Solo-ish Colombia

Solo-ish Colombia

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8 Days From

$2299

Solo-ish Colombia

8 Days Starting in Medellín, Colombia and ending in Cartagena, Colombia

Visiting: Medellín, Guatapé, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Cartagena

Tour operator:

G Adventures

Tour code:

26305

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 16

Physical rating:

3 - Average

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

From: $2299

NB: Prices correct on 29-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on the "Solo-ish Colombia" adventure, a vibrant journey through Colombia's most captivating locales. Begin in Medellín, where you'll explore the transformative Comuna 13 and savor local flavors with a hands-on arepa cooking class. Venture to the colorful town of Guatapé, climbing the iconic El Peñol Rock for breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the lush biodiversity of Tayrona National Park, with its jungle trails and serene beaches. Conclude your journey in the charming coastal city of Cartagena, where Caribbean vibes and a rum tasting experience await. This small group tour offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation, with the flexibility to explore solo or with newfound friends. Enjoy comfortable twin-share hotel accommodations and seamless transport, including flights and private vehicles, as you traverse this enchanting country.

Highlights

  • Visit Comuna 13 in Medellín to witness the area’s transformation and support local initiatives.

  • Take a day trip to the unique reservoir town of Guatapé and climb up El Peñol Rock.

  • Explore the jungle trails and biodiversity of Tayrona National Park.

  • Soak up the charming Caribbean vibes of coastal Cartagena.

  • Experience a rum tasting and chocolate experience in Cartagena.

  • Enjoy a hands-on arepa cooking class in Medellín.

  • Discover the vibrant culture and history of Cartagena's Old Town on an orientation walk.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Dinner Party: Medellín

Location: Medellín

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Medellín. Meet your included arrival transfer at the airport, then join your CEO and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting before partaking in a hands-on cooking class featuring arepas. Get to know your other Solo-ish travellers while making a traditional staple of this beautiful country. Learn more about Colombian cuisine and witness for yourself how the joy of preparing and sharing a meal has the power to bring strangers together.

Additional Information: Please ensure your flight lands in Medellín prior to 2pm so that you have ample time to get settled in before your evening’s Dinner Party.

TRANSPORT: You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.

ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

ACTIVITY: Food is a universal language, and there's no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish travellers in a hands-on Arepa cooking class in Medellín. Learn how to make this very versatile Colombian food staple that can be eaten during any meal. This delicious corn cake is relatively simple to make, but gets you back to the basics of cooking with your hands. It can be prepared with a variety of fillings or toppings like, cheese, eggs, black beans, avocado, or pulled pork. Sit down together afterwards, enjoy your delicious creations, and get to know one another a little better as you pass the arepas.

Day 2: We Day: Medellín

Location: Medellín

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is all about the sights, sounds, flavours, and atmosphere of Medellín, Colombia’s ‘City of Eternal Spring’. Start by visiting Comuna 13, previously one of the city’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, now transformed into a lively place with community projects working to preserve its past history, while changing the future for residents of the barrios that cling to the mountainside above the San Javier Metro Station. After a three-hour walking tour of the area, sit down for lunch at Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures—supported project created by a small network of women with a goal of empowering other females and youth in their community who have experienced violence or injustice. The restaurant cooks delicious regional staples and allows visitors to experience the cuisine in an authentic Colombian atmosphere. Later, enjoy free time to see the city on your own; from museums to parks and graffiti tours, there are many options.

ACTIVITY: With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Begin on a walking tour through Medellín’s transformed Comuna 13 neighbourhood. Walk through the narrow streets and steep roads while you learn about the history and resurgence of this community nestled in the hillside of the city. Then, attend an engaging lunch at a local community-project kitchen in the area operated solely by women, and working to benefit females and youth who live in the area and have experienced violence or injustice.

ACTIVITY: Explore dynamic communities and support women–owned social enterprises on a tour led by residents of the Comuna 13 of Medellin. A G Adventures,–supported project, Berracas de la 13 is a nonprofit organization who have developed a new Comuna tour and meal service, benefitting women and youth from the community. Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local guides, visit small shops, try local food and purchase unique handicrafts.

FREE TIME: Enjoy a few hours of free time in Medellín to explore. Opt to visit a museum before they close or perhaps walk through a city park. Dinner will also be on your own this weekend, but there are endless options to choose from.

Day 3: G Day: Guatapé

Location: Guatapé

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s a day of what G Adventures does best! A fun surprise and unforgettable adventures await in Medellín and the unique town of Guatapé during your G Day on this Solo-ish Adventure. Feel your heart pound as the group conquers the winding, steep stairs of El Peñol overlooking all of Guatapé. Smell the fresh air and learn more about the town on the shores of a man-made reservoir, and boasting houses of every colour. Enjoy magnificent views of the green mountains in the distance and the coolness of the blue lake and spend free time getting to know the area. Who knows where you might end up to cap off this epic G Day.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Medellín and Guatapé.

ACTIVITY: With your Solo-ish travel mates and CEO, explore some of the world's coolest activities alongside new friends. It's not just an epic day of fun, it's chock full of incredible experiences and a surprise G element along the way to take your day to an 11. Breathe deeply and get ready for a heart-pumping adventure as you climb the steep winding stairs to the top of the granite monolith in Guatapé known as El Peñol. Enjoy the panoramic views from the top and travel back into town for a visit, and free time for lunch and perhaps to walk along the reservoir.

