Expeditions Classic Colombia Tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 9 days

Visit the most iconic places of Colombia!

Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena are three of the most representative cities in Colombia. This tour will give you the opportunity to discover the secrets of each city, meet locals, enjoy a delicious lunch at their home and truly immerse in the Colombian culture.

The tour will start in Bogotá, with a visit to the historic area of La Candelaria and the breath-taking Gold Museum. We will also visit a community of local coffee farmers to learn about the coffee-making process and the culture around coffee production. Then, we will continue to Medellin to witness its transformation from a dangerous city to the most innovative city in the country. We will finish the tour in Cartagena, a beautiful colonial city by the Caribbean coast, where you will learn about the history of the country and even have the opportunity to spend time with locals.

EXPERIENCE TYPE History, Local Culture, Community-based Tourism and Hands-on Experiences

Highlights

What to Expect

Accommodation

Essential Information

Highlights

Bogota

Discover the beating heart of Colombia's capital city

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. Its name comes from the word "Bacatá", which in the Muiscas's language means "Lady of the Andes," although some say that the real meaning is "field outside of the tillage," and others say this was the recreation city for the Zipa.

It is one of South America's highest cities above sea level, with an altitude of 2,640 meters. Bogota's famous colonial neighbourhood of La Candelaria contains most of the historic sites, museums, ancient churches and central government buildings. Practically every street corner in La Candelaria marks some important event in Colombian history, and most buildings retain their colonial architecture and charm.

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Organic Coffee Farm - Choachi

Colombia is world-renowned for its coffee and there’s no better place to discover its secrets than in the lush mountains of Choachí.

On this tour, you’ll visit a local organic coffee farm tucked into the hills outside Bogotá, where much of the work is led by women who have dedicated their lives to sustainable and artisanal coffee production.

You will walk through the entire coffee cultivation process, from identifying ripe coffee cherries and hand-harvesting them, to pulping, drying, and finally brewing the beans. The experience is hands-on, immersive, and deeply connected to the rhythms of the land.

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Medellin

Witness the transformation of Medellin

Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and a world-class modern city with stunning architecture. Medellín delights visitors with its sophistication and wealth of attractions. It is called the "city of eternal spring" due to its perfect combination of warm days and cool nights. Its social innovation and work to improve the quality of life of vulnerable communities in the skirts of its mountains are recognised worldwide.

Surrounded by flower farms in its countryside, this region is one of Colombia's main flower-producing centres. It is also famous for the flowers festival in August with an impressive parade of "Silleteros" showing their enormous flower displays strapped to their back.

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Cartagena

Explore a city full of history, colours, music and incredible communities

Cartagena de Indias is one of Latin America's most fascinating, romantic, and beautiful colonial cities. Located on the Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of history, colourful streets and great people, making it a fairy tale city of romance.

Cartagena is a city of contrast between the old town, the urban area, the beach and the local Afro-Colombian communities that usually live in the coastal zone and have fishing traditions in the sea and in the wetlands that connect sea life with the continental ecosystems. These communities love dancing, playing the drums, eating seafood and playing football on the beach.

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La Boquilla Mangrove & Cultural Experience

La Boquilla is a traditional fishing village located just 7 km north of Cartagena, nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the peaceful waters of the Ciénaga de Tesca.

During this immersive experience, we will glide by canoe through the beautiful mangrove forests, surrounded by rich biodiversity and native birdlife. Along the way, local guides will share the history, traditions, and cultural heritage of this Afro-Colombian community, offering a deeper understanding of their connection with nature and daily life by the water.

This experience provides a unique opportunity to discover the rhythms, stories, and warmth of La Boquilla’s residents while enjoying one of Cartagena’s most authentic natural landscapes.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Join Tour in Bogota

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogotá. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

At the hotel, we will check your itinerary again to ensure everything is clear, help you with anything you need, and give you some practical information about Bogotá and Colombia. Then, depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore the city on your own or relax.

Bogotá is located at 2,600 metres, so we recommend taking it easy during the first couple of days.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: None

DAY 2 Salt Cathedral and City Tour

Zipaquira is located about 50km north of Bogota. It will take us approximately 1 hour to reach our destination. The small town of Zipaquira is famous for its salt mine and the Cathedral built inside one of the tunnel networks that was left behind when commercial mining operations stopped.

We will spend about 1.5 to 2 hours inside the Salt Cathedral. First, we will progress through the Stations of the Cross from the entrance to the main dome. You will see a symbolic representation of events from Jesus Christ’s last journey before his crucifixion at each station. At the end of this walk, we will come to the main dome and the three naves of the cathedral that are interconnected by a gigantic crack, this crack symbolises the birth and death of Christ.

