Trip Overview
From the Pacific Ocean to Andean mountaintops, sparkling sand beaches to mystical cloud forests, and from rural villages to bustling ports, head out on this active exploration of the best Colombia has to offer with your fellow AdventureWomen travelers.
Start your adventure in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, where you’ll meet your group and begin to explore the culture, art, history, and food of the region. Your expert Colombian guide will teach you about the mix of colonial and contemporary history, and the spectacular cuisine of the area, and show you multiple unique ecosystems throughout your adventure. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!
Bogotá, Villa de Leyva to Barichara
Villa de Leyva is one of the few towns in Colombia to have preserved much of its original colonial style and architecture. The streets and large central square are paved with cobblestones, and many buildings date from the 16th century. The valley in which Villa de Leyva sits is rich in fossils, and many fossils were used as decoration in the original buildings in the area. Walk the streets, and eat local food including the best of the “santafereña” gastronomy.
Hike about three hours through Andean cloud forest, a unique ecosystem found in only 28% percent of the world. Over 1,700 species of birds are found in Colombia; look for some of the more exotic ones, including the Toucan barbette, mountain tanagers, and colorful hummingbirds. Replenish yourself with more local Colombian dishes and learn to prepare some throuh a farm-based cooking school.
Stop in Villanueva, the village just before Barichara, where you’ll hop on a bike for a mellow ride to a coffee hacienda. Taste Colombian coffee and learn why local coffee is ranked as one of the best in the world.
Hike on the famous 18th-century cobblestone Royal Road, starting near your hotel in Barichara, and ending at the small village of Guane. Your three-hour hike on this excellent old road is a birdwatcher’s delight.
Pack up your bags and put on your bathing suits; it’s time to whitewater raft! Learn the ropes and safety procedures from your professional rafting guides, and then hop on your rafts to start paddling! The Class II and III rapids on this river are exciting, and the scenery as you float through the canyon is unparalleled. After seven miles of soaking in the views of verdant riverbanks, you’ll take a cable car over Chicamocha Canyon. The views from the cable car are unforgettable, and it saves you the time and twists of driving down one side of the canyon and up the other!
Bucaramanga, Tayrona National Park to Cartagena
Leave the highlands and fly to Santa Marta, home to Tayrona National Park, famous not only for its natural beauty but also as the home of the famous Tayrona tribe in the 6th and 7th centuries. Drive from the airport to your hotel for some well-deserved downtime; soak in the pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or stroll down to the beach to dip your toes in the ocean before savoring dinner as a group while the sun sets. Spend a full day hiking along the beach and around coves, through cloud forest searching for monkeys and colorful birds, and then to the indigenous community of Seydukwa. You’ll have a chance to sit down with a local woman and learn about community life along the sea.
You can’t visit Colombia without a stop in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On your way there, stop for a Caribbean lunch at La Cueva, known as the restaurant where Gabriela Garcia Marquez started to write the famous novel One Hundred Years of Solitude. When you enter the walled city of Cartagena, set out on a street food tour, tasting dishes famous with locals. Before leaving Cartagena, grab your sunglasses and head out to explore the famous landmarks in the city. Enjoy one last lively dinner as a group where you can reminisce over the active and interesting experiences you’ve had on this adventure.
Experience the joys of being active in unique ecosystems, tasting interesting and varied food, and learning about the history and culture of Colombia on this multifaceted adventure!
Main Attractions
- Explore well-preserved colonial-era Colombian town centers and learn about the preservation of traditional architecture
- Hike through cloud forests, along beaches, and visit an indigenous community
- Bike and white-water river raft (beginners welcome!)
- Enjoy feasting on sumptuous Latin American specialties and local cuisine
What You'll See and Do
- Cooking Class
- Cultural Exploration
- Hiking
- Local Delicacies
- National Parks
- Natural History
- Sightseeing
- Spa Element
- UNESCO Site
- Walking
- Whitewater Rafting
- Women-To-Women Exchanges
Download Extended Itinerary
- May 20 > May 30, 2024
Download Itinerary PDF
