Discover Colombia

• Return international full-service flights (economy class), departure city surcharges may apply
• Domestic flights (economy class):
  • Bogota to Armenia
  • Armenia to Medellin
  • Medellin to Cartagena

• Itinerary 1: 11 nights 4-star accommodation
• Itinerary 2: 14 nights 4 & 5-star accommodation, including the luxurious Sofitel Baru Calablanca

• Itinerary 1: Enjoy 12 meals, including daily breakfast
• Itinerary 2: Enjoy 16 meals, including daily breakfast

• English-speaking tour guides
• Entrance fees as per itinerary
• Airline taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicles

• Return airport transfers

• Arrive Early: Arrive up to 30 days before your tour starts. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Stay Behind: Return up to 30 days after your tour concludes. (Does not include hotel accommodation, meals or transfers)
• Optional Tours: Optional experiences and tours are available to add to your itinerary. (See checkout for details)
• Flight Upgrades: Upgrade to Business Class. (See checkout for details)
• Guaranteed Airline: Fly with a guaranteed airline. (See checkout for details)
• Please note: Extra charges may apply. See the Important Info section and checkout cart for fees and details.

Today, depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Bogotá, Colombia. Once arrived in Bogotá, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. 

Discover the vibrant heart of Colombia in Bogotá! Nestled amidst the Andes mountains, this captivating capital city beckons with its rich history, pulsating energy, and cultural allure. Immerse yourself in the dynamic blend of old and new and savour the tantalising flavours of Colombian cuisine, from street eats to gourmet delights. 

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: In-Flight

Today embark on a half-day visit to the historic centre of Bogota, known as La Candelaria. This suburb has great significance in the country's history due to its cultural heritage and is a great example of Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where the statue of liberator Simon Bolivar is located. The main square, originally called Plaza Mayor, was used as a marketplace, a bullring, and also as the place where executions were held. The Cathedral, located on the eastern side of the plaza, was built on the same spot where the first church stood in Bogotá in 1539, and it houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks, a collection that has been built over four centuries. The Capilla del Sagrario is located just beside the Cathedral, it is a gem of religious architecture, and it houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos. 

The tour continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art, plus pieces from his own personal collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Another highlight is the Gold Museum, with a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, and 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles, all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Gold Museum is considered one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been operating since 1939. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the hotel, where you’re able to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Bogotá at your own leisure. Bogotá is known as Colombia’s beating heart, an engaging and vibrant capital cradled by chilly Andean peaks and steeped in sophisticated urban cool. You’ll find a fusion of past and present, with all the colours of modern buildings and authentic colonial roof tiles, surrounded by the sanctuary of Monserrate and the hill of Guadalupe. 

Alternatively, you can choose from one of the optional tours:

Optional Activity: Full-Day Guatavita & Salt Cathedral with Lunch $165 AUD per person

Discover and explore the sacred Guatavita Lake, the site of the legend of El Dorado. Renowned as a ceremonial site where the Indigenous Peoples of Colombia worshipped Chia, the goddess of water. Legend has it that the chief of the Muisca people, after his ceremonies and rituals, would be covered in golden dust on a wooden raft with four of his priests, would immerse himself in the lake. The Indigenous people believed in the power of gold as being closer to the gods, not for economic value. 

Be amazed at the monumental architectural masterpiece that is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Declared the First Wonder of Colombia, this underground Roman Catholic church was built within the tunnels of a salt mine located 200 m underground in a halite mountain. Previously used as one of the biggest salt mines in the world, the first underground church was carved in the 1930’s, as a sanctuary for miners to pray for deliverance and safety at the start of each day to Our Lady of the Rosary; Patron saint of miners. It was shut down in 1992 due to safety and construction and reopened in 1995. Operating currently as a functioning church, the Salt Cathedral receives as many as 3,000 visitors for Sunday mass. You will be able to view 14 chapels and illuminated sculptures as you explore the natural beauty this magnificent feat of engineering has to offer. 

Note: A moderate level of fitness is required. This full-day tour will involve more physical activity, including a potential 2-hour hike and walking up stairs.

