colombia
coffee, coastlines + colours (10 Days)

Relish in the colours, flavours and sounds of this South American country on this 10 day Colombia trip of the highlights and hidden gems.

Bogota, Salento, Cartagena + The Islands

Bogota

Salento

Cartagena

The Coast

Taste the coffee (it’s the best in the world), soak in the sun on the coast, admire the colonial cities, dance to local beats and enjoy the stunning landscapes. You might be cancelling your flight home once you get a taste of Colombia!

Explore this gem in South America - the biodiversity, diverse culture, lively cities, beautiful beaches and the world's best coffee are just some of the reasons Colombia should be on your wishlist.
Get a deep understanding of the country's history and culture on a bike tour through Bogota's most iconic locations
Taste the best coffee in the world and learn about different varieties on a farm in the coffee region
Hike through the beautiful wax palms in the Salento region (the only place you can find these tall trees)
Unwind on the glittering coastlines of Cartagena
It's time to add a little sunshine and salsa to your life!

the plan

Day 1 | Arrive in Bogota + private airport transfer to the hotel with our trusted driver. No need to worry about speaking Spanish or negotiating cab prices!

Check in to your room and meet your new travel friends.

Day 2 | BOGOTA | Bogota is a vibrant city, full of colors, contrast and history. Explore the most fascinating areas of the city by bike. Discover Graffiti art in the city center, Plaza Bolívar, the National Park, La Candelaria (the oldest district in the city), Séptima Avenue, a Tejo field to experience Colombia's National sport, Teusaquillo (a neighborhood that was considered one of the most modern and elegant neighborhoods in the 1930’s. and more. Last but not least, you will make a coffee stop at a local roaster. There you will experience the last part of the coffee process, which is the roasting. You will learn why Colombian coffee has its deserved fame trying different coffees prepared by a specialized barista.

This tour is flexible - the guide will ask you what your interests are and customize the tour to the group.

In the afternoon, meet your guide for a tour of the Egipto neighbourhood with the Breaking Borders Project. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind they have started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists around their streets filled with artwork that tells the neighborhood’s history. In this way, tourism has formed a real alternative for their personal and professional development and opened the doors for a brighter future.

Watch this video about the project.

In the evening, you're going to discover the majestic viewpoint of Monserrate (we love a good viewpoint!). Ascend by cable car or climbing the 1,605 stairs to enjoy panoramic views, traditional snacks, handicrafts and the Basilica of the Fallen Lord (a pilgrimage site that has attracted believers and curious visitors for centuries). This viewpoint will help you appreciate the magnitude of city and its nearly 10 million inhabitants. An unmissable experience in the Colombia capital!

DAY 3 | BOGOTA - SALENTO | Fly to the Coffee region! Free afternoon to explore the village and its traditional architecture.

In the early afternoon, visit a traditional sustainable coffee farm near Salento (Finca El Ocaso) and learn about the steps needed to produce a cup of coffee from farm to table and all of the tradition, history, and heritage behind it. You'll get an understanding of the economy around coffee growing and the agriculture in the region that produces high quality coffee beans. Walk a nature trail and see diverse plants and birds and then end with a coffee tasting to finish up.

Free evening to relax at the hotel or explore Salento.

DAY 4 | COCORA VALLEY | Visit La Carbonera, a natural reserve and family farm that has been kept isolated and that protects the natural Wax Palm forests (a species found only in this region of the world).

Alexander von Humboldt described it as “A forest above a forest, where the tall and slender palms pierce the leafy veil around them.” Cocora Valley is one of Colombia's must-go places. It's nice tempered weather, impressively tall endemic Wax Palms, dense cloud-forests, and wide biodiversity sum up a very rich ecosystem definitively worth contemplating. Joined by a family member as your guide, you will be able to enjoy the beautiful scenery while you learn about the nature of this one-of-a-kind place going to the area of La Carbonera, where endemic Wax Palms, and the national tree of Colombia still grow in the forest and are protected from deforestation. You will be picked up at your hotel in Salento to drive you to the entrance of Cocora Valley through a nice countryside road. You will learn about the ecosystem and the tales of the Colombian conflict, which in part kept this place isolated, but now is accessible to all. This dense forest condenses plenty of water due to the frequent fog that travels among the mountains. Humidity and this particular weather condition help with the formation of various types of orchids and bromeliads that grow among tree branches, so don't forget to look up! You will have the chance to hike around the Reserve, enjoy a picnic lunch and relax. Distance from Salento 45 km. Sector La Carbonera altitude at 2.730m.

