Best of Colombia

9 days
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4.7/5 Excellent
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Small Group Tour
Combining Colonial-era relics with forward-looking cities, ancient civilisations with brash, bold street art, rainforests soundtracked by howler monkeys with ever-so-wild beaches, Colombia is the best of South America in one neat package. Discover it for yourself on this immersive trip, which combines the city life of Medellín and Cartagena with an exploratio...
26%
$5,265
From$3,900
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Overview

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

Highlights

    • Explore Medellín, the most innovative city in Colombia
    • Wander the colourful streets of Cartagena
    • Walk through tropical forest and along wild beaches in Tayrona National Natural Park
    • Visit a coffee plantation in Minca, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
    • Experience Afro-Colombian culture in San Basilio de Palenque
    • Stay in a beautiful lodge on the tropical coastline

What's this trip about?

    Combining Colonial-era relics with forward-looking cities, ancient civilisations with brash, bold street art, rainforests soundtracked by howler monkeys with ever-so-wild beaches, Colombia is the best of South America in one neat package. Discover it for yourself on this immersive trip, which combines the city life of Medellín and Cartagena with an exploration of the rural and natural, visiting Tayrona National Natural Park and an organic coffee farm in Minca. This trip includes a few of our Citizen Science Departures. These special departures offer you the opportunity to be involved in the collection of freshwater samples during the trip. The environmental DNA information derived from this sample will contribute directly to the eBioAtlas; the world’s largest repository of flora and fauna species data, contributing to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity both locally and globally. To book onto one of these special departures, see the Dates & Prices tab. For more information on these departures and the eBioAtlas, click here.From Medellín to Cartagena, discover the best of South America on one diverse adventure

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 16 people
Age range16 years and up
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityMedellín
End CityCartagena

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Attractions

  • Cartagena

Activities

  • Culture
  • Nature

Min Group Size

  • Min Group Size: 4

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 16

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • All accommodation
    • All transport and listed activities
    • Tour leader throughout
    • Domestic flight (Medellín to Santa Marta)

Itinerary

Day 1 Start Medellín

Our adventure starts in Medellín, nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring thanks to a year-round agreeable climate. This modern metropolis is cradled by the Andes mountains and combines innovative architecture, beautiful sculptures (including many by the renowned Colombi...

Day 2 Guided tour of Medellín

Today we have a half-day tour of Medellín, focussing on how it transformed from ‘the most dangerous city in the world’ to the thriving, innovative hub we see today. At the beginning of the Nineties, the hunt for Pablo Escobar, head of the Medellín cartel, reached its ...

Day 3 Fly to Santa Marta; to Tayrona National Natural Park

We are driven to the airport today for our flight (1hr 20min) from Medellín to the city of Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. We take a morning flight (subject to schedules and availability) then transfer about 1hr 30min to our accommodation surrounded by tropical ga...

Day 4 Discover Tayrona National Natural Park

In the morning, we drive a short way along the Caribbean coast to El Zaino, the main entrance to Tayrona National Natural Park. Following a walk, we reach Cañaveral beach, a wild and beautiful place; from the top of a small hill, we can enjoy a spectacular view of the...

Day 5 Visit Taironaka in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

We visit Taironaka today, a nature reserve in the rainforest-clad foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Ruins of the Tayrona civilisation can be seen here and the descendants of the Tayrona, the Kogi people, still live in the area. Howler monkeys roam the tre...

Day 6 Minca coffee tour; to Cartagena

We start our day by driving (1hr 30min) to the village of Minca, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta at 1,970ft (600m) above sea level. From here, we visit an organic coffee farm at 2,950ft (900m) and learn about coffee production. Fortified by the caffeine, we visit ...

Day 7 Walking tour of Cartagena

Cartagena is packed with stories, fascinating sites and colonial architecture. We have a half-day walking tour through the picturesque old town, a Unesco World Heritage site. We pass through cobbled streets and squares and along the old city walls. The afternoon is free. Accommodation: Hotel Monterrey (or similar)

Day 8 Discover Afro-Colombian culture in San Basilio de Palenque

We travel out of Cartagena today to visit San Basilio de Palenque, about two hours’ away. Founded in 1603 by Benkos Biohó, a man who escaped slavery, it was the first free African town in the Americas. Here, the Afro-Colombian population still preserve their Creole la...

Day 9 End Cartagena

Our adventure ends in Cartagena this morning. If you’d like a bit more time in this intoxicating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $3,900
Price per day$433
Last Updated: 12/13/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Supplement
Single Supplement
Availability
01 Feb 2025
09 Feb 2025
$4,350
$5,130
01 Mar 2025
09 Mar 2025
$4,350
$5,130
24 May 2025
01 Jun 2025
$4,350
$5,130
23 Aug 2025
31 Aug 2025
$4,350
$5,130
22 Nov 2025
30 Nov 2025
$4,350
$5,130

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
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Average
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Disappointing
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Terrible
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Annie O'Reilly Hughes

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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...

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Sarah R

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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

What's excluded

    • Travel insurance
    • Single accommodation (available on request)
    • Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation

The three hotels chosen for this trip represent an intriguing look at the vastly different architectural styles of Colombia, while also providing a comfy place to rest in activity-packed locations. Listed below are the properties we usually use on this trip. Medellin: Café Hotel by Lars (nights 1 and 2) In El Poblado district, this modern three-star hotel offers a relaxing stay in a buzzy part of town. When you’re not out exploring, unwind in the rooftop dipping pool, hit the gym with views over the city or re-energise with an expertly crafted coffee at the bar. Near Tayrona National Natural Park: Villa Maria Tayrona (nights 3-5) Villa Maria by Kali Hotels is a jungle retreat just 2mi (3km) from Tayrona National Park. The property has views towards the Caribbean Sea and an outdoor pool where you can unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. The tranquil grounds that lead to the sea are the perfect place to relax. Cartagena: Hotel Monterrey (nights 6-8) Enjoy plenty of spots to kick back at this ideally located traditional hotel. There’s a rooftop terrace with a small swimming pool and views over the walled city, plus a tree-filled dining courtyard and wood-beamed restaurant.
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
All breakfasts are included on this trip. Breakfast is often eggs (fried, boiled or scrambled), bread or arepas (thick corn pancakes), local cheese, tea or coffee and a fruit juice. Please note, rural Colombia is not very vegetarian friendly, where meat forms a major part of the diet. However, in Medellín and Cartagena there is a wide choice.
Age Requirements
16 years and up
Additional Information
  • Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (hotels)
  • Enjoy a moderate walk in Tayrona National Natural Park (about four hours)
  • Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
  • Travel by internal flight and private minibus
Trip ID
exodus-AAD

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