Trekking Colombia

18 days
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Small Group Tour
From high altitude volcanoes to lost cities in the jungle and colonial cities, we uncover Colombia's amazing diversity.

Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Point-to-point trekking in Los Nevados National Park
    • Wonderful hospitality at the remote mountain fincas
    • Visit the wax-palm filled and photogenic Cocora Valley
    • The balmy Caribbean rhythms of Cartagena old town
    • 4 days on 'The Lost City trek' (La Ciudad Perdida) in dense jungle

What's this trip about?

    From high altitude volcanoes to lost cities in the jungle and colonial cities, we uncover Colombia's amazing diversity.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 12 people
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityBogota
End CityBogota

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bogota
  • Cartagena

Activities

  • Culture
  • Hiking
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 12

Trip includes

    • All Accommodation
    • All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 8 dinners
    • London flights (of booking incl. flights)

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map
Flight Inclusive

Day 1 Depart London.

Depart London.

Day 2 Start Bogota; morning at leisure; afternoon walking tour of the old town.

Passengers on the group flight arrive in the early hours of this morning. After a few hours to rest and have breakfast we will head out on a city tour taking in Bogota’s colonial old town including visits to the Gold Museum, the National Museum and the main square...

Day 3 Morning walk up Monserrate hill; fly to Armenia; transfer to Cocora Valley.

Early morning we climb Monserrate Hill (2,700m to 3,100m) for panoramic views of the city. We'll then catch the cable car back down, collect our luggage from the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Armenia. It's a 45-minute flight and on arrival w...

Day 4 First day trek in Los Nevados National Park; crossing rivers and into the cloud forest.

Day 5 Morning steep climb to the highland plateau; afternoon descend to the campsite. 

Today's walk begins with a steep 90 minute climb up to an abandoned farmhouse, Finca Buenos Aires (3,800m). From here we should catch our first glimpse of the Paramillo del Quindio(4,600m). We are now at the Paramo ecosystem (highland plateau) which is a unique tr...

Day 6 Most challenging day crossing the summit of Paramillo del Quindio.

This is the most challenging and longest day of the trek as we cross the summit of Paramillo del Quindio. We leave the finca and after 2 hours the mountain pass will come into view before the trail drops down to the valley floor. We then cross the valley, by walki...

Day 7 Trek to Lake Otun and set up camp; afternoon optional walk to Laguna del Silencio.

Today is an easier and shorter day. The trail to the lagoon is mainly level with no big climbs and we should be able to spot some wildlife such as eagles, ducks and maybe even condors. After 3 hours we'll arrive at Laguna Otun, one of the most beautiful spots in t...

Day 8 Begin descending to lower elevations; spot hummingbirds in the cloud forest; continue to campsite.

We begin our descent and start to leave the paramo behind and experience the change in ecosystems as we make our way down to lower elevations. Much of the trail is rocky and can be slippery. We stop at Jordan Finca for lunch, a cosy farmhouse that has great views ...

Day 9 Final day trekking in Los Nevados N.P; transfer to San Antonio del Cerro.

Our final day trekking in Los Nevados. We’re now in a completely different environment as we continue to follow the rocky trail through dense rainforest passing the Otun River several times. We might be able to spot Howler monkeys on our way down. At the park gate...

Day 10 Fly to Cartagena; afternoon walking city tour.

After breakfast we transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to the airport in Pereira to catch our flight to Cartagena de las Indias on the Caribbean coast. There's a plane change in Bogota so we should arrive in Cartagena by lunch time. In the afternoon there will be a walk...

Day 11 Morning at leisure; afternoon transfer to Santa Marta.

The morning is free to explore the beautiful city at leisure. After lunch we leave Cartagena and head along the coast (approx. 4hrs) to the city of Santa Marta and our hotel in the heart of the old town. *Hotel 1525 or similar*

Day 12 Transfer to the start of the Lost City Trail; first day trek to camp #1.

We will be picked up from our hotel at 6 am and taken to La Aguacatera from where will then take a 4WD to El Mamey (also known as Machete Pelao) village. We have lunch upon arrival before heading off on a 3hr hike towards the first night’s campsite. The first part...

Day 13 Trek through the sacred lands of the Kogui, Wiwa and Aruaco communities; overnight in camp #3.

Today's trail takes us into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park and the sacred lands of the Kogui, Wiwa and Aruaco communities. Along the way we have more opportunities to encounter local indigenous settlements. We first make our way to camp #2 where we...

Day 14 Today we reach our destination, the Lost City; tour of the site; return to camp #2.

