Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek
Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek
Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek
15 Days Starting in Bogota and ending in Santa Marta
Visiting: Bogota, Salento, Coffee Estancia, Medellin, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Lost City Trek, Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta
Tour Overview
Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation. Discover the laidback pace of Salento, explore the nightlife of Medellin, then trade the country's lush interior for its coast. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cartagena and Santa Marta, then hike to the ancient archaeological site of Teyuna, or the Lost City. Within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, this site can only be reached by a guided multi-day trek. Meet local Indigenous leaders, sleep in mountain campsites away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and spend four days in the mountains, hiking through rainforest and jungle to this sacred Colombian site.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Location: Bogota
Accommodation: Hotel
Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota. Sitting at 2644 m above sea level, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic mix of old and new. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, there’s plenty to do and see here. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 2: Salento
Location: Salento
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a free beer.
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Coffee Estancia
Location: Coffee Estancia
Accommodation: Coffee Estancia
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.
Day 4: Coffee Estancia
Location: Coffee Estancia
Accommodation: Coffee Estancia
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Medellin
Location: Medellin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader.
Day 6: Medellin
Location: Medellin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).
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Day 7: Medellin
Location: Medellin
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips!
Optional Activities:
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Day 8: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses, or head out of town for a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemanà at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.
Optional Activities:
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Day 9: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Today is a free day in Cartagena. Maybe explore the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting to meet the new travellers joining you on your next leg of the adventure. Then, head out for a walk with your leader to get a feel for the city better and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional dinner.
Included Activities:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 10: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. Then, head out with your leader for a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and experience some of the vibrant local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, as your leader shares insights into the city's heritage. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and explore the local dining scene.
Included Activities:
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Day 11: Lost City Trek
Location: Lost City Trek
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
This morning, hop in 4WDs and travel offroad to the small town in the mountains of Sierra Nevada, Mamey (or Machete Pelao), which sits at about 120 m above sea level. When you arrive, you’ll have lunch before heading out on your first scenic hike in the mountains – to the Lost City. Hikehrough humid, tropical forest with amazing mountain views all around you. When you arrive at Adam, your mountain camp for the night, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 470 m above sea level.
Included Activities:
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Day 12: Lost City Trek
Location: Lost City Trek
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Your second day of hiking takes you to the WIWA Community Camp, where you’ll meet El Mamo – considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The Indigenous guide will share their way of living here and the role that both women and men have within the community. After, hike through the humid, tropical forest to Mutanyi – the small Indigenous village of the Kogi people, home to only 20 huts made of mud, wood and palm trees. Continue your hike along the Buritaca River until you reach Mumake campsite for a break. When you arrive, sit by the crystal-clear waters of the river, have lunch with the group and recharge. After, you’ll carry on through the mountains, soaking up the sounds of nature along the way. The day’s hike ends at Paraiso Teyuna campsite where you’ll spend the night. Maybe go for a swim in the natural pool and listen to stories and anecdotes from your local guides as the sun goes down.
Included Activities:
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Day 13: Lost City Trek
Location: Lost City Trek
Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner
Today is the hardest day of hiking, heading through the rainforest to the great Lost City of Tayrona (or Teyuna). To get to this ancient archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River with the help of your guides, then climb the 1200 stone steps to reach the first stone rings. When you arrive, take a tour with your local guides, feeling like you’ve travelled back in time in the middle of the jungle. Learn about this important Colombian archaeological site, which is older than Machu Picchu, and take in your lush surroundings and the sounds of the forest. After exploring the Lost City, you’ll retrace your steps back to Paraiso Teyuna campsite for lunch. Rest and recharge, then continue your route back to Mumake campsite, where you’ll spend your last night in the mountains.
Included Activities:
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Day 14: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta
Location: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta
Meals Included: breaksfast
It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping at Adam campsite to recharge your batteries with a few snacks and maybe a dip in the natural pool. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you have a free evening to rest or head out to an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.
Day 15: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Meals Included: breaksfast
Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotel (9 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights), Hammocks or Bunks (3 nights) -
Meals
13 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners -
Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
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Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
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Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market
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Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting
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Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
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Medellin - Flower Garden tour
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Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena
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Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood
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Santa Marta – Orientation walk
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Lost City - 3 Night/4 Day Lost City trail guided trek
Transport
- Private vehicle , Plane , Local bus
Accommodation
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.
- Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.
Important Information
- 1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 3,4 (Coffee Estancia) and days 11 to 13 (dorm style hammocks or bunks) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) in order to purchase Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.
- 3. This trip starts with an orientation walk of Candelaria at 1pm on Day 1 in Bogota. There will be a formal welcome meeting at 6pm for the whole group including those that missed the orientation walk. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.
- 4. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.
- 5. This trip is a combination of two of our most popular departures. As such the make up of the group and the tour leader may change on Day 9
- 6. You will need to carry your own backpack on the trek, so please read the packing list and our recommendations carefully. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10kg total weight. Excess luggage can be stored in Santa Marta for the duration of the trek.
Check out our Q&As
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Is this trip right for you
Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid in the north. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection, especially in Cartagena on the coast.
There are four days of strenuous trekking on this trip. You'll be trekking between 4 to 6 hours a day, the highest altitude reached is 1200 m (3937 ft) at the Lost City itself. The humidity and the heat make this trek challenging. Throughout the year the daytime temperatures are generally between 30 to 45 degrees Celsius.
In the dry season (December to March), the Lost City trail can be dry and dusty. In the wet season (April to November), there can be heavy rain and muddy conditions.
You’ll need to carry your own backpack on the trek. Your fully packed trekking backpack should not exceed 10 kg total weight.
You’ll get to experience a wide range of accommodation types on this trip – from hotels to dormitory style accommodation in hammocks or rustic bunks. Their unique locations and proximity to nature is what makes them special. -
What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions