Colombia: Culture, Caribbean and Lost City

Visit the Paloquemao market before your afternoon flight to Armenia in Colombia’s coffee region. Visit this historic and bustling market in Bogota. Frequented by home and professional chefs alike, Paloquemao offers everything from novel ingredients to classic Colombian foods. Get swept up in the hustle and bustle of the food stalls, flower shops, boutiques and cafes, and figure out the best route through the market to see the city’s best deals. Spend two nights in a traditional hacienda around Armenia.

Activities included:
– Visit to the Paloquemao Market
– Stay at a Hacienda

Accommodation: Hotel Mi Monaco (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Visit the city of Armenia before heading out to tour a coffee farm in the region and learn more about this important export. Enjoy a tour of a coffee farm in the Calarcá region, where you’ll learn about the local coffee culture. With a visit to a local coffee farm, you’ll learn about how this important crop is processed, from planting to your cup of coffee, and of course, get a delicious taste of this famous export.

Activities included:
– Guided tour of a coffee farm
– Stay at a hacienda

Accommodation: Hotel Mi Monaco (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Stretch your legs with a morning hike through the Cocora Valley. Arrival in the city of Salento in the afternoon. Here in Quindio’s “Coffee Triangle” you can have the full coffee experience. Explore Salento and get a first impression of the city.

Activities included:
– Hiking in the Cocora Valley

Walking time: approx. 2-3 hours

Driving time: approx. 1 hour

Accommodation: Hotel Salento Real (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Journey through breathtaking landscapes to Medellín. Optionally, you can explore the city in the evening

Driving time: approx. 9 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Poblado Boutique (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Enjoy a tour of the city’s neighborhoods and learn the fascinating story of its recent transformation. Get to know Colombia’s second-largest city on this tour. Medellín struggled in the 80’s and 90’s but has reinvented itself since then and is now one of the most innovative cities in South America with a very vibrant arts scene. Explore the different barrios full of shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets and delicious specialties. Free time to explore this vibrant city.

Optional Activities:
– Visit to Cerro Nutibara
Visit Cerro Nutibara and enjoy the fresh air 80m above Medellin. You can take one of the colorful buses or a taxi to the top of the mountain, or walk up the paths that meander through the vegetation. Whatever you choose, you can enjoy great views of the city from the top. You’ll also find Pueblito Paisa, a recreation of a traditional Antioquian town with all the charm of white houses, brightly painted doors and sloping roofs. Taste some local specialties here or go shopping for souvenirs.

– Paragliding
45-60 USD per person. Get ready for an exciting ride! Take off from one of the surrounding hills and enjoy spectacular views of the city below and the scenic green mountains as you soar through the air.

– Explora Park
24500-37500COP per person. A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the Amazon-specific terrarium, planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits.

– Modern Art Museum
10000COP per person. Enjoy a tour of the Museum of Modern Art and see the works of Colombian artists in different media. Be sure to visit the permanent exhibition by Débra Arango.

Activities included:
– City tour of Medellín

Accommodation: Hotel Poblado Boutique (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Another day at leisure you can visit the nearby small town of Guatapé with its colorful houses and the famous rock. You can also ride the municipal cable car in Medellín and enjoy the views over the city and the surrounding mountains.

Optional Activities:
– Visit to El Peñol Rock
Formed about 70 million years ago, El Peñol de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135 m above sea level. Climb the 649 steps carved into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and the surrounding area from the top.

Accommodation: Hotel Florencia Plaza (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Morning flight to Cartagena, where you can explore the fortified old town in the afternoon. Enjoy a short walk with your guide, who will introduce you to useful places in your destination, such as supermarkets, key squares, and ATMs. If you want to get specific or in-depth information about your destination, we recommend that you do an official guided visit. Optional dinner and evening in this dynamic city.

Activities included:
– Orientation walk

Walking time: approx. 1 hour Driving time: approx. 2 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Enjoy a free day to discover everything Cartagena has to offer. Opt to enjoy the beautiful coastline or explore the charming colonial town.

