Colombia Beaches and Botero
From 1,835 USD
South America Travel Explorer Tour: 11 Days, from 2 People
South America Travel
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Slip into the warmth of Colombia and see everything! Beaches, cities, jungles and more. Arrive in Medellin, the city of eternal spring and the capital of Antioquia. We explore the favorite Colombian family destination of Guatape and scale the 600 steps of the giant rock known as El Peñol.

The Pacific jungles of Nuqui invite us to search for the colorful poison tree frog or relax in cool crystal pools fed by fresh rivers. We'll swing to the other side of Colombia to experience one of the country's most beautiful natural treasures, Tayrona National Park. We end our Colombian journey in coastal colonial city of Cartagena. Expect fresh ceviche, pirate tales and Spanish galleons as you explore the history of Colombia's most famous Caribbean city.
Tip: Choose a tour date to find an exact daily itinerary and scheduled guide for the tour.
1
Monday | Medellin
Medellin Shot of Aguardiente
Welcome to Colombia! Medellin's Rio Negro airport located 50 min. from Medellin is your gateway to the "City of Eternal Spring". Your private driver will meet you at the airport and deliver you to your hotel, located in the affluent neighborhood of "El Poblado". We descend from the mountaintop airport into a protected valley where we will experience Colombia's diverse climate for the first time going from a chilly 62°F to a pleasant 72°F.

Upon arrival to your hotel, enjoy a welcome shot of the National drink Aguardiente. Within walking distance of our hotel is the popular and upscale Parque Lleras a favorite hangout for people of all ages. The park is surrounded on all sides by boutiques, cafes, bars, and open air restaurants. Parque Lleras is a popular meeting spot for those ready to "rumba" (enjoy the nightlife), especially on the weekends. Don't be afraid to talk with the locals, the people of Medellin are known for their friendliness. They are often excited to practice their English and find out what brought you to their city. This evening is at your leisure to explore safe and interesting Parque Lleras.
Included Meals:
Dinner
- 1 hr
2
Tuesday | Medellin - Guatapé - Medellin
Guatapé Challenge El Penol • Slice of Colombian life
Get ready for a day of fun in the Sun! After an early breakfast you are met at the hotel by you guide and driver and set out for a day trip to the small lakeside town of Guatape. Our 2 hour journey takes us on winding mountain roads, over the thick green mountains and through small countryside towns as we make our way to the 'Sea of Antioquia'. Descending into Guatape, the Scandinavian panorama doesn't feel like South America but the festively painted houses reminds us that it most definitely is. This large 'inland sea' has many fjords and inlets, conifer forests and islands as far as the eye can see. Would you be surprised to know that many of the wealthiest and most powerful Colombians have built their summer homes here? We'll cruise the lake and see the private island of the notorious gangster Pablo Escobar and the mansion he had built years ago.

You'll see few American travelers here, but during this holiday season, you are likely to encounter many Colombians. This is a great opportunity to observe family life in Colombia. It is very common for Colombians to take weekend trips with the family to explore their diverse country. With so many ecosystems: Desert, Rain Forest, Mountains, Caribbean & Pacific beaches and Amazon Jungle, Colombians hardly need to go anywhere else to enjoy the outdoors.

Make sure you have comfortable shoes with you, the top of El Penol awaits us. This remarkable curiosity can make your legs turn to jelly as you climb the over 600 steps to the rock's peak. Don't worry, the climb to the top is well worth the incredible view of the thousands of islands below.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
- 4 hr
- 2 hr
3
Wednesday | Medellin - Nuqui
Nuqui Pacific Jungles • Deserted Beaches
Arriving to Medellin´s regional airport we check in for our 50 minute flight to Nuqui. Our flight takes us over endless expanse of densely vegetated Andes mountains and to one of the countries most secluded resorts. We are headed to one of the least explored coastal regions of South America. Colombia's Pacific coast is well known for its biological diversity and Nuqui is no exception. Upon arrival to Nuqui, a representative from the lodge will be waiting to accompany you. During the short walk from the airport to the port we'll get our first look at this small tropical village.

By boat, we continue along the rocky coast for about 1 hour. Rounding the peninsula we spot our lodge, perched on a small hill with an almost endless view of the Pacific Ocean, fine sandy beaches, and surrounded by dense tropical rain forest. In the afternoon, we'll explore in the surrounding area and enjoy the beach! At dinner, we'll speak with our local guide and organize the next few days' activities.

