Colombia Discovery

Quito - Cartagena

19 days through Ecuador, Colombia

FROM: $1950 USD

Transport:

Overland Expedition Vehicle, Jeep

Crew:

Two Dragoman Crew Members, Local Guides where necessary

Accom:

Comfortable Hotel 4 nights
Camping 1 night
Basic Hotel 3 nights
Multishare Hostel 8 nights
Hammocks 2 nights

Meals:

Breakfasts x 14, Lunches x 3, Dinners x 3

Physical:

Lifestyle:

Code:

ZCQ

Deposit:

$260 USD per person

Foreign Travel Advice

TRIP OVERVIEW

This is a trip that unveils the true diversity of Colombia and northern Ecuador, from the jungles and stunning beaches of the Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park to the snow capped peaks of the Andes and the spectacular wax palm trees of the Valle de Cocora. Colombia is home to some of South America's most beautiful colonial architecture as found in Cartagena, Popayan or Santa Cruz de Lorica. This is balanced by the cosmopolitan and contemporary feel of Medellin. No visit to Colombia is complete without exploring the coffee heartland around Manizales and a stay at a Coffee Finca to learn the tricks of the trade. Further south the Afro Caribbean feel gives way to the indigenous mountain peoples of the Andes and before crossing into Ecuador to explore the Indian markets of Otavalo, you must explore the exquisite Santuario de las Lajas in Ipiales. This tour would, however, not be complete without time to explore the wonderful old colonial city of Quito, with its plethora of churches, cathedrals and markets.

HIGHLIGHTS

2 nights in vibrant Cartagena

2 Nights in the stunning Caribbean beach national park of Tayrona

2 Nights to enjoy the colonial town of Santa Cruz de Lorica, home of the traditional Vueltiao hat

3 nights to explore the infamous streets of Medellin

Explore the region of Salento and visit a coffee finca

Guided trek through spectacular Cocora Valley

2 night stay in the historic colonial city of Popayan

Photograph the iconic church bridge of Ipiales

Visit the equator monument en-route to Quito

Full day coffee experience and plantation tour

WHAT TO EXPECT

This trip gives an amazing insight into Colombia with lots of easy living, nothing too challenging and plenty of time to discover both rural and city life as well as the colonial history of this undiscovered destination. You will be staying in good small hotels, hostels and camping.

INCLUDED ACTIVITIES

Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo

Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales

Head out on a half-day guided trek through the spectacular Cocora Valley and see the incredible 50m-tall Quindio wax palms the tallest plam trees in the world!

Learn about Colombia Coffee and wander the plantation

Explore some of Tayrona National Park's scenic walking trails including a hike to the mysterious ancient ruins of Pueblito hidden in the jungles high above the coastline

ITINERARY

EXPAND ALL CLOSE ALL

Day 1 - Quito (12th June 2021)

Border Information: if joining in Quito, you will most likely enter Ecuador at Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (IATA code: UIO).

There will be an important group meeting at 6:00pm at the joining hotel - please look out at the hotel reception for a note from your leader with more details about this important meeting.

Please note that many of the options listed below will only be possible for those with extra time in Quito before the start of your trip with us - please contact the Sales team if you would like to book pre-tour accommodation with us to have extra time exploring Quito.

A note on altitude: If you are joining in Quito, we strongly recommend arriving at least 24 hours before the trip begins to allow additional time to acclimatise.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Visit one of the countless art galleries in Quito such as La Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana

Entrance: Free

Visit the Museo Nacional del Banco Central showcasing the countrys largest collection of Ecuadorian art and housing an impressive gold collection

Entrance: 2 USD

Freely explore the stunning historical Old Town of Quito, and wander its ancient streets marvelling at the outstanding architecture and wonderful atmosphere

Price: Free

Day 2 - Otavalo (13th June 2021)

Today our journey begins with a short drive to Mitad del Mundo, the monument that marks the Equator. After this we will continue north to the charming town of Otavlo.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Camping

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 3

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Visit the equator at Mitad del Mundo

Included

Day 3 - Ipiales (14th June 2021)

Today we will leave Ecuador behind and travel into Colombia. We will have an included visit to the Santuario de las Lajas en route to our hotel in Ipiales.

Border information: Exit Ecuador at Ipiales, enter Colombia at Ipiales.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 4

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Visit the jaw dropping Santuario Las Lajas on the outskirts of Ipiales

Included

Day 4 - Popayan (15th June 2021)

Today we will drive to the beautiful town and former colonial capital of Popayán.

On the following day we will have a free day to explore Popayán or take part in some excellent treks or other optional activities in the surrounding area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 5 - Popayan (16th June 2021)

Today we will have a free day to explore Popayán or take part in some excellent treks or other optional activities in the surrounding area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Relax in the volcanic thermal springs near the village of Coconuco dramatically set in a steep-sided valley

Thermal springs trip: 60,000 COP

Trek to the 4650m summit of the towering Puracé volcano near Popayán

Hike: 130,000 COP

Day 6 - Salento (17th June 2021)

Today we will continue our journey north to the small town of Salento, the gateway to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 8

Day 7 - Salento (18th June 2021)

Today we will have a guided trek through the Cocora Valley to see the Quindio wax palm trees, the largest palms in the world and the national tree of Colombia.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Head out on a half-day guided trek through the spectacular Cocora Valley and see the incredible 50m-tall Quindio wax palms the tallest plam trees in the world!

Included

Day 8 - Salento (19th June 2021)

Today we will have a tour of the coffee plantation and learn about the cultivation of coffee.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Learn about Colombia Coffee and wander the plantation

Included

Day 9 - Manizales (20th June 2021)

Today we have a short drive to our Hacienda in the heart of the coffee region.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 2

Day 10 - Medellin (21st June 2021)

Today we will drive to the vibrant city of Medellin, where we will spend 3 nights.

