The Ultimate Adventure Through Colombia
- Colombia
- 10 nights
A whirlwind adventure from Bogota, via the Coffee Triangle and vibrant Medellin, to the tropical wilds of Tayrona and colourful Cartagena
What's Included?
- Activities & Certified GuidesAll itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guide
- All Accommodation10 nights in characterful hotels, guesthouses and traditional fincas (country houses)
- MealsAll breakfasts, 7 lunches and 5 dinners
- Internal Flights & TransfersInternal flight from Medellin to Santa Marta; airport transfers, and everything in between
- EquipmentAll your snorkelling, SUP and kayaking equipment
- Small Like-minded GroupsSolo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 14 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From…excluding flights
Highlights
Hike the lush Cocora Valley amongst giant palm trees, follow jungle paths into Tayrona National Park, and explore the iconic coffee triangle
SUP the blue waters of Guatape lake, kayak along the shores of Cartagena at sunset and bask in the sun as you sail and snorkel the Caribbean Sea
Wander the most colourful and vibrant neighbourhoods in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena, filled with stunning ancient buildings and amazing street art
Stay in an upscale remote ecolodge and unique fincas to immerse yourself in the real Colombia and learn about some inspiring conservation projects along the way
Itinerary
Day 1
Touch down in Bogota
HotelTwin shareDinner includedShow Day 1 detailHide detail
Welcome to Colombia's vibrant capital city, packed with street art, incredible museums, and a fascinating mix of modern and ancient buildings surrounded by the tall Andes rising up in the east. As this trip includes very little time in the city, you may choose to arrive a day earlier to adjust to the jet lag and experience all the amazing attractions Colombia's largest metropolis has to offer. Free airport transfers are included at any time you decide to arrive today, and so is an early check-in if your flight lands in the early hours. Meet up with your guide and fellow adventurers, then head out to explore the historic La Candelaria district, walking through colourful graffiti, ancient churches, and colonial-era buildings. Grab dinner with your group and leader, then rest as your adventure kicks off early in the morning.
Day 2
Journey to Ibague for epic views of the Andean mountains
Hiking5hrs · 10km · 350m up · 350m downDriving4-5hrsFincaTwin or triple shareAll meals includedShow Day 2 detailHide detail
After an early breakfast, leave the city, traveling by bus along a scenic route to a rural area near Ibague, on the eastern slopes of the Andean Cordillera Central. Your home tonight is a beautiful finca, an eco-lodge surrounded by the lush Andean mountains and 157 hectares of land, 70% of which is dedicated to forest conservation. Slow down to the pace of nature and soak in the serenity of this off-grid spot, then head out with your local guide to hike the stunning trails around the farm. Enjoy the endemic flora and fauna of the region and reach some epic viewpoints of Andean mountain peaks and snow-capped Tolima. This evening, tuck into a delicious meal prepared with fresh local ingredients, and get an early night as your journey through Colombia continues tomorrow.
Day 3
To Salento, Colombia's iconic coffee region
Hiking2hrs · 5km · 150m up · 150m downDriving3hrsFincaTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 3 detailHide detail
This morning you'll travel to the famous UNESCO-listed Coffee Triangle. Start with a visit to an inspirational small nature reserve and conservation project called Kasaguadua, founded by three environmentally conscious individuals who are passionate about sustainable living and the protection of the Andean rainforest ecosystem. Take a short hike through the rolling coffee plantations and lush rainforest, before learning about the process of making Colombian coffee on a traditional farm. In the late afternoon, you'll head to the lively square of Salento town, exploring the colourful cobbled streets often chiming with music. For the next two nights, you'll bed down in a beautiful traditional country ranch in the peaceful green outskirts of town.
