Roam around Popayan's whitewash colonial buildings and churches
Learn what it takes to be one of the world's leading producers of coffee, guided tour in Salento
Enjoy great nightlife or try salsa or tango lessons in vibrant Medellin
Climb up and inside one of the world's smallest volcanos, Totumo Volcano
Explore the palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons and rainforest in Tayrona National Park
Explore the cobbled streets and city walls of colonial Cartagena
Itinerary
From Quito, we cross the Equator and discover how Ecuador got its name before reaching the town of Otavalo, famous for its colourful crafts market. Next stop is Colombia and the Santuario De Las Lajas. This neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge is the main point of interest in our first stop, Ipiales. Depending on the time available, we may camp at either Ipiales or Pasto or continue to the beautiful colonial city of Popayan, nicknamed the White City. We make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and take the opportunity to stock up on supplies before continuing our journey.
We travel west through Parque Purace on rough, unpaved roads, past the towering Purace Volcano and on the lookout for Condors. At San Augustin we can head out to the Archaeological Park, home to ancient carved volcanic stone figures and tombs, set in verdant mountain scenery. Dating from between the 1st and 8th centuries, you can wander amongst the ‘Forest of Statues’ numerous funerary monuments in a woodland setting or ceremonial water channels carved into the rock bed at Fuente De Lavapatas.
Continuing north we head into the mountains around Salento. With its cool climate, this is the heart of coffee growing country and we can take an optional visit to one of the coffee farms in the area.
After Salento there is an opportunity to visit Santa Fe De Antioquia by local bus, to visit this sleepy colonial town and its several art galleries, museums and colonial architecture. We arrive into the famous and lively town of Medellin, a great spot to get some tango or salsa lessons before trying out your moves at one of the local bars or clubs.
We head off to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park where we can explore the trails and beaches set in deep bays shaded by coconut palms. Here we have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays widely regarded as some of South Americas loveliest coastline.
Our final drive takes us west for a quick dip in the Volcan De Lodo el Totumo (mud volcano) before heading towards Cartagena.
An undoubted highlight of any trip to Colombia is Cartagena with its colonial past and UNESCO World Heritage status. The old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled streets and alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. Las Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. The trendy area of Bocagrande is not to be missed. We get a flavour of the place on our included city tour as well as a boat trip at Playa Blanca. With its turquoise waters and golden sand, it is one of Cartagena's most famous beaches and the perfect end to our trip
Local Payment of USD 800 (2026) payable at the start of the trip
Visas
Optional Excursions as listed in the Pre-Departure Information
Flights
Airport Taxes & Transfers
Travel Insurance
Meals - approx. 60%
Drinks
Tips
Detailed Description
Colombia's equatorial position affords it a diversity of landscapes matched by few countries. Add to this, the fact that it is the second most bio-diverse country on the planet Colombia packs a lot in! From unspoilt Caribbean beaches; verdant Amazon Jungle; coffee-strewn, emerald-green hilltops; extraordinary archaeological and cultural sites and cobbled photogenic towns and villages this trip is a visual feast!
Please note that the accommodation on this trip is predominantly camping, though there may be opportunities to upgrade this locally where rooms are available. Please see the trip inclusions for an approximate percentage of camping and room nights