Today we reach the goal of our jungle trek: La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City). Built by the Tayrona people 1,000 years ago, the city was abandoned after Spanish Conquistadors dispersed the Tayronas into the mountains. Over time the jungle reclaimed the city which ...

Day 15 Final day of the Lost City trek; transfer to Palomino; free time at beach.

We retrace our steps back towards camp #1 and finally El Mamey village marking the end of our time in the jungle.  After lunch we transfer to the main road where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to our hotel for the night. Finca La Jorara is near the village...

Day 16 Day at leisure to enjoy the beach or visit Palomino.

Today is a free day to relax. The fishing village of Palomino is nearby and there are some short trails around the hotel grounds for those who want to stretch their legs. Alternatively the beach nearby is a nice place to rest. The sea here is very choppy and there...

Day 17 Transfer to Santa Marta Airport; fly to Bogota; evening depart.

Returning to Santa Marta we catch our flight to Bogota arriving in time to connect with the international flight home. Please note you should not book your international flight departing before 16:00. The flight from Santa Marta will arrive in Bogota at 12:30 at the latest.

Day 18 Arrive London.

**

Land Only

Day 1 Start Bogota; morning at leisure; afternoon walking tour of the old town.

Passengers on the group flight arrive in the early hours of this morning. After a few hours to rest and have breakfast we will head out on a city tour taking in Bogota’s colonial old town including visits to the Gold Museum, the National Museum and the main square...

Day 2 Morning walk up Monserrate hill; fly to Armenia; transfer to Cocora Valley.

Early morning we climb Monserrate Hill (2,700m to 3,100m) for panoramic views of the city. We'll then catch the cable car back down, collect our luggage from the hotel and transfer to the domestic airport to fly to Armenia. It's a 45-minute flight and on arrival w...

Day 3 First day trek in Los Nevados National Park; crossing rivers and into the cloud forest.

Day 4 Morning steep climb to the highland plateau; afternoon descend to the campsite. 

Today's walk begins with a steep 90 minute climb up to an abandoned farmhouse, Finca Buenos Aires (3,800m). From here we should catch our first glimpse of the Paramillo del Quindio(4,600m). We are now at the Paramo ecosystem (highland plateau) which is a unique tr...

Day 5 Most challenging day crossing the summit of Paramillo del Quindio.

This is the most challenging and longest day of the trek as we cross the summit of Paramillo del Quindio. We leave the finca and after 2 hours the mountain pass will come into view before the trail drops down to the valley floor. We then cross the valley, by walki...

Day 6 Trek to Lake Otun and set up camp; afternoon optional walk to Laguna del Silencio.

Today is an easier and shorter day. The trail to the lagoon is mainly level with no big climbs and we should be able to spot some wildlife such as eagles, ducks and maybe even condors. After 3 hours we'll arrive at Laguna Otun, one of the most beautiful spots in t...

Day 7 Begin descending to lower elevations; spot hummingbirds in the cloud forest; continue to campsite.

We begin our descent and start to leave the paramo behind and experience the change in ecosystems as we make our way down to lower elevations. Much of the trail is rocky and can be slippery. We stop at Jordan Finca for lunch, a cosy farmhouse that has great views ...

Day 8 Final day trekking in Los Nevados N.P; transfer to San Antonio del Cerro.

Our final day trekking in Los Nevados. We’re now in a completely different environment as we continue to follow the rocky trail through dense rainforest passing the Otun River several times. We might be able to spot Howler monkeys on our way down. At the park gate...

Day 9 Fly to Cartagena; afternoon walking city tour.

After breakfast we transfer (approx. 30 minutes) to the airport in Pereira to catch our flight to Cartagena de las Indias on the Caribbean coast. There's a plane change in Bogota so we should arrive in Cartagena by lunch time. In the afternoon there will be a walk...

Day 10 Morning at leisure; afternoon transfer to Santa Marta.

The morning is free to explore the beautiful city at leisure. After lunch we leave Cartagena and head along the coast (approx. 4hrs) to the city of Santa Marta and our hotel in the heart of the old town. *Hotel 1525 or similar*

Day 11 Transfer to the start of the Lost City Trail; first day trek to camp #1.

We will be picked up from our hotel at 6 am and taken to La Aguacatera from where will then take a 4WD to El Mamey (also known as Machete Pelao) village. We have lunch upon arrival before heading off on a 3hr hike towards the first night’s campsite. The first part...

Day 12 Trek through the sacred lands of the Kogui, Wiwa and Aruaco communities; overnight in camp #3.

