
2 Weeks in Colombia
A colourful adventure for travellers in their 30s and 40s
From: USD 2,328
14 Days
25 Reviews
Trip Highlights
Street art in Bogotá & Medellín
Marvel at giant palm trees in Cocora Valley
Explore colorful mountain towns
Climb Piedra del Peñol rock
Indico Travels' Specials
Created for people in their 30s and 40s
Boat trip to Caribbean islands
Nightlife in Medellín and Cartagena
Float through the jungle on inflatables
Are you in your 30s or 40s and dream of visiting Colombia, but would love someone else to take on the planning, or would rather travel with others? Then this trip could be perfect for you!
During this 14-day tour you'll sip fresh coffee with a view of wide, green coffee plantations. You discover sleepy mountain villages and the explosive Colombian game of tejo. You'll hike through Tayrona National Park to gorgeous white beaches. Explore Colombia's major cities, with their rich and exciting history: discover Bogotá by bike, go on a street art tour in Medellín's Comuna 13 neighbourhood, and walk through Cartagena's alleys steeped in colonial history.
Local fishermen from a community project take us out into the mangrove forest in La Boquilla. Upon returning to shore, we cook a Colombian dish with the women of the village. We treat ourselves to a boat ride to a Caribbean island where we can unwind in a tropical paradise.
This trip is planned with people like you in mind: travellers in their 30s and 40s looking to experience a shared adventure.
This colourful journey explore Colombia's many facets. Will you join the ride?




No dates selected
Day 1 • Welcome to Colombia!

Meet over local food
Upon your arrival, your driver whisks you from the airport to our hotel in the historic district of Bogotá, La Candelaria. Freshen up and get ready to dive into Bogotá's evening scene! Meet your fellow travellers and tour guide before heading out to a popular restaurant. Get to know your fellow travellers and taste the flavours of the capital. Cheers to our shared adventure!
If you're in the mood for a really wild night afterwards, feel free to head to the biggest gay club in South America, which takes up an entire city block. What happens in legendary Teatrón, stays in Teatrón!
Meals included: Dinner
Transport: Private Taxi (1:00h)



BH Bicentenario
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Laundry service
Hot water
TV in room
Day 2 • Bustling Bogotá



Bicycle tour through Bogotá
Live music on Ciclovía
Visit of Paloquemao markt
Monserrate viewpoint (opt.)
On Sundays, every third Bogoteño participates in a big sports event called Ciclovía. Huge avenues are closed for cars, so locals can bike, roller skate or jog through the city. Today we cycle alongside them, stopping off at the little stages by the side of the road to vibe and do work-outs to live music with the locals and get a feel for their city.
A local guide leads the way. We stop off at the Plaza de Bolivar, where Colombian independence was proclaimed, and get lost in the lively Mercado de Paloquemao food market. You'll be surprised how many fruits you haven't tried before!
In the afternoon, you can check out the Gold Museum on your own, or take the cable car to visit the viewpoint on Mount Monserrate, before enjoying a beer with your new companions in the bars of the area (all optional).
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Bicycle (4:00h)



BH Bicentenario
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Laundry service
Hot water
TV in room
Day 3 • Rural Hospitality


Arrive in "coffee triangle"
Today we leave the big city behind and immerse ourselves in rural Colombia with its warm-hearted inhabitants.
After a short flight, we arrive in the lush green mountains of Colombia's so-called coffee triangle, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We visit charming countryside towns off the beaten track, greeting laid-back locals, who watch the world go by from deckchairs in front of their houses. When visiting colorful Pijao, we'll find out why it was declared the first official "città slow" or "slow city" in South America. In between exploring the towns and villages, we climb up to hidden overlooks to enjoy the view over the magnificent slopes of the coffee plantations.
Later, our host Doña Yolanda gives us a warm welcome to her traditional countryside finca, where we'll stay for the next two nights. Yolanda serves us a homemade dinner made from the region's local produce in her cozy dining room.
We go to bed feeling as if we're staying at our Colombian friend's mum's house.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transport: Private Bus (2:00h), Flight (1:00h)



