9 or 12 days
Ultimate Colombia
Explore the best of Colombia
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Trip Highlights
- Start your adventure exploring Medellín, famed for its legendary nightlife, vibrant street art and iconic spots like Comuna 13
- Discover the emerald stretches and stunning palm trees of Cocora Valley on a scenic hike (2026 only)
- Go island-hopping around the paradise shores of Islas del Rosario, soaking up the sunshine and sea views (2026 only)
- Experience Colombia’s welcoming local culture, from a traditional coffee farm to hidden gem towns like Salento and Guatapé
- Finish your trip uncovering Cartagena’s colourful laneways and Caribbean coast, with beauty around every corner
Trip Overview
Experience Colombia in all its glory on this 9 day adventure, beginning in Medellín and finishing in Cartagena. From tropical island paradise to emerald mountains and magical city life, get ready to discover the stunning contrasts of Colombia. Uncover the history of the iconic Comuna 13, before ticking iconic hikes like the mesmerising Cocora Valley and El Peñol Rock off your bucket list. Just when you think you have seen it all, Colombia finds another way to amaze you with its natural beauty, vibrant culture and incredible nightlife. Come along and you’ll see what we mean!
Please note that for 2025 departures, your trip will be 12 days long with a different itinerary. See below for further details.
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- 8 nights of accommodation (2026 only)
- 11 nights of accommodation (2025 only)
- 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches (2026 only)
- 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches (2025 only)
- All in-trip transport
- Trip leader
- Medellín city tour
- Comuna 13 tour
- Local hot springs (2026 only)
- Cocora Valley hike (2026 only)
- Coffee farm experience
- Isla del Rosario beach day (2026 only)
- El Peñol Rock Hike
- Guatapé town exploring
- Cartagena walking tour
- 24-hour emergency support
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Airport transfers
- Most meals, snacks and drinks
- Optional activities
Accommodation
For 2026 departures: 8 nights of accommodation is included in twin-share hotel rooms.
For 2025 departures: 11 nights of accommodation is included in a mix of twin-share hotel rooms and hostel dorms.
Meals
For 2026 departures: 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches are included.
For 2025 departures: 5 breakfasts and 2 lunches included.
You’ll have the chance to try Colombian cuisine on this trip, known for its epic variety of flavours that evolve as you travel around the country. Whilst the sun-kissed coast is a great spot to try seafood and fresh fruit juices, Colombia’s major cities are great for snacking on empanada pastries. Colombia is also home to some of the best coffee in the entire world!
Select an option to view the relevant itinerary:
Day 1: Medellin
Hello Colombia! Make your way to the starting accommodation. Chill out at the hotel or get exploring in Medellin! Later, meet with your group for dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Medellin
Take a city tour and learn how Medellin has transformed in recent years. We'll visit the notorious Communa 13, see some colourful street art and take the giant escalators up the hills for incredible views. Tonight, enjoy a beer with your new friends.
Day 3: Guatape & coffee farm visit
Today we'll visit the iconic Piedra Del Penol (Big Guatape Rock) which soars high above Guatape Lake. Climb 650 stairs to the top for one of the best views in Colombia. Then visit a coffee farm to learn about the country's biggest export.
Day 4: Santa Marta
Take an early flight to the colonial city of Santa Marta. Our hotel has a great pool and a lovely relaxed vibe, so when you arrive, dump your bags, grab your swimmers and chill!
Day 5: Minca Jungle
Head deep into the jungle today to Minca, a nature lovers' paradise of waterfalls, mountains and abundant wildlife. Trek into the wilderness, then spend the afternoon relaxing in the jungle in the world's largest hammocks!
Day 6: Rio Buritaca
Travel to our riverside hostel this morning. With its own private stretch of river beach, gently swaying palms and a beautiful swimming area, it's like heaven on Earth. Sip a smoothie from the river bar, or snooze in a hammock, before a bonfire and cocktails tonight.
Day 7: River tubing!
Today we're going tubing down the river, beer in hand until we reach the beach, where the river ends. It's not a strenuous activity... so it's perfect to ease the hangover. It's a hard life aye!
Day 8: Isla Grande
This morning we will head to Isla Grande, a beautiful island just an hour from Cartagena. With natural beauty surrounding you, get ready for a relaxing couple of days!
Day 9: Island hopping tour
Today we're heading off the beaten path on a boat for a Caribbean Island tour! Take in the perfectly clear waters, as we jump in to snorkel and swim. Good vibes surround you as you soak up the sun and enjoy the warm waters. Sail back to the hostel with salt in your hair, after the most incredible day.
