Trees for Days
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 9
Luxurious mountains, quaint colonial towns, irresistible coffee—discover Colombia’s abundant charms on this incredible journey. Observe the rebirth of Medellín’s most notorious neighbourhood; wander the cobblestoned streets of Cartagena, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site; and venture into the picturesque coffee growing region of Armenia. Round out your experience alongside local artisans who turn coconuts into handicrafts, and sway to this South American nation’s infectious rhythms of salsa.
Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.
Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 15, Avg 6.
All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
View our Entry Requirements toolIn a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.
Trees planted for this trip: 9
Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.
Ripple Score for this trip: 68
Walking through Cartagena is a step back in time, especially in December and January—Colombia’s “summer”—when balconies, windows, and gardens are alive with tropical flowers. Music fills the streets, a mix of cumbia and other Afro-Caribbean sounds, giving an island-like sensibility.” —Four Seasons of Travel, National Geographic Society, 2013
There are new Health & Safety Protocols for National Geographic Journeys tours. Please see here for full details and up-to-date requirements as they may change.
Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.
Catch a flight to Armenia, one of Colombia’s coffee capitals. Head to a small, family-run coffee farm in nearby Montenegro, and meet with a coffee expert to learn about the different stages of coffee production, from bean to cup. Continue on to a traditional hacienda on a working coffee farm, where we’ll spend two nights.
Set out on a full-day excursion to Salento, a charming coffee-growing town set amid verdant mountains, and venture to the nearby Cocora Valley for a hike. This breathtaking protected landscape harbours groves of gigantic wax palm, Colombia’s national tree and the tallest type of palm in the world. Later, during an immersive coffee tasting, sip espresso and watch a demonstration of latte art by a local barista. Then enjoy free time to explore Salento, strolling its quaint streets and browsing the local craft stalls.
This morning, fly to Medellín. Surrounded by lush hills and fragrant flower farms, this thriving city is currently in the midst of a resurgence. Settle into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Alongside a local guide, embark on an eye-opening tour of Comuna 13—formerly one of Colombia’s most dangerous neighbourhoods. Ride on the cable cars and outdoor escalators that span the sprawling hillside, and learn how public transport and art and music programs have transformed the area into a peaceful, vibrant community. Afterward, opt for a historical tour of Medellín, visit some of the city’s museums, or go shopping.
Enjoy a free day to continue exploring Medellín. Choose to visit nearby Guatapé, located on the shores of a scenic reservoir. Wander amid the town’s brightly decorated houses, and opt to climb a steep flight of stairs to the summit of El Peñol, a towering monolith that affords breathtaking views of the reservoir’s sparkling waters and lush green isles.
Catch a flight to the fabled city of Cartagena, perched on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. In the afternoon go on an excursion to the nearby beach of La Boquilla and visit an arts workshop run by women who transform coconuts into jewellery, crafts, and other art. As we listen to their stories and learn their techniques, try your hand at creating a souvenir out of natural materials. Later, head to the Oh La La Restaurant for a hands-on cooking class. As we learn to make Caribbean and Colombian specialities, hear how the restaurant amplifies cooking traditions while working with household mothers and small market producers.
Enjoy a walking tour of Cartagena. Visit the old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, discovering atmospheric plazas, soaring churches, and important historic landmarks. Spend the rest of the day on your own soaking up the tropical charm of Cartagena. Opt to visit Cartagena’s Gold Museum, showcasing intricate pre-Colombian ornaments and pottery, or choose to learn the basics of Colombian salsa, known as Cali style, during a private lesson with two local dancers.
Depart at any time.
Hotels (6 nts), hacienda/farm (2 nts).
8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
Allow USD280-365 for meals not included.
Bus, private vehicle, jeep, plane, walking.
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.