Colombia – Coffee & Multi-Sport Tour

Today you arrive in Bogotá and transfer to your hotel upon arrival (included.) Welcome to Bogotá; your adventures await!

Overnight: Bogotá

Colombia offers some of the freshest fruit and most incredible food that you can imagine! Today, we will go on a fun “foodie tour” and visit the many colorful markets in the area. Discover the unique flavors of the different Colombian regions, visiting 7 places in total within the La Candelaria neighborhood, sampling a variety of traditional foods. We will visit multiple family-owned businesses to try authentic dishes and interact with locals. In just a single afternoon, you will learn a great deal about the Colombian culture through its food and history. This tour is available for both vegetarian and vegan preferences; please let us know in advance. We will eat plenty of different bites and dishes over the course of the tour, so please make sure you come hungry!

Meals: breakfast & foodie tour
Overnight: Bogotá

This morning starts with a short (25 min) flight to Armenia Airport, which is just outside of the Cocora Valley and colorful Salento. Once there, we head west into the “Coffee Triangle.” Unlike the Bermuda one, you won’t be getting yourself lost! Colombia’s “Coffee Triangle” is home to some of the world’s best coffee. This is due to its location near the equator, rich soil, temperate climate, and just the right amount of rain. The region produces some of the best beans in the country and world!

As we make our way through the many enchanting towns in the folds of the Cocora Valley, take in the beautiful colors and vegetation along the route. This area was declared part of the Colombia Coffee Cultural Landscape by UNESCO and is deeply rooted in the history of the nation. A ride to the Recuca coffee farm takes us into the elaborate tradition of these magical little beans. See how coffee is grown, harvested by hand, roasted and processed to produce the perfect brew. Learn to differentiate between different types of beans before enjoying your own cup of paradise.

Afterwards, you are free to take a walk around the colorful colonial town lined with small shops, colorful balconies overlooking the street, and orange-tiled roofs gleaming in the sun.

Meals: breakfast & lunch
Overnight: Salento

Walk amongst giants in the Cocora Valley, home to the wax palm, the tallest palms in the world. Entering the area by jeep, the warm breeze wraps its arms around you as we cut through the sea of green hills. A difficult but rewarding five-hour hike through the valley takes us to the Acaime Reserve, where we will enjoy the ever-playful hummingbirds that live there. Not shy to humans, they dance around and put on a real show! A plentiful lunch of local fare is provided as reward to your truly magnificent hike.

After the hike, we will head back to Salento. Once here, you are free to explore at your leisure. Later, we all meet up to learn how to play as the locals do, playing a fun game of Tejo!

Our recommendation: Head up to Alto de La Cruz, the viewpoint overlooking the city, for postcard-worthy photos.

Meals: breakfast & lunch
Hiking Distance: ~14 km/9 mi, +457m
Overnight: Salento

From Salento and heading downhill, our ride takes us through a 360° view of mountains in the coffee belt. We will pass plantations of coffee, banana, guayaba, blackberry, and orange. After crossing the Quindio River, we will dismount and continue on foot towards the coffee farm where the waterfall is located. Following an old rail track, over small bridges and through overgrown and dreamy tunnels of foliage, we are led by the gentle and soothing sounds of the cascade. At 15 meters high, this waterfall has a beautiful pool at its foot – perfect for a refreshing dip to recharge before heading back. In the afternoon, we will return to Salento by Jeep. This is a special day, and one where we will only see a few other people on bikes!

Meals: breakfast & lunch
Biking Distance: ~13 km/9 mi, mostly downhill
Overnight: Salento

This morning starts with a flight to Cartagena. This colonial port city is the most visited in the country and for good reason! Founded in the 16th century, the rich history of this Spanish New World trade center is reflected in the canon-lined fortress walls, winding alleyways, and colorful stucco buildings that stand out distinctly again the high-rising skyscrapers of Boca Grande– the modern downtown filled with lively nightlife. Be captivated by the Caribbean breeze as you walk down the cobbled streets lined with balconied homes, flowers dripping from the sides, and the sounds of live music at every corner! This such a bright and lively town, and truly a treat for the senses and the spirit.

Our afternoon takes us up to the San Felipe Castle. Perched on the hill overlooking the city, this fortress served as a stronghold against invading forces for over 200 years. Take in a jaw-dropping view of the bay below and learn about the rise and fall of this formidable structure.

Meals: breakfast & dinner
Overnight: Cartagena

Today is a day to rest and explore on your own, or choose a beach activity that is of interest to you! Options include snorkeling tours, boat tours, and evening “party boat” cruise tours (cost not included.) There is plenty to choose from, and any option is bound to be a ton of fun!

Meals: breakfast
Highlights: beach fun, R&R
Overnight: Cartagena

Today is your departure day. We will include a transfer to the Cartagena airport, where you can either catch a flight back to Bogotá or wherever you are headed next!

Meals: breakfast