COLOMBIA ADVENTURE JOURNEY
Join this amazing journey from the scent of coffee that gently drifts through the breeze to the rhythmic sounds of Afro-Colombian music that can be heard from afar. This immersive tour through Colombia will awaken your senses as you embark on a trip throughout the country. Explore bustling Bogotá, hike to Tayrona National Park with its golden beaches and tropical jungle, trek through the palm-fringed valleys from Salento and dance the night away in beautiful Medellin and romantic Cartagena.
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DepartureBogotá / Colombia - Santa Marta / Colombia
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IncludedActivitiesDomestic flightsLand TransportationMeals detailed in the itinerary
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Not IncludedFees and entrances to parks and museumsAirport tranfer in & outInternational flight
FROM OUR GALLERY
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BOGOTA
Meet your AJ trip leader and group at 7:00pm.
Meals included: none.
DAY 2: BOGOTA CITY EXPLORE
After breakfast, we meet our local guide and start your journey through the city with a visit to the grand food market of Paloquemao to get a taste of the traditional food of Colombia. Discover a world of fresh harvested products, exotic fruits, organic local produce and much more. Marvel at the best street graffiti art in the city and discover the wonders of “El Dorado” at the gold museum. Later we will make our way to Bolivar Square for more local flavor at a typical restaurant. Afterwards, stop at one of the cafes and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 3: COFFEE EXPIRIENCE AND SALENTO
Thanks to its tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the worlds largest producers of coffee. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing center. Take a 1 hour flight to Armenia and a short ride to the beautiful Coffee farm Recuca. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that has long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground. Then, sample firsthand to see what all the fuss is about. Try different varieties of coffee and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees, finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. Afterwards, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 4: COCORA VALLEY HIKE
Jump on a jeep to travel Cocora Valley, home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend this morning trekking about the region's incredible scenery; perhaps hiking a few hours up to Acaime Reserve where colourful hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime (approx. 5 hours) is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes, as well as plenty of water and snacks. A generous local lunch will be provided. If you would rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then we will take a jeep back to town.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 5: MEDELLIN COMUNA 13 WALKING TOUR
Head out early in the morning after breakfast to travel along the Colombian countryside for 6 hours to Medellin. After arriving, to meet a local guide to discover another side of the city by traveling along the city’s innovative transportation system to Comuna 13, a community transformed. Once controlled by the cartels, this community is a shining example of Colombia's progress in overcoming its notorious past. Meet a local guide and begin the journey upward with a ride on the city’s unique public cable cars. Head farther up the hillside to the outdoor electric escalators that serve Comuna 13. This extensive escalator system has renewed the impoverished district, which clings to a steep hillside, by providing relief to residents whose daily commutes have become safer and faster. Arrive at the top to explore this welcoming and safe urban neighborhood and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 6: FREE DAY
Be free to tailor make your day with any of the multiple optional activities that most suit your interests:
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 7: CARTAGENA GABRIEL GARCIA MARQUEZ TRAIL
Take a short 1 hour flight to historic Cartagena, one of South America's most historic cities with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. The town was founded in 1533 by the Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia and served as a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. Its gold and silver exports made it a popular target for pirates, and its walled fort (now on UNESCO's World Heritage list) was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour through the old part of town, visiting key sites throughout the historical center of the city that were inspiration for Colombia's most famous author, journalist and Nobel Prize winner; Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 8: FREE DAY
Have another day at leisure to discover this romantic city on your own, or try out optional activities such as: Totumo mud volcano, Rosario Islands national park or the Party Bus at night activity.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner.
DAY 9: CARTAGENA TO SANTA MARTA
Travel in the morning to Santa Marta for around 5 hours by the coastal shore of the Caribbean Sea. You’ll pass by important cities like Barranquilla, among the biggest in Colombia, also see large sea ports located in the delta of Magdalena River, the largest in the country. Take the afternoon at your leisure to explore the colonial old city of Santa Marta.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 10: MINCA CLOUD FOREST EXPLORE
In the morning, venture up into the hills of Santa Marta mountain range to the village of Minca. Hike the scenic watering holes of Pozo Azul and enjoy an invigorating dip under the waterfall. Have lunch before learning about cacao production and being part of chocolate making process. In the afternoon, visit the hummingbird’s sanctuary, a special place to witness many varieties of these beautiful birds.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 11: TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate 2 hour hike along beaches with impressive rock formations and through tropical jungle, a perfect opportunity to experience wildlife and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 12: TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
Enjoy some time at leisure at Eco-lodge near Tayrona national park. The beautiful environment near Tayrona national park has become a unique place to relax and enjoy the time on your own with amazing landscapes, fantastic sandy beaches and rich cultural experience. Have the opportunity to make your own day or take part in some of our optional activities that we recommend: Camarones National Park (To see lots of flamingos and many other birds), Adventure tubing in palomino river.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch.
DAY 13: SANTA MARTA - FREE DAY
Spend your morning as you like. Enjoy the facilities of the Eco-lodge, possibly head to the beach or take a short hike in the tropical forest to a view point. In the afternoon we take a 2 hour drive back to Santa Marta to spend our last evening by the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast.
