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Essential Colombia

Essential Colombia

From $ 1,580 AUD

Description

This seven-day adventure from Bogota to Medellin is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Colombia, with planned activities and plenty of time to wander at your own pace. Walk along an ecological trail, swim in the rivers at El Marmol and climb the zigzag staircase of El Penol for 360-degree views over Guatape. Visit the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia Province, Medellin and play tejo with the locals over a pint of local beer or two. Then, in your free time, maybe race down rapids in Rio Claro or explore the street art around Comuna 13 (San Javier) with your group of new friends!

Trip Name
Essential Colombia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • 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 in a Tejo Hall – Colombia's national sport and a popular pastime in Bogota (think bocce with gunpowder).
  • Climb over 700 stairs for panoramic views to the top of El Penol – a 200 m tall granitic rock, that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples.
  • Visit Honda – once a river port, the town is now known as the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its location on the Magdalena River. With over 40 bridges connecting different parts of town, learn why the structures are such a key part of the town’s history.
  • Spend plenty of free time in Medellin – maybe wander through the Botanical Garden, visit the Museo de Antioquia or explore the street art in Comuna 13.

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 - Medellin
As there are no activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to spend more time in Medellin just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-06-202604-07-2026AUD $ 1,595-
26-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 1,580-
27-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 1,595-
25-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 1,595-
22-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 1,660-
06-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 1,660-
25-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 1,720-
24-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 1,670-
21-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 1,720-
05-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 1,720-

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night), Lodge (2 nights), Hostel (3 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map