Essential Colombia
Operated by Intrepid Travel

Essential Colombia

From
CAD 1,410
Duration
7 days
Countries
Colombia
Activity
easy
Group size
Max 16

The adventure

This seven-day adventure from Bogota to Medellin is perfect for those seeking the natural beauty of Colombia, with planned activities and plenty of time to wander at your own pace. Walk along an ecological trail, swim in the rivers at El Marmol and climb the zigzag staircase of El Penol for 360-degree views over Guatape. Visit the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia Province, Medellin and play tejo with the locals over a pint of local beer or two. Then, in your free time, maybe race down rapids in Rio Claro or explore the street art around Comuna 13 (San Javier) with your group of new friends!

At a glance

Duration
7 days
Route
Bogotá → Medellin
Countries
Colombia
Activity level
easy
Style
Culture & History
Group size
Max 16
Ages
18+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Day by day

Vibrant landscape of cropland with a mountain backdrop in Guayabal, Tolima, Colombia.
Your journey through

Colombia

Day 1BogotaHola! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure starts in Bogota with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, join your leader for an orientation walk at 3 pm. Maybe browse the stalls at the Usaquen Flea Market, visit the Botero Museum or take a cable car to Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. After your meeting, enjoy a local beer or two as you play tejo – a traditional Colombian game where you throw a metal disc at a target embedded in clay. Then maybe find a local restaurant for a group dinner of Colombian cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.
Aerial shot of Bogotá, Colombia, showcasing cityscape and surrounding lush mountains.Bogota
Hola! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure starts in Bogota with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, join your leader for an orientation walk at 3 pm. Maybe browse the stalls at the Usaquen Flea Market, visit the Botero Museum or take a cable car to Monserrate for panoramic views of the city. After your meeting, enjoy a local beer or two as you play tejo – a traditional Colombian game where you throw a metal disc at a target embedded in clay. Then maybe find a local restaurant for a group dinner of Colombian cuisine and get to know your fellow travellers.
Map showing Bogota
Day 2Honda - Rio ClaroAfter breakfast, travel to Rio Claro. Today is a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, stop in Honda – a town nicknamed the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its 40 bridges spanning its small area. Get a quick glimpse of the culture and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant before continuing to Rio Claro – a nature reserve known for its clear rivers, tropical rainforest terrain and waterfalls. When you arrive, maybe settle into your accommodation and enjoy the sounds of nature. You'll have a full day to explore tomorrow.
A motocross rider performs a thrilling turn on a dirt track in Nariño, Colombia, showcasing skill and adrenaline.Honda
After breakfast, travel to Rio Claro. Today is a long travel day, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or favourite podcasts. Along the way, stop in Honda – a town nicknamed the ‘City of Bridges’ due to its 40 bridges spanning its small area. Get a quick glimpse of the culture and grab a bite to eat at a local restaurant before continuing to Rio Claro – a nature reserve known for its clear rivers, tropical rainforest terrain and waterfalls. When you arrive, maybe settle into your accommodation and enjoy the sounds of nature. You'll have a full day to explore tomorrow.
Map showing Honda
Day 3Rio ClaroSet off this morning on a walk along the Ecological Trail. Walk along rainforest terrain to riverside El Marmol (Marble Beach) – perfect for a swim to cool off after your walk. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Rio Claro at your own pace. Maybe go rafting and race down tropical rainforest rapids, zigzag downstream along the canyon walls on a zipline or go caving and explore the cavern sculpted by El Bornego. Tonight, perhaps try a Colombian dish for dinner like sancocho (a hearty local stew) or churrasco (steak).
Explore the serene beauty of a verdant canyon in Río Negro, Argentina, showcasing nature's tranquility.Rio Claro
Set off this morning on a walk along the Ecological Trail. Walk along rainforest terrain to riverside El Marmol (Marble Beach) – perfect for a swim to cool off after your walk. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Rio Claro at your own pace. Maybe go rafting and race down tropical rainforest rapids, zigzag downstream along the canyon walls on a zipline or go caving and explore the cavern sculpted by El Bornego. Tonight, perhaps try a Colombian dish for dinner like sancocho (a hearty local stew) or churrasco (steak).