Day 4
Hike amongst giant palm trees in the incredible Cocora Valley
Hiking4hrs · 12km · 620m up · 620m downFincaTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 4 detailHide detail
Set off early on a day hike into Valle del Cocora, recognised as part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia Heritage Site by UNESCO. Upon reaching the trailhead, you'll be amazed by the majestic views of the stunning giant wax palm trees dotting the valley, considered to be among the tallest in the world. Continue on a scenic loop hike that takes in cloud forest, jungle, farmland, and some breathtaking viewpoints of the rolling mountains and green peaks all around. Back in Salento, enjoy a free evening in town and rest up in view of the long drive to Medellín tomorrow.
Day 5
Urban walk in Medellin, the city of eternal spring
Driving5-6 hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast includedShow Day 5 detailHide detail
Wake early and embark on a long but scenic drive from Salento to Medellín, crossing some of the most picturesque landscapes in the whole country along the way. This afternoon, you'll head out on a city tour for an urban walk, exploring the vibrant neighbourhood and stunning viewpoints of Comuna 3 Manrique. Learn about its evolution from a violence-affected area to a hub of artistic and cultural significance. Wander through streets full of colourful houses and graffiti painted by local artists. This is a far more authentic and crowd-free experience than the popular Comuna 13 district. Enjoy a lively night in El Poblado, then rest up as you're leaving the city early tomorrow.
Day 6
Climb Guatape Rock and SUP the blue lagoon
Stand Up Paddleboarding2 hrsHiking2hrs · 1km · 200m up · 200m downDriving3hrsBoutique HotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 6 detailHide detail
Leave Medellín in the early hours and transfer to the iconic Guatapé Rock, a 656-foot monolith that towers over Antioquia. Criss-cross up the 650 stairs climbing the giant rock to be rewarded with one of the most amazing lookouts in all of Colombia, with a 360-degree bird’s eye view of hundreds of small islets scattered throughout the blue water of the lake below. Next, head into one of the most colourful towns in Colombia, Guatapé, to enjoy a traditional lunch before hitting the lake's waters for an exciting paddleboarding experience with an expert local guide. In the late afternoon, you'll check into your sublime forest eco-lodge in Marinilla, secluded in the verdant valleys in the foothills of the Andes. Enjoy the epic surroundings before an evening meal and overnight stay.
Day 7
Fly to Santa Marta on the Caribbean Coast
Hiking1.5hrs · 2.5kmFlight1.5hrsHotelTwin shareBreakfast and lunch includedShow Day 7 detailHide detail
Wake to the sound of nature immersed in truly idyllic settings, then join a tour of the wild property grounds to learn the basic philosophy of permaculture design, ethics, and principles and see how these were applied to the building of Cannúa. Continue with a short hike to some amazing viewpoints, learning about Cannúa’s reforestation project that has revived nine glorious hectares of land, attracting endangered birds, frogs, and other native species back to the area. This afternoon, you'll hop on a quick transfer to the airport and board your flight to Santa Marta, the first Spanish settlement in Colombia nestled on the northern Caribbean coast. The remainder of the evening is free to wander the charming historic centre, boasting colourful colonial architecture and supposedly the oldest cathedral in the whole of South America.
Day 8
Sail, swim and snorkel in the Caribbean
Sailing4hrsSnorkelling2hrsGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 8 detailHide detail
Today you'll set sail on a thrilling adventure from Santa Marta, traversing the rugged and wild coast of Tayrona National Park by boat. The coastline is a protected area and home to the world's highest coastal mountain, Pico Cristóbal Colón (5730m). Dive into the inviting Caribbean waters at several snorkelling sites along the way, encountering marine life on the coral reef below. Bask in the sun on a secluded beach before returning to Santa Marta in the afternoon. Then transfer to your next base, a lovely family-run guesthouse perched on a hill overlooking the jungle and sea on the outskirts of Tayrona National Park.