Due to the limited storage space in the small aircraft, only 22lbs (10kg) per person will be allowed as check-in luggage. Your remaining luggage will be stored at the hotel in Medellin.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 1 hr
- 1 hr
4
Thursday | Nuqui
Jungle River Hike • Poison Arrow Frogs • Hidden Waterfalls
Today's highlight is an adventure through the jungle. After a fortifying breakfast, we have the choice of a demanding 5 hour hike in our quest to find poison arrow frogs or a more moderate 4 hour trek along the Rio Terco.

The vibrant colors of the poison arrow frogs may make them seem easy to spot, but these slippery fellows are not very easy to find in the dense underbrush. The indigenous people have been coating their arrow tips in these toxins for ages. The journey consists of small up-and-downhill paths that can be slippery and muddy depending on the time of year. And as the name suggests - Rain Forest - showers are an unpredictable yet frequent occurrence.

Trekking along the clear waters of the Rio Turco is sure to be a treat. Your guide will point out all of the unique flora, fauna and unusual insects that call this jungle their home. Looking to cool off a little? Take a dip in the crystal clear pools and hidden waterfalls that you find along this hike.

Take the evening to relax and recover in the Lodge, a nearby beach, or in your hammock enjoying the view. If you can't sit still, ask about the various activities and rentals available such as renting a surfboard (with or without lessons), a kayak or snorkeling equipment.

Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 4 hr
5
Friday | Nuqui
Whale Watching • Water Sports • Savory Seafood Dinner
Today you are fee to enjoy this paradise as you wish by choosing among the various activities offered. With a small beach break right in front of the lodge El Cantil is a great spot to learn to surf. Guests can take lessons, rent a board on their own, or charter a boat for the day and travel to a great point break about an hour away. Other water sports include guided kayak tours, snorkeling and fishing. Charter a local boat and your guide will take you fishing for dolphin, sail, marlin, tunas, mackerel, wahoo, snapper, greater amber-jack.

Between the months of June - October humpback whales are often seen surfacing from the beach. For a closer look guests are invited to reserve a spot on a whale watching tour where they can get up close to the giant beasts. Various treks are also available for those that wish to discover the various hidden waterfalls, fresh water rivers or the beautiful poison arrow frogs.

Guests who prefer a slower pace will not be disappointed, unwind at the beach or in your hammock located at the door of your cabin and sip a refreshing cocktail as you listen to the gentle tumble of the waves. Fresh seafood is on the menu tonight. Enjoy dinner in the open air restaurant. Sitting at hand-carved tables with brightly colored table cloths, you'll have an excellent view of the ocean as the sun sets on your last night in this Pacific paradise.

Some activities are seasonal, all are subject to availability and payable onsite. Please contact us for further details and prices
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 2 hr
6
Saturday | Nuqui - Medellin
Medellin Bandeja Paisa • Paragliding • City Tour
Following breakfast we take the short boat ride back to Nuqui where we board our return flight to Medellin arriving around mid day. Upon arrival to Medellin you will be picked up from the airport by your private driver and taken to your hotel to unpack and have a hot shower before lunch. After cleaning up we head to a nearby restaurant to eat the tasty, famous, and definitely filling local dish known as Bandeja Paisa.

Following lunch you have the evening free to enjoy the city as you wish. Close to your hotel is the popular Zona Rosa with a plethora of cafes and bars as well as numerous boutiques with unique and fashionable items at reasonable prices. Take a guided city tour, where you'll learn about the city's history, visit Parque Botero, take a scenic cable car ride, and visit Pueblito Paisa. Ever heard of the Feria de Flores? This week long flower festival is the pride and joy of Medellin and attracts visitors from around the world to see the famous Silleteros. Travel with your private guide to the small town of Santa Elena just outside the city, meet the skilled individuals, tour their flower farms, and witness a demonstration of the construction of these beautiful decorations made of thousands of flowers.

If your looking for something more adventurous there is no better place than Medellin for Paragliding! Medellin is located in a valley, which makes it an ideal location for this extreme sport.Take a short ride up the mountains and enjoy a 15 - 30 min birds eye view of the city and the giant green mountains that surround it.

Optional activities are subject to availability. Please contact us for details and prices.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
- 1 hr
- 1 hr
7
Sunday | Medellin - NP Tayrona
Tayrona Sunset on the Caribbean
Enjoy breakfast and depending on our flight time, take a stroll through Parque Lleras and pick up some last minute souvenirs. You will be picked up at the hotel by your driver and make you way to the Rio Negro airport to catch your short flight to the beautiful coastal city of Santa Marta.

