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Colombia’s wild side


Exploring Colombia's highlights and staying in eco lodges
12 days starting at $2,440/Person

Why you'll love this nature, ecolodges and colonial cities tour!

Exploring Colombia's highlights and staying in eco lodges

12 days 1 country(ies)

This Colombia trip is one of our absolute favorites! It has a wonderful mix of visiting the old cities of Bogota and Cartagena and losing yourself in the nature Colombia has to offer. From the lakes & mountains in Guatape, to the stunning beaches of tropical Tayrona National Park. Adding here some pretty spectacular hotels, focused on ecological responsibility, relaxation and immersive experiences and…. Boom, we have a dreamtrip!

From

$ 2,440 USD

Per person based on Double Occupancy

From

$2,440 USD

Per person
  • Package valid for trips to be made between 3rd of January 2022 and 15th of December 2022, not including special holiday seasons.
  • Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Encounter Latin America has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability.
  • Package subject to availability at time of booking.
What you can expect in every tour:
  • Choose any date, all tours have daily departures
  • Hand picked guides specialized for every excursion
  • 7 regional offices with 24/7 in country support
  • Transfers with English guide to/from all airports
  • Local specialists who live and guide the destination
  • Personal dining recommendations for food lovers
  • Incredibly comfortable authentic accommodations

TOUR DETAILS “Colombia’s wild side”

What’s included

11 NIGHTS

10 MEALS

10 x Breakfast

TRANSPORTATION

Private transfers and excursions, 1 shuttle from Santa Marta to Cartagena (optionally this can be private) Note: national flights are not included (Bogota to Coffee Triangle


Wow experiences

EXPERIENCES INCLUDED

Bogota like a like city tour, Full day Salento & Cocora Valley tour, Coffee tour, Visit to Guatape and Peñol, Day tour to Tayrona National Park, City tour of Cartagena


Highlights

Coffee Triangle, Medellin & lakes of Guatape

Tayrona National Park & Cartagena

11 Day Travel Itinerary

Our tours depart any day of the year, there are no fixed departure dates. It’s really simply, we’ve designed some of the best experiences that cover your “bucket list” must see stuff in each destination. You can trust in our 20 years of experience, that everything will run just like clockwork.

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Day 1 - Bogota

Arrival in Colombia

Once you arrive in Bogota you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your accommodation. Your hotel will be located in Bogota’s historical center of La Candelaria which is surrounded by Bogota’s most traditional houses and important buildings. Having settled in, you’ll be able to spend some time with one of our local specialists who are always happy and excited to hear about your travel plans in Colombia and beyond – now’s the time to make the most of their many years of local know-how and ask questions until your heart’s content!

Depending on the time of your arrival in Bogota, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the area near to where you’re staying. La Candelaria is a hive of activity where the charming, cobblestone streets, colonial architecture are a joy to explore. While soaking up the atmosphere of La Candelaria, stop off at one of the local street vendors for a cup of canelazo, made from agua de panela, cinnamon and aguardiente liquor that will be sure to warm you up from the Andean chill. Tonight, go to one of the many restaurants in Bogota’s trendy Zona Rosa before, discovering the liveliness of both the city and its people at the thriving bars nearby.
Included: Transfer to your accommodation in Bogota; Accommodation in Bogota. (Meals – None).

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Once you arrive in Bogota you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your accommodation. Your hotel will be located in Bogota’s historical center of La Candelaria which is surrounded by Bogota’s most traditional houses and important buildings. Having settled in, ...

