Colombia is vast, with everything from laid-back Caribbean culture to cities scattered across steep mountain slopes and multitudes in between, best sampled on a multi-day tour.
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
Even a month is an insufficient amount of time to explore all the sides of Colombia. Cities like Medellín have gone from dangerous druglord territory to vibrant cultural centers in a matter of decades, while in the north, Cartagena broods with the self-assured air of a city with history, significance and Caribbean flair. Between them, plus Bogotá and Cali, there are millions of experiences awaiting travelers. A well-planned tour is the best way to have as many of them as possible in the time you have available. Here are five great Colombia tours to help you on your way.
Colombian Sunny Short-Break
There’s a huge difference between Colombia’s mountainous, inland cities and its Caribbean cities. This eight-day tour is a perfect introduction to both. See the sights and the gold relics of Bogotá on a guided tour that also takes in art and sculpture at the Botero Museum. See the forts, walls, color and flair of Cartagena, with its cobblestone streets and balmy atmosphere. Sandwiched in the middle are a few days exploring the country’s coffee triangle, with trips to plantations and scenic villages. From $935 per person.
Private One-Week Getaway to Colombia
Visit three of the big Colombian cities, Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena, on this week-long private tour. Avoid the hassle of having to wait or rush for others by taking your own private trip, suited to your needs, preferences and tempo. You’ll spend a couple of days in each of these distinctly different cities, with a side-trip to Guatapé’s unique watery landscape thrown in as well. All domestic flights are included in the price, as is six nights’ accommodation. From $1,499 per person.
(Photo: Tourradar.com)
Hola Colombia Tour
Say hello to one of the world’s most fascinating countries and cultures on this 12-day trip. The itinerary is designed to allow maximum time in each location, while offering a broad overview of Colombia’s many faces, from the huge boulder-strewn tropical coastline at Tayrona National Park, to the cable-car-strung mountainous neighborhoods of Medellín. See the coffee country around Pereira among many other great stops. All domestic flights and accommodation are included in this excellent tour. This tour ends in Santa Marta. From $1,969 per person.
Colombia Uncovered
The Colombia Uncovered tour focusses most of its time on unwrapping the highlights of the Caribbean coast for its guests. By cutting Bogotá from the itinerary and starting in Medellín, you can get the best feel for the mountainous city life of Colombia, followed by the rural side in Guatapé. Two-thirds of the trip is spent on the north coast, island-hopping, surfing, chilling on the beach and seeking nature in the coastal jungles. This popular tour will include up to 20 fellow travelers. From $2,009 per person.
(Photo: Bookmundi.com)
Best of Colombia Tour
More money equals more time spent pushing deeper into the corners of Colombia that are more authentic, more untouched, and more Colombian. Highlights include playing the explosive (literally) sport of tejo in Salento, visiting unique, lesser-known historic villages, such as Barichara, and seeing the best sides of Bogotá, Cartagena and Medellín. There will be more free time on this tour also, allowing you to add extra activities into your trip. This is a smaller-group tour for up to 12 people. From $3,919 per person.