Compare Real Colombia by Intrepid Travel vs Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America by Road Scholar

Day 1 Bogota

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in the capital city Bogota with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you can join your leader and fellow travellers early for an orientation walk around this gorgeous town at 1 pm this afternoon. Check out the colonial-era buildings framed by mountains and the cobblestoned centre of La Candelaria. Later, why not head out for dinner with the group at one of the local restaurants? Your leader will have all the best recommendations!

Day 2 Salento

Today, arise nice and early and explore the colourful Paloquemao Market with your trip leader. Get to know the locals and try new flavours at this bustling whirlwind of colours and scents. From the market, hop on a short flight to Colombia's famous coffee region and then transfer to the beautiful village of Salento. When you arrive, take your time strolling through the quaint streets and admiring the paisa architecture. For dinner tonight, maybe tuck into the local favourite of trout – there are many different ways to enjoy it here, but mostly, it's served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Colombia's national sport, Tejo, is a popular pastime in Salento – think bocce with gunpowder! If you're game, visit the local tejo hall and give it a go.

Day 3 Cocora Valley/Coffee Estancia

Today, hop in a jeep and head out to the Cocora Valley – home of the tall wax palm (Colombia's national tree). You could spend the morning checking out the region's awesome scenery on foot with a hike to Finca la Montana. At 2860 m, there are some pretty incredible views of Morrogacho Mountain (if cloud and fog permit) and the valley below during the hike to the top. If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley on your own and then cruise back to town in a jeep. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay at Guayabal – an old-school coffee estancia, owned and run by a local family in Chinchina. Guayabal has been in the family since 1950, survived an earthquake in 1979 and with lots of dedication and hard work, became the humble estancia it is today, surrounded by lush greenery and mountain peaks.

Day 4 Coffee Estancia

Thanks to the tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s biggest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean much better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre today. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown and harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, and then sample first-hand what all the fuss is about. You’ll try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing them, finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. Later, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surroundings of sloping green hills and valleys.

Day 5 Medellin

Jump aboard a comfortable public bus this morning and head to Medellin. This is a bit of a long drive, so grab a good book or your favourite playlist or play some road trip games and get to know your group a little better. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get your bearings. Learn about how Medellin spent the 1980s and 90s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (no thanks to Pablo Escobar's notorious drug cartel). Medellin has now turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. With some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture (and a much safer and more comfortable atmosphere), it's easy to see why it's getting more popular. Tonight, you’re free to relax or ask your leader for the best local hang outs where you can try some arepas (crispy white corn cakes usually stuffed with meat and vegetables.

Day 6 Medellin

Today, you’ll take part in a Barrio transformation tour. Take a metro cable Acevedo to meet your local guide and discover more about how Medellin has transformed its most populated neighbourhoods. You’ll explore its history, the struggle of its people, the outstanding achievements and the different faces of the city’s recent transformation. Later, return to Medellin, where you’ll have free time to search out one of the city's pumping salsa bars (Medellin's nightlife may well be the best in Colombia!).

Day 7 Medellin

Get out and about in Medellin with a free day today. You might want to visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. Or you can go further afield on an optional day trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia. This 16th-century township has kept a lot of its colonial-era pizazz. The Bridge of the West, Metropolitan Cathedral and House of Two Palms are pretty great photo ops, and the plaza is also home to a daily market where vendors sell varieties of locally grown Tamarind (you can try a few samples). One of the best things to do here is mosey through the cobblestone streets and take in the local scene at your own pace.

Day 8 Palomino

This morning, you’ll fly to Santa Marta and then take a private transfer north to Palomino – a small town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the Guajira region. Watch the scenery go by and maybe get stuck into your book before arriving this afternoon. When you arrive, your leader will show you around Palomino town and if you fancy, you can pick up some empanadas for lunch. This is the perfect town for some quality beach time, so with your free afternoon, why not laze on the warm sands and enjoy the views (on a clear day) of the glacial peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. If you’re looking for something more active, visit the surrounding National Park for a hike. Tonight, take the chance to feast on some fresh seafood, like lionfish or prawns – with its Caribbean location, Palomino is naturally home to some excellent restaurants with some of the freshest and tastiest seafood in Colombia. The best of them can be found at the far end of the beach, where the river meets the sea.

Day 9 Palomino

Today is a free day in Palomino. Get active and maybe take a hike in the nearby Tayrona National Natural Park – a large, protected area of the foothills of the Siera Nevada de Santa Marta known for its palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons and biodiverse rainforest. Here, you can soak up the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada ranges and the glittering Caribbean Sea. If you prefer, you can just spend some time chilling on the beach until it’s time to hit the bar or find something delicious for dinner tonight.