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Armenia - part of Colombia’s ‘coffee triangle’. Once arrived, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. You will have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Mocawa Resort or similar, Armenia

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Cocora Valley in the mountains, in the centre of the Quindío region. It makes part of the Nevados National Park and it's an ideal location to see the Quindío wax palms, the national tree of Colombia. A large number of bird species, especially hummingbirds and palm parrots, which are on the verge of extinction, inhabit the area. Take part in a guided tour through the Cocora Valley which lasts between 3 to 5 hours, approximately.

In the afternoon, continue 10 km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colourful balconies, the calle real, the handicraft shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Note: A moderate level of fitness is required.

Overnight: Hotel Mocawa Resort or similar, Armenia

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, in the morning, you have the option to join an optional tour this morning to visit Finca La Morelia for a coffee tour experience.

Optional Activity: La Morelia Plantation and Coffee Tasting - $180 per person
Visit La Morelia Plantation, located at El Caimo, not too far away from Armenia. The plantation was established in 1982 and after a couple of years La Morelia reached high-quality standard levels and launched its own brand of coffee: “La Morelia”.
The tour begins with an introduction to the coffee process while at the same time enjoying a cup of coffee. The tour continues with a walk around the coffee plantations where guests will be able to experience the sowing and harvesting stages and the techniques that men and women use to pick the mature coffee beans.
Continuing with the process, see the pulping, drying, sorting and packaging of coffee. Then, a professional barista will show the preparation of a good espresso, a cappuccino, a macchiato or a mochaccino, and the traditional and non-traditional ways to get the flavour of the favourite beverage in the world.
The tour ends with a professional coffee taster who explains the attributes of the coffee through practical examples for the senses, especially the smell, learning how to recognize the quality of a coffee by the scent of it. After the tour, be returned to the hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight to Medellín. Once arrived you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the accommodation.
Enjoy the remainder of your day in this innovative city with a fantastic climate, creative culture and infamous connection with Pablo Escobar.
Please note: The flight from Armenia to Medellín will be in the afternoon, as such you will need to check out and store your luggage at the hotel prior to being transferred to the airport.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

Get ready to kick-off your day with an awesome half-day tour in Medellín! The tour will show you come iconic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one of the most dangerous in the world, up to today's many projects that fostered the city’s change. Back in the early 1990s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medellín's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus, the reign of “El Patrón” came to an end. Until the turn of the millennium, the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellín began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolis in the world.

Visit San Javier neighbourhood, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín. Located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metro cable car that joins the northeast area with the city centre, which has been life-changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar. Explore Medellin’s newest invention: the electric stairways of the district Comuna 13, discover stories about its past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see some graffiti that symbolizes a form of expression of the community. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the balconies of San Javier.

Then it’s on to La Plazoleta, located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero, donated by this famous local artist in the year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural transformation around these works placed in a public space. After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel, where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

You’ll have the day at your own leisure to explore this eclectic city or alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional tour.

Optional Activity 1: Full-Day Piedra Peñol & Guatape with Lunch $205 AUD per person
Known as The Stone of El Peñol, this natural landmark towers up to 200 metres from its base. Indigenous Colombians used to worship this structure and called it 'mojarrá' or 'mujará', translating to “rock” or “stone”. For those wanting an immersive experience, you can scale the rock via a staircase of 708 steps to the peak, where you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the Colombian horizon and 360-degree views of Guatape Lake. After the tour, you’ll be treated to lunch to relax and rest after the hard climb up and down El Peñol.
Note: A moderate to high level of fitness is required if wishing to climb the stairs.

Optional Activity 2: Full-Day Santa Fe de Antioquia $160 AUD per person
Immerse yourself in traditional Colombian culture at Santa Fe de Antioquia. Be welcomed into this quaint colonial town via the wooden Western Bridge, suspended over the Cauca River. You’ll have a full-guided tour with an English-speaking guide, walking through cobbled lanes alongside the whitewashed buildings. You’ll experience the colonial history of Antioquia and Colombia, visit the local market and enjoy a typical Colombian lunch.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport in Medellín for your flight to Cartagena. Once arrived in Cartagena, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, sitting on the Caribbean coast, with a tropical climate, colonial buildings, excellent cruising and amazing shopping.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, start with a panoramic view of the city from San Felipe Fortress. Erected in honour of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, it was built on San Lázaro Hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos” (slaves' apostle). Continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena that was used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center where one can appreciate local handcraft.

After lunch, visit the city’s colonial district, starting in Bolivar Park, shaded by large trees and with four fountains the park has a statue of the great Liberator at the centre. Around the square is the Inquisition Palace, recognized for its large baroque-style door. The Inquisition held its meetings here and it was also the prison and torture chambers of presumed heretics, opponents of the Catholic Church. The visit continues to the Santo Domingo Church, and the Cathedral and ends with a one-hour walking tour in Getsemani, an alternative, cool and cultural quarter, that will give you a deeper insight towards Cartagena. Here the stories are told with present graffiti paintings with images of tropical scenes, palenqueras, and local flora and fauna. Go to the street of La Sierpe, the famous Umbrellas Street and the Trinidad Plaza. After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today you’ll have the day at leisure to explore Cartagena, alternatively, you can choose one of the optional activities to participate in.

Optional Tour: Full-Day San Basilico de Palenque - $110 AUD per person
Depart in the morning for your day trip to San Basillo de Palenque. Located about 60 km away from Cartagena, this town is recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The town name comes from Palenques, communities of fugitives and escaped slaves from the colonial period of the XVII century. The inhabitants have retained heavy African influences in their daily routines, practices, customs and traditions. You will meet a family who teaches visitors about their local customs and way of life. Take a walk around the community to listen to tales of religious beliefs and customers.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Take a moment to unwind and reflect upon the cherished moments forged during your journey through the vivacious regions of Colombia.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, please make your own onward travel arrangements.

Today, depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Bogotá, Colombia. Once arrived in Bogotá, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. 

Discover the vibrant heart of Colombia in Bogotá! Nestled amidst the Andes mountains, this captivating capital city beckons with its rich history, pulsating energy, and cultural allure. Immerse yourself in the dynamic blend of old and new and savour the tantalising flavours of Colombian cuisine, from street eats to gourmet delights. 

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: In-Flight

Today embark on a half-day visit to the historic centre of Bogota, known as La Candelaria. This suburb has great significance in the country's history due to its cultural heritage and is a great example of Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where the statue of liberator Simon Bolivar is located. The main square, originally called Plaza Mayor, was used as a marketplace, a bullring, and also as the place where executions were held. The Cathedral, located on the eastern side of the plaza, was built on the same spot where the first church stood in Bogotá in 1539, and it houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks, a collection that has been built over four centuries. The Capilla del Sagrario is located just beside the Cathedral, it is a gem of religious architecture, and it houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos. 

The tour continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art, plus pieces from his own personal collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Another highlight is the Gold Museum, with a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, and 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles, all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Gold Museum is considered one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been operating since 1939. At the end of the tour, you will be returned to the hotel, where you’re able to enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. 

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a free day to explore Bogotá at your own leisure. Bogotá is known as Colombia’s beating heart, an engaging and vibrant capital cradled by chilly Andean peaks and steeped in sophisticated urban cool. You’ll find a fusion of past and present, with all the colours of modern buildings and authentic colonial roof tiles, surrounded by the sanctuary of Monserrate and the hill of Guadalupe. 

Alternatively, you can choose from one of the optional tours:

Optional Activity: Full-Day Guatavita & Salt Cathedral with Lunch $165 AUD per person

Discover and explore the sacred Guatavita Lake, the site of the legend of El Dorado. Renowned as a ceremonial site where the Indigenous Peoples of Colombia worshipped Chia, the goddess of water. Legend has it that the chief of the Muisca people, after his ceremonies and rituals, would be covered in golden dust on a wooden raft with four of his priests, would immerse himself in the lake. The Indigenous people believed in the power of gold as being closer to the gods, not for economic value. 

