12 Day Colombian Heartlands Tour

Medellin, Cartagena & the Cafetera
TOURCODE: CM1

Duration:
12 Days

Activity Level:
2

When To Go:
Jan, Oct

Countries Visited:
1

Arrive In / Depart From:
/

Max Group Size:
18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Bogota, Salento, Medellin, Cartagena

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 1 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

Our 12-day Colombian Heartlands tour visits the country's heartland - the Andean coffee-growing region, the Cafetera, with its verdant green hills, colourful birds, unique flora, and friendly unspoiled villages. The Lonely Planet travel guides recently picked Colombia as one of the top 10 travel hot-spots of the year. Colombian President, Alvar Uribe, has taken a hard line against crime and, since 2002, there has been such a huge drop that places like Cartagena and Bogota are now shaking off undeserved nasty reputations.

Today the whole country is basking in this new cultural and touristic renaissance.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

 

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 


The above prices are subject to an additional $116 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.

Optional Single Supplement: $870 USD (number of singles limited).

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrival in Bogota
Today we arrive in Bogota, Colombia and transfer to our hotel.

Also known as Santa Fe de Bogota, or the 'Athens of the Americas' (owing to Bogotanos' reputation for politeness and civility), Bogota is set at an altitude of over 2600m (8,600 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. This captivating urban center has a rich cultural life and beautiful architecture. Like any self-respecting capital city, Bogotá is the country's capital of art, academia, history, culture and government. This is Colombia's beating heart.

Overnight in Bogota.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Bogota: Paloquemao Market, Cerro Monserrate & Gold Museum
This morning we will visit the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, the most famous flower and food market in Bogota. This is the focal point where the produce of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the fertile Andes and the tropical jungle meld together. The market is divided into sections: flowers; fruit, vegetables and aromatic herbs; and meat and fish. A visit here will engage all of your senses, and provides us with a great insight into Colombian customs and local living in Bogota.

Next we take a cable car to Cerro Monserrate. Some amazing views can be had from this great vantage point (weather dependant). Monserrate is crowned with its easily recognizable church and is a place of pilgrimage due to its statue of Senor Caido, the fallen Christ. Cerro de Monserrate is sometimes called the 'mountain-guardian' of Bogota, and has been a place of religious pilgrimage since colonial times.

Afterward we discover the best spots of street art in Bogota, where the most famous artist of the graffiti around the world have come to out their ideas in the walls of the city. Continue to the old quarter of La Candelaria and walk through the Plaza de Bolivar, stop at the well-known 200-year-old restaurant, La Puerta Falsa, to try the local typical sweets and desserts. We also visit the Botero Museum, home to some of Fernando Botero's finest pieces. Fernando Botero is the most widely recognized Colombian painter and sculptor. Today the museum houses one of Latin America's most important international art collections. The museum consists of over 100 works of Fernando Botero, and some of the other highlights include works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Henri Matisse.

We finish our day at the world-famous Gold Museum, regarded as the finest collection of gold from pre-Hispanic times. This museum has some excellent, well laid out exhibitions with explanations in English.

Overnight in Bogota.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 3 Bogota: Catedral de Sal & Paso Fino Horse Ranch
This morning we travel north to Zipaquira where we visit the Catedral de Sal. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá) is an underground Roman Catholic Church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underneath a mountain. This is not only a popular destination with travellers, but also an important place of pilgrimage in the country.

This cathedral is an engineering feat under the earth's surface, part of the salt mines that date back from the Muisca period. Curving and twisting tunnels descend into the Roman Catholic Church, passing 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. Each station has a cross and several kneeling platforms carved into the salt structure.

Upon leaving Zipaquirá, we’ll visit a traditional hacienda, one of the most traditional estates on the outskirts of Bogotá. Here you will enjoy the best of the local gastronomy by trying the typical ajiaco (chicken and potato soup) for lunch, and afterwards attend to private and exclusive exhibition of the famous Colombian creole "paso fino" horses.

We return to our hotel (due to our early departure tomorrow and included lunch today, dinner is on your own this evening).

Overnight in Bogotá.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch



Day 4 Bogota - Fly to Cafetera Region & Coffee Experience
Early this morning we transfer to Bogota's airport for our 30-minute flight to Pereira, one of the cities located near the Colombian Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO listed area known for its breathtaking deep green landscapes and the unique culture and traditions of the region. Having shed years of isolation imposed by surrounding civil war and the central Andean range that marks its eastern limit, coffee country has become the heart of Colombia's nascent "rural tourism" industry that fuses history, ecology, and know-your-roots national pride.

Once landed, we'll have a hands-on coffee experience covering the cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and tasting processes of coffee production, from the seed to the roasted bean. The rich volcanic soil together with the climate and the topography make this region ideal for the cultivation of quality coffee.

