Adventure into some off the beaten track places in Colombia to have the opportunity of seeing pink river dolphins, troops of monkeys, endemic bird species in Santa Marta mountains and if travelling between June to October the chance to see Humpback Whales on the Pacific coast.
Flying into Bogota you will explore the surrounding area before heading south to San Jose del Guaviare and visiting red rivers, natural pools and anicent rock art. Then a quick stop in Medellin before flying to the stunning Pacific coast with a chance to see whales and many other wildlife species, and enjoy the beaches.
You will then fly on to Santa Marta on the northern Caribbean coastline and head off to cooler climate of the mountains, the closest mountains to the coast, and you will do some guided birdwatching to spot some of the endemic species of Santa Marta such as Santa Marta Parakeet and the Santa Marta Mountain Tanager. Visit a coffee plantation in the scenic Minca region and then finish with a visit to the gorgeous Tayrona Park and relax at a beach hotel.
Price Guide
14 nights from £3,350 per person based
on double occupancy
These prices are excluding international flights. Average flight prices vary depending on time of year and can be considerably more expensive at peak times (Christmas, Easter, Summer). Flight routes vary, please contact us for accurate flight pricing for your timings
and place of departure.
Day to Day
Below is an example day by day itinerary
Day 1
Arrive in Bogota and escape the hustle and bustle of the city and travel up the winding roads through the mountains and cloud forests to the town of Choachi, overnight Glamping Cupside.
Day 2
Guided hike to through the Paramo landscape to a lagoon and then on to La Chorrera, Colombia's highest waterfall with a total drop of 598 metres the hike takes you through secondary tropical forrest filled with bromeliads, orchids and a wide range of bird species before reaching the waterfall. Overnight Glamping Cupside (B).
Day 3
Leaving Choachi you will cross Bogota towards Cota to visit Bioparque La Reserva. Cota is farming village located a few kilometres northwest of Bogota and here you will visit the Bioparque La Reserva which is an environmental foundation that aims to preserve and showcase Colombia's biodiversity. Visitors can observe species that have been rescued from illegal trafficking and other activities. The foundation also preserves and restores native trees and other flora. After lunch you will head back to Bogota to overnight there. Overnight Biohotel Organic Suites (BL).
Day 4
Fly to San Jose del Guaviare and in the afternoon visit some beautiful natural pools (pozos naturales) along a stunning, clear river. Thousands of years of erosion have left wide, deep holes, which are like natural jacuzzis in the otherwise shallow channel. Enjoy the swimming holes. Overnight Casa de Piedra (BD).
Day 5
San Jose del Guaviare is home to several small rivers containing the same red algae that gives the Caño Cristales its famous colours. Both Tranquilandia and Caño Rosado flow bright-red between June and November. Hike to Cerro Azul to see the ancient rock painting, where there are interesting images of animals, people and scenery. Overnight Casa de Piedra (BLD).
Day 6
A two-hour boat journey leads you to Damas del Nare Lake, a lovely oxbow lake in the jungle, and home to some of the friendliest pink dolphins you will ever see. The wild dolphins are used to people, and will swim around your feet and even pull on the bowline of the canoe. The surrounding forests are also home to various troops of monkey and plentiful bird species. Overnight Casa de Piedra (BLD).
Day 7
Today you will take a flight to Medellin and an opportunity to see the street art and dine out in one of the many restaurants in this fascinating city. Overnight Patio Del Mundo (B).
Day 8
Fly to Nuqui on the Pacific coast and then take a speedboat to La Kuka Ecolodge, stunning lodge on private beach, 30 minutes walk to town. This afternoon relax on the beach or take a hike through the forest to a nearby waterfall. Overnight La Kuka (BLD).
Day 9
Walk along the beach to the village of Termales and witness local Colombian life, such as fishermen in their traditional canoes. The hike takes approx. 1.5 hours, and once there you can enjoy the idyllic hot springs or maybe a massage. Optional extra to visit Utria national park where you can have the chance to snorkel or dive with dolphins, whales, turtles. Between the months of June to October Humpback whales come to this area to breed, and you can take a boat trip to witness the whales, highest chance of sightings is in August. Overnight La Kuka (BLD).
Day 10
Fly back to Medellin and enjoy the rooftop bars or restaurants of the city. Overnight Patio del Mundo (B).
Day 11
Fly to Santa Marta and then transfer past the town of Minca and into the mountains beyond to the remote eco-lodge El Dorado. A chance to see numerous bird species in this beautiful location (BLD).
Day 12
Transfer back via Minca and visit a coffee plantation to learn about the growing and production process in a serene setting. Then transfer back to the coast to your hotel near Tayrona National Park. Overnight Villa Playa Tayrona (BD).
Day 13
Guided hike through the Tayrona National Park to include the picture postcard beaches of Cabo San Juan and Playa Cristal, opportunities to swim and snorkel. Overnight Villa Playa Tayrona (BD).
Day 14
Transfer back to Santa Marta to begin your journey back to UK.