The Heart of Colombia:
Culture, Community & Connection
This tour is designed for travelers who love:
Food - Enjoy guided food tours and handpicked restaurant recommendations to give you a sense of the flavors of each region we visit.
Art & Architecture - Explore the beauty of both UNESCO-listed sites blended with modern cities and the art at the center of them.
Cultural Immersion - Learn from local guides and immerse yourself in the traditions of the past and how they blend with the present.
Sustainable Travel - You care about your footprint and want to participate in community-based tourism, supporting local businesses. You’re environmentally conscious and want to stay in hotels that are mindful of their carbon footprint and social responsibility.
Human Connection - You want to connect deeply with the communities you visit, the people in them, and the group you’re with.
Dates:
January 16-24, 2027
Trip Length:
9 days / 8 nights
Max Group Size:
12
Where We’re Going
Bogotá
Medellín
Cartagena
What We’re Doing
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Arrive in Bogotá, where your private transfer will be waiting to take you to the hotel.
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In the morning, we’ll take a specialized city tour focused on the city’s ancestral and pre-Columbian heritage, led by guides from indigenous communities. During the experience, we’ll learn about Colombia’s pre-Columbian history and visit the Gold Museum, one of the country’s most important cultural sites.
In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a pre-Columbian goldsmith workshop, where we’ll learn about traditional metalworking techniques connected to the pieces displayed at the museum and will have the opportunity to create part of our own handcrafted pieces inspired by Colombia’s ancestral cultures.
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Fly from Bogotá to Medellín.
Free time to relax/explore.
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In the morning, we’ll take a city tour focused on Medellín’s history and remarkable social transformation over recent decades, exploring how art and urban development have played a key role in reshaping the community.
In the afternoon, the group will participate in a sunset salsa experience, combining a salsa class with beautiful panoramic views of the city.
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In the morning, we’ll visit Constelaciones, a neighborhood transformed through art and community projects. We’ll experience one of the city’s largest mural and graffiti initiatives.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a street food tour to connect with local culture and Medellín’s vibrant gastronomy.
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Fly from Medellín to Cartagena.
Free time to relax/explore.
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In the morning, we’ll take a walking tour through the historic center, getting a feel for the area and learning about the city’s unique history.
In the afternoon, we’ll participate in a drum workshop led by members of the Afro-descendant community, offering a fun and meaningful cultural experience through rhythm and traditional music.
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Today, the group will visit San Basilio de Palenque, a truly authentic cultural immersion experience.
Recognized as the first free town in the Americas, founded by formerly enslaved Africans who rebelled against colonial rule, Palenque has been declared UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
This visit allows the group to connect deeply with local communities, traditions, and the surrounding cultural environment.
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Private transfer from the hotel in Cartagena to the airport for your departure.
Where We’re Staying
Hotel de la Opera
This charming boutique hotel has been fully renovated while maintaining its magnificent historic charm. It provides larger indoor spaces and some of the best accommodation options in Bogotá. Located in a vibrant neighborhood in the Colombian capital, the hotel invites guests to immerse themselves in local culture while enjoying the peaceful cobbled streets.
Dine at the gourmet restaurant La Scala and savor traditional Colombian cuisine. From the hotel’s top-floor viewpoint, admire the historic facades and domes of San Ignacio Church and the Primada Cathedral, or relax at the unique spa.
Hotel Selvario 36
Selvario 36 is a boutique hotel in Medellín that invites you to experience elegance through nature. It's a meeting point in Provenza, El Poblado, where luxurious hospitality meets the beauty, mystery, and magic of the jungle.
To achieve this fusion, the hotel highlights experiences that allow people to enjoy a jungle atmosphere with all the comforts offered by an urban area.
Built in the middle of one of the most exclusive areas of Medellín, Selvario 36 gives guests access to the best restaurants, bars and leisure venues.
Hotel Capellan de Getsemani
An iconic destination in the heart of a vibrant neighborhood, Hotel Capellan de Getsemani invites you to relax and unwind in style. The hotel is just steps away from iconic landmarks such as the city wall, the historic center, the Clock Tower, the Pegasus Pier, and the Convention Center, as well as shops, bars, and restaurants.
With its Spanish colonial architecture and French-inspired details, the hotel is the perfect base for exploring Cartagena’s rich cultural and gastronomic heritage. Discover the beauty and comfort of its elegant spaces while enjoying outstanding service. Amenities include a restaurant, spa, coworking area, rooftop terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, jacuzzi, and event hall. Likewise, guests are also welcome to participate in the hotel’s scheduled activities.
The Fine Print
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Accommodations are based on double occupancy.
Transportation is provided on the days mentioned.
English-speaking guide and local driver on the days mentioned.
Excursions and visits as mentioned in the program.
Meals as mentioned in the program.
Entrances fees as mentioned in the program.
24/7 specialized assistance.
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Excursions not mentioned in the program.
Meals not mentioned in the program.
Drinks, tips and personal expenses.
International flights.
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$2,332 for Double Occupancy.
$3,403 for Single Occupancy.
20% deposit + cost of domestic flights required at time of registration.
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IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE
When registering for the trip, there will be an option to add travel insurance through the booking platform.
While I do HIGHLY recommend securing international travel insurance, I do NOT recommend using this particular vendor.
If you need help navigating the travel insurance process, I would be happy to help direct you to some trusted and vetted partners and will send more information about this after you’ve registered.