DAY 14: DEPARTURE
International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Colombia soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”
Meals included: Breakfast.
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What's Included?
- Transportation: Two Domestic flights One-way from Bogota to Armenia & Medellin to Cartagena, private van/bus, jeep, metro cable car, walking.
- Accommodation (based on double occupancy): Comfortable 3 to 4 star Hotels, eco-lodges (13 nts).
- Meals: 13 Breakfasts, 4 lunches and 1 dinner.
- Staff & Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure leader and local guides
What is not included?
- Single supplement $870.
- Entrance fees not listed.
- Tayrona National Park fee $22.
- International air (also applied to trans-border flights).
- International airport transfers.
- Applicable tourist visas.
- Mandatory Travel Insurance.
- Airport taxes.
- Tips or gratuities.
- Beverages.
- Meals not mentioned above.
- Optional tours or optional admissions not listed above.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS
ETIQUETTE & BEHAVIOR: Colombia is one of South America´s most hospitable nations. Even in the overburdened metropolis of Bogota, people are happy to give directions, chat, and ask a question. You´ll often hear “De donde vienes?” (“Where are you from?”). Colombians can be extremely knowledgeable and proud of the history of their country.
CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Colombia, with its majestic landscapes and varied city scapes, is the dream of every photographer. However, you should respect the locals and follow these simple rules when photographing them:
TIPPING: It is recommended to Tip our Drivers and Guides as this is not included in the price of the trip, for drivers we recommend $3 USD per person per day and for the guides $10 USD per person per day.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS: Soroche (altitude sickness) affects some visitors in the Colombian Andes. Headache, dizziness, and shortness of breath are common.
FOOD & DRINK: Another health risk in Colombia is traveler´s diarrhea caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. It is therefore very important to watch what you eat - do not eat anything from street vendors, avoid ice unless you are sure it is made from purified water, avoid uncooked or under-cooked food and unpasteurized milk, drink bottled and boiled water, even when brushing your teeth. In the case of illness always inform your guide or hotel staff who will help you deal with it and ensure that you drink enough water to maintain hydration.
HYGIENE: Hygiene standards are generally lower than those you are used to in North America or Europe. One very important difference is that the sewage system cannot cope with toilet paper being flushed into the toilet. There is usually a basket next to the toilet which should be used to deposit used toilet paper, and although unpleasant, this method is more pleasant than the toilet overflow that will occur if paper is flushed!
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Safety and security is an important issue as pick-pocketing and robbery of tourists can and does occur. It is important not to be paranoid when traveling as most Colombians you meet will be very honest and friendly people, but there are some basic precautions that you should take: Unless necessary never carry anything valuable with you (i.e. expensive watches / jewelry) or large amounts of money. Guard your cell phone and keep zippers zipped and pockets closed when out and about.
EXTRA IMPORTANT DETAILS
DRIVING TIME: 1 – 6 hours a day.
DEPARTAMENTS: Cundinamarca, Quindio, Antioquia, Bolivar, Madgalena.
TERRITORY: Andes Mountain Range, Coffee region Tropical Rain Forest in and the Caribbean coast in Colombia and Santa Martha mountain range.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy to Moderate - We consider this expedition as a soft adventure, so children and adults can do it with no problem and for people that want to take a break or just avoid any of this adventures can always hang out with the driver doing something else. For people that may want to do a bit more challenging, our guides will be happy to coordinate something to help them.
ACCOMMODATION: All prices are based on double-occupancy. If you are traveling solo, you will be matched with another participant of your same sex. If you prefer to have a single room, please contact AJ prior to your departure to arrange your accommodation at an extra cost, it is very important to notice that the hotels listed on the Itinerary description may change according to availability so we do not guarantee you stay there, but we will make sure you will stay in a similar one of the same category.
MEALS: Traveling with ADVENTURE Journeys you will have the possibility to experience and taste local food and snacks. Your guide will help you identify typical food and suggest the best places to enjoy it. Some meals are not included in order to give you some flexibility about where, what and with whom to eat. You have the option to share these meals with the group, however there is no obligation to do this. If you have any allergies or food restrictions, please inform AJ prior to your departure.
YOUR TRIP LEADERS AND GUIDES: All AJ guides and trip leaders are highly experienced, licensed from the Tourism University to operate in Ecuador and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides this they all are Ecuadorian and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.
In some locations and for some activities, local guides join the trip leaders to provide an added service and make sure we practice sustainable tourism involving local indigenous people in our operation.
SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Andes, Amazon rain forest and Galapagos Islands, and learn about the factors that threaten it. We aim to promote long-term conservation of both local people cultural identity and the environment. We transport out and recycle all non-organic garbage and we prefer to work with local suppliers. Your visit will encourage the local communities to support responsible eco-tourism as a sustainable alternative for their living.
HEALTH INFORMATION: Please inform AJ of any existing medical conditions (i.e. pregnancy, diabetes, etc). Yellow fever, Hepatitis B vaccination and Malaria Medication are mandatory for this trip. We strongly recommend to ensure that routine immunizations such as tetanus and diphtheria are up to date and to consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations. Please ask your doctor for advice.