Our overnight point is Salento, situated in the heart of the coffee region. This is one of the oldest towns in the department of Quindio and probably the smallest. Startlingly well- preserved, Salento offers us an opportunity to enjoy a traditional coffee settlement. Set amid gorgeous green mountains, this small town survives on coffee production, trout farming and, increasingly, tourists, who are drawn by its quaint streets, typical paisa architecture, and its proximity to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.

PLEASE NOTE that hotels in the area are relatively small and simpler with respect to the amenities on offer. Our preferred choice is clean and comfortable and quite charming, but please do not expect a lot of "frills" or assistance with your luggage. We may also need to walk a short distance (15-20 minutes) to the restaurant where we will have our evening meals; we suggest bringing a small flashlight and, as always, sturdy walking shoes with well-treaded soles.

Overnight near Salento.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Salento: Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve
We begin our day by visiting the reserve of Barbas Bremen, an easily-accessible nature reserve filled with hundreds of wild species, such as the howler monkey, butterflies, and myriad birds. Along our +/- 2 km leisurely walk, we'll explore the surrounding river, and forest ecosystems (your Tour Leader will provide more details on the nature of our excursion the night before).

Overnight near Salento.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Salento - Cocora Valley - Fly to Medellin
This morning we visit Valle de Cocora located to the east of Salento. Here we will enjoy a walk in the valley and see the famous Palma de Cera (wax palm) growing abundantly along the hillsides.* Towering high, this palm makes for the rather strange but beautiful scenery. Back in the 80s, this place was declared a sanctuary for the protection of Colombia's national tree, also home of the endemic yellow-eared parrot.

We then return to our hotel, check out, and catch our flight to Medellin, transferring to our hotel located in the modern neighborhood of El Poblado.

This is Colombia's 'second city' and the capital of 'Paisa' culture. Medellín is a forward-thinking city, which has reinvented itself since the dark days of the drug cartels. With Colombia's most extensive integrated public transport system, this city is a 'pioneer' in terms of social reform and offers a slick uptown district with an international feel.

Overnight in Medellin.

* Please note that viewing the trees involves the need to walk on hilly terrain some distance away from where our transport is parked. The surface is "natural" (ie not paved) and can be slippery if it has rained. By this point your Tour Leader will be familiar with your abilities and, if you have concerns about your suitability, please consult with them prior to the excursion.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Medellin: City & Area Touring
Today we will enjoy a guided tour through Medellin, the "City of Eternal Spring". We walk through the historical and cultural centers where we learn about Colombia's controversial yet fascinating history.

Having gone through several periods of significant transformation, the Medellin of today is an inclusive city, where every inhabitant has the space to express themselves and participate in social change. Much of this is due to the efforts made to improve the quality of life of Medellin's inhabitants following the difficult decades of the 80s and 90s. On our visit, you’ll have the chance to learn more about this city and the art, music, and food culture that has developed during its gradual transformation.

We enjoy the urban street art in the comunas of San Javier, the typical and avant-garde street food on the boulevard of Parque del Rio, and the massive sculptures by Fernando Botero in the heart of Medellin’s city center. We continue to the Medellin Memorial Center, a blast from the past, displaying the dramatic history of cartels and gangs that struggled for control of the city.

After a break for lunch we head to Parque Arvi, a large natural reserve located above the city that has several paths that weave their way through magical forests and amazing landscapes of the Andes Central Mountain Range. After arriving by cable car from Medellín, we visit the village of Santa Elena, best known for its large, ornate flower arrangements displayed annually at Medellin’s Flower Festival.

The people of Santa Elena have learned how to create colourful shapes, figures and even faces out of flowers – a tradition that has been handed down to them over many years. On this visit, you'll even get a chance to chat with a flower farmer, or silletero, and stroll through a flower producing farm, taking in all the lovely fragrances.

Overnight in Medellin.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Medellin & Guatape
Today we get away from the hustle and bustle of Medellin with an excursion to the nearby (2- hour drive, each way) village of Guatape.

Guatape was relocated to its present spot after the construction of the Guatape hydroelectric dam. Since its foundation, all the inhabitants of the town began the tradition of decorating their houses with the unique stories of their families, their livelihoods, and the events that have marked their lives. As we explore the streets of Guatape, you’ll be impressed with the amazing, colourful walls and original art. You’ll also have the chance to visit the big rock of El Peñol, a huge monolith that faces a picturesque lake, the perfect postcard shot of the day.

We return to Medellin.

Overnght in Medellin.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 9 Medellin - Fly to Cartagena: Old Town Walking Tour
This morning we fly to Cartagena.

Located on Colombia's northern coast and facing the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast. Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, Cartagena de Indias was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. Today Cartagena beautifully preserves its colonial character with the assistance of UNESCO as a listed World Heritage Site.

