The Great Colombian Journey
From the jungles of Guaviare to the Andean paramos, a three-week odyssey through Colombia's most secret ecosystems.
Duration
22 days
From
€3,510/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
A great three-week adventure for lovers of nature, wildlife and encounters in places away from the beaten path.
From the depths of the jungle to the highland countryside, passing through the vast Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta massif, paramos, deserts and other llanos, one can only be amazed by Colombian geographical diversity.
Discovery of rock paintings deep in the forest, encounters with communities in the Guajira desert, the quest for the Lost City at the cost of a multi-day trek in the Tayrona mountains, mountain biking in the desert highlands of Monguí or canoeing in the savannas of the eastern llanos, nothing is missing for a complete sporting and cultural getaway!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Walking tour of Bogotá
Today we set off to discover the historic center of the Colombian capital: the Candelaria. We explore its small, brightly colored streets on foot and admire its pretty houses flanked by sculpted wooden balconies. During our wanderings we will not miss passing through Bolivar Square and Plaza del Chorro, which reveal beautiful buildings with colonial architecture.
In the afternoon we head towards two of the city's most interesting museums: the Gold Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of gold objects and emeralds dating from the pre-Columbian era, and the Botero Museum which presents works by some of the greatest Colombian artists.
Note: Gold Museum closed on Mondays, Botero Museum closed on Tuesdays.
Rock paintings in the middle of the jungle
Bogotá → San José del Guaviare
After a private transfer to Bogota airport, we take our flight to San Jose del Guaviare, a town located in the vast plains of the southeast, on the banks of the Guaviare River.
Airport reception and transfer to the hotel.
Our first discovery of this region of hot and humid jungle leads us to the discovery of a tepuy, a small plateau with abrupt contours dominating the forest, the Cerro Azul. We discover there a quantity of rock paintings, some of which are said to be 10,000 years old, as well as a large cave that we cross, torch in hand. Our wanderings through the spectacular views offered to us over the Serrania de la Lindosa.
Transport: 3h - Hiking: 3h
The pink dolphins of Lake Nare
An exciting and uncommon day awaits us today. We set off by car into the jungle, then on foot, to Nare Lake, watched over by the region's wild animals including howler monkeys. A fascinating spectacle awaits us: that of the pink freshwater dolphins, the toninas, which may perhaps accompany our swimming and navigation on this sacred lake.
The fauna and flora here are protected by peasants who came to settle by the lake to escape the violence of war.
Transport: 5h - Boat: 2-3h - Walk: 1h
Return to San Jose del Guaviare.
In the depths of the forest
Today we venture into the mysteries of the Guaviare jungle. Heading upriver by boat on the Guaviare River and then the Guayabero River, we reach an enchanting site deep in the heart of the jungle: like an open book on the indigenous world of yesteryear, a collection of unique rock paintings bears witness to life on the banks of these rivers submerged in the forest.
Hiking: 2h - Boat: 2h
On the way back to San Jose del Guaviare, the waterfall of the grotto del Amor offers a welcome refreshing stop in a lush setting.
Orion Gate and return to Bogotá
San José del Guaviare → Bogotá
The beginning of the day is dedicated to our last excursion in the region, a very special hike where we first cross the imposing Puerta de Orion before entering the valley of labyrinths which leads us to the Nevara cave.
Finally, if our journey takes place between June and December, we should be able to go as far as Tranquilandia, a multicolored oasis in the middle of the forest, where the Las Delicias waterfall awaits us.
Transport: 1h - Hiking: 2h30
Transfer to the airport for our flight to Bogotá.
Airport reception and transfer to the hotel.
On the way to the countryside
A change of scenery: we're leaving behind the urban frenzy today for rural Colombie. The department of Boyoca, north of Bogota, is one of the most rural and agricultural in the country, offering peaceful landscapes and a wide variety of culinary and craft specialties. Our destination is the magnificent colonial village of Villa De Leyva.
Upon our arrival we set out right away to explore the town, where points of interest abound: the Plaza Mayor, the workshops and shops, the remnants of Spanish colonization… Two particularly remarkable sites are the Moulin de Mésopotamie (a testament to life during the Spanish era) and the Convent of the Discalced Carmelites (a community living in seclusion for nearly 4 centuries).
The desert by bike
This morning we set out by bike to explore the surroundings: Candelaria desert, Pozos Azules, the ostrich farm, paleontological museums, the Muisca Observatory, the House of Terracotta and the Marquis de Villa vineyard.
Duration: 3-5h - Distance: 15 km
70% on trail - 30% asphalt road
Altitude: max 2170m - min 2071m
Difficulty: easy
Local Spanish-speaking and English-speaking guide
Route to Monguí, where we settle in at the hotel.
