Question 1

Are COVID-19 vaccinations required for my Indico Travels tour?

Accepted Answer

To help protect our travellers, employees and local communities on our tours, we require all participants to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Indico Travels may request official documentation of vaccination, which will be required as a part of the booking process.

Are there exemptions? If for some reason you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you can apply for exemption, which will be assessed on a case by case basis.  To apply for an exemption, please contact us.

What proof of vaccination may be required? Official documentation of vaccination either in paper or digital format are required. Here are some examples including but not limited to: EU travellers - EU Digital COVID Pass, UK travellers: NHS card, USA traveller - CDC vaccination record.

How will you ensure the safety of my data/vaccination records? Your vaccination status and documentation will be stored in our secure CRM system that is fully compliant with German data protection rules.

Question 2

Can I cancel my trip?

Accepted Answer

You may cancel your place on our tours at any time. If you have booked our [Flexi fare](https://www.indicotravels.com/flexible-booking-conditions), you can cancel for free up to 65 days before your departure. 
You may also choose to rebook to a different date or tour, which costs 50 Euro, if no other irredeemable costs have been incurred by us.

a) General cancellation fees (as a percentage of the booking price):

**For bookings in the CLASSIC fare:**

- up to 65 days before departure 20%
- from the 64th to the 30th day before departure 25%
- from the 29th to the 15th day before departure 45%
- from the 14th to the 7th day before departure 60%
- from the 6th day before departure 80%
- on the day of departure and in case of no-show 90%

**For bookings in the FLEXI fare**

- up to 65 days before departure 0%
- from the 64th to the 30th day before departure 20%
- after 29 days before departure, cancellation fees are identical to those in the CLASSIC fare

Indico Travels reserves the right to claim a higher, specifically calculated compensation instead of the above cancellation flat rates if Ventura can prove that significantly higher expenses were incurred than the applicable cancellation flat rate.

For more information on our cancellation policy, you can have a look at our [Terms & Conditions](https://www.indicotravels.com/terms).

Question 3

Can you help with booking flights?

Accepted Answer

Weve found our travelers prefer to book their flights themselves as they can choose their local departure airport, and decide themselves whether to prioritise by cost of the flight, duration, airline etc. Were vry happy to give you tips on how to get the best flight deals - just drop us a note!

Question 4

Do I need a visa to enter Colombia?

Accepted Answer

The rules below applied pre-pandemic. Please check with the Colombian embassy in your home country as to what the current rules are, or check with us if you need help!

All U.S. citizens who do not also hold Colombian citizenship must present a valid U.S. passport to enter and leave Colombia. U.S. citizens do not need a Colombian visa for a tourist or business stay of 90 days or less or for cumulative stays of 180 days or less per calendar year. You will find more information [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html).

Colombian immigration authorities allow visa-free entry to British nationals for stays of up to 90 days as a visitor. 
However, upon arrival, the authorities at the airport will stamp your passport with the granted stay period, which may vary, depending on your purpose of travel.
You should carry your British citizen passport that is valid for a minimum of six months and you might be asked to present proof of return or onward travel. You should also carry proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Colombia. You will find more information [here](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia/entry-requirements)

German citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays in Colombia of less than 90 days. Upon entry, only the return ticket and a passport valid for at least 6 more months must be presented in order to obtain a tourist visa (this does not have to be applied for beforehand!). The tourist visa must be valid for at least the number of days of the trip. For current changes or advice or further information, please contact the [**Auswärtiges Amt**](http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Laenderinformationen/00-SiHi/KolumbienSicherheit.html).

Swiss citizens please check the homepage of the [**Federal Department of Foreign Affairs**](http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/de/home/travad/hidden/hidde2/colomb.html).

Austrians can find the relevant information on the website of the [**Austrian Foreign Ministry**](http://www.bmeia.gv.at/aussenministerium/buergerservice/reiseinformation/a-z-laender/kolumbien-de.html?dv_staat=83).  
Please also look into necessary vaccinations and vaccination recommendations (including yellow fever) on the pages of the [**Auswärtiges Amt**](http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/DE/Laenderinformationen/00-SiHi/KolumbienSicherheit.html?nn=363772#doc363702bodyText6).

Please always double-check with your local authorities to confirm that the entry requirements havent changed.
  
**Important: If you are of different nationality, please check with the Colombian embassy in your home country. Let us know if you need help!**

Question 5

How do I get to the airport in Cartagena on the last day ?

Accepted Answer

Taxis to the airport cost the equivalent of about €5/7USD (or less if you share a taxi), the journey takes about 20 minutes. The hotel will be happy to order a taxi for you.

Question 6

How do I pay in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

The Colombian currency is the Colombian peso. It is not normally possible to pay in US Dollars. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, and usually Maestro debit cards can be used to withdraw money from ATMs in larger cities. The current exchange rate can be found at [www.oanda.com](http://www.oanda.com/convert/).  
  
Please note that many international banks are currently introducing a new card standard, the so-called V Pay card. In your home country, this can be used like a normal debit card. However our experience shows that you cannot yet use this card format abroad to the same extent as your EC/debit card. In some countries, it may not yet be possible to use it at ATMs at all. It may also be necessary to have your V Pay card activated for use abroad. In any case, please contact your bank before you leave and ask about the possibilities for using your card in the country you are travelling to. You can also find information here: [www.vpay.com](http://www.vpay.com/).

Question 7

How much extra money should I plan with for Colombia?

Accepted Answer

About €150 per week should be enough for the extra meals and snacks, plus a few drinks in bars.

Question 8

Id like to arrive a day/some days earlier, or add a few days to the end of my trip. Can I?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - we encourage that! We can help you extend your stay at the groups hotels, book an airport pickup, and give you tips for things to do regionally if you drop us a [message](https://www.indicotravels.com/contact). For some trips, there are also pre-planned excursions - check your trip itinerary.