On our first full day in Medellin we will have a guided walking tour of the city, and our second day will be free time to independently explore the town, its parks, churches, and museums.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Daily Activities

Optional Activities

Take the pioneering Metroline cable car up to Santo Domingo to see a very different area of the city and the revitalising effect the Metroline has had on the communities there

Cabe car ride: 1,750 COP

Visit the colossal Catedral Metropolitana in the city centre built using over a million bricks between 1875 and 1931

Entrance: Free

Head out and discover some of Medellín\'s vibrant and unusual nightlife at the Dulce Jesus Mio club

Entrance: 10,000 COP

Day 11 - Medellin (22nd June 2021)

Today we will have a guided tour of the city.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 12 - Medellin (23rd June 2021)

Today is free time to independently explore the town, its parks, churches, and museums.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Multishare Hostel

Day 13 - Lorica (24th June 2021)

Today we have a drive north to the beautiful, colonial town of Santa Cruz de Lorica.

The following day we have a free day to explore the historic centre, learn about the traditional hates that are made in the region or head to the coast for a final beach sunset at San Bernardo del Viento.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 10

Day 14 - Northern Colombia (25th June 2021)

Today we will start the journey north towards Tayrona National Park, staying en route in a local Guesthouse.

Accommodation: Basic Hotel

Day 15 - Tayrona NP (26th June 2021)

Today we arrive in Tayrona, one of the most popular National Parks in Colombia. Leaving our main luggage stored on the truck, we take a day-pack/night-bag and go on a moderate walk in to the park to where we will stay. Mules to carry your luggage can be hired at an extra cost.

Accommodation: Hammocks

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 7

Day 16 - Tayrona NP (27th June 2021)

Today we will go for a guided trek in the National park and in the afternoon there is time to do some snorkelling or just relax on the beautiful beaches.

Accommodation: Hammocks

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore some of Tayrona National Park's scenic walking trails including a hike to the mysterious ancient ruins of Pueblito hidden in the jungles high above the coastline

Included

Day 17 - Cartagena (28th June 2021)

We will have some more free time in Tayrona National Park in the morning, before we walk back to the park entrance and complete our epic journey with a drive to the beautiful coastal colonial city of Cartagena.

In Cartagena we will stay in a comfortable hotel just outside the historical centre.

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Today's approximate drive time (hrs): 6

Day 18 - Cartagena (29th June 2021)

Today we will have an included walking tour of the city, and then the afternoon will be free to explore the city further, enjoy the many optional activities on offer, or simply relax on the beach.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Comfortable Hotel

Daily Activities

Included Activities

Explore Cartagena on a guided walking tour

Included

Optional Activities

Discover the brutal history of the Spanish Inquisition at their former headquarters in Cartagena the Palace of the Inquisition

Entrance: 15,000 COP

Guide: 10,000 COP

Learn all about Cartagena's naval tradition and history at the Naval Museum of the Caribbean

Entrance: 15,000 COP

Day 19 - Cartagena - End Date (30th June 2021)

Border information: if you are finishing in Cartagena, you will most likely exit Colombia at Cartagena Rafael Núñez International Airport (IATA code: CTG).

Today is the end day for passengers finishing their trip in Cartagena. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight - please contact your sales agent if you are interested in booking extra nights of accommodation in order to fully explore and take part in some of the optional activities listed below.

If you are continuing on to Panama then your leader will assist you with airport transfers for your included flight. You will stay tonight in a comfortable hotel in either Panama City or Cartagena (depending on the flight times and availability).

Meals: Breakfast

DATES, PRICES & TRIP NOTES

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Finishing

Total Price (USD)

12 Jun 21 Quito

30 Jun 21 Cartagena

$1,950 USD

Status: Open

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03 Jul 21 Quito

21 Jul 21 Cartagena

$1,950 USD

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15 Jul 21 Cartagena

02 Aug 21 Quito

$1,990 USD

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28 Jul 21 Cartagena

15 Aug 21 Quito

$1,990 USD

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30 Aug 21 Quito

17 Sep 21 Cartagena

$1,950 USD

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15 Oct 21 Cartagena

02 Nov 21 Quito

$1,990 USD

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19 Oct 21 Cartagena

06 Nov 21 Quito

$1,990 USD

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21 Nov 21 Cartagena

09 Dec 21 Quito

$1,990 USD

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09 Feb 22 Quito

27 Feb 22 Cartagena

$1,975 USD

Status: Closed

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14 Mar 22 Quito

01 Apr 22 Cartagena

$1,975 USD

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25 Apr 22 Cartagena

13 May 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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25 Jun 22 Quito

13 Jul 22 Cartagena

$1,975 USD

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08 Jul 22 Quito

26 Jul 22 Cartagena

$1,975 USD

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14 Jul 22 Cartagena

01 Aug 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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01 Aug 22 Cartagena

19 Aug 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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12 Sep 22 Quito

30 Sep 22 Cartagena

$1,975 USD

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07 Oct 22 Cartagena

25 Oct 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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11 Oct 22 Cartagena

29 Oct 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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13 Nov 22 Cartagena

01 Dec 22 Quito

$2,020 USD

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08 Feb 23 Quito

26 Feb 23 Cartagena

$2,050 USD

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13 Mar 23 Quito

31 Mar 23 Cartagena

$2,050 USD

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17 Jun 23 Quito

05 Jul 23 Cartagena

$2,050 USD

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02 Jul 23 Quito

20 Jul 23 Cartagena

$2,050 USD

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Colombia Discovery

Quito - Cartagena

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