Today's trail takes us into the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park and the sacred lands of the Kogui, Wiwa and Aruaco communities. Along the way we have more opportunities to encounter local indigenous settlements. We first make our way to camp #2 where we...

Day 13 Today we reach our destination, the Lost City; tour of the site; return to camp #2.

Today we reach the goal of our jungle trek: La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City). Built by the Tayrona people 1,000 years ago, the city was abandoned after Spanish Conquistadors dispersed the Tayronas into the mountains. Over time the jungle reclaimed the city which ...

Day 14 Final day of the Lost City trek; transfer to Palomino; free time at beach.

We retrace our steps back towards camp #1 and finally El Mamey village marking the end of our time in the jungle.  After lunch we transfer to the main road where our vehicle will be waiting to take us to our hotel for the night. Finca La Jorara is near the village...

Day 15 Day at leisure to enjoy the beach or visit Palomino.

Today is a free day to relax. The fishing village of Palomino is nearby and there are some short trails around the hotel grounds for those who want to stretch their legs. Alternatively the beach nearby is a nice place to rest. The sea here is very choppy and there...

Day 16 Transfer to Santa Marta Airport; fly to Bogota; trip ends.

Returning to Santa Marta we catch our flight to Bogota arriving in time to connect with the international flight home. Please note you should not book your return flight departing before 16:00. The flight from Santa Marta will arrive in Bogota at 12:30 at the latest.

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Dates & Availability

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Last Updated: 12/30/2019

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
13,310
Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
146
Terrible
187
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Mr

Amazing variety, always felt safe to me, excellent leadership and guides. Just loved the Bottero museum, which actually wasn’t part of the trip but needs to be! Lov...

A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

10 out of 10 for a truly magical cultural experience

I have never been on such a diverse trekking holiday. The two treks are very different. The first is walking above 4000 meters in close to freezing conditions req...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Trekking Colombia

Fantastic adventure. Wonderful scenery. Excellent leadership. Views at 4500m. Reaching the top. Excellent. Empathy. First rate communication skills. Always a smile...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great adventure

This trip packs in two very different trekking experiences with some great ‘city breaks’ thrown in! Our February departure had great weather, which certainly meant ...

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Other Exodus Travels Reviews

A

Annie O'Reilly Hughes

Nov 2024

Written on

Patient and knowledgeable operative

Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...

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Trevor Butler

Nov 2024

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Very professional organisation

Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...

S

Sarah R

Nov 2024

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India, the Tropical South

An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

Accommodation

11 days walking (including 1 optional) 8 nights hotels, all en suite, 5 nights wild camping and 3 nights basic camp with shared facilities Altitude maximum 4043m (or optional 4753m), average 2500m
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
Dinner: All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 8 dinners included. A lot of the food in Colombia is food you’ll be used to, protein in the form of chicken, beef or fish along with rice or potato and some salad are all fairly common. Beans and plantain are also popular foods in Colombia which you may not commonly have at home. Each day you will also have the opportunity to try a fantastic array of delicious fruit juices - some of them familiar to the UK and some of them more exotic! We recommend you to try these as they taste much better in Colombia than anywhere else and cost a fraction of the price. We typically will have early breakfasts to make the most of our time, this normally includes eggs, bread or arepas (thick corn pancakes), local cheese, and no shortage of great coffee! All meals are included whilst camping and these will be prepared by staff. Elsewhere only breakfast is included. Please note that Colombia is not particularly vegetarian-friendly, especially in rural areas, as meat forms a major part of the diet and many soups are often made with a meat base. Bogota is an exception, as there are sufficient options to cater to all dietary requirements. Please advise us at time of booking if you have any special dietary requirements. Vegetarians are catered for throughout the trip, but gluten-free diets can be hard to cater for in this part of the world - you may want wish to bring supplementary food items.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Travelstride Take
If you’re looking for a challenging hike through remote mysterious forests, with local guides to bring the surrounding areas culture and history to life, this is the tour for you! Local transportation and accommodation is utilized - which will be comfortable with very basic amenities. You’ll be walking for 11 days, so be sure you’re well trained, hiking boots are broken in, and ready for hiking in altitude! Ideal for: Active and adventurous travelers not afraid of roughing it! Archaeology and history buffs will love the many sites you see on this tour. - Stride Editor
Additional Information
  • 16 days land only /18 flight inclusive
  • 11 days walking 
  • Altitude maximum 4571m, average 3727m (Los Nevados only)
  • 7 nights hotels, all en suite, 5 nights camping and 3 nights basic camp with shared facilities
Trip ID
exodus-TKC

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