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Peregrine Travel Centre

Real Colombia

Real Colombia

From $ 3,875 AUD

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Description

Join a 14-day adventure into the real Colombia and find yourself cruising through floating villages in the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta, hiking to the Marinka Waterfalls and getting to know the cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Be surrounded by tropical rainforest when you visit the Rio Claro Nature Reserve and take in panoramic views from the pinnacle of 65-million-year-old El Penol. Plus, you’ll have plenty of free time to dig deeper into the sides of Colombia that intrigue you the most – how about a coffee farm tour, a daytrip to Tayrona National Park or ziplining through a canyon? Colombia’s your oyster!

Trip Name
Real Colombia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
14
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Lace up your boots and hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. Spend some time swimming in the clear waters at the base of one of the waterfalls, then join a local guide through the charming streets of Minca.
  • Explore Rio Claro – a nature reserve known for its clear rivers, tropical rainforest terrain and waterfalls. Swim in the river, hike along the Ecological Trail and maybe zigzag downstream along the canyon walls on a zipline.
  • Play a game of tejo with the locals – this is Colombia's national sport and a popular pastime in Bogota (think bocce with gunpowder).
  • Climb over 700 stairs for panoramic views from the top of El Penol – a 200-m-tall granite rock that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples.
  • Support World Bicycle Relief (an Intrepid Foundation partner) as you explore Barranquilla on two wheels. Visit the not-for-profit factory, cycle along the city’s waterfront promenade and see the statue of Shakira.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bogota
Hola! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure starts in Bogota with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, join your leader for an orientation walk at 3 pm. Maybe browse the stalls at the Usaquen Flea Market, visit the Botero Museum or take a cable car to Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. After your meeting, enjoy a local beer or two as you play tejo – a traditional Colombian game where you throw a metal disc at a target embedded in clay. Then maybe find a local restaurant for a group dinner of Colombian cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.
Day 2 - Honda to Rio Claro​
After breakfast, travel to Rio Claro. Today is a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, stop in Honda – a town nicknamed the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its 40 bridges spanning its small area. Get a quick glimpse of the culture and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant before continuing to Rio Claro – a nature reserve known for its clear rivers, tropical rainforest terrain and waterfalls. When you arrive, maybe settle into your accommodation and enjoy the sounds of nature. You'll have a full day to explore tomorrow. 
Day 3 - Rio Claro​
Set off this morning on a walk along the Ecological Trail. Walk along rainforest terrain to riverside El Marmol (Marble Beach) – perfect for a swim to cool off after your walk. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Rio Claro at your own pace. Maybe go rafting and race down tropical rainforest rapids, zigzag downstream along the canyon walls on a zipline or go caving and explore the cavern sculpted by El Bornego. Tonight, perhaps try a Colombian dish for dinner like sancocho (a hearty local stew) or churrasco (steak).
Day 4 - Guatape
Travel to Guatape – a small Andean town known for its houses decorated with colourful bas-reliefs (sculptures). When you arrive, climb the zigzag staircase of El Penol – a 65-million-year-old granitic rock remnant that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples. Take in the 360-degree bird’s eye view of the lake and nearby towns at the top before heading back into town for a free afternoon. Maybe walk along the cobbled stone streets of Calle del Recuerdo, visit San Rafael or head out for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 5 - Medellin
Drive to Medellin – the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province, nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its temperate weather and annual Flower Festival. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get your bearings. Then, maybe wander through the Medellin Botanical Garden or take a cable car to Parque Arvi and set off on a hiking trail through the beautiful landscape. Tonight, you’re free to relax or ask your leader for the best local hangouts to try some arepas (crispy white corn cakes usually stuffed with meat and vegetables).
Day 6 - Medellin
Get out and about in Medellin with a free day today. You might want to visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works, join a historic downtown tour of Medellin or explore Comuna 13 (San Javier) – one of the 16 communes of Medellin, known for its street art, graffiti and bright colours. Maybe take a guided tour of the area and learn about the transformation of this former no-go zone. Tonight, perhaps join your new friends in search of one of the city’s pumping salsa bars and toast to a trip well-travelled!