Optional Activities:
– Boat Excursion to Islas del Rosario National Park
165000COP per person. Take a boat to this long-named Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park and be mesmerized by the beauty of the Islas del Rosario. Admire the crystal clear blue waters and natural beauty of the islands. Optionally, you can also explore the park’s animal-rich coral reefs while snorkeling.

– El Totumo mud volcano
Descend into the El Totumo mud volcano. Float in the healing mud full of invigorating minerals and enjoy pure relaxation. Don’t be surprised if you look 10 years younger afterwards!

– Visit to the Caribbean Naval Museum
6000COP per person. In the historic old town, visit this spacious museum spread over two listed buildings. Here you will find a wide variety of exhibits on the naval history of the Caribbean and you can enjoy the day on the beautiful terraces.

– Visit to the Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno)
5000COP per person. The collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena is housed in two historic buildings, one of which was a former armory. Stroll through this extraordinary museum and admire 1950s Latin American paintings and contemporary Colombian art.

– Visit to the Palace of the Inquisition (Museum)
30000COP per person. Visit the museum and learn more about the work of the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this magnificent colonial and baroque style building and see the artifacts and instruments of torture on display.

– Visit to the Gold Museum
7000COP per person. In Plaza Bolivar, visit this superbly curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate gold jewelry and pottery from the pre-Columbian period of the indigenous Zenú and learn about their history and traditions. These exhibits are all located in a colonial-era house.

– Night chiva ride
45000COP per person, 50000COP per group. Get ready for a party and city tour at the same time on the Chiva bus. These brightly colored vehicles are a national symbol, and their open sides allow you to experience lively Cartagena up close as you ride. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun ride.

Accommodation: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Enjoy a tour of the colonial walled city and its defenses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On a guided tour of Cartagena, learn about the history of this vibrant city from your bilingual guide. Traveling by private vehicle, you’ll visit sites like the Clock Tower, Plaza Bolivar, and Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Enjoy impressive views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and a city walk from the Church of San Pedro Claver to the Church of Santo Domingo. Use the free time and enjoy the beach, the city and the Caribbean flair.

Please note that warm water is rarely available in the Caribbean region of Colombia. The showers during your stay in this region are therefore likely to only have cold water.

Activities included:
– City tour of Cartagena

Accommodation: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Travel to the small town of Minca and enjoy free time to explore and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Please note that in Minca, due to the small size of this unique hotel, we may need to use shared rooms if the group is full.

Driving time: approx. 4 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Minca – La Casona (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Travel to Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local native guide. Experience nature on a hike in this beautiful park. Learn about Tayrona’s biodiversity and explore the beautiful landscape with a local guide. Spend the night surrounded by nature in a lodge near the park. This is the perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn more about the indigenous culture of northern Colombia. Stay in a lodge in the park.

Please note that Tayrona National Park is closed for maintenance at certain times. Alternatively we visit the Taironaka Park.

Activities included:
– Excursion to Tayrona National Park

Driving time: approx. 1 hour

Accommodation: Posada Villa Margarita (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Spend the day at the Gotsezhi Wiwa indigenous community, where you can enjoy a supported lunch prepared by the women of the community. Learn more about Wiwa customs with a village visit. Afterwards you can relax in a hammock by the river or visit the nearby waterfalls.

Visit Gotsezhi and enjoy a lunch prepared by the women of the community using local ingredients. Visit the nearby village where children of the four indigenous peoples of the region go to school and learn their cultural ceremonies and language. As you enter the village, a soul purification ceremony will be performed and you will learn about the traditional customs, stories and craft methods of this region. Afterwards you can cool off in the river, visit the nearby waterfalls and natural pools or chill in a hammock and reflect on your experiences before heading back to Santa Marta.

Activities Included:
– Visit to a Wiwa community and lunch

Accommodation: Posada Villa Margarita (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

In the afternoon we make our way to Taganga.

Activities included:
– Orientation walk in Taganga

Walking time: approx. 4-5 hours

Driving time: approx. 1 hour

Accommodation: Hotel Ocean Taganga Internacional (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

With a free day at leisure, we explore Taganga on foot or snorkel and explore the water. Travel to Santa Marta tonight and join the group for an optional night out on the town.

