Highlights
- Sample the regional cuisine of Colombia's capital city, Bogotá
- Embark on a high-altitude trek through Los Nevados National Park
- Relax in thermal pools outside Manizales, in Colombia's Zona Cafetera
- Tour the city of Medellín on foot and by cable car
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bogotá | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Take a Food Tour of the Mercado de Paloquemao | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Bogotá - Transfer to Zona Cafetera - Coffee Finca | Pereira |
| Day 4 | Trek in the Valle de Cocora (Day 1) | On Trek |
| Day 5 | Trek in the Valle de Cocora (Day 2) | On Trek |
| Day 6 | Trek to Refugio Ecológico La Pastora | On Trek |
| Day 7 | Trek to El Cedral | Wildlife Sanctuary Otún Quimbaya |
| Day 8 | Birding - Visit Manizales | Manizales |
| Day 9 | Nevado del Ruiz - Birding | Manizales |
| Day 10 | Flight to Medellín (optional city tour) | Medellín |
| Day 11 | Depart Medellín |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
Welcome to Bogotá! A driver will meet you at the airport and transport you to your hotel.
Colombia's biggest city has culture to spare, and its regional gastronomy has made it a global foodie destination. You'll have ample free time to explore this Andean capital on foot. Start with the cobblestone streets of the La Candelaria neighborhood, where trendy restaurants and colonial-era landmarks are located. You'll also find excellent museums, shopping, and street food ranging from empanadas to exotic fruit salads.
Depending on what time you arrive, you can experience Bogotá's local history and culture by taking a tour with an English-speaking guide.
Day 2: Take a Food Tour of the Mercado de Paloquemao
Begin your day with a walking tour of Bogotá's largest food market, the Mercado de Paloquemao. Open every day, Paloquemao supplies fresh ingredients for the majority of the city's best restaurants. Wander the aisles, marvel at the sheer number of flowers for sale, and sample the variety of fruits (some of which are unique to Colombia and the Andes) and various local dishes served up by the market's restaurant stalls.
In the afternoon take part in a foodie tour around Bogotá. This unique excursion takes in Bogotá's budding gastronomy scene, where you'll sample the fare at some of the best restaurants in the city, many of which are at the forefront of Latin American cuisine. Cap off the evening at Andrés DC, the city location of Andrés Carne de Res, one of Colombia’s liveliest and most popular steakhouses.
Day 3: Bogotá - Transfer to Zona Cafetera - Coffee Finca
Today, after a full breakfast, transfer from your hotel to Bogotá's El Dorado Airport. You'll then catch a flight to either the Armenia or Pereira airports in Colombia's Zona Cafetera (coffee region).
Upon arrival, you'll transfer to an organic, working coffee Finca (farm) in this bucolic region. You'll immerse yourself in every step of the production process. Adding to the authentic experience is an overnight stay and even more demonstrations about this nation's legacy industry (Colombia is the third highest producer of coffee beans in the world). Yes, the presentations include frequent tastings.
Day 4: Trek in the Valle de Cocora (Day 1)
Leave the hotel bright and early and drive a short distance to the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) viewpoint, which sits at an altitude of 2,407 meters (7,897 feet). Shortly after arriving, you'll begin the nearly seven-mile hike. Not to worry, though—there will be breaks during this trek. You'll stop along the way at a lookout point to enjoy your packed lunch and the beautiful views of the colorful sub-páramo (alpine highland) flora, as well as the basin of the Cárdenas River.
You'll then make your way up to 3,475 meters (11,404 ft), where you'll find your campsite at La Argentina Hacienda. You'll arrive at camp in the early afternoon, leaving plenty of time to explore your surroundings. Perhaps choose a trail that heads deep into the forest to watch the sunset over the Cárdenas Canyon.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Trek in the Valle de Cocora (Day 2)
After breakfast, break camp and continue the 8.3-mile (13-km) hike up the 2,789-foot ascent to your next destination, a campsite located near the small village of El Bosque (11,843 feet). This is a strenuous hike, so a decent level of physical fitness is required.
You'll be trekking through the páramo, an ecosystem found in Colombia's Andean highlands. The landscapes here are more rugged and common vegetation includes the espeletia plant, which resembles a cactus and sunflower. Stop for lunch at the El Berlin farm before making the final climb to the village. You'll encounter a landmark school at El Bosque (the only remote-access school in the region) and nearby you'll find your nearby campsite.
After setting up camp, join a walk through an elfin forest (a unique ecosystem featuring miniature trees and small animals) for some birdwatching. Or try your hand at fishing in the nearby river.
Day 6: Trek to Refugio Ecológico La Pastora
Today's 5.6-mile (9 km) moderate trek descends to Refugio Ecológico La Pastora (La Pastora Refuge), located at an elevation of 8,057 ft, in Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí. You'll pass through one of the most well-preserved river basins in South America, as well as a mixture of high-altitude Andean forests, home to exotic birds and animals like pumas and mountain toucans. Enjoy a late lunch at La Pastora and take the afternoon to relax.
