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Adventure Tours   >   South America Adventure Tours   >  Colombia Experience

Colombia Experience Adventure Tour

South America

  • Colombia

Discover a corner of South America that's been off the tourist map for years. Without sacrificing your comfort, this fascinating Colombian adventure will take you to coffee plantations to taste where your morning cup of joe comes from, then on to to Medellín for some big-city bustle. Then switch gears and indulge in the caribbean beauty of Tayrona, and the colonial charm of Cartagena. This 12-day journey is an intriguing mixture of rural, tropical and urban-and culture and of course, coffee.


Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.


Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.


Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!


A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.


International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.


Departure Tax  

USD $33


Emergency Contact  

Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Representative (if one is listed below) or our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

AIRPORT TRANSFER 
If you have purchased an arrival through G Adventures or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:

Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, we will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer however we cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. 

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
G Adventures Office Quito, Ecuador
During office hours (Weekdays 9am-6pm Local Time)
From outside Ecuador: +593 2250 6610
From within Ecuador: 022 506 610

After hours Emergency number
From outside Ecuador: +593 999 506 000
From within Ecuador: 0999 506 000

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below, which will connect you directly with our 24 hour Sales team, who will happily assist you.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999


Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Group Leader Description  

All G Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.


Transport  

Bus, van, jeep, plane, walking.


Joining Instructions  

An arrival transfer is included with all Comfort-level tours when you arrive on Day 1, or when you arrive up to three days prior to the tour, provided that you have booked your pre-accommodation through G Adventures in our joining hotel. Due to customer experience and quality considerations, all services related to the tour must be continuous.


Money Exchange  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of US dollar cash, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

CURRENCY EXCHANGE TIP: Please be advised that slightly torn notes, notes that have been heavily marked or are faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100USD (or equivalent).


Itinerary Notes  

Due to unexpected maintenance by the Colombian government, Tayrona Park has been closed for the month of November. Until the park is reopened, we will instead be heading to the Guajira Peninsula to visit Los Flamencos Sanctuary and take a boat tour to spot the vibrant American flamingo. Afterwards, we visit the Riocha Community to meet the local people and shop at the Wayuu tribe market.


What to Take  

Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. Remember that although near the Equator, the higher altitude on some parts of the trip make for cool evenings and you will need a warm sweater or pullover. It's best to layer clothes rather than bring a heavy parka so that you can take layers off.

We recommend the use of a medium sized duffel bag, soft rolling bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.


Optional Activities  

Armenia
- Botanical Gardens (Jardín Botánico del Quindío) and Butterfly House (Mariposario) Visit (5USD per person)
- Kayaking

Medellín
- Medellín City Tour (25USD per person)
- El Peñol Stone (La Piedra Del Peñol) Visit
- Paragliding (45-60USD per person)
- Guatapé Dam Visit
- Santa Fe de Antioquia Visit

Cerro Nutibara
- Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
- Hiking
- Swimming
- Tayrona National Park Visit
- El Pueblito Ruins Visit

Cartagena
- Night Exploration on Chiva (45000COP per person, 50000COP per group)
- Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit (5000COP per person)
- Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit (30000COP per person)
- Gold Museum Visit (7000COP per person)
- Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit (6000COP per person)
- Islas del Rosario National Park (165000COP per person)

Playa Blanca
- Playa Blanca Visit

El Totumo
- El Totumo Mud Volcano Visit (65000COP per person)

Bogotá
- National Museum of Colombia Visit (3000COP per person)
- Gold Museum Visit (4000COP per person)


Highlights  

Sip coffee at its source amidst lush plantations and spend the night at a hacienda-coffee farm, explore the famed city of Medellín and learn about its notorious past, wander the cobblestone streets in historic Cartagena, explore the lush jungle and beaches of pristine Tayrona National Park


Meals Included  

11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners


Trip Specific Safety  

Please take care when wandering about the main cities on your own, as pick pockets and purse-snatchers are common. Be safe and leave your passport, credit cards, traveller's cheques and cash you don't need in the hotel's safety deposit box. Most Colombianos are honest and genuinely helpful and friendly, but be safe and enjoy the city!


Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customerservice@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.


Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.


Local Flights  

All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.


Accommodation  

Comfort hotels (9 nts), hacienda/farm (2 nts).


Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.


Max Pax  

Max 16, avg 12


Packing List  

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves


Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.


Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.


Group Leader  

Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides.


Tipping  

It is customary in Latin America to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 10%, depending on the service. Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $5-10 USD per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures Chief Experience Officer (CEO) did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $20-25 USD per person, per week can be used.


Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.


Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.


Visas and Entry Requirements  

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent.

PLEASE NOTE - Canadian citizens must pay a reciprocity fee of 171,000 Colombian Pesos (about 75 CAD) per person when entering Colombia by air. This fee is valid for a single entry into the country.

It is payable by international credit card or CASH. If made in cash, the payment must be in Colombian pesos. A dedicated counter will be available to Canadian citizens who must pay the reciprocity fee before proceeding to immigration control.


What's Included  

Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Hands-On Moment: Coffee Farm Tour, Armenia
Your Discover Moment: Cartagena. Arrival transfer. Spend 2-nights at a hacienda and tour the coffee region of Armenia with visits to plantations and farms. Excursion to Salento and Cocora valley. Cartagena city tour. Santa Marta orientation tour. Admission and hike in Tayrona national Park. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.


Joining Hotel  

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the G Adventures App or contact your travel agent.


Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.


Group Size Notes  

Max 15, Avg 6.


My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

Day 1 Bogotá

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer included.

Modern Bogotá offers visitors a wide variety of activities combined with the picturesque beauty of its cultural and architectural past. Colonial churches and pre-Columbian art contrast with the futuristic high-rise buildings of a busy metropolis.

If you arrive early, take a walk around some of the interesting neighbourhoods including La Candelaria, La Macarena, Parque de la 93, La Zona T, La Zona Rosa (bars and restaurants), La Zona G (international cuisine), or visit the Monserrate Santuary and enjoy great views of the city.

We recommend booking pre or post-accommodation to experience all this city has to offer.

Day 2 Bogotá/Armenia

Catch a flight to Armenia where we stay in an hacienda and take a Recuca coffee farm tour and learn about the culture of the region and the coffee growing process.

Day 3 Armenia

Enjoy a full day excursion to Salento and hiking the Cocora valley visiting a coffee farm, shops and the village.

Day 4 Armenia/Medellín

Drive to Medellín and take an orientation walk with the CEO. Enjoy time to explore this historic city.

Experience all that Medellin has to offer with free time this evening and tomorrow.

Day 5 Medellín

Enjoy time to explore this historic city. Option to take a historical tour, visit museums or go shopping.

Day 6 Medellín/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Morning flight to Santa Marta then continue to our beach lodge near Tayrona National Park, on the Caribbean coast. Enjoy fresh seafood and some of Colombia's most pristine and beautiful white sand beaches.

Day 7 Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Spend the day swimming and enjoying the beach or opt to hike into the jungle to see the ruins of Pueblito or into the national park.

Day 8 Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona/Cartagena

Drive to tropical Cartagena and embark on a city tour. Free time for optional activities such as a visit to Playa Blanca, a boat tour to Islas del Rosario National Park, or explore nearby beaches.

Day 9 Cartagena

Enjoy two free days to experience the Caribbean charm and beauty of the city.

Day 10 Cartagena

Enjoy two free days to experience the Caribbean charm and beauty of the city.

Day 11 Cartagena/Bogotá

Fly back to Bogotá with free time for optionals including a visit to the National Museum of Colombia, the Gold Museum, or just wander one of the many quaint neighbourhoods.

Day 12 Bogotá

Depart at any time.

We recommend booking additional post-trip accommodation if you want more time to explore the city.

Details

Duration: 12 Days

Physical Grading: 3 - Average

Trip Type: Small Group

Service Level: Upgraded



Call Us: 01 2311889



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