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.