Finca San Diego Yolanda
Type: Lodge
Category: Standard
Facilities:
Swimming Pool
Day 4 • Colombian Cowboys



Horse riding in Quindío
Relax by the pool
After a good night's sleep, we enjoy a hearty breakfast at the finca, featuring Colombian arepas (warm corn patties) and fresh fruit.
Energized, we set out to discover the region the traditional way: on horseback. Back in the day, many coffee farmers had to use horses or donkeys to transport their harvest due to the rough terrain.
Nowadays - thanks to improved infrastructure - they typically use trucks. There are still many horses in the region, though, so today we'll discover the green landscape on horseback. Don't worry if you have never ridden before: the horses, as well as the keepers are used to inexperienced riders!
In the afternoon, we return to Yolanda's finca and have time to go for a swim in the pool or read a book in a hammock. This is the life!
In the evening, Yolanda fires up the stove again, and we enjoy a tasty three-course menu together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Transport: Private Bus (1:00h), Horseback riding (2:00h)



Finca San Diego Yolanda
Type: Lodge
Category: Standard
Facilities:
Swimming Pool
Day 5 • An afternoon with a bang!



Those who are curious can book an optional coffee tour today, where you'll explore the green slopes of a coffee plantation. See first hand how coffee is harvested and processed, before trying some yourself.
The others have spare time. You'll all have the chance to explore the colourful village of Salento, whose pretty alleys are often depicted on popular photos of Colombia.
The late afternoon starts with a bang - at least if we're accurate! We try our hand at tejo, a Colombian throwing game which involves targets made from gunpowder that explode upon impact. How exciting!
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (2:00h)



El Mirador de Boquia
Day 6 • Hiking Amongst Giants



Hike amongst Cocora valley
Today we get up very early to marvel at the magical Valle del Cocora before the crowds of tourists arrive. For two hours we hike through the fairy tale landscape, from which wax palms tower like giant needles pinned into the vibrantly green grass.
Afterwards, we make our way to Medellín. Until April 2023, we will be taking an internal flight due to road construction, for tours after that we will go back to taking a private transfer by road.
Upon arrival in Medellín, we check in to our hotel. If you fancy some night-life, take a cab to popular Club Son Havana Practice a few moves at the free salsa class, or simply watch while sipping a beer before the party starts!
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (5:00h), Local Flight (1:00h), By Foot (2:00h)



Hotel Acqua
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Laundry service
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Hot water
Restaurant
Day 7 • Street art and urban life



Graffiti tour in Comuna 13
Learn about drug cartels
Casa de la Memoria
Today we explore the turbulent and exciting history of Medellín. We begin with the notorious Comuna 13. This poor neighbourhood on the hillside was long troubled by violence and gang warfare. We learn how, through the efforts of many residents and supporters, the neighbourhood underwent an impressive transformation in recent years and has now become a Mecca for street art fans. Members of the Casa Kolacho community project take us on a graffiti tour through their neighbourhood, granting an authentic glimpse into the lives of the local population. On the way, we stop to enjoy rap and breakdance performances by the talented youth of Comuna 13.
We have lunch in a neighbourhood restaurant before visiting the Casa de La Memoria museum. You've probably heard stories about Colombian drug cartels. The Netflix series Narcos has brought the subject back to international attention in recent years. The stories of gang wars and violence that we know from the media revolve around real people, families and fates. We want to approach the topic from their perspective. This "House of Memories" gives insight into Medellín's violent past and reflects on forgiveness and steps towards a more peaceful future for the city.
Late in the afternoon we return to the hotel. It is located right in the middle of a hip area with bars, restaurants and clubs. Maybe you want to go out tonight? Medellín is definitely famous for its wild nightlife….
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Subway (1:00h), By Foot (2:00h)



Hotel Acqua
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Laundry service
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Hot water
Restaurant
Day 8 • A whirlwind of color



