8-DAY COLOMBIA MULTISPORT

What's Included?

What is not included?

• Single supplement $420.

• Entrance fee to Tayrona national park $20.

• Entrance fees not listed.

• International air (also applied to trans-border flights).

• International airport transfers.

• Applicable tourist visas.

• Incidentals.

• Mandatory Travel Insurance.

• Airport taxes.

• Tips or gratuities (recommended $8 per trip leader $5 per local guides, $2 for drivers NOTE: keep in mind that this is all per day per traveler).

• Beverages.

• Meals not mentioned above.

• Optional tours or optional admissions not listed above.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIPS

GENERAL (TRAVEL IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY):Colombia is a developing country and many regions still live in poverty. Although the tourism infrastructure is reasonably good considering that this is very new industry. Though it is growing and improving each year, it can still be difficult at times to travel.

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.

SHOPPING & BARGAINING: Colombia has many colorful markets – both for handicrafts and local products. Before buying you should always, bargain in price as this is the custom and the locals often try to charge extra to the tourists. There is no general guideline as to how much you should pay for any individual item – you should decide how much you are willing to pay, start your offers lower than that amount and compromise little by little trying to get the seller’s price down to your ideal price. Bargaining can be fun, and a great chance to improve your Spanish while interacting with the locals!

CAMERAS & PHOTOGRAPHY: Colombia, with its majestic landscapes and varied cityscapes, 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.

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

SEASON: All year.

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 with a tourism degree and certified as Wilderness Adventure First Aid respondents. They all have approved several extra training courses for kayaking, rafting, biking and horse riding, besides these they all are amazing and have a fantastic personality. We always carry a complete first aid kit in our trips.

SUSTAINABLE ECO AND CULTURAL TOURISM: Clients receive interpretation and education about the ecology and conservation of the Caribbean tropical forest 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.