoy exploring Salento and getting a feel for the town.
Accommodation:
El Rancho de Salento
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Entrance Fee Cocora Valley: Head into the Cocora Valley by private vehicle and take in the magnificent views. Get active with a hike through the area and learn more about this fertile region.
Drive through beautiful landscapes to Medellín. Opt to explore the city in the evening.
Accommodation:
Hotel Seven Inn Medellin
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Enjoy a neighbourhood tour of the city and learn the fascinating recent history of the city's ongoing transformation. Spend the rest of the day with free time to explore this vibrant city.
Accommodation:
Hotel Seven Inn Medellin
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Medellín City Tour: Really get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.
- Free Time: Opt to visit the famous rock El Peñol or hop on a sightseeing bus. Ride the MetroCable, part of Medellín’s public transportation, for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Optional Experiences
- Explora Park : A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display. (24500-37500 COP per person)
- Modern Art Museum: Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.
- Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit: For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.
Enjoy another free day and opt to visit the nearby town of Guatapé, with its colourful houses and famous rock. Or ride the metrocable, a cable car part of Medellín’s public transportation, for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Accommodation:
Hotel Seven Inn Medellin
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy another full day to explore one of Colombia's most popular cities.
Optional Experiences
- El Peñol Stone (La Piedra Del Peñol) Visit: Formed approximately 70 million years ago, El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135m (7,005 ft) above sea level. Climb the 649 steps that have been built into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and surrounding area from the peak.
- Explora Park : A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display. (24500-37500 COP per person)
- Modern Art Museum: Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.
- Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit: For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.
- Guatapé Day Trip: Begin the day trip to Guatapé in the morning around 8:30 AM. Leave Medellin and pass through the town of Peñol and see its famous replica, a scaled imitation of the old town square where the group can enjoy an exspansive view over the reservoir and admire the colonial style of the town's architecture. Next up, climb the 700 steps that lead to the top of Piedra del Peñol. This enormous monolith offers epic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape. Sit down for a typical lunch before continuing onwards to the town of Guatapé, where the group will learn more about its rich culture and history. After touring the town enjoy a relaxing, private boat ride on the reservoir and appreciate the islands from a whole new angle. Make a pit stop at a private island for some free time to immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings—think meditation or water sports.
Hop on a morning flight to Cartagena and arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring the old walled city. Opt for dinner and a night out in this lively town.
Accommodation:
Hotel Dorado Plaza Centro Histórico
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Plane: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
- Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Enjoy a free day exploring all Cartagena has to offer. Opt to enjoy the beautiful coast or explore the charming colonial city.
Accommodation:
Hotel Dorado Plaza Centro Histórico
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Get out and explore.
Optional Experiences
- Gold Museum Visit: Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home.
- Night Exploration on Chiva: Get ready to party and explore the city by chiva bus. These colourful vehicles are a national symbol and feature open sides making it easy to truly experience vibrant Cartagena as you go. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun-filled ride.
- Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit: Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.
- Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit: Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display.
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit: Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios.
- Islas del Rosario National Park: Take a boat to this park with a lengthy name—Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park—and be wowed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands. Admire the clear blue water and natural landscape of the islands. Opt to snorkel and explore the park’s lively reefs or sit back and relax on the beach. (320000-350000 COP per person)
Enjoy a city tour, visiting the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach.
Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.
Accommodation:
Hotel Dorado Plaza Centro Histórico
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Cartagena City Tour: Learn more about Cartagena’s history from a bilingual guide on a tour of this lively city. Travel between sights by private transport and visit the clock tower, Plaza Bolivar, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and enjoy a walking tour from San Pedro Claver Church to Santo Domingo Church.
- Free Time: Get out and explore this vibrant colonial town. Refuel with some local fare—"patacones" or fried plantains are a must!
Optional Experiences
- Gold Museum Visit: Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home.
- Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit: Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit: Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios.
- Night Exploration on Chiva: Get ready to party and explore the city by chiva bus. These colourful vehicles are a national symbol and feature open sides making it easy to truly experience vibrant Cartagena as you go. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun-filled ride.
- Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit: Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display.
Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.
Please note that if the group is full, we may be required to use multi-share rooms in Minca due to the small size of this unique hotel.
Accommodation:
Hotel Minca La Casona
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy free time to explore the lovely town of Minca. Go looking for unique birds, explore the area on foot or hang out at a local café by the river.
Leave Minca behind as the group heads into the Tayrona National Park area to spend the day visiting a nearby indigenous community. Gain insights into the rich traditional cultures of this region, and the Arhuacos. Enjoy a textile weaving demonstration by members of local families in the Katanzama community. Afterwards, transfer to your accommodations just outside Tayrona National Park, where you will have free time to enjoy the property and its amenities. Relax in a nearby hammock, find a local restaurant for dinner, and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.
