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Please note that Tayrona NP is normally closed during the month of February and Minca will be visited instead. See day 9 in the full itinerary for more information.

Cartagena to Bogota: Colonial Cities & Trekking

21 days, Cartagena to Bogotá

Map of the route for Cartagena to Bogota: Colonial Cities & Trekking
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Itinerary

Day 1Cartagena

Arrive at any time. Tonight, check out the local flavor of bustling Plaza Trinidad and head to a local bar to get to know your fellow travellers. Get to know the group over a few drinks and get excited for the adventure of a lifetime.

Arrival Day

Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

4

Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow

Gold Museum Visit
Cartagena
7000COP per person

Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home.

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit
Cartagena
5000COP per person

Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.

Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit
Cartagena
6000COP per person

Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios.

Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit
Cartagena
30000COP per person

Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display.

Day 2Cartagena

Opt to pre-book the "Totumo Mud Volcano" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.

Free Time
Cartagena

Choose your own adventure today!

8

Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Gold Museum Visit
Cartagena
7000COP per person

Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home.

Islas del Rosario National Park
Cartagena – Islas del Rosario
320000-350000COP per person

Take a boat to this park with a lengthy name—Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park—and be wowed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands. Admire the clear blue water and natural landscape of the islands. Opt to snorkel and explore the park’s lively reefs or sit back and relax on the beach.

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit
Cartagena
5000COP per person

Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.

Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit
Cartagena
6000COP per person

Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios.

Night Exploration on Chiva
Cartagena
80000COP per person

Get ready to party and explore the city by chiva bus. These colourful vehicles are a national symbol and feature open sides making it easy to truly experience vibrant Cartagena as you go. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun-filled ride.

Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit
Cartagena
30000COP per person

Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display.

Totumo Mud Volcano
El Totumo

Climb up the stairs and descend into the healing mud of the El Totumo Mud Volcano. As your body becomes weightless, lie back and relax in the cool mud. The mud is packed with rejuvenating minerals, so you're bound to come out looking ten years younger. Please bring your own towel, as the hotel will not lend towels for this activity.

Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena4h-5h

Learn more about Cartagena’s history from a bilingual guide on a tour of this lively city. Travel between sights by private transport and visit the clock tower, Plaza Bolivar, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and enjoy a walking tour from San Pedro Claver Church to Santo Domingo Church.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Cartagena/Santa Marta

Travel in comfort by private bus to the port town of Santa Marta. Take advantage of your free time with a visit to the Gold Museum, go shopping for any last minute necessities (You probably forgot something, right?) or chill out on the beach.

Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.

Free Time
Santa Marta

Get out and explore.

Local Bus
Cartagena – Santa Marta5h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Gold Museum Santa Marta
Santa Marta
Free

Explore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.

Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
Santa Marta
23000COP per person

Visit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp

Wake up and hit the road to Machete Pelao where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all soak in – this is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

4x4
Santa Marta – Machete Pelao

Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

Lost City Trek Day 1
Machete Pelao – Ricardito Camp4h-5h 7-8km

Leave Machete Pelao and start trekking through the jungle along the Buritaca River. Pass by farmland and get a glimpse into daily life in the small communities en route to the campsite. This first day of trekking is relatively straightforward and a good way to ease yourself into it. There is a combination of uphill and flat sections that lead the way to the first campsite. Continue uphill to reach Ricardito Camp, known locally as vista hermosa or beautiful view, sit back and soak them in. If the weather is right, sunsets and sunrises here are not to be missed.

Total distance: 7.6 km.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 5Ricardito Camp/ Wiwa Camp

Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.

Lost City Trek Day 2
Ricardito Camp – Wiwa Camp 4h-5h 7-8km

Begin trekking alongside the Buritaca River early in the morning. Pass through more farmland used for growing coffee or raising cattle. Climbing on this part of the trek can be challenging as the route progresses uphill from the riverbed and through the humid jungle. Take a look at the unique, circular huts that make up some of the Kogi villages in the area. Once you make it to the camp, cool off with a swim in the river before dinner.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 6 Wiwa Camp /Paso Lorenzo Camp

Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!) and start your trek to Paso Lorenzo Camp. Settle in at the campsite around noon and eat some lunch. If the weather is nice, take a dip in the Buritaca River. Learn about Wiwa customs in the afternoon and then kick back and relax in a hammock.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 7Paso Lorenzo Camp/ Wiwa Camp

Today is the day to discover the wonders of La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the different sacred sites of Lost City. Later, continue trekking through the deep jungle today on winding paths through banana trees and cacao plants as you make your way to Wiwa Camp.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 8Ricardito Camp/Taganga

Take in your last views of the jungle this morning as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Tangaga where the rest for the day is yours to relax. (You've earned a few drinks after that trek!)