Be amazed at the monumental architectural masterpiece that is the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Declared the First Wonder of Colombia, this underground Roman Catholic church was built within the tunnels of a salt mine located 200 m underground in a halite mountain. Previously used as one of the biggest salt mines in the world, the first underground church was carved in the 1930’s, as a sanctuary for miners to pray for deliverance and safety at the start of each day to Our Lady of the Rosary; Patron saint of miners. It was shut down in 1992 due to safety and construction and reopened in 1995. Operating currently as a functioning church, the Salt Cathedral receives as many as 3,000 visitors for Sunday mass. You will be able to view 14 chapels and illuminated sculptures as you explore the natural beauty this magnificent feat of engineering has to offer. 

Note: A moderate level of fitness is required. This full-day tour will involve more physical activity, including a potential 2-hour hike and walking up stairs.

Overnight: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar, Bogotá

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport in preparation for your flight to Armenia - part of Colombia’s ‘coffee triangle’. Once arrived, you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. You will have the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Mocawa Resort or similar, Armenia

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the Cocora Valley in the mountains, in the centre of the Quindío region. It makes part of the Nevados National Park and it's an ideal location to see the Quindío wax palms, the national tree of Colombia. A large number of bird species, especially hummingbirds and palm parrots, which are on the verge of extinction, inhabit the area. Take part in a guided tour through the Cocora Valley which lasts between 3 to 5 hours, approximately.

In the afternoon, continue 10 km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colourful balconies, the calle real, the handicraft shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Afterwards, be returned to the hotel where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Note: A moderate level of fitness is required.

Overnight: Hotel Mocawa Resort or similar, Armenia

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today, in the morning, you have the option to join an optional tour this morning to visit Finca La Morelia for a coffee tour experience.

Optional Activity: La Morelia Plantation and Coffee Tasting - $180 per person
Visit La Morelia Plantation, located at El Caimo, not too far away from Armenia. The plantation was established in 1982 and after a couple of years La Morelia reached high-quality standard levels and launched its own brand of coffee: “La Morelia”.
The tour begins with an introduction to the coffee process while at the same time enjoying a cup of coffee. The tour continues with a walk around the coffee plantations where guests will be able to experience the sowing and harvesting stages and the techniques that men and women use to pick the mature coffee beans.
Continuing with the process, see the pulping, drying, sorting and packaging of coffee. Then, a professional barista will show the preparation of a good espresso, a cappuccino, a macchiato or a mochaccino, and the traditional and non-traditional ways to get the flavour of the favourite beverage in the world.
The tour ends with a professional coffee taster who explains the attributes of the coffee through practical examples for the senses, especially the smell, learning how to recognize the quality of a coffee by the scent of it. After the tour, be returned to the hotel.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the airport at the appropriate time for your flight to Medellín. Once arrived you will be met by a tour representative and transferred to the accommodation.
Enjoy the remainder of your day in this innovative city with a fantastic climate, creative culture and infamous connection with Pablo Escobar.
Please note: The flight from Armenia to Medellín will be in the afternoon, as such you will need to check out and store your luggage at the hotel prior to being transferred to the airport.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

Get ready to kick-off your day with an awesome half-day tour in Medellín! The tour will show you come iconic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one of the most dangerous in the world, up to today's many projects that fostered the city’s change. Back in the early 1990s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medellín's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus, the reign of “El Patrón” came to an end. Until the turn of the millennium, the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellín began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolis in the world.

Visit San Javier neighbourhood, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín. Located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metro cable car that joins the northeast area with the city centre, which has been life-changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar. Explore Medellin’s newest invention: the electric stairways of the district Comuna 13, discover stories about its past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see some graffiti that symbolizes a form of expression of the community. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful view of the city from the balconies of San Javier.

Then it’s on to La Plazoleta, located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero, donated by this famous local artist in the year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural transformation around these works placed in a public space. After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel, where you can enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

You’ll have the day at your own leisure to explore this eclectic city or alternatively, you can choose to partake in an optional tour.

