Expeditions best of colombia tour

Arrive at any time, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Bogotá. The journey typically takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic. If time allows, you may wish to begin exploring the city or simply relax after your journey.

Bogotá, set high in the Andes at over 2,600 meters above sea level, is a vibrant and dynamic capital. We recommend taking it easy during your first couple of days to adjust to the altitude. The city offers a compelling blend of colonial charm and contemporary energy, with a rich cultural scene and fascinating history. Highlights include the historic La Candelaria, the renowned Gold Museum, and Monserrate, where sweeping panoramic views reward the ascent. A hub for art, education, and gastronomy, Bogotá is an engaging introduction to Colombian life.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: None

Your adventure begins at the Gold Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artefacts. Here, you’ll discover the extraordinary craftsmanship and cultural significance behind Colombia’s ancient goldwork, offering a fascinating insight into the country’s indigenous heritage.

Continue to the Botero Museum to experience the unmistakable style of Fernando Botero. His iconic, exaggerated forms, both playful and thought-provoking, bring a unique charm to his paintings and sculptures, appealing to art lovers and casual visitors alike. As you wander through the historic district of La Candelaria, you’ll encounter colourful streets, colonial architecture, and hidden gems that reveal the city’s rich past.

End your day with a lively game of Tejo, Colombia’s national sport. Originally played by the indigenous Muisca people as a ritual offering to the gods, tejo has evolved into a spirited social tradition that blends ancestral roots with modern-day fun, an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in local culture.

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

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Leaving Bogotá behind, you journey into the heart of Colombia’s lush coffee region, where rolling green hills and misty valleys replace the buzz of the capital. 

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to one of the main cities in Colombia’s coffee region. Upon arrival, one of our drivers will be waiting to take you to your hotel.

As you enter the renowned Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, you’ll notice an immediate shift in the air, a more relaxed pace, and wonderfully inviting scenery. Along the way, you’ll pass colourful fincas, banana trees, and rolling hills blanketed in coffee plantations, offering your first glimpse into Colombia’s rich coffee heritage. This is where your connection to the land and its world-famous coffee truly begins.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, you’ll begin your journey in the charming town of Filandia, one of the coffee region’s best-kept secrets. With its colourful colonial architecture, artisan shops, and relaxed atmosphere, Filandia offers an authentic glimpse into traditional Paisa culture. Take time to stroll its vibrant streets and enjoy sweeping views over the lush Andean landscape.

You’ll then continue to the breathtaking Cocora Valley, part of a protected natural park and one of Colombia’s most iconic landscapes. This misty cloud forest is a haven of biodiversity, home to unique flora and fauna. As you hike through the valley, you’ll be surrounded by the towering Wax Palm, the tallest palm tree in the world and Colombia’s national tree. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the cultural significance of this land to indigenous communities and may spot colourful birdlife, including hummingbirds.

Later, visit the picturesque town of Salento, famed for its brightly painted houses and lively atmosphere. Wander its charming streets, soak in the mountain views, and perhaps enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee, the perfect way to end your day.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to relax and take in the peaceful surroundings of Colombia’s coffee region or head out to explore the nearby landscapes and charming towns.

The hotel features its own coffee plantation, offering you the opportunity to discover the coffee-making process right on site. These experiences can be arranged directly with the hotel for an additional cost. You’ll gain fascinating insight into the journey from bean to cup, from planting and hand-picking ripe cherries to traditional drying and roasting techniques. The experience includes a tasting session, where you can savour the rich, aromatic flavours that have made Colombian coffee world-famous.

Whether you spend the day unwinding or learning more about the region’s coffee heritage, it’s a perfect moment to connect with the culture and natural beauty around you.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

We will go to the airport early in the morning for your Medellin flight. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport to start exploring the second-largest city in Colombia.

During our tour in Medellin, we will visit the city's most iconic areas, including Plaza de Botero, El Pueblito Paisa and Parque Lleras. The Plaza de Botero is a medium-sized plaza full of sculptures created by the famous Colombian sculptor, Fernando Botero (originally from Medellin). He is famous for his painting style, which makes everything look "chubby." The Parque Lleras and El Pueblito Paisa are two of Medellin's must-see quarters. The Pueblito Paisa, a small replica of a typical Antioquia township, located on top of the 80m hill "Cerro Nutibara" is the perfect place to get a great panoramic view of the city. The Parque Lleras is one of Medellin's most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife. 