Lost City Trek Day 5
Ricardito Camp – Machete Pelao5h-6h 7-8km

Continue the hike back down to Machete Pelao following the same route that you took in. The farmland will look familiar, but the scenery remains spectacular. Take in your last views of the jungle and local village life before heading back on the grid.

Total distance: 7.6 km

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 9Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. Experience the incredible nature that surrounds you while learning more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.

Please note that Tayrona National Park is usually closed during the month of February. The indigenous groups in the area believe that mother nature needs a month of rest, and maintenance to the park is done during this time. If your trip falls in February, you will visit the laid-back town of Minca. Enjoy a visit to a coffee plantation, a hike to a waterfall and learn about local cacao production.

Private Vehicle
Taganga – Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona45m

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

Tayrona National Park Excursion
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona3h-4h

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 10Taganga/Medellín

Wheels up! Fly inland today to Medellín. A once infamous city, vibrant Medellín has transformed into one of Latin America's safest destinations. Get to know your surroundings with an orientation walk and an optional night out with the group.

Please note, the 2 night hostel stay in Medellín is multi-share accommodation. if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for these nights.

Plane
Taganga – Medellín1h30m

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Orientation With CEO
30m-1h

Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

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Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow

Explora Park
Medellín
24500-37500COP per person

A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display.

Medellín City Tour
Medellín
35USD per person

Really get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.

Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit
Cerro Nutibara

For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.

Paragliding
Medellín
45USD per person

Get ready for a thrilling ride! Take off from one of the surrounding hills and enjoy spectacular views of this sprawling city and the picturesque green mountains that encircle it as you glide through the air.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11Medellín

Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the community organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. After, tour a local park filled with statues from Colombia's favourite sculptor, Fernando Botero.

Your G for Good Moment: Berracas de la 13 Visit with Lunch

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.

Plaza Botero Visit
Medellín

Named after Medellin's best loved sculptor Fernando Botero, this plaza features nearly two dozen of his iconic "chubby" statues. Take your time to tour the plaza and study these works, and immerse yourself in the charming city square culture of Medellin.

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Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow

Medellín City Tour
Medellín
35USD per person

Really get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.

Modern Art Museum
Medellín
10000COP per person

Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 12Medellín

Make the most of a free day in Medellin and start exploring. Opt to visit the nearby town of Guatapé, with its colourful houses and famous rock. Ride the metrocable—a cable car part of Medellín’s public transportation—for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Free Time
Medellín

Explore one of Colombia's most popular cities.

5

Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow

El Peñol Stone (La Piedra Del Peñol) Visit
Medellín – Guatapé

Formed approximately 70 million years ago, El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135m (7,005 ft) above sea level. Climb the 649 steps that have been built into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and surrounding area from the peak.

Modern Art Museum
Medellín
10000COP per person

Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.

Explora Park
Medellín
24500-37500COP per person

A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display.

Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit
Cerro Nutibara

For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.

Paragliding
Medellín
45USD per person

Get ready for a thrilling ride! Take off from one of the surrounding hills and enjoy spectacular views of this sprawling city and the picturesque green mountains that encircle it as you glide through the air.

Day 13Medellín/Manizales

Say "Adios!" to Medellín and hop on a bus to Manizales. Known as "The City of Open Doors" for its welcoming residents, you will fall in love with this mountainside city. And if you're a coffee lover — you won't want to leave. Spend the day exploring and learning about coffee cultivation, or visit a nature reserve.

Free Time
Manizales

Spend free time learning about coffee cultivation in the area, visiting a nature reserve or, depending on the time of year, joining in the festivities of one of the city's many cultural events.

Local Bus
Medellín – Manizales6h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14Manizales/Salento

Soak in the therapeutic waters of the Tierra Viva thermal baths for a relaxing start to your morning. Later, take the scenic route to Salento, admiring the beautiful landscapes along the way.

Tierra Viva Thermal Baths
Manizales

Take a dip in the hot, therapeutic waters of the Tierra Viva thermal baths, a product of the activity at the source of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. The mineral-rich water enjoy temperatures between 35-41C, so sit back, relax and let the waters soothe aching muscles and rejuvenate you.

Local Bus
Manizales – Salento2h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 15Salento

Venture out on a morning hike through the towering palms of the Cocora Valley. This afternoon, choose from a variety of optional activities in the coffee region of Quindío.

Entrance Fee Cocora Valley
Valle del Cocora – Bogotá2h-3h

Head into the Cocora Valley and take in magnificent views and the towering wax palms for which it is known. Get active with a hike through the area and learn more about this fertile region.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 16Salento/Armenia

Climb aboard a local bus to Armenia for a coffee farm tour. Learn about coffee production before enjoying lunch on the farm. Don't worry, there will be an opportunity to shop so you can bring one of Colombia's most important exports home with you. The perfect souvenir!)

