Colombian Culture, Caribbean & Lost City

22 days
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Small Group Tour
Embracing nature in Colombia and the Caribbean is like nowhere else on Earth. Imagine picturesque beaches, busy cities, and the freshest coffee you’ve ever had. And you’re only scratching the surface of what’s in store for you on this 22-day trip. Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe of C...
23%
$5,433
From$4,199
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Discover the different neighbourhoods of bogotá
    • Savour the tastes and aromas of colombian coffee
    • Learn about the history of medellín
    • Relax on the beach in santa marta
    • Hike to the lost city
    • Discover the beauty in tayrona national park

What's this trip about?

    Embracing nature in Colombia and the Caribbean is like nowhere else on Earth. Imagine picturesque beaches, busy cities, and the freshest coffee you’ve ever had. And you’re only scratching the surface of what’s in store for you on this 22-day trip. Check out the resurgence of culture, art, and food in Bogotá and Medellín, dive deep into the Caribbean vibe of Cartagena, learn about Indigenous culture from the Wiwa people of Gotshezhy, get back to nature in Minca, and trek to ancient Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), known to the locals as Teyuna. Colombia will change you. All you have to do is let it.

Details

Itinerary focusActive and Outdoor Sports
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBogotá
End CitySanta Marta

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Education / Learning
  • Transformative

Destinations

  • South America
  • Colombia

Attractions

  • Caribbean
  • Cartagena
  • Salento
  • Santa Marta
  • Teyuna

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and GroupYour Foodie Moment: Coffee Farm Tour
    • CalarcáYour Discover Moment: Cartagena
    • Hacienda stay
    • Valle de Cocora hike
    • Medellín city tour
    • City tour in Cartagena
    • Tayrona National Park hike with local guide (5hrs)
    • Wiwa Community Visit & Lunch
    • Taganga Orientation Walk
    • Trek to the Lost City with an indigenous guide (5 days)
    • Guided tour of the Lost City
    • Internal flights
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Bogotá

Arrive at any time.

There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 Bogotá/Armenia

Enjoy breakfast in Bogotá before boarding an afternoon flight to Armenia, in Colombia’s coffee region. Spend two nights outside Armenia in a traditional hacienda.

Day 3 Armenia

Visit Armenia town and market for breakfast before enjoying a tour of a coffee farm in the Calarcá area to learn more about the coffee culture here.

Day 4 Armenia/Salento

Take a morning hike through the Cocora Valley before an afternoon arrival to Salento. Continue the full coffee experience in the region of Quindío.

Enjoy exploring Salento and getting a feel for the town.

Day 5 Salento/Medellín

Drive through beautiful landscapes to Medellín. Opt to explore the city in the evening.

Day 6 Medellín

Enjoy a neighbourhood tour of the city and learn the fascinating recent history of the city's ongoing transformation. Spend the rest of the day with free time to explore this vibrant city.

Day 7 Medellín

Enjoy another free day and opt to visit the nearby town of Guatapé, with its colourful houses and famous rock. Or ride the metrocable, a cable car part of Medellín’s public transportation, for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Day 8 Medellín/Cartagena

Hop on a morning flight to Cartagena and arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring the old walled city. Opt for dinner and a night out in this lively town.

Day 9 Cartagena

Enjoy a free day exploring all Cartagena has to offer. Opt to enjoy the beautiful coast or explore the charming colonial city.

Day 10 Cartagena

Enjoy a city tour, visiting the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach.

Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.

Day 11 Cartagena/Minca

Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.

Please note that if the group is full, we may be required to use multi-share rooms in Minca due to the small size of this unique hotel.

Day 12 Minca/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia. Stay in a lodge close to the park.

Please note that Tayrona...

Day 13 Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Spend the day visiting a nearby indigenous community. Gain insights into the rich traditional cultures of this region, and the Arhuacos. Enjoy a textile weaving demonstration by members of local families in the Katanzama community. Afterwards, transfer to Playa de los...

Day 14 Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga

In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.

Day 15 Taganga/Santa Marta

With a free day at leisure, tour Taganga by foot or don a snorkel and mask and explore the water. This evening, travel to Santa Marta and join your group for an optional evening out on the town.

Day 16 Santa Marta

Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further afield to explore.

Use the day to soak up some sun or make any last minute purchases before starting the big trek.

Day 17 Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp

Wake up and hit the road to the village of El Mamey where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all soak in – this is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the local way of life...

Day 18 Ricardito Camp/Teyuna Paraiso Camp

Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.

Day 19 Paraiso Camp to Mumake Camp

Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!) and start your trek to La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the different sacred sites of Lost City. Later, continue trekking through the deep jungle today on winding paths through banana t...

Day 20 Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp

The group will have an early departure from Mumake Camp. Hike past the village of El Mamey and arrive to Ricardito Camp where you'll have lunch and rest for the remainder of the day.

Day 21 Santa Marta

In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

Day 22 Santa Marta

Depart at any time.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $4,199
Price per day$191
Last Updated: 5/6/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
18 May 2024
08 Jun 2024
$5,249
Sold Out
25 May 2024
15 Jun 2024
$4,199
9 spots left
01 Jun 2024
22 Jun 2024
$4,199
10 spots left
15 Jun 2024
06 Jul 2024
$4,199
8 spots left
22 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$4,199
3 spots left
29 Jun 2024
20 Jul 2024
$5,249
Sold Out
06 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$4,199
7 spots left
13 Jul 2024
03 Aug 2024
$4,199
7 spots left
20 Jul 2024
10 Aug 2024
$4,199
Sold Out
27 Jul 2024
17 Aug 2024
$4,199
5 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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G Adventures Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
Excellent
32,225
Great
10,081
Average
8
Disappointing
6
Terrible
28
J

Judson

Jun 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colombia is an incredible country on the verge of becoming a tourist hot spot

Colombia is an incredible country on the verge of becoming a tourist hot spot. I am very glad that I had the opportunity to visit Colombia now while it still seems l...

B

Brandon

Jun 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colombia definitely is a great country to visit, and this tour will give you a definite sense of the place

Colombia definitely is a great country to visit, and this tour will give you a definite sense of the place. I loved Medellin and Cartagena and might have liked an ex...

F

Fiona

Jun 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colombia is a great place to visit

Colombia is a great place to visit. The people are warm, friendly and very welcoming. It's safe, colourful and enchanting. Go now before it becomes a well trodden to...

S

Stephanie

May 2016

Provided byG Adventures

It was a great trip

It was a great trip. Awesome tour leaders. Amazing adventure. Amazing country.

A

Aimie

Apr 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colombia has truly impressed me with its diversity, beauty and passion which is seen in the people I saw and interacted with

Colombia has truly impressed me with its diversity, beauty and passion which is seen in the people I saw and interacted with. This is definately not a country to mis...

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Steve

Nov 2023

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We spent two wonderful weeks touring several of the best destinations in Portugal & Spain with a group of 16 people. Our guide (Fredy) was from Spain and intimat...

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Kim S.

Jun 2023

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Great itinerary filled with variety of experiences & wonderful guide

Trip exceeded my expectations - not only did we have an excellent guide who was very personable, fun, and put extra attention to everyone's needs, but the country an...

C

Carita A

Jan 2023

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This tour was fantastic!

This tour was fantastic! I saw and experienced more o...

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

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"Active": Why just see the world when you could bike, hike, kayak, and multi-sport it? Why, indeed. Active tours keep travellers who like to move on the move.

"Yolo": You’re only young once. Make the most of it with Yolo tours, fun-filled and fast-moving adventures designed just for travellers aged 18 to 39.

"Family": Just because you settled down and had kids doesn’t mean your adventuring days are through. Family makes our big planet small enough for all.

"Local Living": Want to get under the skin of some of the most gorgeous and out-there places? Local Living tours grant access that even locals don't have.

"Private Groups": Got a group of eight or more and want to keep the fun to yourselves? Try a Private Group tour. You pick the who and where, we’ll handle the what.

No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

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To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
They’ve partnered with well-known names like National Geographic and the Jane Goodall Institute to offer unique experiences unavailable elsewhere.
What they’re known for
Curated culturally immersive adventures for young adults and families that are tailored to a destination or specific theme.

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Logistics

Accommodation

Hotels/guesthouses (15 nts), hacienda (2 nts), camping (4 nts in hammocks or rustic bunks),

Transportation & Flights

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure. Plane, private van, public bus, 4x4, walking,

Transportation & flights

Plane, private van, public bus, 4x4, walking
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, indigenous local guides.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. G Adventures can provide you with the appropriate coverage. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here YELLOW FEVER: Yellow Fever Vaccination is optional. Tayrona National Park won't ask for a Yellow Fever Vaccination proof. However, it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. YELLOW FEVER: This trip visits Tayrona National Park. Some national parks in Colombia may deny entry to travellers who do not show proof of yellow fever vaccination. Please consult with your travel doctor for up to date information well before departure. Please take care when wandering about the main cities on your own, as pickpockets and purse-snatchers are common. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller’s cheques and cash you don’t need in the hotel’s safety deposit box. Most Colombianos are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!
Meals Included
21 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 4 dinners
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information

Important Notes

ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary. Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. Some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour after your trip concludes. Lost City Trek Please Note: The Lost City Trek is closed for the month of September each year in order to preserve the trail and complete general maintenance and upkeep. Hiking days are between 4-6 hours a day, and the highest altitude reached is 1,200 m (3,937 ft) at the Lost City itself. The humidity and the heat makes the trek challenging. Throughout the year the temperature is generally between 35-45 degrees, and there can be heavy rain and muddy conditions. Along the trek, you will be required to carry your own gear. We recommend not carrying more than is necessary for the route. One or two changes of clothes is enough to give you a change for each day on the trek. Please bring a bag that is sufficient in size to carry what you might need. It is possible to hire a mule to carry equipment for the trek, at a cost of 40-50USD per day. Dry season (December - March), the trail can be dry and dusty. When the rains arrive (April - November), the trail can be muddy and slippery underfoot. This also affects the numerous river crossings, as the rainy season brings higher rivers. This can mean that river crossings can be as high as waist height, so we recommend that you bring a dry bag or a plastic bag to cover your daypack as you might need to carry this above your head to keep it out of the river. As the majority of this trek is through the jungle, please be aware of the presence of mosquitos and other bugs. We highly recommend bringing some form of insect repellent. While the campsites have mosquito nets over the beds and hammocks, mosquitos can be unavoidable at times. A sleep sheet can help to prevent bug bites at night as well. In 2023, Tayrona Park is closed February 01- 15, June 01-15, and October 02 - November 02. On departures during these dates we will visit Mina, the small town and ecological capital of Colombia, and Tayronaka, where we will go tubing on the Don Diego River. The park is known for its beautiful terraces and indigenous community. Visit a museum about the local Kogi people, meet members of the community, and relax while enjoying an included lunch.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-23219

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