Cafe Colombia

Trip Type: Explorer
Colombia | 9 Days | 1 - 12 People
Starts From:

NZD 3,945.00 /Person

* Sale Price Available

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Learn how to ...

Cafe Colombia

Head into the serene highlands of Colombia's famed coffee region and discover the sweeter, softer side of this misunderstood country. Learn how to roast the perfect blend during a tour of a working coffee plantation, be entranced by the laidback pace of Salento and maybe explore the nightlife of Medellin. Then, trade the country's lush interior for its coastal spoils and wind the adventure up in oh-so-romantic Cartagena – UNESCO World Heritage site with much to explore.

Bienvenidos! Welcome to 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. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around 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.

This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). 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 free beer.

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 up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so 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 a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean.

Thanks to its tropical altitude 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 types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing 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 interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s 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 breathtaking views 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 here. 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 (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia).

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 both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses, or head out of town for a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia.

There are no activities planned for today and you can depart the accommodation at any time after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Meals
8 Breakfast(s), 2 Lunch(s), 2 Dinner(s)

Transport
Plane , Local bus , Private vehicle

Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Coffee Estancia (2 nights)

Included Activities
  • Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour
  • Salento - Traditional Tejo Game
  • Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market
  • Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting
  • Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour
  • Medellin - Flower Garden tour
  • Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena
  • Explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena – a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that combines Caribbean splendour with irresistible old-world charm.
  • Embark on a spectacular guided hike through the Cocora Valley – home to hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees.
  • Spend a couple of days learning about the world's favourite bean during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia deep in Colombia's coffee country.
  • Discover the new face of Medellin – an arts and culture haven that’s bursting with trendy cafes, epic views and the best nightlife in Colombia – salsa anyone?
  • Try your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport (think bocce with gunpowder!). Join your group on this fun activity in Salento, made better with a free beer in hand.
  • The Cocora Valley hike is quite rigorous, so you'll need to be fit and have sturdy walking shoes. If you'd rather relax, you're free to opt out of this activity and soak up the scenery at your leisure. Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid in the north. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection, especially in Cartagena on the coast.

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Provided by
Intrepid Travel
Reference Code:
GGSS
Trip Location
Trip Starts:
Bogota, Colombia
Trip Finishes:
Cartagena, Colombia
Countries Visited:
Colombia
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Destination Details
Colombia | 9 Days | 1 - 12 People

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