Private Vehicle
Salento – Armenia1h

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 17Armenia/Cali

Travel to the bustling city of Cali by bus. Admire the 26m high Cristo Rey monument on a guided tour. Later, learn (or attempt) to dance like a local with a salsa class.

Local Bus
Armenia – Cali3h

Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Cristo Rey Visit
Cali3h

Take a tour of this iconic monument that commemorates the end of the War of a Thousand Days. Sitting atop the Cerro las Cristales (Hill of the Crystals), the ascent will pass art sculptured into the ravines. The vantage point from the top offers panoramic views of the city below.

Your Discover Moment: Salsa Class

Salsa is not just a dance; it is an important part of social life in Latin America. Learn the basics of Colombian salsa—known as Cali style—led by a local instructor.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 18Cali

Choose your own Cali adventure today. For aerial views of the city, you can ride the MIO cable car, or get active and hike to Cerro de las tres Cruces. Or stroll along the Cali River and visit the wonderfully weird Cat Park along the banks. Meander through the colourful neighbourhood of San Antonio and sample some tasty local delicacies.

Free Time
Cali Full Day

Spend a free day exploring all that Cali has to offer.

3

Optional Activities - Day 18 HideShow

Cat Park Visit
Cali

Pay a visit to Cali's Parque El Gato De Tejada (Cat Park) to see a collection of cat sculptures, each painted by local artists. Local painter and sculptor, Hernando Tejada, created the original bronze cat sculpture in 1996 and the collection has grown throughout the park since.

Cerro de las tres Cruces Hike
Cali

Hike to Cerro de las tres Cruces, mingling with locals as you ascend. From the top, see the monument of Three Crosses, enjoy fresh juice from one of the vendors, and take in the impressive view of the city.

MIO Cable Cali
Cali

Take a ride on the MIO cable car to visit some of Cali's mountainous neighbourhoods and for a new perspective on the city from above.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 19Cali/Bogotá

Fly to Bogotá this morning. Take an orientation walk of the Candelaria neighbourhood led by your CEO, and visit the Gold Museum to admire thousands of gold artifacts. The afternoon is yours to wander through the streets of Candelaria at your own pace.

Plane
Cali – Bogotá1h

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

La Candelaria Orientation Walk
Bogotá1h30m

Take a CEO-led walk through the historic and cultural heart of the city. Admire the colonial architecture juxtaposed by vibrant graffiti murals ass you pass museums and shops. Listen to fascinating tales about the town's origin, legends, and other key historical moments. This area is a must-visit for any culture and history lover, offering a laid-back way to take in Bogota's cultural gems.

Gold Museum Visit
Bogotá2h

Explore this veritable treasure trove! Be amazed by the Bogotá Gold Museum’s collection of over 30,000 gold pieces in addition to thousands of bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts from 13 different pre-Hispanic societies.

Free Time
Bogotá

Soak up the history and culture of the Candelaria neighbourhood with free time.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 20Bogotá

Explore the capital of Colombia with a free day. You can ride the funicular up for stunning views of the city, check out the street art, or explore the underground tunnels and caves of Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral.

Free Time
Bogotá

With so much to see and do in Bogotá, today is free to explore as much of it as you can.

4

Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral Visit
Bogotá

Take some time and visit Zipaquirá, a city in central Colombia just northeast of Bogotá, known for its subterranean Salt Cathedral. You will have the opportunity to see this impressive structure for yourself on a tour. The church is 180 metres underground and will offer you a unique perspective into what the daily lives of miners looked like at one time. It was they who created this small chapel carved out of rock salt. Visit the structure, admire from the Viacrucis to the Corus and appreciate the grandeur of the world's largest underground cross.

Please note this activity starts at 8:00AM. We recommend booking prenights to make sure you are in Bogotá on time for this morning start.

Monserrate Hill Cable Car
Bogotá
20000COP per person

Ride the cable car up the hill for spectacular views of the city.

National Museum of Colombia Visit
Bogotá
3000COP per person

Visit the largest museum in the country and one of the oldest on the continent. Built in 1823 and originally used as a prison, the National Museum of Colombia houses a collection of over 20,000 pieces. Explore exhibits of archeological and ethnographic artifacts and admire works of art by masters including Andrés de Santa María and Fernando Botero.

Bogotá Bike Rental
Bogotá

Rent a bike from a local shop and head out to explore.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 21Bogotá

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Cartagena to Bogota: Colonial Cities & Trekking

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