Once we finish our visit to the cathedral, we will start our journey back to Bogota. We will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate, also we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre, we will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, at the Museo Botero. In addition, we will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria.

Note: Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3 Visit a Local Coffee Farm in Choachi and Flight to Medellin

We will pick you up from your hotel to start the day tour to the charming town of Choachí, about 90 minutes from Bogotá, where we’ll dive into an authentic coffee experience. We’ll begin with a traditional Colombian lunch at the farm, followed by getting dressed like real coffee pickers, with a poncho, hat, and rubber boots if the weather calls for it, before starting our tour of the coffee farm. There, we’ll learn about organic farming practices, the geography of coffee cultivation in both the region and across the country, and how these sustainable methods contribute to high-quality production. We’ll also see how natural fertilizers are made to nourish and protect the crops, not without first planting our very own coffee tree.
With this foundation, we’ll step into the heart of the experience. Through a series of interactive stations, we’ll explore the world of coffee with all five senses: captivating aromas, rich textures, and complex flavors that each tell a story. Every step, from seed to cup, is designed to highlight the richness of Colombia’s coffee ecosystem and its positive impact on our health and the environment.
We’ll wrap up the tour with a talk about the different types of coffee found in the market and how to choose the best quality. At the end of this incredible experience in the Choachí community, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Upon arrival, you’ll be comfortably taken to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after your journey.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Visit Comuna 13 and Flowers Farm

In the morning, we will take you to Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin. This area has gone under an impressive transformation and is now considered safe to visit. We will ride multiple outdoor escalators that help people move through the community easier. We will also see all the murals and bright graffiti and learn about the meaning and symbolism behind these works of art. You will witness for yourself how one community that was once home to immense struggle has blossomed into a colourful cultural spot in Medellin.

After visiting Comuna 13, we will go to Santa Elena to visit a local flowers farm. Santa Elena is a small town known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. Santa Elena is also famed for its annual flower festival, which showcases the region’s floral beauty and cultural festivities.

The flower farm you will visit has sprawling grounds, vibrant blooms and owners who are ready to welcome you with open arms. Visitors will have the chance to try some traditional Colombians snacks such as arepas or empanadas in the charming main house. Next, it’s time to learn about the whole flower cultivation process and why horticulture is so important in this area of Colombia. You will also participate in a hands-on flower arranging activity learn how locals compete to make stunning arrangements for annual parades that draw visitors from all over the world. At the end of the day, we will drop you back off at your hotel.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 5 Day trip to Guatapé

We will pick you up from your hotel in Medellín and drive for about 2.5 hours to Guatapé. With its vibrant colors and proximity to the water, Guatapé is a popular vacation spot for Colombians. The main square features a beautiful traditional church and small shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs.

Just a few minutes from the city lies El Peñol de Guatapé. This 200-meter-high granite monolith was once revered by indigenous peoples. Workers have built a staircase on the side of the rock, allowing visitors to climb over 600 steps to the top. The ascent is not difficult, but could be challenging for people with knee problems. Once at the top, a picturesque view of the emerald-green water awaits.

In the city, you will also participate in an interactive workshop where you can design and paint your own Zócalo. This workshop offers you the opportunity to unleash your creativity and take home a unique, personal souvenir. Under the guidance of local artisans, you will gain fascinating insights into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional works of art.

We'll also take a boat trip on the reservoir around Guatapé and El Peñol. Your guide will tell you more about the importance of this body of water, and you'll have the opportunity to watch other tourists and locals enjoying water sports and other activities. A boat trip is a wonderful way to experience the area from a new perspective and to relax after all that climbing stairs.

In the late afternoon, we will transfer you to your hotel.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 Flight to Cartagena and street food city tour in Cartagena

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, you will enjoy a street food city tour through the colourful streets of the Old City. While tasting local favourites such as tropical fruits, empanadas, arepas, carimañolas, raspao, and Colombian coffee, your guide will also share the history behind Cartagena’s iconic streets, plazas, and emblematic colonial buildings. More than just a food experience, this tour offers a delicious and authentic introduction to the culture, traditions, and daily life of the city.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Street food

DAY 7 La Boquilla Village

In the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.

At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. We will finish the tour with a refreshing and delicious coconut water, the perfect ending to this intimate encounter with the natural heart of the Caribbean, before dropping you back at your hotel in Cartagena.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

DAY 8 At Leisure in Cartagena

You have the day to carry on exploring Cartagena on your own. You can wander around the cobbled streets in the historic city, visit some colonial churches, go to Getsemaní to see its colourful graffiti, and enjoy a great meal at any of the city's excellent and diverse restaurants.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast