Cartagena to Bogota: Colonial Cities & Trekking
21 days
From
$ 2829
Duration21 days
Witness the transformation and resurgence of Colombia first-hand on a 21-day tour through bustling cities, ancient lands, and natural landscapes. Embark on a multi-day trek to the Lost City of Teyuna, passing farmland, steamy jungle, and rural communities along the way, take free time to explore the cities of Medellín, Cali, and Bogotá, and relax in nature with mud baths and thermal waters.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 21 daysService level: Basic
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Starts in: CartagenaPhysical Grading: Demanding
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Cartagena
Start place: Cartagena
Arrive at any time.
End place: Cartagena
Day 2: Cartagena
Start place: Cartagena
Free day to explore this coastal colonial city. Wander the historic old town, check out the San Felipe fortress, or get dirty with a mud bath and massage at Totumo Volcano.
Opt to pre-book the "Totumo Mud Volcano" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
End place: Cartagena
Meals: B
Day 3: Cartagena/Santa Marta
Start place: Cartagena
Travel by public bus to this coastal port town. Free time to visit the Gold Museum with its collection of Lost City artifacts, chill out on the beach and pick up any last minute necessities for the upcoming trek.
Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.
End place: Santa Marta
Meals: B
Day 4: Santa Marta/ Wiwa Camp
Start place: Santa Marta
Transfer to Machete Pelao, where the trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Wiwa Camp /Teyuna Paraiso Camp
Continue trekking along the route to Ciudad Perdida. Today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep inclines, make sure to rest and take in the beautiful views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon and relax by the river.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Teyuna Paraiso Camp/ Wiwa Camp
Get started early to climb the 1,200 steps up to the Lost City. The view of the surrounding Sierra Nevada Mountains makes it well worth the hike. Explore the Lost City and learn what is known of its origins from the indigenous guide, before making the descent back to Wiwa Camp for the night.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Wiwa Camp /Ricardito Camp
Follow the path back through the deep jungle, wind through banana trees, cacao plants and small Kogi communities on the way to Ricardito Camp. The nickname for this camp is vista hermosa or beautiful views, sit back and soak them in.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Ricardito Camp/Taganga
In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Taganga where the rest of the day is yours to relax.
End place: Taganga
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Start place: Taganga
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.
Please note that Tayrona National Park is usually closed during the month of February. 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 in February, you will visit the laid-back town of Minca. Enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation, a hike to a waterfall and learn about local cacao production.
End place: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Meals: B, L
Day 10: Taganga/Medellín
Start place: Taganga
Fly inland to infamous Medellín, now one of Latin America's safest cities. Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival and an optional night out with the group.
Please note, the 2 night hostel stay in Medellín is multi-share accommodation. if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for these nights.
Meals: B
Day 11: Medellín
Visit Comuna 13 — a community transformed. Once controlled by the cartels, this neighbourhood is a shining example of Colombia's progress in overcoming its notorious past. Afterwards, tour the local Plaza Botero, dedicated to the iconic artworks of Colombian sculptor Fernando Botero. Opt to take a historical tour, visit museums, or go shopping in the afternoon.
Take a visit to Medellin's Comuna 13 neighbourhood, complete with a walking tour and lunch provided by community organization Berracas de la 13. Afterwards, tour a local park filled with statues from Colombia's favourite sculptor, Fernando Botero.
Meals: B, L
Day 12: Medellín
Make the most of a free day in Medellin and start exploring. Opt to visit the nearby town of Guatapé, with its colourful houses and famous rock. Ride the metrocable—a cable car part of Medellín’s public transportation—for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Day 13: Medellín/Manizales
Depart Medellín and travel to Manizales by bus. The city is at the heart of Colombian coffee production and its location makes it the perfect gateway for getting out and exploring nature. Take advantage of this with free time on arrival.
End place: Manizales
Meals: B
Day 14: Manizales/Salento
Start place: Manizales
Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Tierra Viva thermal baths for a relaxing start to your morning. Later, take the scenic route to Salento, admiring the beautiful landscapes along the way.
End place: Salento
Meals: B
Day 15: Salento
Start place: Salento
Venture out on a morning hike through the towering palms of the Cocora Valley. This afternoon, choose from a variety of optional activities in the coffee region of Quindío.
End place: Salento
Meals: B
Day 16: Salento/Armenia
Start place: Salento
Travel to Armenia before heading out for a tour of a coffee farm in the area to learn more about the production and culture of coffee here. Lunch will be served at the farm and there will be an opportunity to shop so you can take a taste of one of Colombia's most important exports home with you.
End place: Armenia
Meals: B
Day 17: Armenia/Cali
Start place: Armenia
Travel from Armenia to the bustling city of Cali by bus. Marvel at the 26m high Cristo Rey monument on a guided tour this afternoon. Later, learn to dance like a local with an included salsa class.
Meals: B
Day 18: Cali
Today is free to explore as you choose. For aerial views of the city, ride the MIO cable car or get active and hike to Cerro de las tres Cruces. Stroll along the Cali River and visit the weird and wonderful Cat Park along the banks. Meander through the colourful neighbourhood of San Antonio and sample some tasty Cali delicacies.
Meals: B
Day 19: Cali/Bogotá
This morning, fly to Bogotá. Take an orientation walk of the Candelaria neighbourhood led by your CEO and visit the Gold Museum to be amazed by thousands of gold artefacts. Free time this afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to meander the streets of Candelaria at your own pace and visit one of the many other museums here.
Meals: B
Day 20: Bogotá
Enjoy a free day to explore the capital of Colombia. Opt to ride the funicular up for stunning views of the city, check out the street art, or explore the underground in the tunnels and caves of Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.
Meals: B
Day 21: Bogotá
Depart at any time.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- Your Hands-On Moment: Coffee Farm Tour, Armenia Your Discover Moment: Salsa Class, Cali
- Trek to the Lost City with an indigenous guide (5 days), Tayrona National Park excursion, Medellín orientation walk, Berracas de la 13 Visit with Lunch, Plaza Botero visit, Tierra Viva Thermal Baths, Cocora valley hike, Cristo Rey visit, Salsa class, La Candelaria orientation walk, Gold museum visit, Internal flights, All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
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Transport
Plane, 4x4, Local bus, Walking -
Accommodation
Hotels (16 nts), Camping (4 nts hammocks/rustic bunks)