Colombia Adventure & Lost City Trek - 15 Days

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia. Your adventure begins in Bogota – sitting at 2644 m above sea level, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming yet hectic mix of old and new. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, there’s plenty to do and see here. You’ll meet with your local leader and group for an orientation walk around the neighbourhood of La Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine. As there's little time spent in Bogota on this trip, it’s recommended that you arrive a day or two early to see all the sights this incredible city has to offer.

This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and aromas of Colombia on a visit to a local food market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of native tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious arepa (Colombian style cornmeal flatbreads). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of Paisa architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a beer in hand.

Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking in the wax palm tree forest. You'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have an opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.

Thanks to its tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different varieties of coffee beans and learn to prepare different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys.

Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's intriguing history – having spent the 80s and 90s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader.

Today you’ll enjoy a birds-eye view of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up in Santa Elena. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (Medellin is known for its nightlife and your leader will know the best spots to go!).

Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works. Or, get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips!

Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect Cartagena’s large slave trade port. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses. You might end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemani at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and street performers jam out. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and new travel friends for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.

Today is a free day in Cartagena. Maybe explore the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour – seek out the neighbourhood’s ‘umbrella streets’ and grab some photos under the colourful umbrella installations, or rub shoulders with the locals at Plaza de la Trinidad. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting to say hello to the new travellers joining you on your next leg of the adventure. Then, head out for a walk with your leader to get a better feel for the city and see anything you may not have had time to see yet. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional dinner.

Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – the gateway to your Lost City adventure. When you arrive, join your leader on a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the history and local culture of this port town. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar. Then, as the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, maybe find a local restaurant – your local leader will be ready with recommendations.

This morning, you’ll hop in 4WDs and travel off-road to the small town of Machete Pelao (or Mamey), which sits at about 120 m above sea level in the mountains. After a couple hours of walking, you’ll stop in a local community to give back to the area you’re about to trek by planting native trees. You’ll also get to name a tree yourself! Have lunch before continuing through the tropical rainforest and taking in the mountain views all around you. When you arrive at camp, have dinner with the group under the stars. You’ll spend the night here at an altitude of about 450 m.

Wake up to a sunrise over the Sierra Nevada mountains. Hike through the rainforest on jungle trails and through river crossings to the sacred Lost City of Teyuna. To get to this archaeological site, you’ll cross the roaring waters of the Buritaca River and climb over 900 stone steps to reach the city’s first stone rings. When you arrive at the Lost City of Teyuna this afternoon, take a tour with your leader and local guides where you’ll learn about this important site which is older than Machu Picchu! Make the most of your time here, with fewer travellers at the site in the afternoon.

This morning, hike back to the Wiwa community camp. Along the way, you’ll traverse river crossings – all with the guidance of your local leader. From here, the rest of the day is free for you to rest. If the weather is nice, maybe go for a swim in the natural pools. Later, you’ll meet El Mamo – who is considered the sage and spiritual guide of this community. The indigenous guide will share their way of living, the role that both women and men have within the community and the spiritual importance of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Rise and shine! This is your last day in the mountains – now it’s time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete Pelao, stopping to rest and take in the views of the Sierra Nevada. Continue your descent, then have lunch before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you’ll have a free evening to rest. Maybe head for a farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure.

After breakfast, your trip comes to an end. You’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you need to book extra accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.