Day 10: Cartagena Old Town
We'll grab some breakfast and head to the mainland to lovely Cartagena. Explore the city in the best way with an included walking orientation tour. Take in what Cartegena has to offer and enjoy your evening with some drinks at sunset.
Day 11: Cartagena
Use your free time to chill or head into Cartagena for more time to explore in the morning. Before seeing the city in a slightly different light for an evening party bus experience!
Day 12: Cartagena & trip end
Enjoy a farewell breakfast with your new friends before saying your goodbyes.
2026 Departures
If you are doing this trip in 2026, your trip will be 9 days long with a different itinerary. Your start and end locations will still be the same. Check our 2026 itinerary above.
Day 1: Begin in Medellín
Welcome to Colombia! Your adventure starts today and you'll have the chance to meet your group and guide for the first time this evening, then we'll head out for a group dinner and get to know each other over a few drinks.
Day 2: Medellín
Today we're discovering all the highlights of Medellín, learning more about the city's history and how it has transformed into the iconic destination that it is today. Our most famous stop is Comuna 13, a historic neighbourhood that is now known best for its stunning art murals and welcoming community. Tonight you can join the group for some dinner before experiencing Medellín's nightlife!
Day 3: El Peñol Rock and Guatapé
Our adventure continues to Guatapé, home to little green islands floating around in the bright turquoise waters. Even more gorgeous in person, today we'll soak in all its natural beauty by climbing 650 steps up to the top of El Peñol Rock. Then a chilled afternoon awaits in Guatapé, as we explore the colourful streets and check out the cafes and local nightlife.
Day 4: Santa Rosa de Cabal
We're heading to a secluded town called Santa Rosa de Cabal today, with a scenic journey and bus karaoke along the way. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore town at your own pace. Then this evening, we'll unwind in some hot springs and enjoy the waterfall views.
Day 5: Cocora Valley and Salento
Featuring curved emerald hills and towering palm trees, the Cocora Valley is easily one of the most breathtaking landscapes that Colombia has to offer. Today we'll be exploring this enchanting destination in all its glory, with a morning hike through the valleys. Later, we'll make our way to Salento, a cosy small town set in the mountains.
Day 6: Coffee farm and Salento
We'll start the day by visiting a traditional coffee farm, where we'll see how the beans are grown and roasted as well as savouring some delicious cups of coffee for ourselves. Then this afternoon, you're welcome to do your own thing or join the group for a fun game of Tejo!
Day 7: Cartagena
Today we'll take an included flight to Cartagena, Colombia's enchanting city on the Caribbean coast. After enjoying some free time to settle in and refresh, we'll head out and start exploring Cartagena's vibrant streets. The Old Town of Cartagena makes an incredible first impression, from its rainbow-coloured historic architecture to rows of art murals and the famous laneways decorated with umbrellas. Then it's time to experience Cartagena's legendary nightlife!
Day 8: Islas del Rosario
Tropical paradise is right around the corner, so today we're going island-hopping along Colombia's golden shores. Today's all about soaking up the sunshine and swimming around in the sapphire ocean, plus enjoying a delicious lunch together. Back in Cartagena, it's time to celebrate our final evening together!
Day 9: Finish in Cartagena
Your adventure ends today and travellers are welcome to depart at any time after breakfast. For assistance in organising onward or return travel, your trip leader is happy to help.
2025 Departures
If you are doing this trip in 2025, your trip will be 12 days long with a different itinerary. Your start and end locations will still be the same. Check our 2025 itinerary above
Please note activities and itineraries are subject to change.
Booking Options Payment plans available
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Please note that for 2025 departures, your trip will be 12 days long with a different itinerary. Download Info Pack for more details.
Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Call us on: 01892 527392
Email us at: [email protected]
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Arrival Information:
This trip starts on the evening of day 1 in Medellín. Arrive at Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE) If you are interested in booking pre-trip accommodation, let us know and we can arrange this for you.
If you are taking this trip in 2025, then your trip finishes on day 12 in Cartagena after breakfast. For 2026 departures, this trip finishes on day 9 after breakfast. You are welcome to depart at any time. The nearest airport is Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG).
Age & Eligibility:
This trip is designed for travellers aged 18 to 35, with an upper age limit of 45.
Want to check the demographics of your start date? Request the demographics here >
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