Get your sandals out! The distinct Caribbean heat is felt immediately upon arrival to Santa Marta so you'll want to dress for the heat. You will be met at the airport by your driver and begin the 45 min drive to your cabañas in Finca Las Angeles located just a few miles from the main entrance of Tayrona National Park. As we wind our way west through the small coastal villages you will see donkeys, bicycles, cars, trucks, and buses all sharing the road with the local children playing in the street close by. The hotel is located in a protected area and is the epitome of virgin Caribbean beaches, tucked among the thick tropical jungles you find your thatched roofed cabaña a stones throw from the beach below. This is a nature lover's paradise with few barriers between you and the environment. Take a sunset walk on the beach before turning in. If you are feeling adventurous, you can sleep in a hammock just feet from the beach.

Guests may choose to sleep in hammocks opposed to cabañas, please ask us for more details on this option
Included Meals:
Breakfast
- 1 hr
- 1 hr
8
Monday | NP Tayrona
El Cabo • Rain Forest Hike • Horseback Riding
The Caribbean coast of Colombia is bustling with beaches and wildlife. Tayrona National Park opens at 8 a.m. and we suggest arriving early. Tayrona is famous for it's boulder strewn beaches which create little secluded bays such as beautiful El Cabo beach. There are no vehicles permitted inside the National Park making for a clean secluded atmosphere. After entering the park you can either take a 2hr trek or go by horseback 1hr through the rain forest to the various beaches. Along the way you'll have the chance of seeing Iguanas, Monkeys, Parrots and more. Travelers have described Tayrona as "extraordinary" and "unreal" due to it's larger than life characteristics. The park is littered with hidden waterfalls, fresh water creeks, enormous boulders, and palm lined beaches all waiting to be discovered. Tayrona is not only a haven for biodiversity, it is a cultural destination as well. In the park, it is possible to find descendants of the Kogi tribe, who sought refuge in this region during in the Spanish colonization almost 400 years ago. Enjoy the day at the beach returning to your lodge in the evening for dinner and relaxing massage (not included).

Depending on the weather the trails can be very muddy. Travelers are encouraged to bring an old pair of shoes.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
- 4 hr
9
Tuesday | NP Tayrona - Cartagena
Cartagena Mud Volcano • Colonial Cartagena
Enjoy breakfast today overlooking the beaches of paradise. We leave this ecological highlight for a cultural one, the UNESCO world heritage site Cartagena. Our private bus will take us on a 5 hr ride through various small coastal villages where you'll see coastal life first hand. Driving along the coast we will cross the Magdalena river at Barranquilla, Colombia´s second largest city in terms of its population. Remember wanting to play in the mud as a child? Want to recapture that feeling? You can! An hour outside of Cartagena we make a small detour for a unique dip in a MUD VOLCANO. Cover yourself from head to toe to get the full effect of its healing properties. After rinsing off enjoy a cold beer with your tasty lunch.

We arrive to Cartagena in the afternoon and we make our way to our hotel conveniently located within the old walled city and with easy access to the various pubs and restaurants. Cartagena is unlike any other city in Colombia as it is a melting pot of colonial styled homes, Caribbean flair, and African influence. After checking into the hotel we'll take a short walk around the historic area and depending on the hour enjoy a cold drink watching the sunset over the sea.

Depending on the group size today's transportation may be shared, please ask for details.
Included Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch
- 5 hr
10
Wednesday | Cartagena
City Tour • Fortress of San Felipe • Salsa Class
We recommend an early start today to avoid the scorching heat of the afternoon. It's time to learn Cartagena's secrets. The colonial town, is surrounded by almost 7 miles of fortifications, features colorful historical buildings and thrilling tales. The impressive fortress of San Felipe - is strategically built on a hill in front of the old town. From the ancient walls our guide's stories of pirates and hidden treasures come to life. The monastery Convento de la Popa, founded in 1607 by Augustinian monks and visited by Pope John Paul II in 1986, is the only building with a bird's eye view of Cartagena and offers great photo opportunities.

The afternoon is free for roaming the streets and browsing the numerous boutiques to pick up a few last souvenirs before your evening Salsa Class. Learn the rhythm of the Caribbean from a local professional. Enjoy the hotel pool or head back out to further explore the cobblestone streets, markets, and lively nightlife of the Walled City.
Included Meals:
Breakfast
- 1 hr
- 4 hr
11
Thursday | Cartagena
It's time to say goodbye to the Caribbean and to Colombia. You are transferred to the airport where you will check-in for your flight back home. We hope that you enjoyed your short visit to Colombia and have a personal understanding to the country's slogan: Colombia - the only risk is wanting to stay! Hasta pronto!
Included Meals:
Breakfast

Additional Services

  • Single Room Addition | 150 USD Per Person
 
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