9-DAY THE BEST OF COLOMBIA EXPERIENCE
Experience seductive Colombia with it’s beauty and vibrancy. Taste the serene highlands of Colombia’s famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this much misunderstood country. Learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation, hike in the clouds in Cocora valley, be beguiled by the laid back pace of charming Salento. Spend some time getting acquainted with the sophisticated ambiance and raucous nightlife of Medellin. Then trade the country’s lush interior for its coastal spoils and wind the adventure up with a spell in oh-so-romantic Cartagena – a romantic end to this exceptional Colombian adventure.
-
DepartureBogota / Colombia - Cartagena / Colombia
-
IncludedActivitiesDomestic flightsLand TransportationMeals detailed in the itinerary
-
Not IncludedFees and entrances to parks and museumsAirport tranfer in & outInternational flight
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: MEDELLIN MULTY OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES
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: CARTAGENA CITY EXPLORE
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: 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.
WRITE A REVIEW
What's Included?
- Transportation: 2 Domestic flights One-way from Bogota to Armenia & Medellin to Cartagena, private van/bus, jeep, metro cable car.
- Accommodation based in double occupancy: Comfortable 3 to 4 star Hotels.
- Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner.
- Trip Leader: Certified AJ expert English-speaking adventure leader and local guides.
What is not included?
- Single supplement $490.
- 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.
- Beverages.
- Meals not mentioned above.
- Optional tours or optional admissions not listed above.