Hiking, Colonial Cities, and the Carribbean
Dates: 15th – 25th July 2025
Country: Colombia
Cost: €2,650
Janet’s Journeys is taking on Latin America for the THIRD year in a row! To a country that’s known for its fusion of music, food and culture and will guarantee you a trip of a lifetime…
Get ready for COLOMBIA!!
The land of the extremes, vibrant, colourful and with a reputation for throwing the best parties! From food tours and salsa classes to tropical beaches, this jam-packed itinerary explores all that Colombia has to offer.
What’s Included
Meals as indicated
All activities as stated in the itinerary
All accommodations for 10 nights
2 domestic flights (Bogota – Armenia, Medellin to Cartagena).
Airport pick-up on day 1 of the tour
Excluded:
Additional snacks and any extra activities
Personal expenses
International Flights
Airport departure taxi / drop off
Alcohol
Travel Insurance
Tips for guides etc
Accommodation
Throughout our stay in Colombia, we will stay in a mixture of 3 and 4-star hotels.
All rooms on all trips are shared, with 2 people in each room. We will partner you with an adventure buddy – an amazing way to make new friends! You’ll be moved around to pair up with a new friend every couple of nights.
All rooms will be twin-sharing, private rooms!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Bogota
After you land in Bogota, it’s time to say “hola” to Colombia! A driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in the city centre.
In the afternoon, we will jump right in with a city tour, taking in La Candelaria – the oldest and most colourful district in the city.
In the evening, we’ll have our first group dinner at a local restaurant and cheers to the epic adventure ahead of us!
Meals included: Welcome Dinner
Day 2 - Coffee Region
Today we take a domestic flight to Armenia, Colombia’s famous coffee region. This is an opportunity to visit some of Colombia’s finest coffee farms and plantations, stay in a traditional hacienda, and take in one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes.
We’ll settle into our accommodation in Salento, a charming village surrounded by towering wax palms and rolling green hills. The evening is yours to explore the colourful streets, artisan shops, and cafés of this quaint country village.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 3 - Cocora Valley & Salento
Time to explore the breathtaking Cocora Valley!
We’ll hop in a traditional Willys Jeep for a whole morning tour of the surrounding countryside before hiking through the valley, home to Colombia’s iconic wax palms —the tallest palm trees in the world. The scenery is absolutely stunning and perfect for photos.
After our leisurely hike, we’ll return to Salento for our last night in coffee country.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 4 - Jericó
Today we break up the journey to Medellín by staying one night in Jericó, a colourful village in another part of the coffee region. Jericó is the oldest town in the region and you’ll surely love its charm!
You’ll also have the optional opportunity here to go paragliding across the Colombian countryside for those seeking an adrenaline rush and epic views!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 5 - Medellín
Welcome to Medellín!
Our bus will leave Jericó early in the morning as we finish up the drive to Medellín. We’ll spend the afternoon participating in a fantastic community transformation project that not only showcases the incredible resilience and evolution of the neighborhood but also highlights Medellín’s deep musical heritage.
Your group will experience both Salsa and Tango, a dance that holds significant historical importance in Medellín, making the city one of the country’s most influential musical hubs. This is not just a dance class but an opportunity to connect with the culture and history through music!
That night, we’ll be getting a taste of the city’s amazing nightlife!
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 6 - Medellín & Comuna 13
After breakfast, we begin our Medellín adventure with a visit to Comuna 13, an area that was once one of the most dangerous places to live in the world but has since transformed into a vibrant open-air gallery, showcasing street art, music, and community spirit.
We’ll ride the famous outdoor escalators and hear stories of transformation and hope.
In the evening we will visit a hip restaurant for dinner together.
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 7 - Guatapé
Today we’ll be doing a 3-hour drive out to Guatapé, one of the most colourful and unique towns in all of Colombia! We’ll stay in a luxury hotel overlooking the lake and take an amazing boat trip where we’ll even pass by Pablo Escobar’s abandoned mansion.
Complete with rainbow houses, panoramic viewpoints, and the opportunity to climb up Piedra del Peñol, one of the most famous rock formations in the country. The 740 steps to the top are worth it for the breathtaking views!
We’ll spend 1 night here before departing the next morning to catch our flight to Cartagena.
Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch
Day 8 - Cartagena
In the morning, we’ll have the chance to climb the famous giant rock that towers over the region. From its summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the vast Guatapé reservoir and its many islands.
We’ll hop on a short flight to the exciting city of Cartagena! We can spend the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s historic old town, which is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visit the impressive Castillo San Felipe de Barajas or the Convent of La Popa, a beautiful convent situated atop a hill overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea.
Get ready to fall in love with this coastal gem!
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9 - La Boquilla & Cartagena Old Town
An early departure from our hotel towards La Boquilla, a traditional fishing village where an Afro-Carthaginian community lives. Today we are going to discover Colombian folk music through a traditional drum workshop which introduces you to the rhythms of Cumbia, Mapalé, and other rhythms of the region.
During the morning we will also take a canoe trip in the mangroves, an amazing natural site for the observation of numerous species of birds.
In the afternoon, it’s dress up time for a short walking tour around one of South America’s most colourful colonial cities…and stop for some cuba libres along the way!