2
Day 2 - Bogota

Explore Bogota like a local

View Travel Guide for Bogota
This tour takes place in the historic center of Bogotá, also known as La Candelaria. During the tour you will visit emblematic places and highly appreciated by Bogota citizens, which will make you feel like an inhabitant of Bogotá instead of a tourist. You will take the cable car to Monserrate Hill and upon reaching the summit you will be rewarded with stunning views over the sprawling city below and all the way to the peaks of the Andes.
From this vantage point, you will be able to get a feel for the different zones from the contemporary high-rise office buildings of the financial district to the terracotta-colored rooftops of Bogota’s historical center. Learn about the life and work of the liberator Simon Bolivar while visiting La Quinta de Bolivar. Regain strength and energy to continue the tour with a cup of freshly ground Colombian coffee. Appreciate the graffiti that adorns the walls of downtown Bogotá, decipher its meaning and the message the artist wanted to transmit. Marvel at the wide variety of tropical and exotic fruits produced in Colombia while visiting a typical Plaza de Mercado. In Chorro de Quevedo you can go back in time and imagine how Bogotá looked like in 1538 when it was founded by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Know about the work of the master Fernando Botero while visiting the Mueseo Botero and contemplate an art collection of important artists from the 19th and 20th centuries. Finish the tour in the Plaza de Bolivar where the government buildings are located and walk a bit on the emblematic Carrera 7ª.
Following your Bogota city tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to enjoy. Bogota is one of the rising gastronomic centers of Latin America and tonight you should go out to discover the city’s restaurants many of which are located the Gourmet Zone (Zona G), Usaquen and Zona Rosa.
Included: Half day city Tour with private guide; Accommodation in Bogota. (Meals – Breakfast)

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View Travel Guide for Bogota This tour takes place in the historic center of Bogotá, also known as La Candelaria. During the tour you will visit emblematic places and highly appreciated by Bogota citizens, which will make you feel like an ...

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Day 3 - Coffee region

Into the Coffee Region

This morning, a private transfer will take you to Bogota airport for your flight to Pereira.
Once you arrive at Pereira’s airport you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your comfortable hacienda in Colombia’s Coffee Region. From your accommodation you’ll be a coffee bean’s throw away from some of Colombia’s most scenic landscapes and of course its world famous coffee plantations! The Coffee Triangle is Colombia’s largest coffee-producing region and is located in the center of the country
surrounded by breathtaking scenery, picturesque architecture and prosperous coffee farms known as, fincas.You will stay in the coffee hacienda San Jose. Build in 1888 and fully restored and with the original decoration, San Jose is a hidden jewel. With only 11 rooms and a fantastic kitchen, this hacienda will give you a real up & close connection of the coffee region.
Included: Transfer from hotel to Bogota airport, transfer to your accommodation in the Coffee Region with assistance; accommodation in the Hacienda San Jose. (Meals – Breakfast)

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This morning, a private transfer will take you to Bogota airport for your flight to Pereira. Once you arrive at Pereira’s airport you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your comfortable hacienda in Colombia’s Coffee Region. From your accommodation you’ll be ...

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Day 4 - Coffee region

Salento & the Cocora National Park

View Travel Guide for the Coffee Triangle
Your private guide and transfer will pick you up from your accommodation to begin your day exploring the Cocora Valley and Salento. Arriving in the small traditional village of Salento with its colorful balconies, typical colonial architecture and handicrafts shops, enjoy strolling along the Calle Real (Royal Road). You’ll have time for a coffee at a local cafe, and whichever you choose, they’re all serving up the best Coffee in Colombia so you can’t really go wrong!
Continue along the Calle Real before reaching 250 steps that lead up to the Alto de la Cruz; a viewpoint offering picture-perfect views of Salento and the Cocora Valley.
With its rolling green hills and huge Quindio wax palm trees, the scenery is like something out of a magical land in a Dr. Seuss book. The Cocora Valley is home to Colombia’s national tree, the Quindío wax palm tree that can grow up to 190 ft. tall. These tall, thin trees stand like giants guarding the valley, the farmland, avocado plantations, wandering cattle and of course coffee plantations.
You’ll head back to the town of Salento where you’ll have some time to buy some souvenirs or sit down to another perfect cup of coffee. It’s then time for you to head back to your accommodation in the Coffee Region and soak up the beauty of your surroundings and traditional hacienda.
Included: Full day Salento & Cocora Valley tour with private guide; accommodation in the Coffee Region. (Meals – Breakfast)

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View Travel Guide for the Coffee Triangle Your private guide and transfer will pick you up from your accommodation to begin your day exploring the Cocora Valley and Salento. Arriving in the small traditional village of Salento with its colorful balconies, ...

5
Day 5 - Medellin

Coffee tour & Travel to Medellin

You will be taken to a Coffee Hacienda, where you will experience the whole coffee production process ‘from the grain to the cup’. The tour is interactive and you will be able to participate in the production process. Our coffee expert will share his in depth knowledge with you and will reveal some secrets of planting, harvesting, washing and drying the coffee. Enjoy the delicious aromas and taste one of the best coffees in the world: the Colombian one!
After the tour you will be taken to the airport for your flight to Medellin.

Once you arrive in Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city, you’ll be warmly welcomed and taken to your accommodation. Without a doubt, Medellin is one of Colombia’s most exciting cities and surrounded by the high-rise jagged peaks of mountains, the city has developed into a thriving jewel in the crown of Colombia. Known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its year-round mild and pleasant climate, there’s never a bad time to soak up the sights and sounds of this magical city.
Depending on the time of your arrival in Medellin, you will have the rest of the day free to explore the area near to where you’re staying.
Tonight, walk to Medellin’s Parque Lleras to sit down to a traditional meal in one of the many restaurants you will find there before, discovering the liveliness and beauty of both the city and its people at the thriving bars nearby.
Included: Coffee tour with private guide, transport and entrance fees, private transfer to the airport in Pereira, private transfer to your accommodation in Medellin with assistance; Accommodation in Medellin. (Meals – Breakfast)

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You will be taken to a Coffee Hacienda, where you will experience the whole coffee production process ‘from the grain to the cup’. The tour is interactive and you will be able to participate in the production process. Our coffee ...

6
Day 6 - Guatape

Visit Guatape and El Peñol

View Travel Guide for Medellin
Today we will make a short visit to the center of Medellin, before heading out to lovely town of Guatape and El Peñol, a huge granite monolith set on the edge of an enormous lake with dozens of small little islands. Also known as ‘Pueblo de Zócalos’. The town of Guatape is famous for its pastel colored houses which are a joy to admire while strolling through its charming cobblestone streets and its main street which runs alongside the reservoir.

Don’t forget to have a look at the bottom half of the houses, as they are brilliantly decorated with the most marvelous paintings and sculptures, ranging from cartoon characters to landscapes and animals. The somewhat tough climb to the top of El Peñol is more than rewarding as it offers an amazing view over the stunning landscape. If you are not in for the climb to the top, you will have the choice to take an (optional) boat excursion to the El Peñol dam and Guatape Lake which will give you a great view of the El Peñol rock and also take you by one of Pablo Escobar’s holiday homes.
Included: Private excursion with Transport, Guide and El Peñol entrance fee; Accommodation in Guatape. (Meals – Breakfast)

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View Travel Guide for Medellin Today we will make a short visit to the center of Medellin, before heading out to lovely town of Guatape and El Peñol, a huge granite monolith set on the edge of an enormous lake with ...

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Day 7 - Guatape

Day to explore Guatape

Today is free for you to relax at your hotel. You can explore the surroundings and the lake. there’re many trails around the hotel and kayaks and paddle boards can be freely used. At night there is. campfire and the hotel has a very good restaurant.
Included: Accommodation in Guatape. (Meals – Breakfast)

Today is free for you to relax at your hotel. You can explore the surroundings and the lake. there’re many trails around the hotel and kayaks and paddle boards can be freely used. At night there is. campfire and the ...

8
Day 8 - Tayrona

Travel to the Caribbean coast

View Travel Guide for Santa Marta
A private transfer will take you to the airport in Medellin for your flight to Santa Marta.
Upon arrival in Santa Marta you will be taken to your hotel located close to Tayrona National Park. Your hotel is located just 5 minutes from the Tayrona Park and set amidst beautiful jungle, right on the beach and next to the mouth of the Piedras River. After you settle into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free to relax.

Included: Private transfer from your lodge to Medellin airport, Private transfer from Santa Marta airport to your hotel; Accommodation close to Tayrona. (Meals – Breakfast).

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View Travel Guide for Santa Marta A private transfer will take you to the airport in Medellin for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival in Santa Marta you will be taken to your hotel located close to Tayrona National Park. Your ...

9
Day 9 - Tayrona

Exploring Tayrona National Park

Your private transfer will take you along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline to Tayrona National Park. Arriving in Tayrona, the transfer will drop you off at the main entrance of the National Park, where you will start a gentle 45-minute hike through the jungle to the area of Arrecifes. If you want to save your energy from the walk you can also rent a horse. Along the way you’ll be able to see all types of flora a fauna including monkeys which are just some of the 108 other species that live within the Tayrona National Park.

Optionally you can hike for another 20 minutes to La Piscina, a natural pool where you can bathe and snorkel in the warm, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean. You can then decide whether to spend the rest of your day relaxing on the deserted beach of Cabo San Juan del Guia. In the afternoon you will walk back to the main entrance where your transfer will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel
Included: Private transfers and Tayrona Entrance fees; Accommodation close to Tayrona (Meals – Breakfast)

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Your private transfer will take you along Colombia’s Caribbean coastline to Tayrona National Park. Arriving in Tayrona, the transfer will drop you off at the main entrance of the National Park, where you will start a gentle 45-minute hike through ...

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Day 10 - Cartagena

Travel to Cartagena

View Travel Guide for Cartagena
Once you arrive in Cartagena, Colombia’s jewel and fairy-tale city on the Caribbean coast, you’ll be taken to your accommodation. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and demonstrates the perfect marriage between rich colonial history and the vibrancy of the Caribbean.
Depending on the time of your arrival in Cartagena, the rest of the day is free to explore the area near to where you’re staying,
the city’s maze of cobblestone streets and its charming buildings. The historic center of Cartagena is surrounded by an impressive 8 mile-long colonial stonewall and is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail in the Café del Mar while watching the sunset over the Caribbean.
Included: Private transfer from Tayrona to Santa Marta, Shuttle bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena, Accommodation in Cartagena. (Meals – Breakfast)

Read more

View Travel Guide for Cartagena Once you arrive in Cartagena, Colombia’s jewel and fairy-tale city on the Caribbean coast, you’ll be taken to your accommodation. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and demonstrates the perfect marriage between rich colonial history ...

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Day - 11

Exploring Cartagena

Your local guide will pick you up from your accommodation to begin your private walking tour of Cartagena’s highlights. The Caribbean weather, colonial architecture and Caribbean flair will keep you more than occupied. If that’s not enough, the city is shrouded in history and fascinating stories from when the Spanish first discovered gold in the tombs of Sinu to the five dreadful sieges on the city by pirates in the 16th century, including the most famous (or infamous) one which was led by Sir Francis Drake!
Nowadays, as you’ll find out while walking through its pleasant and colorful streets Cartagena is among one of the world’s most beautiful cities. On today’s walking tour you’ll visit the Santo Domingo Square, the iconic Clock Tower, Cartagena’s Cathedral and the Palacio de la Inquisición. Walking through the cobblestone streets of the historical city center you will also be treated to the city’s most traditional buildings, enchanting squares and museums.
Following your Cartagena city tour, the rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax and enjoy this wonderful city. If you want to explore Cartagena further, you can take the afternoon to visit the Candelaria Convent located on the top of the Popa Hill, the Old Shoes Monument, and the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Castle and Fort. Tonight, you will have time to relax and enjoy this wonderful city that vibrates with color and is refreshed by Caribbean Sea breezes.
Included: Half day Cartagena Colonial City Walking Tour with a private guide; Accommodation in Cartagena. (Meals – Breakfast)

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Your local guide will pick you up from your accommodation to begin your private walking tour of Cartagena’s highlights. The Caribbean weather, colonial architecture and Caribbean flair will keep you more than occupied. If that’s not enough, the city is ...

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Day 12 - Homeward bound

Leaving Cartagena

It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and flair of Colombia further.

Included: Transfer from your accommodation to the airport in Cartagena. (Meals – Breakfast)

It’s time to hit the road again as you make your way to your next destination where if you are planning to, you can enjoy exploring the beauty and flair of Colombia further.

Included: Transfer from your accommodation to the ...

ACCOMMODATIONS “Colombia’s wild side”

Comfort

Superior

  • Bogota – Hotel de la Opera
  • Pereira – Hotel Hacienda San Jose
  • Medellín – Estelar Blue Hotel
  • Medellín – Boato Hotel
  • Tayrona – Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos
  • Cartagena – Bantu Hotel

Luxury

ACCOMMODATION & PRICING

(Price estimate for 2 people traveling together)

View Superior Accommodation
Option 1

Superior

Travel On A Budget With Style & Superior


$2,440

Per person