We will also visit Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin. The area is safe to explore now, thanks to the government’s promise to improve the neighbourhood and the community’s commitment to sharing this unique part of Medellin with visitors. 

In Comuna 13, you will ride multiple elevators installed on the side of a mountain to help people move through the community easier. The walls of Comuna 13 are adorned with bright graffiti representing their difficult past and their hope for a better future. You will witness how one community, once home to so much struggle and conflict, has blossomed into a colourful spot in Medellin.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

We will pick you up from your hotel in Medellin and drive about 2.5 hours to reach the town of Guatape. With its vibrant colours and proximity to the water, Guatape serves as a popular holiday spot among Colombians. The main plaza features a beautiful traditional church and small shops that sell handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Only a few minutes from the town is El Peñol de Guatape. This 200m-high granite monolith was once worshiped by Indigenous people. Workers installed a staircase along the side of the rock so visitors can climb more than 600 steps to reach the top. The climb is not difficult, but people with bad knees might find it challenging. Once at the top of the rock, you will see the picturesque emerald-green water below.

At the town, you will also participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your own zócalo. This workshop will allow you to express your creativity and take home a unique and personal souvenir from your visit. Led by local artisans, this workshop will give you an interesting perspective into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artworks.

We will also take a boat ride through the reservoir that surrounds Guatape and El Peñol. Your tour guide will teach you more about the importance of this body of water, and you will see other tourists and locals take part in water sports and activities. A boat ride is a great way to enjoy a new perspective of the area while relaxing after climbing so many stairs.

Late in the afternoon, we will go back to the hotel in Medellin.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

At the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport in Rionegro for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to take you to your hotel near Tayrona National Natural Park.

Santa Marta, founded in 1525, is the oldest surviving city in Colombia and a vibrant destination where history meets natural beauty. Set between the Caribbean Sea and the Sierra Nevada mountains, it serves as the gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the country’s most treasured reserves. Here, pristine beaches fringed by palm trees meet dense rainforest teeming with wildlife. With its striking landscapes and deep cultural significance, Tayrona offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Around 3:30pm, we will start the journey back to the main entrance.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Cartagena; the total journey will take approximately 4.5 hours.  Cartagena de Indias, nestled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that pulsates with a vibrant history and a lively cultural spirit.

As you step into the heart of Cartagena, the Ciudad Amurallada, you are immediately transported back to a bygone era, with its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured colonial buildings, and imposing stone walls that once protected the city from pirates and invaders. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of street performers, making every stroll an immersive experience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a guided walking tour of Cartagena’s historic walled city, a UNESCO-listed treasure and one of the best-preserved colonial towns in South America. Enclosed by impressive stone walls built during Spanish rule to defend against pirates and invasions, this enchanting area is filled with history, colour, and charm.

As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll discover beautifully preserved colonial architecture, flower-draped balconies, and lively plazas. Your guide will bring the city’s past to life as you explore iconic landmarks such as Plaza de los Coches, Plaza Santo Domingo, and Cartagena Cathedral. Along the way, you’ll learn about Cartagena’s role as a key port in the Spanish Empire, its stories of conquest and resilience, and the blend of cultures that shape its identity today.

You’ll also have the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere, with street performers, local artisans, and the rhythms of Caribbean life all around you. The afternoon is free for you to relax at your hotel or continue exploring at your own pace, perhaps browsing boutique shops, visiting museums, or simply enjoying the city’s romantic ambience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

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 Cienaga 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. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.

After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will go back to the town to enjoy a traditional lunch. The lunch will be a delicious meal consisting of seafood, which is popular along Colombia's Caribbean coast. While having lunch, you will learn more about the locals' day-to-day lives and their culture. After lunch, we will go back to the hotel.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may choose to relax at the hotel or continue exploring its colourful streets, discover hidden corners of the historic centre, or soak up the lively Caribbean atmosphere. 

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

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

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast