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What to expect

Peñol Boulder

Peñol Boulder

Climb the 200m monolith's 740 steps

Hacienda San Alberto

Hacienda San Alberto

Coffee tasting 1800m above sea level

Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Park

Explore the jungle & palm-fringed beaches

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

Discover a church carved into a salt mine

About this trip...

About the trip

Experience the enchantment of Colombia with its diverse landscapes and vibrant culture on this epic solo escorted group holiday. Begin in Bogotá, exploring modernity and colonial charm, and visit the unique Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. Savour world-renowned Colombian coffee, marvel at the Cocora Valley's beauty, discover Medellín's transformation and enjoy panoramic views from the Peñol Boulder. Enjoy Tayrona National Park's pristine beaches and immerse yourself in Cartagena's colourful streets and rich history on an unforgettable group tour of Colombia.
Activity Level: Activity Level Rating
What's this?

What's Included

  • Return international flights & transfers
  • Airport taxes & charges
  • Single occupancy rooms throughout
  • Solos board - Breakfast daily, welcome dinner and two lunches
  • Excursions include Jeep tour of Cocora Valley, coffee tastings at Haceinda San Alberto & visit to Tayrona National Park
  • Tours of Zipaquirá, Bogota, Medellin & surroundings and Cartagena
  • Domestic flights throughout
  • Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
  • Fully financially protected

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Bogota
  • Bogota
  • Bogota - Armenia
  • Cocora Valley & Salento
  • Armenia - Medellin
  • Medellin
  • Medellin - Santa Marta - Palomino
  • Tayrona National Park
  • Palomino - Cartagena
  • Cartagena
  • Cartagena
  • Depart Cartagena

What you'll be doing

Day One: Bienvenidos a Bogotá

Day One: Bienvenidos a Bogotá

We arrive in Bogotá this morning after our overnight flights from the UK, transferring to the hotel for immediate check-in. Spending the day at leisure until this evening, we enjoy a delicious welcome dinner with the rest of the group and our Solos Tour Leader.
  • Breakfast & dinner included
  • Overnight - Hotel de la Opera
Day Two: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Bogotá Walking Tour

Day Two: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral & Bogotá Walking Tour

After breakfast, we board a private transfer to Zipaquirá to visit the famous Salt Cathedral. Built almost 180 metres underground in a salt mine, it is considered one of the seven wonders of Colombia. We return to Bogotá this afternoon for a walking tour of the city, starting with a climb up Cerro de Monserrate, an Andean peak offering stunning views and home to the Sanctuary of Saint Christ Fallen - a site of significant pilgrimage since the 1620s. From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of Bogotá. Next, we explore La Candelaria’s historic, cobbled streets filled with colourful colonial buildings, vibrant cafes, and live music, while the sanctuary looms above us. Our tour will also take us to Plaza de Bolívar to see Bogotá's key architectural landmarks and the Museo del Oro, which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts and represents Colombia’s rich indigenous cultures.
  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel de la Opera
Day Three: Coffee-tasting at Hacienda San Alberto

Day Three: Coffee-tasting at Hacienda San Alberto

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Bogotá Airport for our flight to Armenia. On arrival, we transfer to Pereira, where we will explore the coffee production process at Hacienda San Alberto, a renowned coffee producer located in the heart of the coffee triangle. The hacienda grows its high-quality coffee at 1,800 meters above sea level using sustainable practices. Our tour includes a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at the cultivation, selection, and production stages, culminating in a tasting of various coffee methods.

  • Breakfast & lunch included
  • Overnight - Hacienda Combia

Day Four: Cocora Valley Jeep Tour & exploring Salento

Day Four: Cocora Valley Jeep Tour & exploring Salento

We’ll take a private transfer to Salento today where we hop on an immaculate jeep and wind our way through super-scenic Valle del Cocora, a valley that is famous for its supply of the national tree, the wax palm. We then have the opportunity to take in some mountain air and stroll up the foothills of the Andes before we head back to Salento. Nestled among lush green mountains, Salento is a charming coffee town with colourful homes, shaded patios, and cafes serving local arabica coffee. Stroll down Calle Real to explore artisan shops and enjoy a spot of lunch. At the end of the street, we climb to Alto de la Cruz for stunning views of the Valle de Cocora and, on a clear day, the distant snow-capped volcanoes.