Day 7 - Cartagena
Today, you’ll fly from Medellin to Cartagena – a port city rich in history, with a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town that dates back to the 16th century. You’ll have a second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet the new travellers joining you for the next leg of the trip. After the meeting, maybe gather your new group and head out for dinner. How about some warm arepas filled with melty cheese or some traditional local salted fish? Be sure to ask your leader for all the best places to eat in the city.
Day 8 - Barranquilla
This morning, travel to Barranquilla – a seaport city on the bank of the Magdalena River. When you arrive, visit the World Bicycle Relief factory – an Intrepid Foundation partner who empowers people in rural communities with life-changing, purpose-built bicycles. Learn about how the organisation helps to address the lack of transportation infrastructure for impacted locals before setting off on a cycling tour through Barranquilla along the Malecon (waterfront promenade). After, head back to your accommodation and maybe find a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Day 9 - Minca
Set off on a guided tour through the Palafitos Villages – stilt villages built on the water in the Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta. This large swamp is a Ramsar Site (wetland of international importance) and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The tour begins with a short drive to Pueblo Viejo, where you'll board a traditional fisherman's boat to visit the stilt villages of Buenavista and Nueva Venecia. In Nueva Venecia, visit the Visitors’ Center with a local community guide and learn about the moving history of this village, including its struggles with violence and social issues. Then, continue to the floating football field – a symbol of hope for the younger generations, donated by the famous footballer Radamel Falcao Garcia. Later, continue to Minca, where you’ll stay tonight.
Day 10 - Minca
This morning, join a local guide through the charming streets of Minca before continuing to the Marinka Waterfalls. Lace up your hiking boots and take in the scenic river views as you walk, looking out for native birds along the way. Swim in the crystal-clear waters surrounded by nature before heading back to Minca. This afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – maybe join a La Candelaria farm tour, where you'll visit a coffee farm built in the 1990s that also cultivates cacao. Here, you’ll have the choice between a coffee or chocolate tour, where you’ll learn about the cultivation and transformation process into the final product.
Day 11 - Santa Marta
After breakfast, travel to Santa Marta. When you arrive, set off on an orientation walk through the coastal city with your local leader. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe taste some local produce at the Santa Marta Public Market or walk along the seafront promenade of Macheteon de Bastidas. Tonight, perhaps get your new friends together and venture out into Santa Marta’s vibrant nightlight near Parque de los Novios.
Day 12 - Santa Marta
Today is a free day for you to explore Santa Marta at your own pace. Maybe take a daytrip to the Tayrona National Park, join a Santa Marta city tour or visit the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino Museum – the historic home of the former President of Peru, Simon Bolivar. Tonight, maybe watch the sunset from a nearby beach or try some local dishes like fish ancocho (fish and vegetable soup) or cayeye (boiled mashed banana with butter and cheese).
Day 13 - Cartagena
Take a bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena this morning. Today is a bit of a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. When you arrive, maybe join a tour of the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, stroll through the Zenu Gold Museum or indulge in local cuisine on a street food tour or rum tasting. Tonight, perhaps join your new friends for dinner at a local restaurant and toast to the final night of your trip.
Day 14 - Cartagena
As there are no more activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end this morning. If you’d like to stay in Cartagena longer, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
27-09-202610-10-2026AUD $ 3,875-
25-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 3,875-
22-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 3,875-
06-12-202619-12-2026AUD $ 3,875-
24-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 3,875-
21-02-202706-03-2027AUD $ 3,875-
21-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 3,875-
18-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 3,875-
23-05-202705-06-2027AUD $ 3,875-
20-06-202703-07-2027AUD $ 3,875-
25-07-202707-08-2027AUD $ 3,875-
19-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 3,875-
24-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 3,875-
21-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 3,875-
05-12-202718-12-2027AUD $ 3,875-
19-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,875-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 night), Lodge (2 nights), Hostel (5 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle, Public Bus, Taxi

Map

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