Classic Colombia - 16 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What is the "Classic Colombia" tour about?

  This tour offers a firsthand experience of Colombia's national parks, beaches, village communities, and cities. It's an opportunity to explore an underrated destination, try local delicacies like fresh seafood and coffee, and be part of the country's revitalization.

• What are the main highlights of this tour?

  Highlights include wandering the streets of Bogotá, learning about coffee production in Armenia, hiking to a remote beach in Tayrona National Park, visiting an Indigenous community to learn about cultural traditions, and mingling with locals in Taganga. The tour also features a hacienda stay, a hike in Valle de Cocora, and city tours in Medellín and Cartagena.

• What types of accommodation are used on this tour?

  Accommodation primarily consists of hotels/guesthouses for 13 nights and a traditional hacienda for 2 nights.

• What meals are included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts and 3 lunches. Dinners are not included.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• What are the age restrictions for joining this tour?

  Travelers must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above can join if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes planes for internal flights, private vans, 4x4 vehicles, and walking.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A CEO (Chief Experience Officer) will lead the group throughout the tour, supported by local guides in various locations.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must cover medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD $200,000. It's also recommended to cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What are the key safety and security considerations for this tour?

  It is recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave expensive jewelry at home. Hotels often have safety deposit boxes. Be aware of pickpockets and purse-snatchers in major cities; it's advisable to stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Swimming and water-based activities are at your own risk unless accompanied by a guide.

• Are there specific health considerations or vaccinations needed for Colombia?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor. Carry a first aid kit and hand sanitizers. Yellow Fever vaccination proof might be required for entry into some national parks, including Tayrona.

• What is the policy regarding single travelers and rooming?

  Solo travelers do not pay an extra single supplement and are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. Exceptions for shared rooming may apply on specific nights, such as in Armenia and Minca.

• Are local flights within Colombia included in the tour price?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. Passport information is required at the time of booking for these tickets.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include Gold Museum visits and Monserrate Hill Cable Car in Bogotá, Explora Park and Modern Art Museum in Medellín, Guatapé Day Trip, and various museum visits, night exploration, snorkeling, and visits to natural parks like Islas del Rosario from Cartagena/Taganga/Santa Marta.

• What should I know about currency and money exchange in Colombia?

  The local currency is COP (Colombian Pesos). Credit and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances, though acceptance can vary. A 5-10% fee might apply for credit card purchases. It's best to bring a combination of cash and cards. Bring notes in good condition and denominations lower than 100USD.

• Is tipping customary in Colombia?

  Yes, tipping service providers like waiters (around 10%) is customary. Recommendations for drivers and local guides range from $5-10 USD per day. For the CEO, a guideline of $30-40 USD per person per week is suggested.

• What happens if Tayrona National Park is closed during my trip?

  Tayrona National Park may be closed on certain dates (e.g., February 1-15, June 1-15, October 19-November 2 in 2026). If your trip falls during these dates, you will visit Taironaka Park instead, where you will tube down the Don Diego River and interact with the local Kogi people.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. It's suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry.

• What is Planeterra and how does this tour support local communities?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. This tour includes a "G for Good Moment" with a Katanzama Community Visit in Tayrona National Park, providing insights into local traditions and featuring a textile weaving demonstration by local families, directly supporting the community.

• Do I need to pay a departure tax?

  Yes, a departure tax of USD $33 is required.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip regarding illegal activities?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated. Possessing or using drugs contravenes local laws and puts the group at risk. Engaging in the sex trade is also not permitted. Violation of these rules may result in expulsion from the group without refund.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+, is a priority. The tour operator encourages visiting their LGBTQ+ page for resources and using tools like Equaldex for specific destination information.

• What is the overall description of the 'Classic Colombia' tour?

  This tour offers a comprehensive experience of Colombia, exploring national parks, beaches, village communities, and vibrant cities. It highlights local delicacies like fresh seafood in Cartagena and coffee from Calarcá, inviting travelers to be part of the country's revitalization.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Key highlights include wandering the streets of Bogotá, learning about coffee production in Armenia, hiking to a remote beach in Tayrona National Park, visiting an Indigenous community to learn about cultural traditions, and mingling with locals in the small town of Taganga.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average of 12.

• Are there any age restrictions for participants on this trip?

  Travelers must be 18 to join unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21, the minimum age is 12.

• What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  Accommodation will be in hotels/guesthouses for 13 nights and a traditional hacienda for 2 nights.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 15 breakfasts and 3 lunches. Dinners are not included.

• What is the physical rating of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3, indicating a moderate level of activity.

• What types of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation includes planes, private vans, 4x4s, and walking.

• Are local flights within Colombia included in the tour price?

  Yes, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory and must cover a minimum of USD200,000 for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation.

• What are the tipping customs in Colombia?

  Tipping service providers like waiters is customary (approximately 10%). For local guides and drivers, recommendations range from $5-10 USD per day. Tipping the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) is appreciated, with a guideline of $30-40 USD per person per week.

• What should I know about currency and credit cards in Colombia?

  The local currency is COP (Colombian Pesos). Credit and debit cards, especially Visa, are useful for cash advances, but there's no guarantee they will always work. It is advisable to carry a combination of COP, travelers cheques, and cards, and to not rely solely on cards. A 5%-10% fee may apply to credit card purchases.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund for unforeseen circumstances.

• Are there any health considerations or recommended vaccinations for this trip?

  Inoculations may be required; consult your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information. A Yellow Fever vaccination may be necessary for entry to Tayrona National Park.

• What are the general safety and security guidelines for the tour?

  Always be mindful of pickpockets and purse-snatchers in main cities. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave unnecessary jewelry at home. Hotel safety deposit boxes are recommended. During free time, use good judgment when selecting activities, stay in small groups at night, and take taxis for evening excursions.

• What should LGBTQ+ travelers know about safety and travel considerations?

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Resources are available on their LGBTQ+ page for specific concerns and information on destinations.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will lead the tour throughout, supported by local guides in various areas.

• What optional activities are available?

  Optional activities include visits to museums (Gold, National, Modern Art, Naval, Palace of Inquisition) and attractions like Monserrate Hill, Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral in Bogotá; Explora Park, El Peñol Stone, Guatapé Day Trip, and Metrocable rides in Medellín; Night Exploration on Chiva, and Islas del Rosario National Park in Cartagena; and Playa Grande or snorkeling in Taganga; Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino in Santa Marta.

• What should I know about hot water in some regions?

  Please note that hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia, so showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area, particularly in Cartagena.

• What happens if Tayrona National Park is closed during my visit?

  Tayrona National Park is closed on specific dates in February, June, October, and November for natural rest and maintenance. If your trip falls on these dates, you will visit Taironaka Park instead, where you can tube down the Don Diego River and learn about the local Kogi people.

• Can solo travelers expect to pay an extra cost for accommodation?

  No, single travelers joining group trips are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex, so a single supplement is generally not incurred. However, multi-share rooms may be used in places like Minca due to hotel size.

• Will I have opportunities to do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. It is suggested to bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap for hand-washing laundry when facilities are not available.

• What is the Planeterra Foundation?

  The Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization that helps local communities earn income from tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses, empowering Indigenous people and women, creating youth employment, and protecting the environment. 100% of donations go directly to Planeterra projects.