Map showing Rio Claro
Day 4GuatapeTravel to Guatape – a small Andean town known for its houses decorated with colourful bas-reliefs (sculptures). When you arrive, climb the zigzag staircase of El Penol – a 65-million-year-old granitic rock remnant that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples. Take in the 360-degree bird’s eye view of the lake and nearby towns at the top before heading back into town for a free afternoon. Maybe walk along the cobbled stone streets of Calle del Recuerdo, visit San Rafael or head out for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
A breathtaking aerial view of the lakes and rolling hills in Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, under a dramatic sky.Guatape
Travel to Guatape – a small Andean town known for its houses decorated with colourful bas-reliefs (sculptures). When you arrive, climb the zigzag staircase of El Penol – a 65-million-year-old granitic rock remnant that used to be worshipped by the indigenous Tahami peoples. Take in the 360-degree bird’s eye view of the lake and nearby towns at the top before heading back into town for a free afternoon. Maybe walk along the cobbled stone streets of Calle del Recuerdo, visit San Rafael or head out for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations.
Map showing Guatape
Day 5MedellinDrive to Medellin – the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province, nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its temperate weather and annual Flower Festival. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get your bearings. Then, maybe wander through the Medellin Botanical Garden or take a cable car to Parque Arvi and set off on a hiking trail through the beautiful landscape. Tonight, you’re free to relax or ask your leader for the best local hangouts to try some arepas (crispy white corn cakes usually stuffed with meat and vegetables).
Breathtaking view of Medellin's skyline at sunset with dramatic clouds and vibrant colors.Medellin
Drive to Medellin – the capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province, nicknamed the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ for its temperate weather and annual Flower Festival. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk so you can get your bearings. Then, maybe wander through the Medellin Botanical Garden or take a cable car to Parque Arvi and set off on a hiking trail through the beautiful landscape. Tonight, you’re free to relax or ask your leader for the best local hangouts to try some arepas (crispy white corn cakes usually stuffed with meat and vegetables).
Map showing Medellin
Day 6MedellinGet 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, join a historic downtown tour of Medellin or explore Comuna 13 (San Javier) – one of the 16 communes of Medellin, known for its street art, graffiti and bright colours. Maybe take a guided tour of the area and learn about the transformation of this former no-go zone. Tonight, perhaps join your new friends in search of one of the city’s pumping salsa bars and toast to a trip well-travelled!
Aerial view of a bustling urban cityscape with tall buildings surrounded by greenery.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, join a historic downtown tour of Medellin or explore Comuna 13 (San Javier) – one of the 16 communes of Medellin, known for its street art, graffiti and bright colours. Maybe take a guided tour of the area and learn about the transformation of this former no-go zone. Tonight, perhaps join your new friends in search of one of the city’s pumping salsa bars and toast to a trip well-travelled!
Map showing Medellin
Day 7MedellinAs there are no activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to spend more time in Medellin just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Colorful urban landscape of Medellín viewed from above, showcasing dense housing and surrounding hills.Medellin
As there are no activities planned, your trip comes to an end today. If you’d like to spend more time in Medellin just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Map showing Medellin

Discover Colombia

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

A breathtaking aerial view of the lakes and rolling hills in Guatapé, Antioquia, Colombia, under a dramatic sky.
Lush green hills under a cloudy sky in Manta, Colombia.
Explore the serene landscape of Sumapaz Paramo, showcasing lush greenery and a tranquil lake.
Stunning aerial shot of verdant hills and forests in Bogotá, Colombia under a cloudy sky.
Stunning aerial view of Medellín's urban landscape nestled in the Aburrá Valley, Colombia.

Upcoming departures

DatesPrice / personAvailability
27 Sep 20263 Oct 2026CAD 1,410AvailableBook my trip
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