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SHORTLIST

Cafe Colombia

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation, be entranced by the laidback pace of Salento and maybe explore the nightlife of Medellin. Then, trade the country's lush interior for its coastal spoils and wind the adventure up in oh-so-romantic Cartagena – UNESCO World Heritage site with much to explore.

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) 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. This trip ends on Day 9 and you are free to leave at any time.
5. 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.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$3,156
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Colombia
End Location
Cartagena, Colombia
Age Range
Avg. 30+
Group Size
1 to 12
Tour Style
Standard
Tour Themes
Adventure
Physical Rating
Moderate
Itinerary Open all
Day 1: Bogota
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.
Day 2: Salento
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.
Day 3: Coffee Estancia
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 shs 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
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 j. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.
Day 5: Medellin
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
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).
Day 7: Medellin
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!
Day 8: Cartagena
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 Getsemaní 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.
Day 9: Cartagena
There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Inclusions
  • Meals: 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
  • Transport: Plane, Local bus, Private vehicle.
  • Accommodation: Hotel (6 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights).
  • Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour.
  • Salento - Traditional Tejo Game.
  • Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market.
  • Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting.
  • Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour.
  • Medellin - Flower Garden tour.
  • Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena.
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
29 Mar 2025 06 Apr 2025 3 $4,710
12 Apr 2025 20 Apr 2025 1 $4,800
26 Apr 2025 04 May 2025 8 $3,156
10 May 2025 18 May 2025 5 $4,140
07 Jun 2025 15 Jun 2025 7 $4,030
14 Jun 2025 22 Jun 2025 9 $3,945
21 Jun 2025 29 Jun 2025 3 $3,945
05 Jul 2025 13 Jul 2025 11 $3,945
12 Jul 2025 20 Jul 2025 10 $4,100
19 Jul 2025 27 Jul 2025 8 $4,100
02 Aug 2025 10 Aug 2025 4 $4,245
16 Aug 2025 24 Aug 2025 10 $3,945
23 Aug 2025 31 Aug 2025 12 $3,945
06 Sep 2025 14 Sep 2025 3 $4,310
20 Sep 2025 28 Sep 2025 8 $4,030
04 Oct 2025 12 Oct 2025 12 $3,945
11 Oct 2025 19 Oct 2025 12 $3,945
25 Oct 2025 02 Nov 2025 11 $3,945
01 Nov 2025 09 Nov 2025 2 $4,670
08 Nov 2025 16 Nov 2025 12 $4,100
15 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025 12 $4,100
22 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 3 $4,270
29 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 10 $4,100
06 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025 9 $4,100
13 Dec 2025 21 Dec 2025 9 $4,260
20 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 12 $4,260
23 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2025 11 $4,260
27 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 12 $4,260
03 Jan 2026 11 Jan 2026 6 $4,875
10 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 11 $4,685
17 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026 12 $4,685
31 Jan 2026 08 Feb 2026 8 $4,805
07 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 11 $4,510
14 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 12 $4,510
21 Feb 2026 01 Mar 2026 12 $4,510
28 Feb 2026 08 Mar 2026 12 $4,510
07 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 12 $4,685
14 Mar 2026 22 Mar 2026 12 $4,685
21 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 12 $4,685
28 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 10 $4,685
04 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 12 $4,510
18 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 12 $3,945
25 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 12 $4,340
09 May 2026 17 May 2026 12 $4,340
06 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 12 $4,340
13 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026 12 $4,340
20 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 12 $4,340
04 Jul 2026 12 Jul 2026 12 $4,340
11 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 12 $4,510
18 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026 12 $4,510
25 Jul 2026 02 Aug 2026 12 $4,510
08 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 12 $3,945
15 Aug 2026 23 Aug 2026 12 $4,340
22 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 12 $4,340
05 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 12 $4,340
19 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 12 $4,340
03 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 12 $4,340
10 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 12 $4,340
24 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 12 $4,340
31 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 12 $4,340
07 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026 12 $4,510
14 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 12 $4,510
21 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 12 $4,510
28 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 12 $4,510
12 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 12 $4,685
19 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 11 $4,685
22 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 12 $4,685
26 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 12 $4,685
29 Dec 2026 06 Jan 2027 12 $3,945