Colombia Discovery Tour to Medellín & the Cocora Valley

Soulful Bogotá is a heartthrob of a city. The morning begins at a lively marketplace among stalls of colorful fruits, vegetables, and local street food like griddled arepas and steaming tamales. There is a good chance an edible treasure will catch the eye, so do stop and savor the moment.

Adventure continues onto the iconic Monserrate cable car, gliding passengers up to the 10,300-foot summit to visit a sacred shrine and soak in the views high above the Andean metropolis.

The journey continues to the Gold Museum where shimmering pre-Colombian gold work reveals sophisticated artistry and a rich past. A gentle five-minute walk leads to the next museum with whimsical sculptures on display alongside political paintings by legendary Columbian artist, Fernando Botero — as well as other masterpieces by Picasso, Dalí, and Monet.

After all of this leisurely exploring, it’s time to pause for lunch and savor the national dish Ajiaco, a comforting chicken, corn and potato soup with as many recipe variations as there are grandmothers. Spend the rest of the afternoon strolling the cobblestone streets in the La Candelaria neighborhood—or perhaps—enjoying a robust Columbian coffee and some quiet downtime at the hotel.

For the first celebration together, this special evening is reserved at a local restaurant. Gathering to taste the fresh flavors of Bogotá, it’s time to raise a glass to fair weather, fellow travelers, and many more days of South American delight.

Included Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: GHL Bioxury Hotel

Coffee and cocoa lovers, start your engines! After breakfast, board a private coach to Bogotá Airport. After a short flight to Pereira, the next leg of the journey leads through sprawling plantations of coffee and plantains within the UNESCO Coffee Cultural Landscape. Rolling hills, bamboo forests, and colorful villages contribute to a fascinating patchwork—a tranquil setting for the next two nights.

Today’s adventure heads straight into the heart of sweetness to a working estate that honors the legacy of Bernardo Pachón Garzón; legendary coffee and cacao farmer. Discover Colombia’s rich history of cacao production, explore different varieties and their unique flavors, learn the bean-to-bar process, and finish by crafting a mouthwatering chocolate bar. Drinks, snacks, and a tuk-tuk ride are included, ending with a traditional lunch in the village café. In this region, rice and beans, plantain and avocado are all on the menu.

From there, the compass points to San Alberto Coffee Farm, one of Colombia’s premium coffee estates with time to wander around and observe each meticulous step. Discerning the nuances of Colombian coffee is a serious skill gained during a professional cupping workshop where each “student” earns a Coffee Ambassador diploma.

After a rewarding day in the Andean foothills, it’s time to return to a slower pace amid manicured lawns and tropical grounds. Refreshment might look like a dip in the pool or a glass of wine on the patio. Dine independently tonight with suggestions from the Trip Leader.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel La Herencia

Today, Colombia’s unexpected side emerges—from the world’s tallest tree to the world’s only explosive drinking game. Intrigued? Keep reading …

After enjoying a full breakfast complete with pressed juices and fresh tropical fruits, board the bus with a guide for the journey into Cocora Valley, a majestic region known for incredible scenery and the endangered Wax Palm, Colombia’s national tree and the world’s tallest. On a walk that can be tailored to the group’s level and preference, learn about the fragile beauty of the cloud forest realm, home to rare parrots and unique wildlife. In honor of the local people and environment, help with planting a young wax palm tree at a site dedicated to the plant’s conservation.

At this point, everyone should have worked up a healthy appetite, so onward it is to a traditional meal, including a salad and fish or meat, in the quaint, historic town of Salento, also known as a backpacker’s gateway to the Andes. Settled in 1842, remnants of the past are captured in Spanish Colonial architecture with buildings brightly painted like a plume of parrot feathers.

Here, explore artisan shops and ornate facades before trying Colombia’s national sport, where beer drinking is part of the tradition —with a sweet local dessert offered as an alternative for non-drinkers. The game is called Tejo, where players throw metal discs at a platform of soft clay embedded with gunpowder strips. Imagine corn hole with a fiery snap, crackle, pop! After an incredible day steeped in local culture, it’s time to return to freshen up and join the group for dinner in the hotel’s fine restaurant.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel La Herencia

It’s time to pack bags again for a thrilling day of adventure! Beginning with a scenic coach ride from Pereira to Medellín with a mid-way stop at Finca La Romelia, a family-owned orchid and bird farm. Discover the largest private orchid collection in Colombia—more than 850 varieties—alongside carnivorous plants and over 160 species of wild birds. As Colombia’s national flower, the orchid embodies the beauty and pride of this country.

