Colombia: Central, Jungle & Coast

Duration

9 Days

Tour Type

Adventure
City Tour
Couple
Explore
Family
Jungle Lodge

Group Size

Colombia

In just 10 days, this exciting tour of Colombia covers a great deal of ground including four nights in the Amazon region, sandwiched between two world-class cities. You’ll start off exploring the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá before flying south to Leticia; from here, take part in a series of unforgettable days via foot, canoe, and other small boats in Colombia and across the border in Peru and Brazil.
Then fly north to the Caribbean Sea and wander Cartagena’s romantic inner-walled city before culminating with a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands.

Details

For travelers who have their sights set on South America, Colombia is in the midst of a major revival; in fact, it has been on the rise ever since the death of drug lord Pablo Escobar in 1993. With up-and-coming metropolises and stunning nature opportunities, this a great trip for those who want to experience a mix of both for a fun, well-rounded adventure.

Get to the heart of

exciting capital.
Welcome to Bogotá! A driver will meet you at the airport for transportation to the hotel.

Colombia's biggest city is on the rise in terms of gastronomy and culture, so spend your free time discovering this vibrant Andean capital by foot. Explore the cobblestone streets through the La Candelaria neighborhood, where trendy restaurants and colonial-era landmarks are located, as well as excellent museums, shopping, and street food options ranging from empanadas to exotic fruit salads.

After breakfast or in the afternoon, it's time to hit the streets and explore Bogotá! You'll be picked up at your hotel by a local guide who will share his/her city knowledge on this half-day tour.
Half-Day Walking Tour: Take a thorough walking tour through colorful La Candelaria — the heart of Bogota's historic center with narrow streets, cultural landmarks, and shops selling local goods.

Transfer to the lush rainforest near Leticia. Today, partake in the ultimate adventure and fly south towards Colombia's slice of the Amazon rainforest. When you arrive at Leticia's airport, you'll transfer to a private boat and head down the Amazon River to reach Calanoa Lodge — an eco-friendly guesthouse dedicated to conservation and working closely with local communities. That means there will be some restrictions for guests including the use of rainwater, limited hours for electricity, and meals prepared according to standard practice and availability. After dinner, join a local guide for a nighttime jungle walk to soak in the noises of insects and animals that only come out after dark.

While in Leticia, transfer to the Agape Natural Reserve and learn about protecting the Amazon Forest through a range of activities. Hike through the trails, kayak in the gorges and lakes, relax in the hammocks, or climb a tree to a canopy platform 114 feet high with the safety of ropes and harnesses. From here you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Amazonian jungle.

Have lunch in the visitor's center before departing. There’s even an option for camping in the canopy.

Today, you'll start the adventure by hiking in the jungle towards San Pedro de los Lagos Indigenous community and then kayak on the Yahuarcara and Victoria Regia lakes. Afterwards, you'll have lunch in Flor de Loto followed by a three-hour boat ride along the Amazon River to Peru's Zacambu Reserve. Take note of the unique flora and fauna and wander around white sand beaches.

Dinner and accommodation will take place in a family home.

This day-time boat excursion departs from Colombia's southern coast and enters Brazil via the Amazon and Javari Rivers.

You'll float to the town of Benjamin Constant, named after a Brazilian revolutionary, which is accessible only by boat. This is an area inhabited by Ticuna Indians, and the Maguta Musuem in town is devoted to their language and culture. But the biggest draw is perhaps not the town itself, rather the pink river dolphins which frequent the area, often jumping and swimming next to the boats. Return to Leticia (on the Colombia side) and visit local handicraft shops.

Welcome to Cartagena! This picturesque colonial city on the Caribbean Sea is rich in culture, architecture, romance — and, yes, even pirate history. Upon arrival, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel. Early in the afternoon you’ll jump into action with a neighborhood walk, with an English-speaking guide.

Wander the narrow, winding streets of the inner-walled city with a camera to photograph colorful houses and lively squares overflowing with bougainvillea.
Check out the colonial neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo stopping at key sites like Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Parque Bolívar, and the Plaza de Santa Teresa.
Walk along the Old Town's original fortress walls, built (starting in 1586) with the purpose of protecting Cartagena from any attacks. You'll get some amazing panoramic views of the city (and the sunset!) from here.
Pay respects at Santo Domingo, reputedly the oldest church in the city.
Peek in La Vitrola for future reference — this is the city's most famous restaurant in a 400-year-old colonial home.
Explore Getsemani, the up-and-coming neighborhood just outside the walls of Cartagena's historic Old City. Once a seedy area, Getsemani is now a haven for hip culture with charming Spanish colonial architecture, graffiti art, boutique hotels, and street food vendors.

Finish the day on your own with mojitos and fresh ceviche in one of the city’s hip restaurants or rooftop bars.

After breakfast, you’ll experience the coastline of Cartagena, taking a private surfing trip on one of the neighboring islands' beaches.

Following some lunch you’ll return to Cartagena and are free to explore in the afternoon at your own leisure.

At dusk, take part in the unforgettable atmosphere as the city comes alive with street performers and musicians. Overnight: Cartegena

Spend the day on the beach on a nearby Caribbean Island.

Rise and shine! After an early breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel bright and early and transferred to the pier for a speedboat transfer (an hour by boat) towards the Baru Peninsula. Along the way, you will see Tierra Bomba Island and Boca Chica, an ancient fort that once protected Cartagena.

Once you arrive at the Rosario Islands, change into your swimwear before you head to Playa Azul, a stunning white-sand beach on the bright turquoise Caribbean Sea. After a buffet lunch is served, you will have time to relax and sunbathe, or rent a kayak (pay directly) in the sea before returning to Cartagena in the late afternoon.

A car will pick you up at the pier to take you back to your hotel to collect your luggage before dropping you off at the airport for a flight to Bogota.

Domestic flight from Cartagena to Bogota and Overnight Bogota.