Optional Activities:
– Snorkeling
80000COP per person. Grab a pair of fins and a mask and explore the active reefs in Taganga’s clear waters. Keep an eye out for the fascinating Brain Coral!

– Playa Grande
At the nearby Playa Grande beach you can enjoy a variety of water sports, relax on the sand or hang out in one of the many restaurants.

Driving time: approx. 1.5 hours

Accommodation: Hotel Tayromar (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Chill out on the paradisiacal Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or explore the surrounding area. Use the day to soak up some sun or do some last-minute shopping before you start the big hike.

Optional Activities:
– Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
21000COP per person. Visit Simon Bolivar’s final resting place, La Quinta, the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored home, museum, library and extensive gardens to explore.

– Santa Marta Gold Museum
Explore the colonial mansion housing indigenous artefacts from the Tayrona area, including an impressive gold collection.

Accommodation: Hotel Tayromar (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
6 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Wake up and make your way to Machete Pelao where your trek to the lost city of Teyuna begins. You’ll trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all sink in – this is your chance to get a glimpse of the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada.

You leave Machete Pelao and trek through the jungle along the Buritaca River. On the way to the campsite you will pass agricultural land and get a glimpse of daily life in the small communities. The first day of trekking is relatively easy and a good way to get used to the tour. There is a combination of uphill and flat sections on the way to the first campsite. Continuing uphill you will reach Ricardito Camp, also called “vista hermosa” or “beautiful view” by the locals. If the weather cooperates, don’t miss the sunrises and sunsets here.

Activities Included:
– Lost City Trek – Day 1

Walking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 7.5 km

Accommodation: hammock or rustic sleeping cabin

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner

Overnight
Camping

Hiking
6 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

The hike continues along the path to Ciudad Perdida. Today is a strenuous section of the hike with numerous steep climbs. Don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy the beautiful views. Arrive at camp in the afternoon and relax by the river.

Begin your trek along the Buritaca River early in the morning. You come through more farmland that is used for growing coffee or raising livestock. Climbing on this part of the trek can be challenging as the path leads uphill from the river bed through humid jungle. Take a look at the unique round huts that make up some of the Kogi villages in the area. Once you reach camp, you can cool off with a swim in the river before dinner.

Activities Included:
– Lost City Trek – Day 2

Walking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 7.5 km

Accommodation: hammock or rustic sleeping cabin

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner

Overnight
Camping

Hiking
6 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

You wake up early, feeling refreshed and invigorated (hopefully!) and begin your trek to Paso Lorenzo Camp. Around noon, settle into the campsite and have some lunch. If the weather is nice, you can take a dip in the Buritaca River. In the afternoon, learn more about Wiwa customs and then relax in a hammock.

Activities Included:
– Lost City Trek – Day 3

Accommodation: hammock or rustic sleeping cabin

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner

Overnight
Camping

Hiking
6 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Today is the day to discover the wonders of La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the various sacred sites of the lost city. Later you hike on winding paths through the deep jungle, past banana trees and cocoa plants, to Wiwa Camp.

Activities Included:
– Lost City Trek – Day 4

Walking time: approx. 3-4 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 7 km

Accommodation: hammock or rustic sleeping cabin

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x dinner

Overnight
Camping

Hiking
6 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

In the morning the last section of your hike follows back to Machete Pelao. The trek continues down to Machete Pelao. We go along the same path that we came up. The trail passes through farmland and some climbs and descents with spectacular views. Enjoy the views of the jungle and local villages before heading back to civilization. Afterwards transfer back to Santa Marta where you can relax for the rest of the day.

Activities Included:
– Lost City Trek – Day 5

Walking time: approx. 5-6 hours.
Hiking distance: approx. 14.5 km

Accommodation: Hotel Tayromar (or similar)

Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Meals
B/-/-

Departure possible at any time.

Meals: 1x breakfast

Overnight
Hotel

Driving
4 hour aprox.

Hiking
3 hours aprox

Flight
Go back home by plane

Meals
B/-/-