Day 9
Jungle hike and beach time in Tayrona National Park
Hiking5-6hrs · 12kmGuesthouseTwin shareAll meals includedShow Day 9 detailHide detail
Get ready for an adventurous day of natural exploration. This morning, you'll explore the coastal jungle of Parque Tayrona on foot, hiking along pristine and undisturbed trails, eyes peeled for monkeys. Reach a secluded beach for lunch and enjoy some swimming, optional snorkelling and relaxation. Head back to your posada for a good night's sleep, as you'll leave Tayrona early in the morning tomorrow.
Day 10
Kayak, explore and taste local rum in colourful Cartagena
Kayaking2hrsDriving5hrsHotelBreakfast and dinner includedShow Day 10 detailHide detail
Today, transfer early by bus to Cartagena – the gem of Colombia. Time permitting, explore the vibrant and superbly preserved downtown on a walking tour with your fellow travellers. Next, head to the coast for a leisurely kayaking activity at sunset. Cap this memorable adventure with a farewell dinner followed by a rum and chocolate tasting, and perhaps dance the night away in one of the iconic live music venues in town. That's your adventure through Colombia completed!
Day 11
Adios, Colombia!
Breakfast includedShow Day 11 detailHide detail
Today is the end of your whirlwind Colombian adventure. After a final breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to your group and guide. Free airport transfers are included any time you choose to depart today.
Practical Stuff
Getting There
- Fly into
- El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
- Fly out of
- Rafael Nuñez International Airport (CTG)
- Pick up
- El Dorado International Airport, Bogota
Any time on Day 1 - Drop off
- Rafael Núñez International Airport, Cartagena
Any time on Day 11
This Trip is Graded Level 2
What is and isn't Included?
What's included
- Guided urban walks in Bogota and Medellin
- Guided hike in Ibague
- Guided hike and coffee farm tour in Salento
- Guided hike in the UNESCO-listed Cocora Valley
- SUP session on Guatape Lake
- Guided hike and tour at Cannua Ecolodge
- Sailing excursion and snorkelling in Tayrona National Park
- Guided jungle hike in Tayrona National Park
- Sunset kayaking session in Cartagena
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
- 4 nights in charming city hotels and boutique properties
- 3 nights in traditional Colombian fincas (country houses)
- 1 night at Cannua ecolodge
- 2 nights at family-run guesthouse with pool and sea view
- All breakfasts
- 7 tasty lunches
- 5 hearty Colombian dinners
- Your internal flight from Medellin to Santa Marta
- Arrival transfer from Bogota Airport at any time on Day 1
- Departure transfer to Cartagena Airport at any time on Day 11
- All transfers during the trip
- All your snorkelling, SUP and kayaking equipment, plus sailing boat
- All park permits and entry fees
What's not included
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. For this trip we recommend approximately USD 40 per person for the main tour leader plus USD 30-35 in total to be shared by other local guides and drivers.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine (opens in new tab), as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Where You'll Stay
Looking for a private room? See Optional Extras for details and pricing.
What You'll Eat
Packed with rich flavours, hearty ingredients, and some unusual taste combinations, Colombian cuisine is diverse and tasty. The much-loved national dish, Bandeja Paisa, features rice, avocado, plantain, beans, and a lot of meat. Snacks such as empana…
Optional Extras
Pre/Post Trip Accommodation
- Additional Night in Bogota Single Room
- …/per night
- Additional Night in Bogota Twin/Double Room
- …/per night
- Additional Night in Cartagena Single Room
- …/per night
- Additional Night in Cartagena Twin/Double Room
- …/per night
Upgrades
- Optional Private Room Upgrade
- …
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking (this is subject to availability).
Transfers
- Private airport transfer Bogota Airport - Bogota Hotel
- …
- Private airport transfer Cartagena Hotel - Cartagena Airport
- …
To request any extras, message your host via your Much Better Adventures account once you have booked your trip.
All extras must be paid before your trip starts.
