Expeditions Colombia Colonial Andes Towns Tour

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Medellín. Depending on traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30–45 minutes.
At the hotel, we will review your itinerary with you to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you need, and share some practical information about Medellín and Colombia. Then, depending on your arrival time, you may have some time to explore the city on your own or simply relax.
Medellín enjoys a mild spring-like climate year-round, so you can settle in comfortably and start enjoying the city at your own pace.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: None

In the morning, we explore Comuna 13, once one of Medellín’s most challenging neighbourhoods and today a powerful symbol of transformation. Riding the outdoor escalators along the hillside, you will witness how infrastructure reshaped daily life, while vibrant graffiti tells stories of resilience, memory and hope. Walking through its colourful streets offers genuine insight into the social and cultural revival of this inspiring community.
After a traditional local lunch, we then drive just under 30 minutes to a family-run coffee farm for an immersive encounter with Colombia’s most iconic product. There, you will experience the complete coffee journey, from cultivation to tasting, taking part in hands-on activities in both the fields and the processing area, including the opportunity to plant your own coffee seedling.
The experience concludes with a guided tasting of the farm’s finest single-origin beans, where you may choose your preferred brewing method and appreciate the distinct character of locally grown coffee. At the end of the tour, we return you to your hotel, leaving the remainder of the day free to continue exploring Medellín at your own pace.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

We will pick you up from your hotel in Medellín and begin the journey toward the colorful town of Guatapé, with a scenic drive through the mountains of Antioquia. On the way, we will stop at the famous Alto del Chocho viewpoint, a traditional countryside spot highly requested by travelers, where you can enjoy breakfast or coffee while taking in panoramic views of the Medellín valley and surrounding mountains, one of the most iconic stops on the route to Guatapé.
Continuing the journey, you’ll arrive in Guatapé, known for its vibrant streets, zócalos, and lakeside atmosphere. Just outside town, you will visit El Peñol de Guatapé, the iconic 200-meter granite rock with more than 600 steps leading to breathtaking views of the emerald reservoir and the green landscape of Antioquia. This is one of the most visited attractions in Colombia, offering one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the region.
Back in town, you’ll take part in an interactive zócalo workshop with local artisans, where you can design and paint your own traditional panel. The experience continues with a relaxing boat ride across the reservoir, enjoying the landscape from the water while learning about the history of the area. In the afternoon, you will return comfortably to Medellín, completing a full day of nature, culture, and the most sought-after highlights of Guatapé.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the airport for your flight to San Gil. Upon arrival, your local guide will be waiting for you to assist with your transfer to Barichara, located approximately 45 minutes from San Gil by road.
Known as one of Colombia’s most beautiful colonial towns, Barichara is famous for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, charming architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect destination to experience the country’s traditional heritage.

Note: Hotel check-in after 3 pm

Overnight: Barichara
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will go to a local house to learn about building colonial houses. We will learn about the local technique used to construct colonial houses in this area of Colombia. This workshop will also be an excellent opportunity to interact with the local community and learn more about their daily lives. 
We will also visit some of the main colonial buildings in the town, including Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción, Casa de la Cultura and other historical constructions. Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepción is an impressive construction made of sandstone that dominates the town's architecture. It is the main church in Barichara and is particularly lovely at sunset when the stone turns a rich orange. 
You will have time to explore this lovely town with small cafés, boutique craft shops, and photogenic street scenes. 

Overnight: Barichara
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will hike for approximately 2 hours along El Camino Real, an ancient trail connecting Barichara with the small village of Guane.
Originally built by the indigenous Guane people and later used by the Spanish colonizers, this historic stone path was restored in 1864 by the German engineer George von Lenguerke. The hike is mostly downhill and takes you through beautiful canyon and valley landscapes surrounding the region, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere along the way.
Guane is a quieter and smaller version of Barichara, preserving its traditional charm and colonial character. We will enjoy lunch there before returning to Barichara, where we will visit the town’s main highlights and have some free time to explore at your own pace.
After returning to the hotel, you will have time to enjoy lunch and prepare for your transfer to Villa de Leyva, another of Colombia’s most iconic colonial towns, renowned for its cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses, and rich cultural heritage.

Overnight: Villa de Leyva
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Early in the morning, we will go to a farm located one hour from Villa de Leyva. At the farm, we will have a traditional Colombian breakfast, followed by a cooking experience to learn how to make "almohabana", a traditional Colombian corn pastry. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to interact with the family at the farm and learn from them a bit of history on how the ancient indigenous used to process and cook food made of corn.
After this enjoyable gastronomic activity, we will go to another farm to learn everything about panela production, a product derived from sugar cane. At this farm, you will learn about the sugar cane process from harvesting to the production of panela. 
After lunch, we will go to Convento Santo Ecce Homo, founded by the Dominican fathers in 1620. The convent is a spectacular stone-and-adobe construction with a lovely courtyard and floors paved with stones quarried in the region, containing ammonites and fossils, including petrified corn and flowers. At the end of the visit, we will go back to Villa de Leyva. You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure for your exploration.

Overnight: Villa de Leyva
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, we will depart from Villa de Leyva and begin our journey towards Bogotá. Along the way, we will first visit the charming artisan village of Ráquira and later the impressive Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
Our first stop will be Ráquira, a colorful village known for its brightly painted facades and abundance of craft shops. Famous for its traditional pottery and handmade clay crafts, it is an ideal place to experience local culture and browse unique souvenirs.
We will then continue to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a remarkable architectural and engineering masterpiece built within the tunnels of a former salt mine, located approximately 50 km north of Bogotá. Situated 180 meters underground, the cathedral features three main sections representing the Birth, Life, and Death of Jesus Christ. Its dramatic lighting and impressive construction reflect modern engineering and the dedication of miners and artists who brought this unique underground sanctuary to life.
After the visits, we will continue our journey to Bogotá, where we will arrive at your hotel to check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and rest.

Overnight: Bogotá
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogotá’s historic centre. We will have the chance to admire the world’s most extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and explore the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous painter and sculptor, at the Botero Museum. We will also stroll through La Candelaria, the city’s historic neighbourhood, known for its charming cobblestone streets and diverse architectural styles that reflect Bogotá’s rich history.
To end the day on a cultural note, we will enjoy a traditional game of tejo, Colombia’s national sport with roots dating back to pre-Columbian times. The game involves throwing a metal disc, known as a “tejo,” at a target placed inside a clay-filled box, aiming to hit small gunpowder packets called “mechas.” In a lively social setting, this experience offers a fun and authentic immersion into local traditions. We will also have the opportunity to try “chicha,” a traditional fermented beverage that originated in pre-Columbian times and once played an important role in the social, religious, and ceremonial life of Indigenous communities.

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

Overnight: Bogotá
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

The tour ends today. At the time required, we will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to the airport. 

Note: Check out before 12 pm 

Overnight: None
Meal Plan: Breakfast