  • Breakfast & lunch included
  • Overnight - Hacienda Combia

Day Five: Discover Medellín

Day Five: Discover Medellín

After breakfast, we transfer back to the airport for our flight to Medellín. In the early 90s, the hunt for Pablo Escobar was at its peak. When the Medellín drug cartel's reign under 'El Patrón' ended, the struggle for Escobar's successor continued, but by 2002 Medellín began transforming. Local politicians invested significantly in infrastructure and public education, and today, the 'City of Eternal Spring' is renowned as one of the most innovative metropolises globally. We join an exciting tour through the history and transformation of what was once the most dangerous city in the world.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel Don Pedro

Day Six: Village of Guatapé & the El Peñol Boulder

Day Six: Village of Guatapé & the El Peñol Boulder

Today, we'll explore the rural areas surrounding Medellín, taking in stunning views of rolling hills and lush greenery en route to the Peñol Boulder. This impressive 200-metre-high monolith features a staircase with 740 steps, offering breathtaking vistas of verdant mountains and shimmering lakes for those who wish to climb it. From here, we continue on to visit the village of Guatapé - known for its charming church and vibrant, colourful house paintings.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel Don Pedro

Day Seven: Medellín to Palomino

Day Seven: Medellín to Palomino

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the airport for our flight to Santa Marta. On arrival, we transfer to Palomino where we’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Finca la Jorara

Day Eight: Tayrona National Park

Day Eight: Tayrona National Park

Today, we’ll enjoy a full day in Tayrona National Park - one of Colombia's premier natural destinations, where the Caribbean coastline meets the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. This paradise features palm-fringed beaches that transition into lush rainforest and arid cactus landscapes, housing a diverse array of wildlife. This tour includes a 14km hike, offering the most immersive park experience and may be demanding for some.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Finca la Jorara

Day Nine: Palomino to Cartagena

Day Nine: Palomino to Cartagena

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Cartagena (approx. six hours). The rest of the day is at leisure.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

Day Ten: Highlights of Cartagena

Day Ten: Highlights of Cartagena

We’ll head out on a tour of Cartagena’s highlights today and explore Colombia’s walled city, where cobblestone streets and colonial buildings reveal a rich blend of culture and history. We visit San Felipe Castle - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through its tunnels designed for siege defence. Next, we ascend Cerro de la Popa to see the historic convent and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The convent, founded in 1607 and rebuilt in stone, features a chapel with La Virgen de la Candelaria and a poignant statue of Padre Alonso Garcia de Paredas.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

Day Eleven: Free time in Cartagena

Day Eleven: Free time in Cartagena

Enjoy a day at leisure in Cartagena.

  • Breakfast included
  • Overnight - Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

Day Twelve: Depart Cartagena

Day Twelve: Depart Cartagena

We say goodbye to Colombia as we transfer to the airport in Cartagena today for our overnight flights back to the UK.

  • Breakfast included

Accommodation

Captivating Colombia

We stay in comfortable three-star hotels throughout as detailed below (or similar):
  • Hotel de la Opera, Bogota (five-star)
  • Hacienda Combia, Armenia
  • Hotel la Campana, Medellin
  • Finca la Jorara, Palomino
  • Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena

Dates & Prices

Departure Return Nights Price from Other Info Regional flights
13 Mar 2025 24 Mar 2025 11 £5575.00 Please call for regional flights

Frequently asked questions

Transfer Time
The transfer time from El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, to Hotel de la Opera is approx. 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
Dress Code
Temperatures can vary across Colombia so we recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Bring light layers with you for cooler areas and make sure to dress modestly at any religious sites.  There is a lot of walking on this trip, so comfortable shoes are a must. The sun can be strong here, so make sure you're prepared with hats, sunglasses and sun cream.
Gratuities
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. To give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides, porters and hotel staff of approximately £xxx. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip.
Passport, Visa & Entry Requirements
To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid on entry. However, Colombian immigration authorities recommend your passport has an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you plan to leave. You can visit Colombia for up to 90 days without a visa, and you must be able to show an onward or return ticket valid within the 90-day period.
Health Requirements
Compulsory Vaccines for travel to Colombia - None. Recommended vaccines for travel into Colombia - Hepatits A, Tetanus & Typhoid. At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Colombia guide. Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Colombia, including Bogotá If you take prescription medication, you will be responsible for determining their legality in Colombia. 
 
Always keep your medication in the original container, bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you, pack your medication in your carry-on luggage and carry a copy of your prescriptions.
Currency
Colombian Peso. Unlike neighbouring South American countries, US dollars are not widely accepted in Colombia.
Important Information
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Colombia, including Bogotá. There is a lot of walking included on this tour, therefore a good level of fitness is required to take part. There is a 14k hike in Tayrona National Park. This hike is demanding due to warm weather and very high humidity. Furthermore, when if there has been rain, then part of the terrain might be quite slippery. Luggage Allowance The internal flight between Armenia & Medellin has a 15kg luggage allowance. Additional kg's can be purchased at the airport for approx. US$3 per kg

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