Colombia Food, Nature & Culture Tour: Amazon, Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Rosario Islands - 14 Days

Day 3: Visit Tikuna Indigenous Community, Walk to Matamata Gorge

For over 30 years, Calanoa Lodge has contributed to the conservation of the biological and cultural diversity of the Colombian Amazon in the Indigenous territories near the reserve—Tikuna, Cocama, Huitoto, and Yagua. This morning you'll experience the daily life of the Tikuna Indigenous community, where you can see how the people live and how they have built their lives around the water and the jungle, in permanent interaction with the rainforest.

You'll hike around the Calanoa reserve in the afternoon, following an expert guide toward Matamata Gorge. They'll show you practical, medicinal, and edible plants, and you might even see monkeys, parrots, armadillo burrows, mammal tracks, and many birds. Once you reach Matamata Gorge, on the border with the Amacayacu Natural Park, you may be able to paddle down the gorge and return to the lodge by canoe if the water levels allow.

Day 5: Fly to Bogotá, Dinner at Tierra

Meet your guide this morning and transfer via a private two-hour boat ride from the lodge to Leticia Airport for your flight back to Bogotá. A private driver will be waiting for you in the capital to take you to your hotel. Use the rest of your day to explore the Andean city on foot or relax.

In the evening, you have a table reserved for dinner at Tierra, an excellent Peruvian and Latin American restaurant with a great ambience and fabulous food.

Day 7: Half-Day City Tour of Bogotá, Fly to Medellín, Dinner at OCI.Mde

Today you'll dive into Colombia's capital with a half-day tour of the most famous sights. Start at the Paloquemao Market, a busy hub where 750 vendors sell fresh produce, meats, cheese, and more. Mingle with the locals and sample delicious Colombian treats like empanadas and arepas. Continue to La Candelaria, home to some of Bogotá's most famous universities. Pass by modern buildings and colorful street art, and explore Bogotá's oldest areas with original colonial-era houses before taking the cable car up to the famous Monserrate viewpoint.

Return to the hotel ahead of your transfer to Bogotá's airport in the afternoon. You're catching a flight to Medellín, one of the most progressive cities in Latin America. On arrival, a private driver will transfer you to your hotel. Medellín remains deeply proud of its rich local Paisa culture while acknowledging the dark side of its past. Visionary advancements have transformed the city, making Medellín a top-tier city to visit and live in Latin America. Tonight you'll enjoy dinner at OCI.med, one of Medellín's best restaurants with contemporary Colombian cuisine.

Day 9: Río Verde Rafting Experience, Dinner at Andrés Carne de Res

The Río Verde is a pristine, clear green river that carves through the untouched Colombian rainforest. Today you'll strap on a life jacket, grab a paddle and go rafting along 15.5 miles (25 km) of the Río Verde and the famous Río Samaná. The journey begins with a 4WD trip to the edge of the jungle; then, you'll hike down with mules carrying the rafts. Jump in the water and prepare for a high-intensity experience with Class III and IV rapids. If time allows, you'll also swim beneath a pristine waterfall and get to know countless species of endemic plants and animals before returning to the city.

Tonight you have a reservation at Andrés Carne de Res, one of Colombia's most popular restaurants. It offers local Colombian food, excellent drinks, and a fantastic atmosphere with great music. Be sure to order the mojito!

Day 10: Fly to Cartagena, Dinner at Candé

You'll transfer to the airport for a short flight to Cartagena this morning and then to your hotel. Drop off your luggage before heading out to enjoy your first evening in the beautiful city. Bathed in sunshine and rich in culture, gastronomy, and dancing, Cartagena is often considered one of the world's most romantic cities. With its beautiful sunsets, elaborate architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine, it's the perfect place for anyone who wants to experience authentic Colombian culture.

Stroll around the city to get your bearings and explore the historic streets. Cartagena has a thriving culinary scene, and tonight you'll stop for dinner at Candé, an exciting restaurant that offers excellent Caribbean food, local dancing, and a fun atmosphere.

Day 11: Tour of Cartagena & Getsemaní, Rum Tasting with Chocolate

Cartagena was designed like a fortress as it was the principal shipping port of gold from the New World back to Spain. The stone ramparts protected it from countless pirate attacks, which you'll hear about on today's tour. Unearth the history and stories of Cartagena as you explore numerous plazas, the monastery of San Pedro Claver, and the Catedral de Santa Catalina de Alejandría (Cartagena Cathedral). Stroll narrow cobbled streets lined with colonial houses and bougainvilia-draped balconies, and visit Castillo De San Felipe de Barajas, where the Spaniards tried to protect the city from attacks in the 17th century.

Next, enjoy a scenic walk in the Getsemani neighborhood, one of the city's most traditional and popular sectors, before waving goodbye to your guide.

This evening you'll explore the rich history of Colombian rum firsthand. Taste some of the best Colombian and Caribbean rums paired with Colombian chocolate. Each grade of rum and chocolate is carefully paired for a unique tasting experience. From small artisanal houses to large producers, you'll sample a full spectrum of rums and chocolates from the coast and the mountains.

Day 12: Boat to Rosario Islands, Free Time

This morning a private driver will transfer you to La Bodeguita Port for your stay on the captivating Rosario Islands, just 62 miles (100 km) away. Board a shared boat for the 45-minute journey and check into your hotel once you arrive at this tropical paradise. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the warm, crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. Indulge in sun-soaked relaxation, swim in the azure waters, or take a leisurely stroll along the pristine shoreline. You could rent snorkeling equipment to explore colorful fish or grab a kayak and paddle through the salty turquoise waters. 

Day 13: Free Day on Rosario Islands

Today you'll live your best life on the Rosario Islands. Sign up for spa treatments, or enjoy the flavors of local cuisine. Go snorkeling to explore an underwater world, or simply relax and work on your Caribbean tan. You might also consider joining a mangrove tour with the locals and returning to the hotel before evening. Grab a cocktail and get comfortable beneath a palm tree as the sunset lights up the sky and a symphony of the waves lulls you into a relaxed state.