Colombia small group tour
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
Late availability on these dates: 18 Nov, 20 Dec, 13 Jan, 20 Jan, 10 Feb
Description of Colombia small group tour
Emerging from its turbulent recent history, Colombia is now firmly on the map of must-visit destinations in South America, a country with an enthralling cultural heritage, great scenic beauty and welcoming people. This two-week small group tour of Colombia takes you from Bogota to Medellin and finally Cartagena, via Armenia - heart of the coffee growing industry, indigenous markets and the stunning Rosario Islands off the Caribbean coast.
This immersive tour is designed to show people how Colombia has evolved since the notorious days of Escobar, as well as illuminating the country’s rich indigenous history. You will stay in small, often locally owned accommodations, flying conveniently between destinations, and touring key landmarks that rightly feature on any Colombia itinerary.
In Bogota, wander the balconied houses in the colonial La Candelaria neighbourhood, and the vibrant flower stalls of the Paloquemao farmers’ market, before admiring the capital from above with a cable car journey up Mt. Monserrate. In Popayan, visit the weekly Silvia market where indigenous people, often in traditional garb, flock to sell their wares such as hand-spun textiles that make fantastic souvenirs.
A big highlight is Armenia, which is among Colombia’s most picturesque regions, surrounded by Andean peaks. You’ll tour a working coffee farm here, and have the opportunity to stay in a beautiful old hacienda. Medellin is a fascinating city, regenerating masterfully despite the scars of recent history, and a cultural dynamo.
After two intensely memorable weeks on the road, the trip comes to an end in Cartagena, its old town a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a historic colonial city where the streets are always alive with music and dance. You can take a romantic horsedrawn carriage ride around the old town, and also join an optional boat excursion out to the nearby Rosario Islands, an archipelago where the snorkeling is magnificent – a relaxing end to a trip that will no doubt stay with you for years to come.
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Price information
Single supplement available.
Mimimum age 16.
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Reviews
2 Reviews of Colombia small group tour
Reviewed on 24 Feb 2023 by Ellen Cohen
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable part of the holiday was the free day several of us opted to spend at the hotel on the beach in Santa Marta--instead of trekking in the Tayrona Park. I didn't appreciate that the hotel does not have hot water and we were not warned ahead of time or in any of the literature before the trip. But the setting was relaxing and regenerating.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Make sure you ask if each destination has hot water in the hotel. Also, there is not good coordination between the UK and USA offices. The UK office kept reminding me that it was time to make my final payment, yet I had done so. When I asked USA office why the UK office didn't have my payment, the agent said "well, you can look at your credit card and know that it was paid". And the USA agent didn't have the information that I had paid. In this day of instant transfer, both offices should have coordinated. I finally received acknowledgement of my payment from the UK two days later.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not particularly. We had to buy bottled water, so there was a lot of plastic bottle wastage. I had brought my own water bottle, hoping that they would provide a tank of water for us to refill (other tour companies do this) but that did not happen. I had asked the USA office if we would have to buy bottled water and she said I might want to bring my refillable bottle--but did not commit herself.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a congenial group and we all got along very well. And the Colombian people were kind and went out of their way to help out whenever I had a question or problem. That made the trip for me. The tour guide did not take advantage of the time in the bus to provide us much background on culture and customs and history--basically he just informed us of logistics. I had to ask when I wanted more. Also, I was disappointed that the guide did not use the microphone more than twice (in the bus). And it was frustrating to walk around with the tour guide and the local guides, since only those close to the guide could hear what was being said.
On other tours, we were given "whispers", a personal earphone for each person that was connected to the guide's microphone and we could hear everything said during walks.
Reviewed on 27 Jan 2019 by Christine Hallam
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Cocora valley scenery and walk, climb and views from the top of El Penol and coffee tour at the Hotel Combia.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared for slow journeys as there are lots of vehicles on a poor road system.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It benefited the local people as local tour guides were used, who were generally good for each part of the trip.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Generally good. The hotels were of a good standard, there were varied and interesting things to see and do and the tour leader was competent.
Responsible Travel
Planet
Colombia's reputation is changing. Over the last few years the country has been cultivating a reputation as an exciting, emerging adventure travel destination. We always want to show you as much of the real country as we can so we employ a local tour leader and variety of local guides who can really bring the culture to life for you in an authentic way.Staying in small accommodation wherever possible really brings us closer to the culture and gives us many opportunities for unique experiences. In Medellin, we take the cable car up to Comuna 13, a low-income neighbourhood that sprawls up the mountains surrounding the city. Since Pablo Escobar's regime the area has totally reinvented itself through the creative innovation of its inhabitants. An important signpost in the change of the country is the fact that tourists are now coming back to Medellin, and we are happy to do this in a responsible way.
Using local guides and crew is consistent with our policy to generate local employment and deliver direct economic benefits to the areas we are travelling in. We also do this by using locally owned hotels, spreading our business to a variety of local restaurants. It is important that the people who work for us are treated fairly and confident in their work. This is why we take care to train all our local tour leaders and give them all the support they need to do their job well.
People
An important part of our business is our commitment to environmentally responsible practices in all of the locations that we visit. In Colombia this is no different, and our local Tour Leaders will encourage customers to use their own water bottles (which we advise customers to take), advising them where to fill them up in each destination. This guide will also have training in upholding our policy of Leaving no Trace – this is particularly important in areas like the Cocora Valley, which are rich in wildlife and potentially fragile. We brief all customers on sticking to designated trails and following local conservation regulations.Due to the size of Colombia, we use several internal flights to get around. We try and mitigate this by using lower carbon forms of transport as much as possible when we’re on the ground. For example, in Salento we explore the hills of the Cocora Valley on foot, and in Cartagena we have the opportunity to take a canoe trip through the Boquilla mangroves.
In addition to the above, we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key and so all staff, Tour leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage. As well as this, we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of UK travel industry bodies Tourism Concern and AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.
As a company we support Cool Earth. Protecting rainforest is one of the most effective actions to tackle climate breakdown. CoolEarth work with indigenous communities empowering them to conserve their forest; keeping CO2 locked in.
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