Ocetá Páramo
The day is devoted to exploring the extraordinary paramo de Ocetá, a true natural wonder. We can depart on foot from our hotel, heading east. Our walk takes us through areas that are sometimes mineral and sometimes vegetated where the frailejones, symbol of the paramo, can exceed two meters in height. The emblematic vegetation of the paramos offers a delightful landscape.
Transport: 45 km - Hiking: 3h30 one way
(Option to rent round-trip transport to discover the paramo without having to walk.)
Night in Monguí.
On the way to the Llanos
Yopal → Réserve naturelle El Encanto de Guanapalo
After breakfast, visit a traditional hat factory of the Llanos.
From Yopal, we continue our journey by 4x4 to reach the Encanto de Guanapalo reserve, in the heart of the Llanos. A journey of approximately 100 kilometers that gives us a taste of the natural paradise where we will settle for the next few days.
Upon arrival we discover our charming ecolodge made of natural materials, set in the middle of magnificent nature home to rich wildlife. Meeting with the family and workers. A typical regional lunch awaits us and promises a delicious stay (with full board) in this little corner of paradise.
In the afternoon, safari (by 4x4 or tractor depending on the season) to discover the vast surrounding savannas, observe the unique and typical wildlife of the Eastern Llanos and admire our first sunset over the Llanos.
Return to the lodge for dinner, during which stories and legends of the region will be told to us.
Safaris in the Plain
This morning, the most courageous will wake up at dawn to admire the sunrise and the awakening of the birds. After breakfast, we set off aboard canoes to explore the reserve. An adventure marked by emotion and wonder at the diversity of wild fauna we encounter: capybaras, alligators, birds… and perhaps even anaconda for the luckiest!
Return to the lodge for lunch and some rest.
In the afternoon we set off again by tractor deeper into the reserve, hoping to see deer, foxes, pumas… At the Garcero de Altamira, birds take center stage. Herons and egrets breed there, and the great variety of birds is even more beautiful at sunset.
Return to the lodge for dinner and a small local music concert accompanied by traditional songs.
Return to Yopal and flight to Riohacha
Réserve naturelle El Encanto de Guanapalo → Yopal
Last moments and morning walk to enjoy the sunrise, the calm of the savanna and its unique wildlife.
Return by Jeep to Yopal where we have lunch and have some time to stroll around and visit a few local craft shops
The Guajira Desert
We leave our hotel this morning to discover a new wonder of Colombie: the Guajira Desert. During this new day we stop at Uribia, indigenous capital of the region, and Manaure, a salt-producing village where we visit the salt flats. A large part of the route is on dirt roads.
Continuing and arriving at Cabo de la Vela, where we visit the Pilon de Azucar, enjoy the beach and admire the sunset from the lighthouse. Of course, the Guajira is magnificently suited for swimming!
Dinner within the community before a night in local colors in hammocks.
Taroa Dunes
Cabo de la Vela → Punta Gallinas
We then head to Punta Gallinas and its famous lighthouse, the northernmost point of South America. Along the way, we discover the wind farm, Puerto Bolivar and Portete Bay.
We have lunch in Pusheo in a typical rancheria of the region.
Early in the afternoon, we walk in the Taroa Dunes. The meeting of the golden dunes and the Caribbean Sea is fascinating.
Sunset at the lighthouse before dinner and settling in for the night.
Fishing at Sea and Road to Palomino
We then begin our return to Riohacha. We start with 1 hour of boat travel (3 hours during the rainy season) across Bahia Hondita where we can observe mangroves and pelicans, then we take the 4x4 to Riohacha. Lunch in Uribia or Riohacha.
Rest in Palomino
Entrance to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Today begins the last great adventure of our circuit, a 4-day journey through the spectacular Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest mountain by the sea. A vast massif with extraordinary landscapes, carved with deep valleys carpeted with dense forests at the bottom of which flow numerous rivers, it also hides the Ciudad Perdida, the Lost City, an ancient city of the Tayrona civilization and the objective of our journey.
To begin, we board our vehicle and follow the coast westward to the Aguacatera junction.
Aguacatera → El Mamey (Machete Pelao)
We exchange our vehicle for a 4x4 to reach El Mamey where we have lunch.
From there begins our trek on El camino a Ciudad Perdida. 3 to 5 hours will be necessary to reach the Cabaña de Adán, a camp where we settle in for the night. The watercourses we encounter throughout our walk will be opportunities to take refreshing baths.
Walking time: 3 to 5 hours
Distance: 7.6 km
The evening in this place lost in the mountains is punctuated by the stories of our local guide who tells us about the customs of his community and teaches us some basics of the dumana language.