Day 10-11 Cartagena

Travel to Cartagena this morning – a port city on the Caribbean coast known for its walled Old Town founded in the 16th century. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a short orientation walk around the hotel. Then, you’ll have the chance to soak up all this city offers at your own pace, with two whole days free. The Old Town’s inner walls are the main attraction – inside, it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries and mansions. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle or hit one of the nearby beaches. You could visit the Coral Islands or take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands for more coastal bliss. You could also take on a rum tasting (yum) or learn some new moves at a champeta dance class. If you fancy, maybe take a private sunset cruise on the water and watch the city transform as darkness falls. Your leader will be on hand to give you tips on making the best of your time.

Day 12 Cartagena

After breakfast today, it's time to say adios to your newfound friends as your adventure comes to an end in Cartagena this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent.

Day 1:

In Transit to Program

Bogota  Andino Royal

Evening: At leisure.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Andino Royal

Bogota Introduction, The Gold Museum, Sunset at Monserrate

Activity note: Bogota's altitude is over 8,000 feet. Walks will be short distances and at a leisurely pace. Walking and standing in the Gold Museum, with some stairs. Access to Montserrate by funicular. Montserrate is situated at 9,800 feet of elevation and walking is limited to short distances.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel

Morning: 8:30AM: Meet your Study Leader and fellow travelers for a welcome and orientation to the program. Introductions, currency and other housekeeping issues will be discussed. Following orientation, depart by motorcoach for a full day exploration of Bogota. Begin at Mercado Plaza, the open air produce market. Learn about the many varieties of fruits and vegetables that will be featured in your meals in Colombia. Enjoy a walking tour of Bogota's Plaza Bolivar, the city's main square and home of Colombia's Congress, the Palace of Justice, and the Cathedral Primada. Your group leader will talk about the historic sites surrounding this beautiful old square.

Lunch: In the Gold Museum.

Afternoon: Field Trip "Pre-Colombian Riches at the Gold Museum": Be awed by the impressive collection housed in the Gold Museum, the largest collection of Pre-Hispanic gold anywhere in the world. The sheer diversity of the collection is staggering. The museum's centerpiece is the musical "Offering Boat," and is just one of many examples of Pre-Hispanic gold craftsmanship. End the afternoon with a journey by funicular up to the city's highest view point for a sunset visit to Monserrate, the site of a historic church famous for religious pilgrimages and for its beautiful view overlooking Bogota.

Dinner: At one of the fine restaurants at Monserrate.

Evening: Return to the hotel.

Day 3

Meals:  Breakfast and Lunch 

Accommodation: Andino Royal

The Cathedral of Salt & Cajica Village

Activity note: Travel by motorcoach approximately 1.5 hours each way to the Salt Cathedral and Cajica.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel

Morning: Full day field trip to the Salt Cathedral. Journey outside of Bogota to the village of Zipiquira, where in 1951, salt miners executed an amazing feat of engineering by building a massive structure carved into the salt - a cathedral.

Lunch: Enjoy typical cuisine of the region in a restaurant in the village of Cajica.

Afternoon: Take some time to stroll through the village, known for its skilled potters, before returning to Bogota.

Dinner: Your choice to explore the many eateries just steps from the hotel in the Zona Rosa, one of Bogota's gastronomy neighborhoods.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Salento Real

Fly to Armenia, Colombian Coffee Production: Bean to Cup

Activity note: Please note that internal flights allow one carry on of up to 22 pounds and one checked bag of up to 44 pounds without additional charges. The documents for flights within Colombia are issued after you arrive on the program. Walking and standing on unpaved terrain at the plantation for 30 minutes. The altitude in Salento is 5,250 ft. Walking on cobblestone streets with a slight incline.

Breakfast: Early breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: Fly to Armenia, in the Coffee Region, arriving mid-morning. Drive through the rolling hills to the hacienda of a coffee farmer and begin your discovery of coffee production, beginning with a presentation on the history of coffee. Continue with a visit of the plantation.

Lunch: Enjoy a typical meal of the region at the hacienda.

Afternoon: Leave the plantation and head into the village of Salento, where the story of this farmer's coffee production continues with the roasting, grinding and packaging processes. Walk through the picturesque cobblestone streets to the family's cafe to taste the finished product. Afterwards, take a stroll down the main street of Salento to admire the brightly painted balconies and arrive at the hotel for check-in.