If you have the energy, there is an optional walk you can take to explore local waterfalls, as well as birdwatch. Then retire for the evening around the campfire with a cup of wine and good company. You'll overnight at the refuge here.
Day 7: Trek to El Cedral
Rise early and start on the final 3.7-mile (six-km) descent through the Otún river valley to the El Cedral trailhead. On the way be on the lookout for the elusive endangered mountain tapir. Once you arrive at El Cedral, celebrate with a refreshing beverage.
Next, hop in a waiting 4x4 and drive to the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Otún Quimbaya (Flora and Fauna Sanctuary)—a protected area of 489 hectares (1,208 acres) run by a community association promoting sustainable development. The sanctuary is home to over 250 species of birds, butterflies, and small animals (including the tapir) and sits amid rainforest vegetation and sub-Andean forest.
Relax during the evening and enjoy the provided dinner. You'll overnight at the sanctuary,
Day 8: Birding - Visit Manizales
Colombia contains more bird species (around 2,000) than any other country on the planet and is home to 79 endemic species (birds that aren't found in any other country). Take advantage of the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary's location and enjoy an early morning walk along the trails in search of birds. Species you may encounter include the rare, turkey-like Cauca guan and the red-ruffed fruitcrow. Keep an eye out for the Sanctuary’s emblematic red howler monkeys, too.
After lunch, transfer a couple hours to Manizales. About 20 minutes outside the city you'll arrive at your unique accommodation, the natural hot springs of Termales El Otoño. Now you're really in for a treat: each of the modern cabins at this wellness hideaway features its own private geothermal pool. Enjoy a soak in one of these pools, surrounded by nature and manicured gardens, before returning to Manizales for a walking tour of the city.
Day 9: Nevado del Ruiz - Birding
Have breakfast early, at 5 am, before transferring to Nevado del Ruiz. Also known as La Mesa de Herveo (or Kumanday in the local indigenous language), Nevado del Ruiz is what's known as a stratovolcano—a volcano comprised of layers of lava, ash, and pumice.
After enjoying a photo-op with the snowcapped, 5,311-meter (17,424-foot) volcano, continue on to the nearby thermal bath complex, Termales del Ruiz. You'll enjoy total relaxation as you soak in even more thermal pools, this time with Laguna Negra (Black Lake) as a backdrop. You'll also have the opportunity to sample coca tea, an Andean staple.
Around Termales del Ruiz is a diverse páramo ecosystem waiting to be explored. On a hillside, you'll find a birding shelter where 17 species of hummingbirds come to feed, including the golden-breasted puffleg, rainbow-bearded thornbill, and shining sunbeam. Other rare and exotic birds abound in this region, like the grey-breasted mountain toucan, rufous-fronted parakeet, buffy helmetcrest, and various mountain tanagers. With luck you might even spot Colombia's national bird, the Andean condor.
Much time will be allotted to observe the many birds at the various feeders along the property. You'll have lunch at Termales del Ruiz or a nearby restaurant before returning to your hotel, where you can spend the remainder of the day as you choose.
Day 10: Flight to Medellín (optional city tour)
After breakfast, depart for Medellín! Despite its turbulent past, Medellín today is quite charming with its beautiful mountain setting, friendly locals, and vibrant culture. A car will pick you up at the airport and transfer you to a nearby hotel. You're now free to spend the remainder of the day exploring.
Start by visiting Parque Lleras, in the heart of the trendy El Poblado district, where most of the city's tourism is centered. This is where some of the best dining, nightlife, and hotels are located. Perhaps take a ride on the city's gondola (Metrocable) system to see the views, or walk around the various parks, plazas, and museums near the downtown area. Either way, enjoy the weather—due to its elevation, the Medellín has year-round spring temperatures.
Depending on the time of your flight, you can sightsee with an English-speaking guide and learn more about this thriving, modern city from a local perspective. Hop in a car and get an insider's perspective of Medellín from your private transfer. You'll make several key stops including the Pueblito Paisa, San Antonio Park, La Plazuela de San Ignacio, La Playa Avenue, Metropolitan Church, and the iconic bronze sculptures at Botero Square. You will visit the Music House, Antioquia University, and the city's expansive botanical garden with more than 4,500 blooms. The last leg of the tour includes a stop at the Convention Center in Plaza Mayor, the Metropolitan Theater, and Los Pies Descalzos (Barefoot Park). On your way back to the hotel, check out Poblado Parque, a popular city park surrounded by bars and restaurants.
Day 11: Depart Medellín
It's time to say farewell to Colombia! Enjoy your last moments in the beautiful city of Medellín with a leisurely breakfast, city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.