DAY 5 | COCORA VALLEY |

Immerse yourself in the lush rainforests where cacao thrives. Learn its fascinating history and journey from bean to bliss alongside local farmers.
Embark on a guided tour to discover the roots of cacao in the lush tropical rainforests. Walk along the shaded paths, surrounded by towering cacao trees, and learn about their cultivation, harvesting, and processing techniques. Engage with local farmers and experience the joy of harvesting cacao pods firsthand. Finally, participate in a demonstration of the artisanal processing of cocoa, the making of chocolate, and relish a cacao-based lunch. When we finish visiting the farm you will continue discovering the beautiful typical towns of Colombia's coffee region with a visit to the picturesque town of Filandia.

DAY 6 | SALENTO TO CARTAGENA| Fly to Cartagena.

In the evening, head out on a walking tour to explore the culture and colours of Cartagena. Wander the cobblestone streets, discover the walled city and learn about the most important historical buildings. Expect beautiful buildings with colonial balconies and lots of colour!

DAY 7 | CARTAGENA | Free day! In the evening, join the group for a rum and chocolate tasting with a rummelier. Colombia produces internationally awarded rum so prepare to be captivated by exceptional taste. Sample the finest rums and indulge in the pairing of rum and chocolate. At the end, learn how to make a sugarcane distilled based cocktail.

DAY 8 | CARTAGENA | Drive to the Reserva Sanguaré, a picturesque journey for you to relax and take in the scenery. Originally a cattle ranch, Sanguaré transformed in 2002 to focus on ecotourism and the recovery of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Within the reserve, there are four distinct ecosystems: wetlands, tropical dry forest, tropical savanna, and mangroves, offering a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The refuge is surrounded by lush vegetation, offering a tranquil and revitalizing environment. The buildings, mostly over 40 years old, feature spacious and open areas that allow for an intimate connection with nature. The reserve offers eleven rooms equipped with bathrooms, fans, and large screened windows that let you enjoy the scenery and natural breeze.

Spend the day relaxing or if you're feeling adventurous, there are optional add-on activities available (diving, snorkelling, bike rentals).

In the evening, join the group for a magical kayak through the bioluminescent lagoon. As you paddle, the water beneath you lights up with every stroke, illuminating the way. Note: this excursion is best done during a new moon.

DAY 9 | SAN BERNARDO ISLAS | Visit some of the islands of coral origin, which are part of the Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park. Upon arriving at the islands, you'll be greeted by the sight of beautiful white sand beaches, inviting you to unwind and soak up the sun. These beaches, with their powdery sand and clear, turquoise waters, provide an idyllic setting for relaxation. As you lounge on the beach, you'll be treated to a delightful snack prepared in Sanguaré. This snack, made from locally sourced and sustainably produced ingredients, offers a taste of the region's rich culinary heritage.

One of the highlights of this excursion is a visit to Santa Cruz del Islote, known as one of the most densely populated islands in the world. Despite its small size, the island is home to a vibrant community and offers a unique glimpse into a way of life that is both fascinating and resilient. Walking through the narrow streets, you'll observe the close-knit nature of the community and the colorful, bustling environment. The island's residents are known for their warmth and hospitality, making your visit a culturally enriching experience.

In the late afternoon, experience the vibrant rhythms of Mapalé, Puya, Cumbia, Garabato, and Congo with "Sones de Torobé." This group of 14 artists from San Onofre preserves Afro-Colombian heritage through captivating music and dance performances, ideal for special events and cultural immersion.

Day 10 | BACK TO CARTAGENA | Sad goodbyes! Departure day or continue to Tayrona National Park.

BOOK FOR YOUR GROUP

Included

OT Know Before You Go Colombia Travel Guide
All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinners
Airport transfer on arrival
All transfers in van/bus, domestic flights
Licensed local guides
All entrance fees and guided visits as per itinerary
All activities mentioned in itinerary

Starting at $2920 USD. Price varies based on group size. Price is customizable to your budget - customize hotels, number of included activities etc. to align with your interests + budget

International flights
Travel insurance
Gratuities
Meals and activities not mentioned

Not included

COLOMBIA WANDERLUST

your stay