Meals included: Breakfast & Dinner
Day 10 - Rosario Islands
Time to explore Colombia’s tropical Caribbean paradise!
We will spend the day at Rosario Islands, a charming group of islands surrounded by turquoise waters, white sand beaches, and beautiful coral reefs. Today is about sippin’ cocktails, relaxing and exploring…and enjoying our private cruise! Snorkel in crystal-clear waters, sunbathe on pristine beaches, and soak up every last moment of this incredible trip.
Tonight, we’ll gather for our farewell dinner.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Farewell Dinner
Day 11 - Departure Day
Day 11 is departure day!
After one last breakfast together, it’s time to say goodbye to Colombia and your new travel family. Airport transfers will be arranged to get you to Cartagena airport for your onward journey.
Please note this tout starts in Bogota and ends in Cartagena. You can either book 2 one-way flights or book return flights to Bogota and book a cheap domestic flight from Cartagena to Bogota on the final day before your international flight.
FAQ & Itinerary Note:
This itinerary, as always, is open to small changes depending on the weather, flights, etc. Fear not, if we have to make any adjustments, it will be to swap something out with an equally, if not better, experience!
Please note: this trip begins in Bogota and ends at Cartagena.
I'm ready! How do I book?
Ready for an unforgettable adventure in Colombia? Click the BOOK NOW button to head to our payment portal and secure your spot with a €750 deposit. The remaining balance will be divided into two equal payments, due 2 and 3 months before departure.
Need a custom payment plan? No problem! Reach out to us, and we’ll create a plan tailored to your needs. Remember, spots are booked on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait!
How many people are on the trip?
This trip requires a minimum number of guests to proceed, and this minimum must be met at least 4 months before departure to be guaranteed. If the minimum number of guests is not met by then, a full refund will be issued.
Expect to travel with 6-14 new friends!
Why are deposits non-refundable?
The deposit for your trip is non-refundable due to several important factors. Firstly, when you book a spot, we immediately begin the process of planning and preparing for your journey. This involves engaging staff who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure every aspect of your trip is meticulously organised. These preparations often involve upfront costs that are incurred from the moment your booking is confirmed. Additionally, by requiring a non-refundable deposit, we aim to ensure that all participants are committed to the trip.
We understand that plans can change, which is why we insist all travellers have trip insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances that might affect their ability to participate.
What about my other payments? Are they refundable?
All payments, except your deposit, are fully refundable three months prior to the departure date. After the three-month mark, any payments made are non-refundable. This is because we are usually unable to find a replacement at such short notice, and have contracts in place with our vendors that need to be fulfilled.
Again, we strongly recommend all travellers have travel insurance so that they can refund you should your plans change. At the end of the day, we are a small business, and we want nothing more than to continue showing our guests the world. We hope you understand the importance of adhering strictly to this policy.
How much money will I need for non-included meals, alcohol, and souvenirs?
Colombia is very affordable! For non-included meals, expect to spend about €8-€15 for casual dining and up to €25-€30 for nicer restaurants. Street food and local eateries are incredibly cheap and delicious – often just €3-€5 for a filling meal.
Alcoholic drinks are reasonably priced: beer costs around €2-€4, cocktails €5-€8, and wine €4-€7 per glass. Colombia is famous for its rum and aguardiente, which are even cheaper!
For souvenirs, Colombia offers amazing shopping opportunities – from colourful handicrafts and emeralds to coffee and handwoven bags. Budget based on your personal spending habits, but you’ll find that your money goes quite far here. Most places accept cards in cities, though it’s good to have some Colombian pesos (COP) for markets and smaller vendors.
How does tipping work?
To make things smooth and stress-free, we will be collecting a kitty of €50 at the beginning of the trip. This ensures all of our incredible on-the-ground vendors are taken care of, including guides, drivers, meals, and activities that are listed in your itinerary.
For any additional meals or personal expenses not included in the itinerary, you should expect to pay a separate tip. We will guide you on what is appropriate throughout the trip so you feel confident and comfortable.
How physically demanding is the trip?
The trip is designed to be accessible to most people in good health. Activities include moderate walks, visits to historical sites, and some optional light hikes. It’s not overly strenuous, but a basic level of fitness will help you get the most out of the experiences.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Absolutely! Colombian cuisine is diverse and delicious. We can accommodate most dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please inform us of your specific needs when booking.
What if I want my own room?
We believe that rooming is one of the best parts of the experience. It feels a little like adult summer camp and has always been a highlight for our guests, with nothing but positive feedback in the past.
That being said, if you feel that sharing does not suit your travel style, we are happy to discuss the option of a single room supplement. Simply reach out to us at janetsgrouptrips@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What are the health and vaccination requirements?
There are no required vaccinations to enter Colombia. However, it’s always wise to be up-to-date with routine vaccinations. If you’re planning to visit jungle or rural areas, you may want to consider yellow fever vaccination. Please feel free to do your own research or consult with your GP about any additional vaccinations you might consider for the trip.
Who’s leading the trip?
An experienced Janet’s Journeys leader and the local tour guide will be with you every step of the way.
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