This afternoon we'll discover Cartagena's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. You will learn about the culture of Cartagena and its interesting architecture, and visit such beautiful sites as Plaza de Bolívar, the Cathedral of Cartagena, San Pedro Claver Square, and San Pedro Church. We will stroll through the narrow shaded streets of the old walled city, where flowers cascade from overhanging wooden balconies. The Old City is nearly encircled by walls that stand 4m (12ft) tall and are as thick as 18m (60ft) in some places. Their strength has preserved some fascinating colonial structures.

Cartagena's historic center is flat and relatively small, making it the perfect city for walking. You'll find a photo opportunity at every corner. Peek into doorways to see the cool tiled patios hidden from other passersby.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 10 Cartagena: San Fernando Fortress & La Popa Monastery
Cartagena is built on several islands located at the end of a bay; the marshes that originally surrounded these islands were filled in order to link the land to the coast. Several bridges provide access to and from the island, and one of these leads directly to the old city. A number of lagoons separate the suburban areas from the old city, whose centre is surrounded by magnificent ramparts.

Today we visit San Fernando Fortress, located on Cartagena's island of Tierra Bomba at a strategic location for Spaniards to defend the city from corsairs. The most representative sight here is the Fortress of San Rafael, a well-preserved gem that endured many battles in its time.

We'll also visit the fortress of San Felipe, a masterpiece of military strategy, before heading up to la Popa Monastery, located on the highest spot of Cartagena, where we can have a 360° view of both modern and historic Cartagena.

Overnight in Cartagena (dinner on your own this evening).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 11 Cartagena: Palenque & Leisure Time
This morning we travel two hours to San Basilio de Palenque, a centuries old village and the first place registered as a free town for the slaves in all of the Americas, over 100 years before slavery was abolished. With the insight of a local guide, we are able to enter rustic homes, try local foods and drinks, hear traditional music, learn about a UNESCO recognized language and culture, and rub shoulders with some of the friendliest people in the country.
After about a 90-minute visit, we return to Cartagena by way of Bocagrande and Manga.

You are then free to find lunch and enjoy an afternoon of exploration before we meet later this afternoon, when colonial carriages will take us for a ride around the city before our final dinner.

This afternoon may want to visit the local Gold Museum with its amazing and priceless national collections, and interesting rooms that recreate the region's Amerindian ethnic groups. Though small, this museum offers a fascinating collection from the Zenu (also known as Sinu) people, who inhabited the region of the present-day departments of Bolívar, Córdoba, Sucre and northern Antioquia before the Spanish Conquest.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 12 Departure
Departure from Cartagena.

BUEN VIAJE!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and dinner daily (hotels and restaurants).

All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.

Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters (if available).

Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.

Tour Leader gratuity, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).

Airport transfers for Land Only customers.

Optional trip cancellation insurance.

Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.

Seasonality and Weather
For most of our tour, we enjoy a climate that is truly that of a 'perpetual spring,' as understood in temperate latitudes. Nights are cool but never really cold, and at this height frost is unknown. The days feel warm in the sun but are never really hot.

In the Andean region there are two dry and two wet seasons per year, and the driest months, being from December to March and July to August. The coast, however, is hot and humid throughout the calendar.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Most roads are in good condition though winding on some stretches.

We have numerous walking tours on uneven surfaces. Our excursion in Salento will likely involve simple Jeep-like transport, which can be bumpy and slow. On foot, this excursion also involves some walking on slopes, which can be slippery if it has rained. By this point in the tour, your Tour Leader will be familiar with your abilities and able to provide advice on your suitability prior to the excursion.

Most people are not seriously affected by altitude (2400-3300m/8,000-9,500 ft).

Our difficulty level "2" rating refers to the above-mentioned busy days, walking tours on uneven terrain, lack of handrails (public and elsewhere, ie shower stalls), and fatigue that can be caused by heat and humidity and unfamiliar food and drink. Please note that porters are generally not available at smaller hotel properties outside of major cities; you will need to be independent with your own luggage as necessary.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout. Smaller hotels in rural areas will be of a simpler standard and will likely not provide baggage handling.

For more hotel information, please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab on this page.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader, driver/s local guides at some locations.

Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

Tour Extensions
This tour is part of a series that can be upgraded to make for a longer trip. For more options, please refer to tour code/s:

21 Day Colombia Tour & Panama
JAN OCT
TOUR CODE: CM5
Tour Overview

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: South America
Countries visited: Colombia


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


Hotel bh Bicentenario
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Bogota
Country: Colombia
Located in the heart of Bogotá's historical district, bh Bicentenario features all you need, including plush rooms and an unparalleled level of service. This boutique hotel is located minutes away from the ... financial district, close to endless entertainment, museums, and the most diverse shopping centers in Colombia.