Towards the Lost City
Cabaña de Adán → Paraíso Teyuna
Day of hiking through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, rich in exceptional fauna and flora. Midway through, visit to the Mutanzhi indigenous community and exchanges with its inhabitants. In the afternoon, arrival at our destination for the day: Teizhuna (or Teyuna), a sacred Tayrona site on the banks of a river where we can enjoy ourselves and relax.
Hiking time: approximately 8 hours
Over dinner, our guide tells us about the Ciudad Perdida and its role in the beliefs of the indigenous people.
The Lost City
Paraíso Teyuna → Ciudad Perdida
Early in the morning we cover the last few kilometers that still separate us from the Ciudad Perdida, with its 1200 steps built by the ancient Tairona civilizations.
Once there we tour the different sacred sites while listening to the Mamo, the indigenous spiritual leader, tell us about the Lost City, its sacred stories and ancestral wisdom.
Ciudad Perdida → Cabaña Mumake
Late morning, return to camp for lunch, then hike to the cabaña Mumake where we settle in for the night.
Hiking time from the Lost City: approximately 6 hours
Return to civilization
Cabaña Mumake → El Mamey (Machete Pelao)
Final stretch to the village of El Mamey via a beautiful waterfall where we can cool off. At El Mamey, a hearty lunch awaits us and gets us back on our feet after these sporting days.
Walking time: approximately 7 hours.
El Mamey (Machete Pelao) → Aguacatera
A 4x4 then takes us back to the coastal road, to Aguacatera.
Finally, it is in our comfortable air-conditioned vehicle that we travel the last stretch, until Santa Marta, where we find the comfort of a hotel.
Have a great trip!
Free time at the beginning of the day before our transfer to the airport for our return flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Meals not mentioned (budget 3 to 15 € per meal per person)
- Personal Expenses
- Unspecified site entrance fees
- National park entrances, individual tourism taxes (San Andrés, Leticia, Nuqui, Bahía Solano, La Macarena airports and Cartagena dock)
- Medical and Repatriation Insurance
- Tips
- VAT for Colombians and residents in Colombia
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- Accommodation, where indicated, in the hotels listed or equivalent
- Transportation to cities and sites planned in the program
- Meals when indicated (no guarantee of breakfast if early departure from the hotel)
- The activities described and entries to the sites scheduled in the program
- Professional local guides, specialists in each region visited (in the language indicated in the itinerary subject to availability)
- Our assistance 24/7
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns travelers who are nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, and Canada traveling to Colombia for a tourist stay. Entry rules may change, so we recommend you verify this information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Colombia, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay and must have at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourist stay without a visa
Nationals of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and Canada benefit from a visa exemption for tourist stays in Colombia.
Currently, this exemption allows a stay of up to 90 days upon entry to the country. An extension of an additional 90 days can generally be requested on-site with Colombian immigration services (Migración Colombia), up to a maximum of 180 days per calendar year.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the country (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Immigration registration
Upon arrival in Colombia, travelers must present themselves to Migración Colombia controls. A migration control form may be provided to fill out before or during the flight, or may be available in digital format depending on the entry point.
Information generally required includes:
passport information
flight details and entry point
address of your first accommodation in Colombia
It is recommended to keep the entry stamp or document provided by immigration to present when leaving the country.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Colombia from the EEA, Switzerland, or Canada. However, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended depending on the regions you visit:
vaccination against yellow fever is recommended for stays in tropical areas (the Amazon, Llanos, certain coasts) and may be required when departing for other countries,
vaccinations against hepatitis A and typhoid are advised.
It is recommended to consult a doctor or an international vaccination center before departure.
Traveling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In certain European countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the country may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Other nationalities
Entry conditions may vary depending on nationality. Concerned travelers should inquire with the embassy or consulate of Colombia in their country of residence.
We strongly recommend that you have evacuation assistance and foreign medical expenses coverage before participating in our trips.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To purchase insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend purchasing one of these plans.
If you choose to purchase one of these formulas, the policy detailing all coverage and claim declaration procedures is available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with claim declaration procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a stay in Colombia, a valid passport for the entire planned duration is required. Proof of departure from the country may be requested at boarding. Visa exemption periods vary depending on your nationality. Before booking, consult the Colombian consular authorities to find out the rules applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Colombia remains affordable compared to its premium Andean neighbours.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and leave with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Andes
Explorer of Colombia's many faces, based in Carthagène
Colombia is a country that constantly surprises. Each region has its own atmosphere, its own pace, its own light… and it's often this diversity that leaves the strongest impression on travelers.
— Caroline