Optional Activity 1: Full-Day Piedra Peñol & Guatape with Lunch $205 AUD per person
Known as The Stone of El Peñol, this natural landmark towers up to 200 metres from its base. Indigenous Colombians used to worship this structure and called it 'mojarrá' or 'mujará', translating to “rock” or “stone”. For those wanting an immersive experience, you can scale the rock via a staircase of 708 steps to the peak, where you’ll get to see breathtaking views of the Colombian horizon and 360-degree views of Guatape Lake. After the tour, you’ll be treated to lunch to relax and rest after the hard climb up and down El Peñol.
Note: A moderate to high level of fitness is required if wishing to climb the stairs.

Optional Activity 2: Full-Day Santa Fe de Antioquia $160 AUD per person
Immerse yourself in traditional Colombian culture at Santa Fe de Antioquia. Be welcomed into this quaint colonial town via the wooden Western Bridge, suspended over the Cauca River. You’ll have a full-guided tour with an English-speaking guide, walking through cobbled lanes alongside the whitewashed buildings. You’ll experience the colonial history of Antioquia and Colombia, visit the local market and enjoy a typical Colombian lunch.

Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar, Medellín

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, be transferred to the airport in Medellín for your flight to Cartagena. Once arrived in Cartagena, you’ll be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your own leisure.
Cartagena is one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations, sitting on the Caribbean coast, with a tropical climate, colonial buildings, excellent cruising and amazing shopping.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast

In the morning, start with a panoramic view from San Felipe Fortress. Erected in honour of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, it was built on San Lázaro Hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos” (slaves' apostle). Continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena that was used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center where one can appreciate local handcraft.

After lunch, visit the city’s colonial district, starting in Bolivar Park, shaded by large trees and with four fountains the park has a statue of the great Liberator at the centre. Around the square is the Inquisition Palace, recognized for its large baroque-style door. The Inquisition held its meetings here and it was also the prison and torture chambers of presumed heretics, opponents of the Catholic Church. The visit continues to the Santo Domingo Church, and the Cathedral and ends with a one-hour walking tour in Getsemani, an alternative, cool and cultural quarter, that will give you a deeper insight towards Cartagena. Here the stories are told with present graffiti paintings with images of tropical scenes, palenqueras, and local flora and fauna. Go to the street of La Sierpe, the famous Umbrellas Street and the Trinidad Plaza. After the tour, you will be returned to the hotel where you will enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch

Today you’ll have the day at leisure to explore Cartagena, alternatively, you can choose one of the optional activities to participate in.

Optional Tour: Full-Day San Basilico de Palenque - $110 AUD per person
Depart in the morning for your day trip to San Basillo de Palenque. Located about 60 km away from Cartagena, this town is recognised by UNESCO as a Cultural and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The town name comes from Palenques, communities of fugitives and escaped slaves from the colonial period of the XVII century. The inhabitants have retained heavy African influences in their daily routines, practices, customs and traditions. You will meet a family who teaches visitors about their local customs and way of life. Take a walk around the community to listen to tales of religious beliefs and customers.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, at the appropriate time, you will be picked up and taken to the pier in preparation for boarding the catamaran that will transfer you to Rosario Islands.
The Rosario Islands is an archipelago located off the coast of Colombia. These stunning Caribbean Islands are home to clear water, white sand, plenty of water activities or you can kick back relax in this tropical paradise.
Spend the next 2 nights indulging in luxury at the exquisite 5-star Sofitel Baru Calablanca. Set on idyllic white-sand beaches, this unforgettable property is Colombia's first luxury beachfront resort.

Overnight: Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will have the day at leisure to explore the island.

Overnight: Sofitel Baru Calablanca Beach Resort

Meals included: Breakfast

Today you will board a catamaran to take you back to Cartagena for your last night in Colombia! Once arrived at the hotel, enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Bantu or similar, Cartagena

Meals included: Breakfast

Today at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Take a moment to unwind and reflect upon the cherished moments forged during your journey through the vivacious regions of Colombia.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival, please make your own onward travel arrangements.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
 
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
 
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information.


Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return.
 
CANCELLATION POLICY
Tour packages are non-refundable. If your tour package is affected by Covid-19-related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other tour or package available via the TripADeal website.
 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
 
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
 
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until the 7th of November 2024.
 
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement applies:
Itinerary 1: $1,050
Itinerary 2: $1,750
Please note: Accommodation for single customers who are travelling on a tour or cruise package may be in a single room, depending on availability.
 
Departure Dates
2024:
March: 7
June: 6
November: 7
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.

Departure Cities
Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane*, Adelaide*, Perth^, Auckland*
 
Departure City Surcharges
Brisbane, Adelaide or Auckland: $400 per person
Perth: $700 per person
 
International Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Airlines: United Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air New Zealand, Qatar, Copa Airlines, Avianca, LATAM, Qantas and any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
Please note: We cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
Please note: Some flights may transit through the USA. If your flight transits through the United States, please view the 'Visas' section for further information.
 
Domestic Airline(s) Used
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• Route: 
- Bogota to Armenia
- Armenia to Medellin
- Medellin to Cartagena
• Airlines: LATAM, Avianca and any codeshare partners (subject to availability).
 
Missed Flights
If you fail to arrive for your outbound flight, you risk all flight and land arrangements in your destination being automatically cancelled by the airlines and land operator, respectively. Additional fees may apply to reinstate these services. If you will miss your flight for whatever reason, please contact us as soon as possible to make arrangements.
 
Guaranteed Airline surcharge
• Cabin Class: Economy Class
• LATAM: $900 per person 
Please note:
• Guaranteed airlines are subject to availability. If we are unable to fulfil your request, the above extra cost will be refunded.
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
• In the event that a purchased stopover package and a purchased guaranteed airline upgrade are not compatible, you will have the option to receive a refund for the guaranteed airline upgrade or be offered an alternative stopover city option, e.g. if you choose to fly with Singapore Airlines you cannot stopover in Dubai.
• Guaranteed airline refers to the marketing carrier and could include codeshare partners.
 
Arrive Early in Bogota, Colombia
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability.
 
High-season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability (only available for purchases over the phone).
 
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
 
Arrive Early in Los Angeles, USA (only available for purchase over the phone) 
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability.
 
High-season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting an arrive early package to a different city from where the tour starts, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
 
Arrive Early in San Francisco, USA (only available for purchase over the phone)
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability
 
High-season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability.
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting an arrive early package to a different city from where the tour starts, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• You may book a date to arrive early via our website but only a date that is within 30 days of the tour departure date. If you wish to arrive earlier than 30 days before your tour departure date, please call our friendly staff for availability and pricing. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
 
Stay Behind in Cartagena, Colombia
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability.
 
High-season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability (only available for purchases over the phone).
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
 
Stay Behind in Los Angeles, USA
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability.
 
High season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability (only available for purchases over the phone)
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting a Stay Behind package to a different city from where the tour ends, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2025
 
Stay Behind in San Francisco, USA
Non-high-season dates range from $400 per person, subject to availability.
 
High-season dates range from $800 per person, subject to availability (only available for purchases over the phone).
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• If selecting a Stay Behind package to a different city from where the tour ends, the package will include an internal flight to your destination. If you wish to forfeit this flight, please advise our friendly reservations team so we may secure your return flight back to Australia. Please note by choosing to forfeit your connecting flight; the cost does not change.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact us to request availability. Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• High season surcharges apply to flights departing between the below date ranges (only available for purchase over the phone):
- 1 December 2023 - 9 February 2024
- 18 March 2024 - 30 April 2024
- 1 June 2024 - 14 August 2024
- 23 September 2024 - 20 October 2024
- 6 December 2024 - 31 January 2024
 
Stopover Packages 
Not available
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Business Class: For pricing, please refer to the payment cart at checkout.
Please note:
• Flight upgrades are subject to availability and pricing changes (if we cannot fulfil your request, the upgrade cost will be refunded).
• On any upgrade purchase, short-haul flights and domestic flight sectors are not guaranteed, subject to aircraft configuration.
 
Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person

• 1 x 15kg of checked baggage
• 1 x 7kg of carry-on baggage

Accommodation Used:
4-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Bogota: Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 or similar
• Armenia: Hotel Mocawa Resort or similar
• Medellin: Hotel Poblado Plaza or similar
• Cartagena: Hotel Bantu or similar

Extension Only:
5-Star Properties (Self-Rated)

• Rosario Island: Sofitel Calablanca Baru

Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people.
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 8 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Twin share or double (subject to availability).

Minimum group size 10, maximum group size 24 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities:

• Day 3: Full Day Guatavita & Salt Cathedral with Lunch - $165 per person
• Day 6: La Morelia Plantation & Coffee Tasting - $180 per person
• Day 8: Full Day Piedra Peñol & Guatape with Lunch - $205 per person
• Day 8: Full Day Santa Fe de Antioquia - $160 per person
• Day 11: Full Day San Basilico de Palenque - $110 per person

Please note:
• Prices are based per person, are subject to availability, time permitting and weather conditions, and are payable directly to the tour operator in the currency specified.
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability).
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements
• Domestic transfers and flights not stated in the deal offer
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide: 
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader: 
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined.
 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured.
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Colombia
The weather in Colombia only has two seasons: a dry season (from December to January and July to August) and a cloudy season (from April to May and October to November), when usually it's sunny in the morning and cloudy/rainy in the afternoon.
Colombia is a generally warm country. Almost 80% of its territory lies below 1,000 m above sea level in a wide variety of Colombian regions, with an average temperature of 27°C (80.6 °F). 
At 2,000 m above sea level and higher, the weather in Bogota feels like a state of perpetual autumn, with an average temperature of 14°C (57,2 °F).
In Medellin and the Coffee Cultural Landscape, the temperature begins to drop at 1,000 m above sea level to an average of 22°C (71,6 °F).
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points:
We do not arrange seat selection. It is essential to highlight that some airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the airline directly with seating allocation requirements and/or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity:
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals:
For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify us of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage:
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and unloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility:
If you require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required:
A leisurely level of fitness will be required. 
Leisurely is described as light walking, including up multiple stairs, and occasional hiking, may involve uneven surfaces. Able to travel unassisted and get on and off vehicles and small boats. Suitable for most fitness levels and mobility. 
Please note: If you have any concerns, please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Yellow Fever:
A valid international certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever is required in many countries. You may need to present this on arrival at the airport or border crossing. Some countries will refuse entry if you are unable to present your certificate. It's also common for your home country to request a Yellow Fever certificate upon arrival.
You must check with your doctor well before leaving home about the Yellow Fever requirements for the countries you'll be visiting.
 
Gratuities / Tipping:
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is $8-$10 USD per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing:
Please note: If entry to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping:
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts.
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
 
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

Colombia
If you're visiting for tourism and plan to stay for 90 days or less, you generally won't need a visa to enter Colombia.
 
Before entering or exiting Colombia, all travellers must complete an online form ('Check-Mig') on the Migracion Colombia website (Spanish). This form is free and must be completed on the Migracion Colombia website. This form must be completed between 24 hours and one hour before your flight's departure. Form can be found here
  
United States of America (Transit & Arrive Early/Stay Behind)
If travelling on an Australian Passport, an ESTA (Visa Waiver) for the USA is a strict requirement when travelling to or flying through the USA. Once a USA ESTA Visa Waiver is issued it is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires (whichever is sooner) and will allow multiple entries into the USA. For information on ESTA eligibility or to apply, please visit: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/esta/ 
  
Please note: Due to recent changes to USA immigration policies, TripADeal recommends all travellers visit US Customs & Border Protection.
 
Important: 
• Please start arranging your visa three weeks before departure to account for any delays due to consulate operating hours.
• Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
 
Please note: 
• Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
• It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100 AUD per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the tour package you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.