Follow a local expert on a guided tour of the nurseries and trails, pausing to admire colorful orchids in every stage of bloom, observe birds at feeding stations, and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the countryside. Wander these lush surroundings that include bonsai gardens and fields of yuca, citrus, and avocado. Appreciate how agricultural production exists in harmony with biodiversity and conservation—a philosophy that makes this farm an inspiring model of sustainability. To fortify the body, it’s time to sample regional flavors at a lovingly prepared farm-to-table lunch.

Continue on to Medellín, set in a mountain valley of the Andes. Admire the city’s unique blend of modern architecture against a dramatic mountain backdrop. A lovely boutique hotel awaits with many creature comforts. Spend the remaining day and sunset at leisure, perhaps in the rooftop pool and jacuzzi, or the hotel lounge. Dinner time is independent this evening and the Trip Leader will suggest excellent local options.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Faranda Medellin

The “City of Eternal Spring” deserves the world’s admiration. Accompanied by a specialist guide, the story beings in the historic center, where narrow streets and bustling plazas reveal the soul of this Andean capital. Step into the rhythm of daily life through the lens of locals, using a combination of metro system and gondola to get around Colombia’s second-largest city.

One of Medellín’s main attractions is Botero Plaza, an open-air gallery featuring the largest collection of bronze Botero sculptures. There’s even more inspiration inside the Antioquia Museum where works by other Latin American masters deepen one’s appreciation for modern South American art.

Prepare to ascend above the city on the Metro Cable Car to Santo Domingo, built to connect marginalized, hillside neighborhoods with the city below. Before the gondola, residents faced difficult and lengthy commutes. With sweeping views over the skyline and a glimpse into daily life, see firsthand the social renaissance taking place here.

The experience delves even deeper into Comuna 13. The once-infamous neighborhood is now celebrated as a hub of creativity and urban renewal. Walk among vibrant murals, listen to stories of transformation, and ride the district’s six giant escalators—an ingenious infrastructure solution that reshaped residential life.

And the best part? Ending the day with a renewed sense of faith in the human spirit, having seen Medellín’s spectacular reinvention as one of the world’s most socially innovative cities.

With many culinary options near the hotel, tonight’s dinner is independent.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel Faranda Medellin

All aboard to lovely Cartagena! Begin the day with a private transfer to Medellín airport for a short flight to “The Heroic City,” a seaside metropolis and home for two nights. Upon arrival, make a brief pit-stop at the hotel before heading out for an afternoon of exploration.

Follow the city guide throughout Cartagena’s most iconic landmarks, starting with San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the most formidable military structure in South America. Walk through a maze of tunnels and passages designed to protect the city from attack. Take a moment at the statue of legendary Spanish admiral Don Blas de Lezo, the peg-legged, one-eyed defender of Cartagena. His heroism still inspires a nation, who honors his memory centuries later in art, literature, and song.

Moving along to the “Walled City,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, layers of history unfold in cobblestone streets, pastel façades, and lively plazas. Stroll the historic center, admiring the blended architecture of colonial charm and Caribbean color. Along the way, the guide shares captivating stories of piracy and conquest, bringing Cartagena’s exciting past to life.

Finish the afternoon with leisure time amid the bustling streets and tree-lined squares. Absorb the city’s atmosphere as music drifts from balconies and vendors sell specialties. Lunch and dinner remain independent today for the chance to discover Cartagena’s delicious seafood and culinary scene at a personal pace.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar

After a leisurely morning, the day unfolds with a hands-on cooking class that delves into Cartagena’s rich culinary heritage. A professional chef welcomes guests with platters of fresh ingredients as he explains the secrets to preparing regional favorites. Discover techniques behind ceviche, make a traditional main course with fish, chicken or vegetables accompanied by coconut rice, fried plantains, and a passion fruit mousse sure to delight the palate. Savor this communal meal in an atmosphere of warmth and good cheer.

Following this gastronomic immersion, visit Pescador de Letras, a non-profit foundation helping underserved children in the fishing village of La Boquilla, just outside Cartagena. Learn about their mission to provide education, nutrition, and life skills to 126 students between the ages of three and twelve. Explore classrooms and community spaces, hear about the daily meal program designed to support learning, and engage with children whose energy and curiosity reflect the heart of the foundation’s work. The visit reveals both local challenges and an unwavering dedication to the next generation.

As evening falls, gather for a farewell dinner in the Walled City. Share laughter and reflections over regional cuisine. Let this final night in Cartagena be a celebration of true personal connection and an unforgettable journey experienced together.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar

Bid farewell to new friends over a final breakfast. This portion of the adventure ends with thanks for traveling the colorful roads of Colombia.

Included Meals: Breakfast