Accommodation:
Posada Villa Margarita
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Katanzama Community Visit: Visit the Katanzama community, located 30 minutes from Tayrona National Park, near Buritaca. Made up of approximately 80 Arhuaco indigenous families, this unique experience invites you to connect with one of Colombia’s most resilient indigenous groups, who have preserved their customs and spiritual beliefs for decades. Upon arrival you will be welcomed into the ceremonial center to learn about the community’s spiritual connection to nature, their history of resistance, and their ongoing efforts to restore their ancestral land, and the area where coca and cacao are cultivated. Then, gather around for a traditional textile weaving demonstration which showcases an ancestral craft that carries deep cultural significance here. Your experience will be led by a local Arhuaco guide and after the community visit the group will sit down together for an included lunch. Your time here fosters cross-cultural understanding but also directly supports the economic and social development of the Katanzama community, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
- Free Time: Lounge in a hammock on the hotel property or wander through the grounds admiring the thick green foliage and fragrant plants. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please.
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia. Lunch is included during your hike. Afterwards, the group will travel the short distance to our nearby accommodations and spend free time unwinding after a full day of exploring this stunning national park.
Please note that Tayrona National Park will be closed on certain dates in February, June, October, and November. See the Important Notes section of your tour for more details. The indigenous groups in the area believe that mother nature needs a month of rest, and maintenance to the park is done during this time. If your trip falls during these dates, you will visit Taironaka Park, where you will tube down the Don Diego River, connect with the local Kogi people and learn about their cultural practices.
Accommodation:
Posada Villa Margarita
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
Included Experiences
- Tayrona National Park Excursion: Get outside with a hike into this beautiful park! Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and explore Tayrona's gorgeous scenery with a local guide. Spend the night surrounded by nature in a lodge close to the park.
- Hiking: Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.
- Free Time: This evening, enjoy the tranquil setting by walking toward the ocean, or relaxing on the property of the hotel.
In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Santa Marta. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tayromar
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Santa Marta Orientation Walk: Take a CEO-led orientation walk of this coastal city and get acquainted with the main sites.
- Free Time: Soak up the Caribbean feel of this coastal town with some free time. Be sure to indulge in the area's fantastic fresh seafood or hang out in one of the many cafés along the beach
With a free day at leisure in Santa Marta, explore the city on foot or enjoy time by the water. This evening, join your group for an optional night out.
Accommodation:
Hotel Tayromar
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Take advantage of free time in this coastal city by relaxing on the beach or travel to nearby Taganga to explore the waters with a snorkel.
Optional Experiences
- Playa Grande: Head to the nearby beach of Playa Grande for a multitude of water sports, to relax on the sand, or hang out in one of the many restaurants.
- Snorkelling: Strap on some fins and a mask and explore the active reefs in Taganga’s clear water. Keep an eye out for fascinating brain coral!
Depart at any time.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
Optional Experiences
- Gold Museum Santa Marta: Explore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.
- Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino: Visit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.
Trip Inclusions
- Wander the streets of Bogotá.
- Learn how coffee is made in Armenia.
- Hike to a remote beach in Tayrona National Park.
- Visit an Indigenous community to learn about their cultural traditions.
- Mingle with the locals in the small town of Taganga.
- Your G for Good Moment: Katanzama Community Visit, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your Foodie Moment: Coffee Farm Tour, Calarcá
- Your Discover Moment: Cartagena
- Hacienda stay
- Valle de Cocora hike
- Medellín city tour
- City tour in Cartagena
- Tayrona National Park hike with local guide (5hrs)
- Taganga Orientation Walk
- Internal flights
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Plane, private van, 4x4, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- Hotels/guesthouses (13 Nights), Hacienda (2 Nights)
- 15 breakfasts, 3 lunches
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, more giving you meaningful experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: Classic
Get the best of both worlds with G's Classic trips as your knowledgeable CEO (Chief Experience Officer) leads you to iconic highlights and hidden gems, while ample free time lets you discover what excites you most. Enjoy included meals showcasing local flavours, plus opportunities to dive deeper into the food scene independently. Stay in comfortable hotels, authentic homestays, and unique accommodations that capture the spirit of each destination.
Dates & Pricing
AUD
Saturday
15 Aug 2026
15 Aug 26
Bogota
Sunday
30 Aug 2026
30 Aug 26
Santa Marta
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$6,419
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
22 Aug 2026
22 Aug 26
Bogota
Sunday
06 Sep 2026
06 Sep 26
Santa Marta
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$6,419
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Saturday
29 Aug 2026
29 Aug 26
Bogota
Sunday
13 Sep 2026
13 Sep 26
Santa Marta
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
A$6,419
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Enquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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