Colombia

Andean Region

Bogotá's Historic Charm

  • Explore the historic La Candelaria district (Plaza de Bolívar, museums, colonial architecture).
  • Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to see pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
  • Take the Teleférico or hike up Monserrate for panoramic city views.
  • Go on a street art tour to discover the city's vibrant urban art scene.

Medellín: City of Eternal Spring

  • Take a Comuna 13 street art tour to learn about the area's transformation.
  • Ride the Metrocable for scenic views of the city and surrounding hills.
  • Take a day trip to Guatapé and climb El Peñol for stunning views of the lake.
  • Attend a soccer match to feel the passion Colombians have for football.
  • Enjoy the nightlife and dining in the El Poblado district.

Cali: Salsa Capital

  • Experience the vibrant salsa scene (dance classes, clubs).
  • Explore the historic San Antonio neighborhood.
  • Try local cuisine (sancocho, lulada).

Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)

  • Visit Salento, a charming town known for its colorful architecture.
  • Hike in the Cocora Valley to see the towering wax palm trees.
  • Take a coffee farm tour to learn about the coffee-making process.
  • Explore other towns in the region, such as Filandia.
  • Enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and other nature activities.

Santander's Adventure Hub

  • Visit San Gil, known as the adventure capital of Colombia (rafting, paragliding).
  • Explore Barichara, a beautiful colonial town with well-preserved architecture.
  • Visit Chicamocha Canyon and take a ride on the PANACHI cable car.
  • Go caving or explore the region's waterfalls.

Tatacoa Desert

  • Stargazing in one of the world's best astronomical observation sites.
  • Explore the unique red and gray desert landscapes.
  • Hike through the Los Hoyos and El Cuzco sectors.

Caribbean Region

Cartagena's Walled City

  • Explore the historic Walled City (Ciudad Amurallada), a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress with panoramic views.
  • Wander through the colorful Getsemani neighborhood, known for its street art and nightlife.
  • Make a trip to the San Bernardo Islands for beautiful beaches and snorkeling.
  • Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and dining scene in the city.

Santa Marta's Historical Center

  • Explore the historic city center, the oldest surviving city in Colombia.
  • Use Santa Marta as a hub to explore the region.
  • Diving in nearby Taganga.

Minca: Mountain Escape

  • Explore coffee farms and learn about the coffee-making process.
  • Hike to waterfalls like Marinka Falls and Pozo Azul.
  • Birdwatching in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta foothills.
  • Enjoy the cool mountain climate and scenic views.

Tayrona National Park

  • Hike through diverse landscapes (jungle, beaches, rocky coast).
  • Relax on beautiful beaches like Cabo San Juan and Arrecifes.
  • Hike to Playa Brava for a more secluded beach experience. * Really recommended.
  • Explore pre-Columbian ruins (El Pueblito).
  • Enjoy wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds).

Costeño Beach, El Rio Hostel & Palomino

  • Relax or party at Costeño Beach.
  • Experience the jungle vibes, river tubing, and party at El Rio Hostel.
  • Check out Palomino and its laid-back atmosphere.
  • Enjoy the multiple virgin beaches and the nearby Sierra Nevada views.

La Guajira: Desert Adventure

  • Explore the vast desert landscapes.
  • Visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas (northernmost point).
  • Learn aobut the Wayuu indigenous people and culture.
  • Sandboarding in the dunes.
  • Flamingo watching at Los Flamencos Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.

San Andrés Island's Tropical Paradise

  • Enjoy the beaches and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters.
  • Visit Johnny Cay and El Acuario for stunning coral reefs.
  • Go diving or participate in other water sports.
  • Experience the island's unique blend of Caribbean culture and nightlife.

The Amazon

Leticia & Amazon Rainforest

  • Take Amazon River cruises to explore the rainforest and its tributaries.
  • Go wildlife spotting to see monkeys, sloths, birds, and pink river dolphins.
  • Visit indigenous communities to learn about their culture and traditions.
  • Go jungle trekking and learn about medicinal plants and survival skills.
  • Explore Lake Tarapoto, known for its diverse wildlife and fishing opportunities.
  • Visit the town of Puerto Nariño.
  • Visit the Victoria Regia water lilies.

