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Colombia, a land of vibrant contrasts, beckons travelers with its intoxicating blend of natural wonders and cultural richness. From the emerald peaks of the Andes to the sun-drenched shores of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, this South American gem offers an astonishing diversity of landscapes. Explore the historic walled city of Cartagena, where colonial charm meets lively nightlife, or lose yourself in the bustling metropolis of Bogotá, a hub of art, gastronomy, and innovation. Delve into the lush coffee region, where rolling hills are blanketed in verdant plantations, or venture into the depths of the Amazon rainforest, a realm of unparalleled biodiversity. With its warm, welcoming people and a spirit that resonates with music and dance, Colombia promises an unforgettable journey for every adventurer.
Cartagena to Tayrona National Park
A highlight of any trip to Colombia is undoubtedly Cartagena. With its colonial past and Unesco World Heritage status, the old city is an ideal place to just wander the maze of cobbled alleys amongst churches, monasteries, plazas and bougainvillea draped balconies. Las Murallas, the thick walls built around the old city to protect it from pirates, are wonderfully preserved and make for an interesting walk, before stopping off in one of the hidden patio cafes. We spend our first night here to get a flavour of both the old city and also the trendy area of Bocagrande. We will also include a boat trip to Playa Blanca, which is one of Cartagenas most famous beaches with its turquoise waters and golden sand.
We then set off in the Truck heading eastbound with a quick dip in Volcan de Lodo el Totumo before we continue to Taganga where we spend a night in this chilled out Caribbean town with a strong alternative feel. Some of South America's loveliest coastline lies east of Taganga in Tayrona National Park. We spend time exploring trails to beaches set in deep bays, shaded by coconut palms. We have the option to snorkel and possibly scuba dive in some of the bays. Lack of roads means that we may hike with some of our gear to our overnight spots and sleep in hammocks!
Tayrona National Park to Salento
We head south into the heart of Colombia, with a roadside bush camp on the way before arriving in the lively city of Medellin. Here is a good spot to get a few Salsa or Tango lessons in before trying out your moves in the many discos and clubs. For those wanting a little culture there are several art galleries and museums worth visiting or also an option to travel via local bus to the sleepy colonial town of Santa Fe de Antioquia.
Continuing south, our Colombian overland adventure takes us into the mountains to the pleasantly cool climate of Salento. Here, deep in the heart of the coffee growing area, we have the option to visit one of the numerous coffee farms. Parque Los Nevados, with peaks topping 5000m, and weirdly tall Palm trees make it a great place to spend a day trekking, before checking out some of the town's funky bars in the evening.
Salento to Parque Purace
We now travel through the Tatacoa Desert, an arid area of striking eroded cliffs surrounded by distant peaks of over 5000mtrs. The result is a quite unique ecosystem, and due to the dry, clear conditions, the area is an excellent star gazing spot and we will try to camp here to appreciate the view. Turning west through stunning mountain scenery towards the Pan American Highway, and after a gruelling drive, we eventually take an unpaved road into Parque Purace. The park is the only place to see Condors in Colombia, and it is also home to some good walking trails. The adventurous can scale Volcan Purace (4750mtrs), but there are a few other less strenuous hikes to the Sulphur Mine and Termales de San Juan - a spectacular hot spring complete with water slides! We may also have time to stop to see the San Agustin Archaeological Park, home to numerous ancient carved volcanic stone figures and tombs.
Parque Purace to Quito
Further west is the beautiful colonial city of Popayan. Nicknamed the white city, some would say only Cartagena surpasses Popayan's colonial structures. We shall make a small stop to admire the chalk white facades and stock up on supplies, before following the Andes south towards Pasto. Santuario De Las Lajas - a neo-Gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a gorge - is the main point of interest in our last stop in Colombia, Ipiales.
Trips that include Colombia
Our biggest trip in South America starts in Colombia:
CARTAGENA TO MANAUS INC. GUIANAS (29 WEEKS) TRANS SOUTH AMERICA
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with an exploratory expedition which takes you throughout South America. Witness some of the most striking landscapes that this part of the world has to offer as you travel through dense rainforests, dry deserts and high altiplano. Experience the pristine coastlines and vibrant cities as you get a real feel of the sights, sounds and flavours of the true South America.
The most popular section of it is Cartagena to Rio:
CARTAGENA TO RIO (19 WEEKS) KINGDOMS & CARNIVALS
Explore the very best that this part of the world has to offer with a trip which takes you all the way from the densely bio-diverse Colombia all the way to the Brazilian capital. This trip has something for everyone and offers a real taste of all the different facets that South America has to offer. Along the way pay a visit to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, take in the cultural diversity and extremes of climate that spanning 7 countries will inevitably showcase and see both extremes of city immersion and real remoteness. While there will be long drives and tough camping and cooking conditions this tour gives you the unique opportunity to see the real South America and the possibility to meet people you would never otherwise encounter.