Ratings & Reviews
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Category rating
- Food
- 5.0
- Guides & crew
- 5.0
- Accommodation
- 5.0
- Itinerary
- 5.0
Latest Reviews
Customer Photos
Before You Travel
What to Pack

Know before you go! Some stuff we'll provide, other things you'll need to bring.
FAQs
What's Plan B in case of bad weather or national park closures?
The sailing trip is weather-dependent; therefore, it is possible that conditions outside of the host's control (namely, rough seas) may require cancellation on health and safety grounds. In such a scenario, the host would endeavour to either replace the activity with something appropriate or rearrange the running order of the itinerary.
There are also occasional National Park closures that can be announced at short notice by the park authorities in Colombia. This is sometimes the case for Tayrona National Park. Your host will endeavour to share information immediately whenever a change is announced that will impact part(s) of the published itinerary.
What do I do about drinking water?
You'll have access to safe drinking water at each accommodation, and your host will also carry water, giving you plenty of opportunity to top up water bottles and stay hydrated throughout the day. Tap water in rural destinations should be purified or boiled before drinking – your guide will be able to provide destination-specific advice. You may wish to read our guide to water filters here.
What is the up to date travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. For this trip we recommend approximately USD 40 per person for the main tour leader plus USD 30-35 in total to be shared by other local guides and drivers.
Can I leave my excess luggage somewhere?
No, as you won't be returning to a hotel in Bogota it isn't possible to leave any excess luggage anywhere.
Who at Much Better Adventures designed this trip?
Marta Marinelli, raised in Italy’s serene Prosecco Hills, dreamt of global adventures, inspired by her father's travel stories. Her passion evolved into a career, backed by a decade of studies including degrees in international tourism and destination management. She’s worked in the adventure travel sector since 2012, living in Italy, the UK, and now sunny Portugal.
Over twenty years, Marta has explored over 60 countries, visiting remote areas like Ghana, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Haiti and Nepal’s Upper Mustang region. As a Senior Adventure Expansion Manager at Much Better Adventures, she focuses on creating life-changing experiences, ranging from multi-activity adventures, challenging treks to ultimate adventures in iconic places. She loves the challenge of finding the best local adventure hosts around the world, collaborating on adventures that offer genuine immersion, pushing beyond the beaten path and working on exclusive itineraries that challenge your comfort zone.
What makes her tick? Enabling people to live adventure-rich lives while positively impacting and empowering local communities around the world, generating sustainable opportunities for both the host, guides, community, and the environment.
High altitude (over 2500m): what factors should I consider?
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.
Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.
Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.
Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.
Hot climate: what factors should I consider?
This trip operates in areas where daytime temperatures can reach extreme highs, where limited shade and high humidity can also be a factor. These conditions can affect physical performance and increase the risk of dehydration or heat-related illness. Your guide will adjust the pace and monitor the group closely, but hydration, proper clothing, and sun protection are essential.
Before travelling, consider your ability to be active in high temperatures and consult a medical professional if you have concerns – especially if you have any cardiovascular or heat-sensitive conditions. Arriving a day or two prior to the trip may help you adjust gradually to the heat.
Can I book on my own?
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Who is running the trip?
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
What is the official travel advice?
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
What vaccinations do I need?
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
How are the trips priced?
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
Why are your adventures only for adults?
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.
Who else will be on my trip?
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
What's the weather like?
From December to March, Colombia experiences its driest weather, with less frequent rainfall, making it an ideal time of the year to visit. However, thanks to its geographic location on the equator, the country enjoys consistently warm temperatures throughout the year, making every season a good season for travel, although occasional rain showers are always possible at any time. The wettest months along the Caribbean coast are September and October, though it remains hot. Please note that it can get quite hot and humid in the north, so it's important to stay hydrated and wear a hat and sun protection at all times. Temperatures typically range from the mid-20s to low-30s°C.
What's the carbon footprint for this trip?
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 311kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
- A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
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Departure dates
Saturday 11th July 2026
to Tuesday 21st July 2026
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