Encounters
In the heart of Colombia, Kamentsa drums echo through the Sibundoy valley while the Wayuu weave their mochilas under the Guajira sun.
Duration
18 days
From
€2,390/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in the heart of Colombian cultures, cultures in the plural because with nearly 85 different ethnicities, Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest ethnic diversity in the world. During this trip you will meet men and women belonging to the Wayuu, Kogui and Kamentsa communities, as well as Colombians from Cali, Bogotá and the Santa Marta region. You will experience moments of sharing around the national dance, salsa, the murals that enabled the renewal of the Egipto neighborhood in Bogotá and the production of two national products: coffee and cocoa.
This trip combining trekking and cultural experiences is a genuine immersion into the heart of Colombia and its still-preserved treasures.
Open-mindedness and good physical fitness will be necessary to fully experience this adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Immersion in contemporary Colombian culture
To immerse ourselves without further delay in typical and authentic Colombie, nothing beats a market. The one we are visiting this morning, the Paloquemao market is one of the largest and most vibrant fruit and vegetable markets in the country. Many discoveries, surprises and encounters ahead. And tastings of course!
This market getaway is also an opportunity to shop for our lunch, before heading to the historic heart of Bogotá, Candelaria. Next comes the preparation of a typical Colombian lunch, at the Escuela Taller establishment, a foundation nestled in the heart of a superb historic building that aims to train young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in Bogotá in craft trades.
This afternoon we remain in Candelaria and climb up to Barrio Egipto, one of Bogotá's oldest and most dangerous neighborhoods. Barrio Egipto is today experiencing a renaissance thanks to its murals which we discover accompanied by our guide, himself a native of the neighborhood. A wonderful moment of sharing.
Route to Mocoa
Private transfer to the airport for our domestic flight to Villagarzon.
Upon arrival, welcome and transfer to our hotel, located a few kilometers from Mocoa.
As flights are generally in the early afternoon, no activities are planned on the first day but this can be adjusted according to the travel dates.
Indigenous Kamentsa Community
Today we set out to discover the Kamentsa indigenous community in the heart of the Sibundoy valley. We participate in a cultural harmonization ceremony and discover the craftsmanship of this community together.
After lunch in the valley we head to Laguna La Cocha.
Return to our hotel in late afternoon.
Approximately 6 hours of driving (95 km round trip, winding road)
Approximately 1 hour of walking
Waterfalls Where the Sun Hides
After breakfast, we set off to discover the Mohano and Wacana waterfalls where we can swim. We then take advantage of the return journey to observe birds.
In the afternoon, we visit the CEA (Centro Experimental Amazonico) where we discover many animal and plant species of the region. End of day spent with an indigenous community and moments of sharing about their customs and traditions.
Return to our hotel in late afternoon.
Approximately 30 minutes drive
Approximately 3 hours hiking
Mandicayo Canyon and Flight to Cali
This morning we visit the Mandiyaco canyon, a superb rock formation sculpted by the river and covered with lush vegetation typical of the region. An opportunity for us to learn more about the local fauna and flora.
Approximately 1 hour of hiking
Following these discoveries we have a final lunch within the indigenous community.
ATTENTION : activities in Mocoa are subject to being reversed or modified according to weather, availability of indigenous communities and national flight schedules.
Mocoa → Puerto Asis
We then definitively leave Mocoa and head to Puerto Asis airport.
Cali, coffee and salsa
After a good breakfast, we head to a typical coffee-growing farm in the region. We experience the entire coffee production process: harvesting, processing and of course tasting! The coffee plantation also abounds with other wonders to discover: birds, butterflies and other plants of the region. Colombian coffee holds no more secrets for us!
Approximately 2 hours drive
In the early evening, we let ourselves be swept away by the frenzied rhythms of Salsa Caleña! After an introduction to Cali salsa that lets us discover the basics, we set off on a tour of 3 typical salsa bars in Cali where the Caleno gather to dance "social salsa".
Included: 3 bar entrances + 3 drinks
The Guajira Desert
We leave our hotel around 8:30am to discover a new wonder of Colombie: the Guajira Desert. During this new day we stop at Manaure, a salt-producing village and Uribia, the indigenous capital of the region. A large part of the route is on dirt roads.
We have lunch in Pusheo in a typical rancheria of the region then start early afternoon a wonderful hike along the Bahia Honda bay.
Approximately 4 hours of hiking
We then board a motorized boat to reach Punta Aguja, our little slice of paradise for the night from where we can observe a sublime sunset.