Extended Amazon River Journeys

  • Take a multi-day boat trip from Leticia to Iquitos, Peru, along the Amazon River.
  • Embark on a longer expedition from Tabatinga (Brazil/Colombia border) towards Manaus, Brazil.
  • Experience the vastness of the Amazon and observe diverse wildlife along the way.
  • Visit remote river communities and learn about their unique lifestyles.

The Pacific

El Chocó, Nuquí & Bahía Solano

  • Surf at untouched beaches with powerful waves.
  • Visit the Utría National Natural Park.
  • Go whale watching (seasonal, July-October) to see humpback whales.
  • Relax on secluded beaches.
  • Visit the Termales hot springs.
  • Enjoy sport fishing.

Isla Gorgona: Diving & Wildlife

  • Dive or snorkel in the coral reefs.
  • Explore the island's diverse wildlife (monkeys, birds, reptiles).
  • Learn about the island's history as a former prison.
  • Enjoy the remote and pristine environment.

Suggested Travel Itinerary

Colombia - 10 Weeks

Days 1-5: Bogotá & Surrounding Andes

  • Arrive in Bogotá.
  • Explore La Candelaria, Gold Museum, Monserrate.
  • Street art tours, local markets.
  • Day trip to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
  • Explore surrounding Andean towns.

Days 6-12: Cali

  • Travel to Cali.
  • Experience the vibrant salsa scene (dance classes, clubs).
  • Explore the historic San Antonio neighborhood.
  • Try local cuisine (sancocho, lulada).

Days 13-17: Tatacoa Desert

  • Travel to the Tatacoa Desert.
  • Stargazing in one one of the world's best astronomical observation sites.
  • Explore the unique red and gray desert landscapes.
  • Hike through the Los Hoyos and El Cuzco sectors.

Days 18-26: Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)

  • Travel to the Coffee Region (Salento, Filandia).
  • Coffee farm tours, Cocora Valley hike.
  • Explore local towns, thermal baths.

Days 27-34: Medellín & Guatapé

  • Travel to Medellín.
  • Comuna 13 tour, Metrocable, Pueblito Paisa.
  • Day trip to Guatapé (El Peñol).
  • Enjoy a live soccer game and Medellín's nightlife in El Poblado.

Days 35-39: Santander

  • Travel to Santander (San Gil, Barichara).
  • Adventure sports (rafting, paragliding).
  • Explore Barichara and the Chicamocha Canyon.

Days 40-45: Minca

  • Travel to Minca and enjoy the stunning views from Casa Loma or Casas Viejas.
  • Explore coffee farms, enjoy the small town vibe.
  • Hike to the multiple waterfalls in the area.

Days 46-49: Tayrona National Park

  • Hike through the Calbazo entrance to Playa Brava in the Park and stay a night or two at the beach hostel.
  • Hike from Playa Brava through the nudist beach and cabo san juan on your way out the main entrance to the park.

Days 50-54: Costeño Beach & El Rio

  • Relax and party at Costeño Beach.
  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of El Rio Hostel.
  • Enjoy the beautiful coastal setting.

Days 55-59: La Guajira

  • Explore the desert landscapes of La Guajira.
  • Visit Cabo de la Vela and Punta Gallinas (northernmost point).

Days 60-63: Cartagena

  • Explore the Walled City, Castillo San Felipe.
  • Explore Getsemani neighborhood.
  • Enjoy the Caribbean vibe.

Days 64-67: San Bernardo Islands

  • Visit the San Bernardo Islands.
  • Enjoy the beautiful beaches and marine life.

Days 68-71: Amazon (Leticia)

  • Fly to Leticia.
  • Amazon River cruises, wildlife spotting.
  • Indigenous community visits, jungle trekking.
  • Optional extended Amazon River journey.