Navigation
New search
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.

6. This trip includes a domestic flight as indicated on the trip map. The luggage allowance is 23kg for check in luggage and 7kg for carry on.

Tour details
Tour Provider Intrepid Travel
Price From
$3,621
Number of Days
9
Start Location
Bogota, 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. As there's little time spent in Bogota on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to see all the sights this incredible city has to offer.
Day 2: Salento
This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit to a local food 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: Manizales
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 in the the wax palm tree forest. 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: Manizales
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. 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 food market.
  • Cocora Valley - Wax palm tree forest hike.
  • 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
15 Nov 2025 23 Nov 2025 7 $3,621
18 Nov 2025 26 Nov 2025 6 $3,690
22 Nov 2025 30 Nov 2025 1 $4,830
29 Nov 2025 07 Dec 2025 5 $3,767
06 Dec 2025 14 Dec 2025 3 $4,560
20 Dec 2025 28 Dec 2025 6 $4,014
23 Dec 2025 31 Dec 2025 5 $3,706
27 Dec 2025 04 Jan 2026 8 $4,260
10 Jan 2026 18 Jan 2026 2 $4,930
17 Jan 2026 25 Jan 2026 3 $4,930
24 Jan 2026 01 Feb 2026 10 $4,330
03 Feb 2026 11 Feb 2026 12 $4,260
07 Feb 2026 15 Feb 2026 10 $4,260
14 Feb 2026 22 Feb 2026 4 $4,695
21 Feb 2026 01 Mar 2026 8 $4,260
28 Feb 2026 08 Mar 2026 6 $4,430
07 Mar 2026 15 Mar 2026 8 $4,260
14 Mar 2026 22 Mar 2026 12 $4,260
21 Mar 2026 29 Mar 2026 7 $4,260
28 Mar 2026 05 Apr 2026 8 $4,230
04 Apr 2026 12 Apr 2026 11 $4,130
18 Apr 2026 26 Apr 2026 12 $4,130
25 Apr 2026 03 May 2026 9 $3,995
09 May 2026 17 May 2026 9 $3,995
23 May 2026 31 May 2026 12 $3,995
06 Jun 2026 14 Jun 2026 9 $3,995
13 Jun 2026 21 Jun 2026 8 $3,995
20 Jun 2026 28 Jun 2026 12 $3,990
04 Jul 2026 12 Jul 2026 12 $4,100
11 Jul 2026 19 Jul 2026 12 $4,100
18 Jul 2026 26 Jul 2026 12 $4,100
08 Aug 2026 16 Aug 2026 12 $3,990
22 Aug 2026 30 Aug 2026 11 $3,990
05 Sep 2026 13 Sep 2026 12 $3,995
19 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026 12 $3,995
03 Oct 2026 11 Oct 2026 11 $3,995
10 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 12 $3,995
24 Oct 2026 01 Nov 2026 12 $3,995
31 Oct 2026 08 Nov 2026 9 $4,130
03 Nov 2026 11 Nov 2026 12 $4,260
07 Nov 2026 15 Nov 2026 12 $4,260
14 Nov 2026 22 Nov 2026 12 $4,330
21 Nov 2026 29 Nov 2026 12 $4,330
28 Nov 2026 06 Dec 2026 12 $4,260
12 Dec 2026 20 Dec 2026 12 $4,130
19 Dec 2026 27 Dec 2026 12 $4,330
22 Dec 2026 30 Dec 2026 12 $4,330
26 Dec 2026 03 Jan 2027 11 $4,330
29 Dec 2026 06 Jan 2027 12 $4,330
02 Jan 2027 10 Jan 2027 12 $4,560
09 Jan 2027 17 Jan 2027 12 $4,560
16 Jan 2027 24 Jan 2027 10 $4,560
30 Jan 2027 07 Feb 2027 12 $4,560
06 Feb 2027 14 Feb 2027 12 $4,460
13 Feb 2027 21 Feb 2027 12 $4,460
20 Feb 2027 28 Feb 2027 12 $4,460
27 Feb 2027 07 Mar 2027 12 $4,460
06 Mar 2027 14 Mar 2027 12 $4,460
13 Mar 2027 21 Mar 2027 12 $4,460
20 Mar 2027 28 Mar 2027 12 $4,460
27 Mar 2027 04 Apr 2027 12 $4,330
03 Apr 2027 11 Apr 2027 12 $4,330
17 Apr 2027 25 Apr 2027 12 $4,195
24 Apr 2027 02 May 2027 12 $4,195
08 May 2027 16 May 2027 12 $4,195
05 Jun 2027 13 Jun 2027 12 $4,195
12 Jun 2027 20 Jun 2027 12 $4,195
19 Jun 2027 27 Jun 2027 12 $4,195
03 Jul 2027 11 Jul 2027 12 $4,330
10 Jul 2027 18 Jul 2027 12 $4,330
17 Jul 2027 25 Jul 2027 12 $4,330
24 Jul 2027 01 Aug 2027 12 $4,330
07 Aug 2027 15 Aug 2027 12 $4,195
14 Aug 2027 22 Aug 2027 12 $4,195
21 Aug 2027 29 Aug 2027 12 $4,195
04 Sep 2027 12 Sep 2027 12 $4,195
18 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027 12 $4,195
02 Oct 2027 10 Oct 2027 12 $4,195
09 Oct 2027 17 Oct 2027 12 $4,195
23 Oct 2027 31 Oct 2027 12 $4,195
30 Oct 2027 07 Nov 2027 12 $4,330
06 Nov 2027 14 Nov 2027 12 $4,460
13 Nov 2027 21 Nov 2027 12 $4,560
20 Nov 2027 28 Nov 2027 12 $4,560
27 Nov 2027 05 Dec 2027 12 $4,460
04 Dec 2027 12 Dec 2027 12 $4,330
11 Dec 2027 19 Dec 2027 12 $4,330
18 Dec 2027 26 Dec 2027 12 $4,560
21 Dec 2027 29 Dec 2027 12 $4,560
25 Dec 2027 02 Jan 2028 12 $4,560
28 Dec 2027 05 Jan 2028 12 $4,560