Colombia Uncovered

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia! You’ve made it! Arrive any time at Jose Maria Córdova International Airport where we’ll pick you up. We already know you’re a legend because you’re joining a TruTravels tour so high fives at the ready! We'll pick you up from the airport and take you to our hotel in Medellin. Chill out, relax, chillax before we meet up later for a bite to eat and some welcome drinks! Limonada de cocos all round!

GUATAPÉ & COFFEE FARM Wake up and grab a world-famous Colombian coffee, you’re going to need it! We’re starting the day by climbing 650 stairs up to El Peñol Rock. We know what you’re thinking ‘That’s your exercise done for the month’. But the view from the top is next level, it’s unbelievable (that’s if you make it of course) but it’s one not to be missed! Afterwards, we head to Guatape, Colombia’s most colourful town and an Instagram hotspot for all of you who love a pic for the gram. Next, we head to a local coffee farm. The coffee industry is vital to the local community and it’s the country’s biggest export! Yes, it’s coffee.. So get stuck in, learn about how they’re made, even try a cuppa or 2. It’s a brew-tiful day! (B)

MEDELLIN HISTORY & CITY TOUR It’s our second day and we’re throwing ourselves straight into Colombian culture as we explore Medellin! What better way to see the city than a city tour! Obviously. Medellin has transformed dramatically over the recent years to become one of the most popular cities to visit in South America! Go, Medellin! We’re heading over to the once-notorious Comuna 13, once known for being one of the most dangerous communities in the world, It has been completely transformed with famous street art paving the way for tourism today. Medellin’s rich city heritage can still be felt here but the lively neighbourhood and vibrant streets make it what it is today. Could we really walk past giant murals and not get a snap for the gram? Absolutely not! It’s a spectacle you’re gonna wanna remember! After an epic day, it’s time to grab dinner and drinks! Hey, we’ve done a lot of walking today so a beer or 6 are well deserved! (B/L)

FLY TO SANTA MARTA Alexa play WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. Today we’re swapping city life for the jungle! We catch a midday flight to Santa Marta where we’ll be for the next couple of nights! We stay at a funky quirky hostel, so spend some time chilling by the pool, challenge your fellow TruTraveller to a competitive game of snooker (loser buys the find round of course) or just take in the 10/10 good vibes. Santa Marta is a big backpacker area so the atmosphere is pretty lively! You know what that means.. We’re going out! (B)

Breathtaking views? Stunning scenery? Oh, go on then! Today we jump aboard our transportation for the day and head deep into the Colombian Jungle to Minca. Wildlife, waterfalls and one hell of an experience! Minca is a nature lover's paradise, we really do take you off the beaten track and show you the hidden gems Colombia has to offer here. Spend the day bathing in Minca’s waterfall, grab your camera’s and get some shots of the local wildlife that are living harmoniously here. Next up, we we spend the afternoon relaxing at Sierra Minca. Sit back, watch the world go by as you look out into some of the best views of Colombia.. Treat yourself to a cocktail or 2 if you fancy it! (L)

RIO BURITACA We’ve hit up the city and driven through the jungle in jeeps. Next stop is our Jungle River spot! From now on, call us Mr Worldwide. We’re doing it all! We are heading to the refreshing waters of Rio Buritaca. Nah, call us Flashpackers today. Sip on a cocktail at the river bar, play a game of beach volleyball with the TruCrew and make the most of the hostel’s facilities before we freshen up. Tonight, it’s beers and bonfires! We can’t promise someone won’t bring out a drunken guitar singalong, but hey you’re on holiday!

RIVER TUBING BABY! You've heard of hair of the dog right? It's only the best way to cure a hangover! Ok, maybe some people don't agree with that but today we’re grabbing the coolers and hitting the river!! Get your swimming costumes at the ready and grab a rubber ring and LET'S GO TruFam! Today we’re going tubing down the river, beer in hand, until we reach the beach, where the river ends. It's not a strenuous activity... so it's perfect to ease the hangover. It’s a hard life aye! So sit back, relax and watch the Colombian jungle pass you by while you do this must-do in Colombia! We end up on the beach just in time to watch sunset and enjoy some time on the beach during golden hour. Ultimate beach babe vibes.

Travel To Tierra Bomba It’s an early start today so enjoy a spot of breakfast before we head to Tierra Bomba Island! We spend most of the day on the road, so don’t forget to download that R’n’B 90’s playlist you love so bad or make sure Friends is downloaded on Netflix to watch offline. Don’t do technology? Us either..(We’re just trying to stay down with the kids) Spend the day staring out at the spectacular views Colombia has to offer! Once we arrive to Isla Tierra Bomba, an island just 10 minutes away from Cartagena! Spend the next couples of nights on a unique hostel set deep in the mangroves overlooking the Caribbean sea with a back drop of the beautiful Cartagena city. Sit back, relax and take in your surroundings, you really are in paradise.

What is a TruTravels trip without a island hopping adventure? Today we’re heading off the beaten path on our very own private boat for a Caribbean boat tour extravaganza! Jump in, dive in maybe do a backflip! (Just kidding, we're responsible adults here) Take in the crystal clear waters, the marine life as we jump in to snorkel and swim. The waters warm, the sun is shining, nothing but good vibes and good company. We know, we’re cute. This is a secret paradise in Colombia. But lucky for you.. We’re in the know ;) Picture perfect. (B)

We are headed to the highlight of the trip, Cartagena! Before then we will stop off at a local community project that collects and recycles plastics from beaches in the area. Olas Paz also focuses on creating recreational activities to promote peace in the local community. After returning from the well deserved relaxing island vibes we will explore the walled city of Cartagena in our orientation walk. We will see the colourful streets of Getsemaní, enjoy the street performers and wrap up the day in the Old Town city walls for drinks as we watch the sun go down. Will it be worth the wait? It’s SUN-believable ;)

It’s our last full day together so take a few hours off to chill out. Recharge those batteries and freshen up before we head out OUT for our last night on the town together as TruFam on the Chiva party bus! We head into Old Town Cartagena, It’s full of rich history and culture, vibrant street life and 10/10 delicious food. Watch the sun go down, cocktail in hand and take in the surrounding you’re in. Could you get any better last night? Someone get the Guaro! *That’s a famous Colombia alcoholic shot, by the way* Guaro! Guaro! Guaro!

CHECKOUT Today is the end of our trip and it’s been a WILD one TruFam! Your Travel Ninja is on hand to help with any onward travel plans you may have. Hey if you’re so sad you just need a hug, they’re there for that too. We don't do goodbye’s very well so let's just say see you later, In a while crocodile. Hasta luego! (B)