Question 9

Ive never traveled with a tour group before - how do I know this is for me?

Accepted Answer

Many of our clients have never traveled with a travel group before - we hadnt either! Weve specifically developed our trips with solo travelers in mind, meaning we give you some spare time and space in which you can do our own thing, but you can also buddy up with people in the group if you like. Traveling with a tour group has great benefits: you get access to locations and communities you wouldnt get on your own, you travel with a local expert and everything is organised for you on the ground, so you can just relax into enjoying your new experiences. Plus, you get to meet a bunch of new people your age who are up for shared adventures!

Question 10

If I stay longer, what activities are recommended for after the tour end in Cartagena?

Accepted Answer

Our recommendation for a beach extension: From Cartagena catch the bus to Tolú (2.5-3 hours). There are many beaches there, for example Playas del Frances, Playa de Coveñas. You can also take boat trips (preferably overnight) to the San Bernardo archipelago and stay overnight on Isla Múcura, for example.

Another Colombian jewel we can recommend: Minka! A mountain village a few hours away from Cartagena, very relaxed, creative and safe - great for solo travelers who love green mountain views! There are also waterfalls that you can visit.

If you are into hiking: The hike to Ciudad Perdida is highly recommended in Colombia - its a bit challenging, but great. It takes 4-5 days and you should do it with a provider who arranges everything. You can see vendors and reviews on Tripadvisor. You would need to fly or drive from Cartagena to Santa Marta (well drop by there with the group but dont spend time in town).

Take a look online and see what you like!

Question 11

If Im not in my 30s & 40s, can I still join the trip?

Accepted Answer

Our trips are made specifically for people in their 30s and 40s, as we know there are many other travel brands out there catering to other age groups. If youre under 30 or over 49, do check out our sister brands Galapatours and Polartours, who offer boat excursions. If you speak German or French, we also have group travel sister brands that offer trips for all ages. Find our about them here: https://www.venturatravel.org/brands

Question 12

What is the weather like in Colombia?

Accepted Answer

Colombia has a very varied climate. Since it is located on the equator, Colombias geographical climate would be tropically hot. However, the Andean Cordillera and thus the respective altitude determine the local climate. So we experience many different climatic conditions on our Colombia trip - starting with cool (Bogotá) to humid and hot (Cartagena). So be sure to take layers with you. We recommend that you check the weather in the following cities for your time of travel: Bogotá (coolest) Salento (mountainous region) Medellín (the city of eternal spring is mostly 25 degrees) Cartagena (hottest)

Question 13

What other vaccinations are recommended or required for my trip?

Accepted Answer

Please check our COVID-19 FAQ regarding COVID vaccinations. Aside from that, as a tour operator, we are not allowed to give specific vaccination recommendations for liability reasons. We strongly recommend that you consult your local doctor or, even better, a qualified doctor specialized in tropical diseases in good time before your trip. Here are some relevant links for residents of several countries: UK: [Gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice), USA: [U.S. Centers for Disease Control](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list/) and Germany: [Auswärtiges Amt](https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-reise-laender/1609092).

Please note that for our Colombia tour, a yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory.

Question 14

When can I book my international flights?

Accepted Answer

As soon as we have confirmed that the minimum number of participants for your trip has been reached and the trip is therefore guaranteed to take place, you can book your flights. The trip will be confirmed or cancelled at least 45 days before departure. We will be happy to give you tips on booking flights! By the way: it is in our interest to fill the trips as soon as possible, so we do our best to confirm them as soon as possible.

Question 15

When is a trip guaranteed to take place?

Accepted Answer

A trip is guaranteed to take place when the minimum number of participants has been reached. If you have already booked before the minimum number of participants has been reached, we will let you know, so you can book your flights. We will confirm or cancel the trip no later than 45 days before the scheduled departure date. If a trip has to be cancelled unexpectedly, you will of course receive a 100% refund of your deposit or any other payments made.

Question 16

Where does the Colombia Trip Start & End?

Accepted Answer

The tour starts in Bogotá and ends in Cartagena. You will meet the rest of your group in the hotel lobby in the evening after arrival. Destinations along the way you can look forward to will be the Paloquemao markt on Day 2 (Bogota), the gorgeous coffee region, horse riding in Quindio, the Piedra del Penol rock in Guatape, swimming in Santa Marta, hiking through Tayrona park, cooking in La Boquilla, and a gorgeous beach day on Islas del Rosario.

Question 17

What language are the tours led in?

Accepted Answer

We are an English speaking company based in Berlin. Our tours are led in English and co-travellers are international English speakers.

Question 18

COVID regulations in Colombia

Accepted Answer

You may be required to wear face masks on public transport or select other places during the tour - your guide will let you know. Its recommended to comply with other biosafety measures (like distancing, handwashing, ventilation).

Travellers must complete the Checkmig registration [click here](https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf) within 72 hours prior to boarding their flight to Colombia and when going back home again. If you make a mistake on your Check Mig Form, there is a contingency form immigration will also accept. Its called Check Mig Contingencia. You can also contact our local Colombian embassy or representation for advice if needed.

If youre fully vaccinated, you must show your proof of vaccination. The vaccination certificate must include the name and surname of the passenger, the date of vaccination for each dose, the name of the vaccine or the manufacturer for each dose, and the number of doses received.

Please note that a yellow fever vaccination is not mandatory for this tour.

Be sure to check the COVID requirements for any countries of transit along your flight route.

Last updated: 01.02.2023

2 Weeks in Colombia

A colourful adventure for travellers in their 30s and 40s

Colourful Colombia

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