Dinner: Light dinner in the hotel restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Salento Real

The Cocora Valley

Activity note: The Cocora Valley is at 7,875 feet. The hike to the river and the Camino Real is 30 minutes each way, with an elevation change of 300 feet down and then back up, over a dirt-road that may be muddy in spots and has some rocky places. Light hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

Breakfast: Start your day with coffee, tea, juice, fresh seasonal fruits and your choice of yogurt, cereal and eggs.

Morning: Field trip into the Cocora Valley with its wax palms and spectacular views. Learn about the significance of the wax palm and participate in the planting of a tree donated by Road Scholar. Then, choose to take a short hike with your local expert to the Quindio River and the Camino Real, a section of the Inca Trail, taking in the beauty of the soaring wax palms and mountain landscape. Perhaps you'll get a glimpse of hummingbirds or some of the brightly colored endemic birds. Or, remain in the main area near the lunch restaurant to relax and enjoy the natural beauty. Watch for the hummingbirds that frequent the trees nearby. This area is a photographer's dream.

Lunch: Enjoy the specialty of the Cocora Valley, trout from the nearby river, crisply fried and served on a giant tostone. (chicken, beef and a vegetarian selection also offered)

Afternoon: Return to Salento and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at leisure to relax, stroll the village, or even climb the many steps to the viewpoint on the hillside above. Reconvene in the late afternoon for a lecture on the impact of illegal groups on the coffee region, with your local expert.

Dinner: Your choice to explore the many local restaurants that line the main street and town square, which offer a variety of choices in local and international cuisine.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Europa Manizales

Bonsai & Orchids, Manizales

Activity note: At the plantation, the walk from the coach drop off through the orchards is downhill on unpaved ground. Walking sticks are provided and those who do not want to walk will be driven in cars to the hacienda. Although the actual distance between Salento and Medellin is only 156 miles, the road is winding, single lane, with many speed bumps, and an average speed limit of 45 mph, therefore we break our journey with a night in Manizales. Our ride will be about 95 miles and stops are made in route.

Breakfast: Start your day with coffee, tea, juice, fresh seasonal fruits and your choice of yogurt, cereal and eggs.

Morning: Depart Salento and journey along the Coffee Route to meet the passionate horticulturist of the largest private collection of orchids in Colombia. This unique visit to a family farm and hacienda begins with a walk through their fruit orchards, with awesome views of the mountains that extend as far as the eye can see. Around the hacienda, examine hundreds of varieties of orchids from all over the world, including very rare species, an amazing collection of miniature orchids, carniverous plants and a collection of bonsai that are over thirty years old.

Lunch: Enjoy a home-cooked meal at the hacienda. Keep an eye peeled for the many species of hummingbirds.

Afternoon: Continue to Manizales, one of the oldest cities in the coffee region, with a wealth of history, ranging from the expansion of colonists from Medellin in the North to the indigenous cultures that existed here even before the European discovery of the "New World." Explore this city by coach and learn its history and how it is transforming to meet the needs of its residents. Meet with the charity foundation Pequeno Corazon, who provides services to children who need heart transplants and corrective surgery. Late afternoon arrival and check-in at the hotel. Please note that hotel selection in Manizales is limited. While we have selected the best available option and the service is excellent, the facilities may not meet our more sophisticated expectations.

Dinner: Light dinner in the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: NH Collection Medellin Royal

Through the Coffee Region to Medellin

Activity note: The drive takes about six hours with three stops en route: a morning rest stop, lunch, and an afternoon rest stop. Medellin is located at 4,905 feet.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast with juice, fresh fruit, arepa, eggs, yogurt, cereal, coffee and tea.

Morning: Depart to Medellin with a rest stop en route. The drive through the mountains takes in the landscape of the coffee region. The first stop of the day affords scenic views over the Cauca River.

Lunch: En route to Medellin, at a local restaurant in a picturesque location with a scenic viewpoint.

Afternoon: Continue the drive, climbing 5,900 feet in just over one mile, passing through the village of Santa Barbara. We leave the coffee bushes behind and enter a pastoral landscape and lower elevation. Arrive in Medellin and check in at the hotel. Reconvene for a lecture by your local expert on the city's inspiring transformation from having one of the world's highest murder rates to one of the safest cities in South America. This transformation has brought about socioeconomic change to residents that has permeated through all levels of society.

Dinner: Light dinner in the hotel.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: NH Collection Medellin Royal

Guatape Lake

Activity note: Drive to Guatape Lake is 1.5 hours each way on winding, but good condition, roads.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the hotel.