Most colorful village Guatape
Views from Piedra del Peñol
Early in the morning, we say goodbye to Medellín and make our way to the fairytale-like Guatapé. The inhabitants of the city used to live as farmers until a huge dam was built, flooding the surrounding area and many crop fields. Today, tourism is the most important economic factor in the region - a development facilitated by the city's uniqueness.
First we visit the "Insta-famous" Piedra del Peñol - a huge rock with possibly the most unusual staircase in the world. We only have to climb 649 steps to be rewarded with a breathtaking view over the flooded landscape.
Afterwards, you have free time to explore the vibrantly painted alleys of the "most coluorful city in Colombia", or enjoy the views of Guatapé's pretty scenery from the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (2:00h)



Soy Local
Day 9 • Caribbean Paradise



Tubing along the river
Stories by the fireside
We can't wait for our private transport to take us to the airport, because today we are going to the CARIBBEAN! We arrive in Santa Marta at noon - and it is hot!
That's why we hop into the Don Diego River in large swim rings to cool down. The current leisurely carries us through the forest. Who can spot animals in the treetops - like the howler monkeys who might give their location away with their iconic cries?
Upon arrival at the river mouth, we relax on the beach and enjoy a gorgeous sunset. We build a campfire that we share with some local fishermen who tell us tales and legends of their region while we're watching the flickering lights.
At night, we settle in to our beautiful accommodation, which is surrounded by Colombia's natural beauty. What animals will we be able to hear at night?
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (2:00h), Flight (1:00h), Boat (2:00h)



Eco Hotel Finca la Jorara
Type: Hotel
Category: Standard
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Swimming Pool
Room Safe
Day 10 • Tayrona National Park


Hike through Tayrona
Swim at the beach
Do you remember the classic movies where the protagonists are stranded on a tropical island and heroically find their way through the bushes to eventually discover a dream beach? That's what we'll be doing today - except that there are hiking trails and public toilets - survival light, so to speak!
We hike through beautiful Tayrona National Park for a total 5 hours and hopefully spot some exotic animals along the way. Again and again we come across picture book beaches, like Playa Arrecife or Playa La Piscina, where we stop to take in the beauty. At Cabo San Juan, you have spare time for lunch and to relax.
In the evening, we return to our lodge, which is nestled amongst the trees. Swinging in a hammock in the middle of the jungle, your day-to-day life will seem a world away.
Meals included: Breakfast
Transport: Private Bus (1:00h), By Foot (5:00h)



Eco Hotel Finca la Jorara
Type: Hotel
Category: Standard
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Swimming Pool
Room Safe
Day 11 • Meet the Locals



Boat ride through mangroves
Learn about fishermen's life
Cooking lesson with locals
Today we continue our journey westwards.
The fishing village of La Boquilla welcomes us with open arms. With your visit, you support the local population, who can no longer sustain themselves from fishing alone.
Upon arrival, the women of the village are keen to show us how they cook. We all roll up our sleeves and learn how to prepare a typical local lunch. While some prepare fresh coconut rice, others mash plantains or try freshly prepared crabs. Of course, this meal is accompanied by freshly caught local fish.
Then the friendly fishermen take us on a trip on their boats right through lush mangrove forests. We may see some casting their fishing nets or catching crabs.
We bid a fond farewell to the fishing community. In the early evening we arrive at our hotel in the trendy Getsemaní district of Cartagena. Freshen up, and then head out into the warm summer night to end the day with some cocktails, if you like!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Private Bus (4:00h), Boat (1:00h)



Hotel Casa Mara
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Swimming Pool
TV in room
Day 12 • Historic Cartagena



To call the city of Cartagena de Indias a gem would be a gross understatement. This beautiful city offers a firework of colonial buildings in the happiest colors. Named after their hometown of Cartagena by Spanish sailors in the 16th century, the city played an important role in Colombia's history at different points in time. With its thick city walls and seaside location, the Spanish saw their rule over the city challenged numerous times, for example when the British navy attacked it in the 18th century. Ultimately, however, it was Cartagena that was the first city in Colombia to declare independence from Spain in 1811.
Today you have a day off to wander Cartagena's pretty streets, strolling past vendors selling tropical fruit and sun hats,
If you’d like to learn more about the city's history, you can book an optional city tour for an extra fee. On that tour, you’ll visit the ruins of the castle Castillo de San Felipe, as well as other points of interest.
Otherwise explore the city on your own or enjoy the hotel's pool. We recommend the open air bar Casa Del Mar to watch the sun set over the ocean!
Meals included: Breakfast