FREE TIME: Take advantage of an hour and a half of free time to grab some lunch at a local spot in town and walk around a bit more on your own.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Day 4: Medellín/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Location: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before transferring to the airport for your flight from Medellín to Santa Marta in the northern part of the country. Travel for another hour by private vehicle to the Tayrona Area and spend a free afternoon at your leisure enjoying the amenities at the hotel property. This area of mountainous jungle and boulder strewn beaches is one of the most beautiful in the region and the perfect place to connect with yourself and the wildness of your surroundings.FREE TIME: AFTERNOON Spend a free afternoon in the Tayrona National Park area. Enjoy your jungle surroundings and breathe in the fresh mountain air.TRANSPORT: Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Day 5: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Location: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Accommodation Name: lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Your day will start with a visit to the biodiverse Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. Experience the incredible nature that surrounds you and learn more about this unique natural area of northern Colombia. Enjoy free time at the beach to relax before returning to the hotel property for an afternoon and evening on your own. The perfect blend of adventure and rejuvenation.

ACTIVITY: Get outside with a hike into this beautiful park! Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and explore Tayrona's gorgeous scenery with a local guide. Spend the night surrounded by nature in a lodge close to the park.

FREE TIME: Spend the afternoon and evening relaxing in your surroundings. Listen to the sounds of the jungle and see if you can spot wildlife near the hotel property.

Day 6: Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona/Cartagena

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Travel away from the misty green hills of Tayrona National Park to the lively coastal city of Cartagena. First travel back to Santa Marta via private vehicle before boarding a public bus to ‘The Walled City’. Arrive in the late afternoon and set out on a short orientation walk with your CEO. Then, the remainder of the evening belongs to you. Embrace the bizarre and see where the night takes you.

TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between the hotel property in the Tayrona National Park area to the bus station in Santa Marta.

TRANSPORT: Enjoy a ride like the locals on a public bus between Santa Marta and Cartagena.

ACTIVITY: Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.

Day 7: Me Day: Cartagena

Location: Cartagena

Accommodation Name: hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s time for a day that belongs to you! The choice really is all yours. From spending the first part of the day visiting the Rosario Islands to simply having a slow morning in the city, you have plenty of options. In the afternoon join back up with the group for a rum tasting lesson with non-alcoholic options available as well. Then, the evening belongs to you. Keep the social vibes going and choose to stick together for dinner or wander off on your own and find a quiet spot to indulge in some delicious food and time to unwind.

ACTIVITY: Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge, refresh, and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for a local activity, or take the time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

ACTIVITY: On today's experience the group will taste their way through Colombia's best rum and organic sweet and savoury treats. Sample these rich liquors alongside a masterclass on the origin process and production of various selections available. From the coast to the mountains, you will dive into the rum culture of the Caribbean accompanied by culinary traditions, and historical insights. Today's menu includes 8 different rums paired sweet and savoury treats.

Day 8: Cartagena

Location: Cartagena

Meals Included: Breakfast

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish travellers and depart at any time.

ACTIVITY: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

What's Included

  • G for Good Moment

    Experience the Berracas de la 13 Visit with Lunch in Medellín.

  • Welcome Moment

    Participate in a Welcome Meeting to meet your CEO and group.

  • Dinner Party

    Enjoy the Tastes of Colombia in Medellín.

  • We Day

    Explore the Neighbourhoods & Flavours of Medellín.

  • G Day

    Experience the Thrills and Surprises of Guatapé & Medellín.

  • Me Day

    Enjoy a Cartagena Me Day.

  • Foodie Moment

    Indulge in a Rum Tasting & Chocolate Experience in Cartagena.

  • Complimentary Arrival Transfer

    Receive a complimentary transfer upon arrival.

  • Walking Tour

    Take a walking tour of the Comuna 13 neighborhood of Medellín.

  • Day Trip

    Enjoy a day trip to Guatapé.

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What's Not Included

  • Meals

    Meals are generally not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as drinks, shopping, and tipping are not included.

  • Single Supplement

    Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, and a single supplement is not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel includes plane, private vehicle, public bus, and walking, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of Colombia's diverse landscapes.

Accommodation

Hotels (7 nts) on a twinshare basis. If you are interested in purchasing your own room, please see below for the My Own Room option.

Meals Included

7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Group Size

Max 16, avg 14.

Group Leader

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

What to Take

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying and handling your own luggage.

Spending Money

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Solo Travellers

We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of transportation is used during the Solo-ish Colombia tour?

    The tour uses a combination of plane, private vehicle, public bus, and walking for transportation between destinations and activities.

  • What type of accommodation is provided on the Solo-ish Colombia tour?

    Accommodation is provided in hotels on a twin-share basis for 7 nights. There is an option to purchase your own room if desired.

  • What is the focus of the visit to Comuna 13 in Medellín?

    The visit to Comuna 13 focuses on witnessing the area's transformation and supporting the G Adventures-supported initiative there. It includes a walking tour and lunch at Berracas de la 13, a project empowering women and youth in the community.

  • What activities are included in the day trip to Guatapé?

    The day trip to Guatapé includes climbing the steep stairs of El Peñol Rock for panoramic views and exploring the colorful town on the shores of a man-made reservoir.

  • What can participants expect during the visit to Tayrona National Park?

    Participants can expect a moderate hike with a local guide to explore the park's biodiversity and enjoy free time at the beach to relax.

  • What is the rum tasting experience in Cartagena like?

    The rum tasting experience in Cartagena includes sampling Colombia's best rum and organic treats, with a masterclass on the origin, process, and production of various rums, paired with sweet and savory treats.

  • Is there a complimentary arrival transfer included in the tour?

    Yes, a complimentary arrival transfer is included in the tour.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    G Adventures was established in 1990

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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