Morning: Field Trip "Journey to Guatape": Following the weekend footsteps of Antioquenos (residents of Medellin), journey out to the area of Guatape Lake to learn about this hydroelectric project begun in the 1970s and its impact on the city of Medellin. Located east of the city, the stunning lakes of Guatape are dwarfed by the monolithic rock of Penol, a 150 foot high geologic marvel looming over the water's edge. Walk through the village of Guatape to view the colorful zocalos - baseboard trim painted in the theme of each house or building.

Lunch: Enjoy grilled lake fish on the village's waterfront. (chicken or vegetarian option offered)

Afternoon: Take the views of the lake during a short ride on the small motorboats that ply the waters, then admire the views over the entire landscape, from the base of La Penol. Return to Medellin.

Dinner: Explore the flavors of Medellin on your own. Many restaurants featuring local and international cuisine and a shopping mall are located nearby the hotel, and suggestions will be provided.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 9

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: NH Collection Medellin Royal

Medellin, Its Art & Transformation

Activity note: Walking in the city up to a half mile at a time, rest stops available in some places. Travel by public transportation, cable car and escalator. Walking and standing in the museum.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Field trip by motorcoach to the heart of Medellin and the Museum of Antioquia. Examine the collection of 19th to 20th century Colombian paintings that illustrate the settlement of the coffee region and explore the works of native son, Fernando Botero. Walk through the Parque Berrio, home of some of Botero's oversized sculptures. Experience firsthand the hustle and bustle of downtown Medellin.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Experience the impact of the public transportation on residents of the city by taking the inspirationally clean, safe and modern metropolitan train. Connect directly from the Metro line to the famous Metro Cable. Not only are you greeted with amazing views, but you are taking part in a piece of Medellin's history. The cable car network was one of the factors influencing the regeneration of the city, providing thousands of residents with easy access to the downtown from the steep hillsides, to find work. Walk from the Metro a few blocks to the amazing escalator system that has transformed one of the city's poorest neighborhoods into the safest, best-kept area. Meet local youth who maintain and greet visitors to the escalators and the artists who create the colorful wall murals.

Dinner: Your choice to explore local flavors from the many eateries nearby.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 10

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Movich Cartagena De Indias

Fly to Cartegena

Activity note: There is no motorcoach access inside the walled city. Luggage will be transported to the hotel in small vans. The walk from the motorcoach drop off point to the hotel is 5-10 minutes over cobblestone streets.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer by motorcoach to the Rio Negro Airport and fly to Cartagena. Upon arrival in the city, begin with a lecture, "All About Cartagena," to learn the considerable role that the city has played in the history of the Americas.

Lunch: In a local restaurant.

Afternoon: Field trip by motorcoach to "La Popa and San Felipe": Discover the hilltop area of La Popa on the highest point of the city. Enjoy the views of the Caribbean and over the walled city from the flower filled patio and explore the historic convent. Continue on to Castillo de San Felipe, which was created in 1536 and expanded by African slave labor over the following two centuries. In the late afternoon, check in at the hotel.

Dinner: Your choice to explore the many restaurants in the walled city. Suggestions will be provided.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 11

Meals: Breakfast  and Dinner

Accommodation: Movich Cartagena De Indias

Walled City of Cartagena & Author Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Activity note: Walk to the lecture venue. After the lecture, up to 3 hours of slow walking over uneven and cobblestone streets. There will be rest stops. Note: Cartagena has a Caribbean climate: very warm, humid and possible passing rain showers.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet at the hotel.

Morning: A lecture introduces the life and history of Colombia's most notable writer, Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Learn of the inspirations for many of his works found in Cartagena and gain insight into the author's often overlooked works of journalism. Field Trip: Walk through the walled city of Cartagena with a local expert. Carved from a colorful history rife with piracy, sultry Caribbean heat, and fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is truly a living and breathing museum. Walk through the old town, passing under the symbol of Cartagena, the Puerto Del Reloj or "Clock Tower Gate" into the Plaza de los Coches. Your local expert divulges the legends and history of Cartagena from ancient times, up to the present. Stroll from the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning church, on through Cartagena's own Plaza Bolivar.

Lunch: Your choice to explore local fare.

Afternoon: Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to wander the walled city, explore the Gold Museum, or relax at the pool.

Dinner: Farewell dinner in a nearby restaurant with musical entertainment.

Day 12

Meals: Breakfast

Program Concludes

Breakfast: Early continental breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Program ends. Transfer to the Cartagena Airport for return flights to the US.