NOTE : Daily shower with bucket of water and bowl – basic sanitary facilities
Bahia Hondita and Punta Gallinas
Punta Aguja → Punta Gallinas
We discover today Bahia Hondita on the occasion of a walk along the coast. Our guide gives us explanations about the local fauna and flora encountered along the way. Lunch in a Wayuu Rancheria.
Approximately 3 hours of walking (including breaks)
We then take the road to Punta Gallinas and its famous lighthouse, the northernmost point of South America.
Approximately 1.5 hours of walking round trip to the lighthouse
We then join our second accommodation, in a Wayuu family, where we will spend two nights. Exchange with the family, free time and dinner.
Taroa Dunes and Cultural Exchange
Here we go for a new day discovering the hidden treasures of the Guajira desert. The first part of the day is dedicated to a moment of sharing with our hosts : beliefs, weaving the mochila, face painting… We can also participate in the lunch preparation with them.
In early afternoon, we hike to the highest point of the Taroa Dunes. The hike is challenging but well worth it. We then enjoy some free time to rest on the beach and return to our accommodation by 4x4.
Fishing at sea and road to Palomino
Punta Gallinas → Riohacha
Today we wake up early to go fishing with our host! Return to the rancheria for breakfast.
We then begin our return to Riohacha. Departure for 1 hour by boat (3 hours during rainy season) then we take the 4x4 to Riohacha. Lunch in Uribia or Riohacha.
Visit to a cacao farm
Palomino → Buritaca
Today we'll treat our taste buds! We're heading off to discover a traditional cacao farm with organic production. Colombia produces some of the world's finest chocolates and a family of local growers will teach us the entire manufacturing process. The morning includes a walk where we discover the typical fruit trees and medicinal plants.
Approximately 1h30 of walking (moderate difficulty)
Lunch with the family rounds out this day rich in taste experiences.
Buritaca → Santa Marta
Departure for Santa Marta, check-in at the hotel and free time for the rest of the day.
On the way to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Santa Marta → Palmor
This morning, we set off very early for a three-day journey during which we will meet one of the indigenous communities whose customs and ways of life have remained almost unchanged: the Koguis. After the first part of the journey of approximately two hours, we make a first stop at Palmor, the last village before entering the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Palmor → Finca de Fidel (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)
From Palmor we have approximately 2 to 2.5 hours of hiking through magnificent landscapes until we reach the isolated finca where we will spend the night.
Lunch at the finca then departure for a walk near the village of Cherua to discover the lulo crops, an emblematic Colombian fruit! In the late afternoon, we discover the panela production process before dinner.
Approximately 2.5 hours of hiking
In Kogui Country
Finca de Fidel (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) → Gungulaja (village Kogui)
A busy morning of hiking awaits us today to reach the Kogui village of Gungulaja. After a typical breakfast, we leave early for a hike of approximately 5 hours into the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. We first pass through cultivation areas before entering the indigenous reserve, an area still untouched by human traces. We have lunch within the village of Gungulaja and take a refreshing swim in the river before beginning an afternoon of exchange with our guide (himself Kogui) and other village inhabitants.
Approximately 5 hours of hiking (moderate level)
On the program of this introduction to Kogui lifestyle, we discover the weaving of the Kogui mochila made from fique, a traditional plant cultivated within the village, the ancestral customs and traditions and the worldview of this people. Subject to the availability of the village's spiritual leader, we will be invited to a spiritual harmonization ritual.
Return to the coast
Gungulaja (village Kogui) → Finca de Fidel (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta)
After a frugal breakfast, we leave Gungulaja and make our way back. The landscapes are just as impressive on the return journey!
Approximately 5 hours of hiking (moderate level)
Upon our arrival at Finca de Fidel, a good lunch and a moment of rest are most welcome!
Finca de Fidel (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta) → Palmor
Two and a half hours on a dirt track then bring us back to Palmor.
Palmor → Parc National de Tayrona
From Palmor three hours of normal driving, via Santa Marta, still separate us from our hotel located on the waterfront near the entrance to the Tayrona National Natural Park.
Idleness
Today we enjoy a free day to rest, enjoy our hotel and swimming pool. Eager for discoveries and adventures ? We can easily go to Tayrona Park for a hiking excursion and a moment of relaxation on the beach.
Have a great rest of your trip!
Parc National de Tayrona → Santa Marta
Free beginning of the morning then private transport from the hotel to Santa Marta airport for our next 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
- The entrances of sites not specified in the program
- National park entrance fees, 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
- Accommodations mentioned or similar depending on availability
- Land transport in private and air-conditioned vehicle
- Breakfasts (not guaranteed if early departure from the hotel)
- The services of professional local English-speaking guides (subject to availability) and English-speaking guides
- The activities mentioned and site entries
- Our 24/7 assistance
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 — Caribbean Coast
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