Hotel Casa Mara
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Swimming Pool
TV in room
Day 13 • Tropical Islands



Boat to tropical archipelago
Party time!
For our last full day in Colombia, we treat ourselves to something special. We hop on a speedboat and head out to the gorgeous Islas del Rosario. The archipelago is located in the Caribbean Sea, 35km from Cartagena. The 27 islands have been declared a national park and when you see their turquoise waters that make it the quintessential tropical paradise, you'll understand why!
We spend the day on the beach of one of the islands. We enjoy a delicious lunch there. Relax and look back on an eventful trip while burying your feet in the white sand.
After returning to Cartagena in the afternoon, we freshen up for our last evening in Colombia as a group. We visit a nightclub that is popular with locals and toast to all the memorable experiences of the past two weeks.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Transport: Boat (6:00h)



Hotel Casa Mara
Facilities:
Internet/Wifi
Air conditioning & private bathroom
Swimming Pool
TV in room
Day 14 • Goodbye Cartagena!



Our last day has begun. Today we have free time, so we can take care of any last things we wanted to do in Colombia. Maybe you want to take home some good coffee or souvenirs?
Cartagena is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, so ask one of your travel buddies to go on a photo tour with you. There definitely are plenty of beautiful backgrounds to choose from!
Our tour ends here in Cartagena where we say goodbye to each other and our guide. We look back on a multifaceted trip that gave us new friends and incredible memories. Let's stay in touch and look forward to our next adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast
Reviews

Christian
October 2022
Colourful Colombia
The trip was amazing! The journey through Colombia was fabulous. It is such a beautiful colorful and diverse country. There is a lot to see and experience. From salsa dancing in the bustling cities to horseback riding in the beautiful countryside to relaxing on a Caribbean island with great people. Always happy.
Mina Kirollos
Colourful Colombia
I had an unforgettable time in Colombia with a very friendly group. First, the itinerary is almost perfect; my Colombian friends were impressed by how much we could see and do in 14 days. The tour was also very-well organised before and throughout the tour with the tour guide and the agency able to sort out any issues almost without us noticing. Colombia itself is a wonderful destination, with each region having a different climate and something special to offer, but all had beautiful colours and delicious food. The different activities made us feel we have been there for a month, not just 14 days. Much recommended.

Jasmin B
Colourful Colombia
I loved our trip to Colombia. Colombia is so colorful and the the people are amazing. The activities on the trip are awesome. I couldn’t choose one I enjoyed the most because I loved all of them. Colombia wasn’t how I expected it - it was even better! I can highly recommend this trip!

Nina N
Colourful Colombia
I loved this trip! Our group was super cool and itinerary was packed of places and little adventures! In particular I enjoyed the horseback riding which was super fun although or because no one of us was an experienced rider. And we all turned back to teenage years again while tubing on the river ! Also the bike tour im Bogota and the graffiti tour in Medellins Communa 13 was super cool! The grand final was the private speedboat tour in Cartagena! Fun fun fun! It was so nice to experience this with others people at my age! Definitely a recommendation for everyone who wants to see and do a lot without the planning stress 😀 this trip makes the most out of the 2 weeks.
Peter E
Colourful Colombia
This trip to Colombia offers various highlights: exciting mountainous landscape, vibrant cities and many insights into the country's history and culture. The nice and carefully chosen itinerary combines a variety of activities (e.g. horse riding in an amazing environment, biking in turbulent Bogotá, hiking in picturesque Cocora valley, diving into Medellin's and Cartagena's exciting day and nightlife). I highly recommend this amazing trip.