Modern in design, our downtown gem is a coveted retreat amidst all the fun and adventure that Bogotá has to offer.
Read More
Salento Real Hotel
3 Star Accommodation 3 Star Accommodation 3 Star Accommodation
Location: Salento
Country: Colombia
The Salento Real Hotel is a welcoming hotel in Salento, in the Coffee Centre of Colombia, within a 20 minute drive to the Cocora Valley. This eco-friendly hotel with a colonial style ... with complete superior and double rooms offers you spaces to your liking devised for couples, families and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and the calmness and hospitality of Quindio.
Read More
Apartamentos Poblado Alejandria
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Medellin
Country: Colombia
Situated near coffee shops and a bar 6 km from the outdoor Botero Plaza, the stylish Apartamentos Poblado Alejandria By Housy Host Medellin comprises 89 rooms 7 minutes walk from ParchaTours. The ... restaurant and the lounge bar are available at this 4-star hotel boasting an excellent location in Medellin.
Read More
Santa Catalina Hotel
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
This is a special place where you will experience something new and different. The Santa Catalina Hotel is a new luxury boutique hotel in Cartagena that ensures your stay is filled with ... warmth and comfort. Its excellent services and special location in the heart of the historic city center make it the perfect accommodation.
Read More

 


 

Gallery

 


 

Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

What People are Saying
Susan P.
Vancouver, BC - CA
Enjoyed being in the historic centre of Bogota, going to the flower and food market. Also coffee tour, visit to Cocora Valley, visit to Santa Elena and Palenque. I thought the meals were very good and restaurants interesting. Excellent tour and will consider booking future trips with AA.
Mary S.
Atlanta, GA - US
Colombia is an extraordinary destination that we would highly recommend to experienced, inquisitive travelers. One of the country's popular tourism slogans is "Colombia: the only risk is not wanting to leave" and it's so true. We could forward to returning to Colombia soon on our own, perhaps for a long weekend in Cartagena. We LOVED Jardin, because it reminded us of Salento as we experienced it 10 years ago. The domestic flights within Colombia were fast and efficient and provided a good way to reduce travel time between some destinations.
Linda S.
Calgary, AB - CA
I enjoyed all of the sightseeing elements of this trip. It was packed with things to do and see. The food in Colombia was excellent - although the meals were huge. We learned to share dishes so we were not overwhelmed by the size of the meals. Colombia was a lovely country to visit. The people there were so friendly, and invariably thanked us for coming to visit their country. The colours were vibrant - just to see the street art is a treat (even though the subject matter is often about their violent past). I felt totally safe throughout the trip and thoroughly enjoyed all the places we visited.
Alice H.
Key Biscayne, FL - US
Particularly enjoyed the Cathedral of Salt in Bogota. Our tour leader was energetic and very in tune with our group of people. He always had time and patience, and always had great insight and stories. The hotels were very goof throughout the tour. Delighted with Adventures Abroad, especially with our Tour Guide. His enthusiasm made the trip even better! Your Price point is also a selling feature, without compromising locations and travel modes.
Joan M.
Kitchener, ON - CA
Enjoyed all the walking tours very much. Enjoyed trip to coffee settlement. Definite highlight was trip to San Basilio de Palenque. The local guides on this tour were excellent. All transportation was good. The chivas bus in Medellin and tuktuk in Salento were lots of fun! The food was good on this tour and some of the meals greatly surpassed my expectations. Our tour leader was excellent, I can't say enough about him. His love for Colombia shone through and was contagious. His recommendations on food and activities in free time were always spot on. The hotels on this tour were excellent, I was very pleased. This vacation exceeded my expectations.
Shirley T.
Kelowna, BC - CA
Loved seeing the slave town, enjoyed everything especially the older churches. All local quides were good. Excellent transportation and a lot of fun. The meals were incredible, surpassed my expectations. We had one of the best tour leaders that I have ever had. I think he is a real treasure. Very smart, compassionate, cared for each of us and the country we toured. Hotels were very good. Loved this tour. I think our tour leader did an amazing job and that he is an amazing person. Thank you.
Lorraine S.
Fernie, BC - CA
Salento was very good, guide was excellent. Particularly interesting day. Local guides were excellent, well informed, knowledgeable, and great friendly personalities. All transportation was extremely good, on time. Most impressive. The food was wonderful. Our tour leader was absolutely perfect. I feel he went above and beyond expectations.
Edwards S.
Malibu, CA - US
The local guides were all knowledgeable and pleasant. Good comfy buses with competent drivers. Outstanding meals everywhere and delightful restaurant choices. Our tour leader was outstanding - enthusiastic, thoughtful, friendly, pleasant, planned well, and was very efficient. Excellent hotels. An outstanding company. We have recommended it to MANY friends and people we have met on trips.
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Countries Visited: 1

Colombia.
Activity Level: 2

These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
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