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18 to 35s Essential Colombia

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18 to 35s Essential Colombia

Was From $ 1,660 AUD
Now From $ 1,328 AUD
Sale!

Description

This seven-day adventure from Bogota to Medellin is the sweet spot for those seeking the natural beauty of Colombia, with planned activities and plenty of time to wander at your own pace. Walk along a riverside trail in Rio Claro Nature Reserve, 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 new friends!

Trip Name
18 to 35s 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 the winding trail along limestone cliffs and maybe zoom downstream between the canyon walls on a zip-line.
  • 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 up 700 stairs to the top of El Penol – a 200 m (656 ft) granitic rock, that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples. The panoramic views are worth the sweat!
  • Visit Honda – once a river port, the town is now known as the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its location on the Magdalena River. Learn why the 40-plus bridges that connect different parts of town are a key part of local history.
  • Make Medellin your own with plenty of free time – 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 may be 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 begins 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. Your leader will have some great recommendations.
Day 2 - Honda to Rio Claro​
After breakfast, set off for Rio Claro. Today is a long travel day, so it's a great day to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, stop in Honda – a town nicknamed the ‘City of Bridges’ due to the 40-plus bridges spanning its small area. Get a quick glimpse of the daily life here 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 kick back to the sounds of nature. You'll have a full day to explore tomorrow.
Day 3 - Rio Claro​
Head out this morning on a walk along the nature reserve’s ecological trail. Walk through rainforest terrain to riverside El Marmol (Marble Beach) – perfect for a swim to cool off. 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, soar downstream along the canyon walls on a zip-line or go caving and explore the cavern sculpted by the El Bornego creek. Tonight, perhaps try a Colombian dish for dinner like sancocho (a hearty local stew) or churrasco (steak).
Day 4 - Guatape
Travel to Guatape today – this small Andean town is 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.
Day 5 - Medellin
Drive to Medellin today – the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province is nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its temperate weather and annual Flower Festival. When you arrive, join your leader on an orientation walk to 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. You might want to visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works, join a historic tour downtown or explore Comuna 13 (San Javier) – one of the 16 communes of Medellin – known for its brightly coloured street art. Maybe take a guided tour of the area and learn how its hillside streets, once defined by hardship, have been transformed by local artists. 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
06-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 1,328-
24-01-202730-01-2027AUD $ 1,635-
21-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 1,635-
21-03-202727-03-2027AUD $ 1,635-
18-04-202724-04-2027AUD $ 1,635-
23-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 1,635-
20-06-202726-06-2027AUD $ 1,635-
25-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 1,610-
19-09-202725-09-2027AUD $ 1,635-
24-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 1,635-
21-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 1,610-
19-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 1,635-
23-01-202829-01-2028AUD $ 1,715-
20-02-202826-02-2028AUD $ 1,715-
19-03-202825-03-2028AUD $ 1,715-
16-04-202822-04-2028AUD $ 1,715-
21-05-202827-05-2028AUD $ 1,715-
18-06-202824-06-2028AUD $ 1,715-
23-07-202829-07-2028AUD $ 1,715-
17-09-202823-09-2028AUD $ 1,715-
22-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 1,715-
19-11-202825-11-2028AUD $ 1,715-
03-12-202809-12-2028AUD $ 1,715-
17-12-202823-12-2028AUD $ 1,715-

Accommodation

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

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map