Wild Colombia: from the Amazon to the Pacific

Bogota

Day 1: Welcome to Colombia!

Welcome to Bogota where, upon your arrival at the airport, you'll transfer to your hotel in the city for check-in. Take time to rest and unwind after your travels, and acclimatize to the high altitude.

Your afternoon will be spent at leisure, either resting at your accommodation or heading out for a light exploration of your surroundings.

Bogota

Day 2: Soak up the charms of Bogota

Explore Bogota today with an immersive walking tour of top sights, such as the historic center with its colorful colonial buildings, and the Plaza de Bolivar. There, you will find some of Bogota's architectural highlights, including the city hall, the houses of congress, the supreme court, and the venerable Catedral Primada de Colombia.

Take a cable car or funicular to the top of Monserrate Hill for stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains - a truly unforgettable experience!

History lovers might want to visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. And, for dinner, be sure to ask your local expert for recommendations - Bogota’s gastronomy, which blends indigenous, Spanish, and African influences, isn't to be missed.

Bogota - Leticia

Day 3: Journey to the Amazon

Today, leave Bogota behind as you board a domestic early-morning flight to Leticia, the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

Arrive and check into your accommodation, settling into the comforts of your jungle lodge or local hotel. Then, come evening, head out alongside an experienced guide for a night tour of the rainforest, spotting nocturnal creatures like tarantulas, frogs, and marvellous insects.

Leticia

Day 4: Explore the Amazon's many riches

Enjoy breakfast followed by a short trip up the Amazon River to discover the painted village of a Mocagua community. The "Murals of Mocagua" is an initiative of the Calanoa reserve, and part of wider sustainability projects here.

Afterward, you could hike across the Calanoa Reserve through the dense jungle until you reach the Matamata creek, where you will board a canoe to return to your lodge. Alternatively, head to Mocagua Island for a hike to discover different flora and fauna.

Return to your accommodation for a relaxing evening, spent soaking up the sounds of nature.

Leticia

Day 5: Pink dolphins & indigenous immersion

Start the day with a boat tour of Tarapoto Lake as you go in search of pink dolphins, which are unique to the Amazon region.

Afterward, head to Puerto Narino, a small indigenous town where ethnic communities like the Ticunas, Yaguas, and Huitotos harmoniously live. Enjoy a lunch break and explore the town on a walk, then return to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

Leticia - Medellin

Day 6: See Medellin from high above

Leaving Leticia behind, it's time to board a morning flight to Medellin, with a layover in Bogota. On arrival in Medellin, check into your hotel and rest after your travels.

In the afternoon, head out for a Metrocable cable car ride: soaring up the city's hills, you'll have sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains all around you. This is a truly magical experience, so be sure to soak it all in!

Medellin

Day 7: Explore the sights & sounds of Medellin

Start off the day with a guided walking tour of Medellin. You will visit sights such as the Palacio Nacional, Plaza Botero, Antioquia Museum, and Parque de las Luces, each one offering glimpses of the city's unique culture and history.

Stop for lunch at a local market, enjoying a variety of national and international foods in this modern haven for food lovers. If you didn't do it the day before, you'll also have time today for a cable car adventure high above the city.

Medellin

Day 8: The vibrant streets of Comuna 13

This morning, embark on a tour of Comuna 13, a once-struggling neighborhood turned artistic hub, that's now famous for its colorful murals and vibrant street art. Immerse yourself in this unique facet of Colombian history, before having the afternoon free to explore as you wish. If you want to take a piece of Colombian culture home with you, you could even join a salsa class to pick up some dance skills!

Medellin - Guatape - Medellin

Day 9: Get to know Guatape

Early in the morning, take a drive out to Guatape, for a day trip to this colorful town filled with vibrant murals and stunning views.

Climb El Penol, whose 740 steps lead you up to breathtaking views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. Depending on the weather, you might also get to experience a boat ride on the Guatape Reservoir, surrounded by lush hills and islands.

Stop for lunch in Guatape, feasting on a typical paisa meal in one of the local lakeside restaurants, before finally returning to Medellin for the evening.

Medellin - Nuquí

Day 10: Journey to coastal paradise

This morning, say goodbye to Medellin as you take a domestic flight to Nuqui, about 1.5 hours away on the Pacific coast.

Settle into your accommodation, most of which are nestled in nature and provide access to the beach. Then, enjoy the tranquil, pristine beaches of Nuqui, or simply relax in your accommodation with a well-deserved nap in paradise. Don't miss your chance to watch the stunning Pacific sunset on the beach while you're here!

Nuquí

Day 11: Immerse yourself in the wonders of Nuqui

Nuqui has so much to offer, and one of its biggest seasonal draws is wildlife watching. If you're visiting between July and October, join a boat tour to see humpback whales, which migrate to the Pacific coast of Colombia at this time of year. During the months of November to January, you might instead want to witness the hatching of turtles at the beach.

If you're looking to truly unwind, plan a trip to the Termales de Nuqui, where you can soak in the natural hot springs - the hot water flows directly into the Pacific Ocean, putting you truly at one with nature.

Check out a local seafood restaurant for dinner, to savor fresh fish or seafood dishes native to the region, before retiring to your accommodation for the night.

Nuquí

Day 12: Explore mangroves & Afro-Colombian culture

A day of natural and cultural immersion awaits, as you take part in not one but two fantastic excursions. First, explore the mangroves of Nuqui with a boat ride through the lush forests, observing local bird species and other colorful wildlife along the way.

Then, after lunch, embark on an excursion to La Barra where you’ll learn all about the traditions and culture of the Afro-Colombian communities of the Pacific coast.

Nuquí - Medellin

Day 13: Return to Medellin

Spend your last morning in Nuqui either relaxing or taking a final walk along the beach. Then, at a suitable time, pack up and head to the airport, to fly back to Medellin in the afternoon.

Enjoy your last evening in Colombia by visiting a local restaurant and taking a leisurely stroll through Medellin's historic streets, stocking up on souvenirs to take home with you.

Medellin

Day 14: Farewell, Colombia

Depending on your flight time, you might have a moment to visit any last-minute spots like the Medellin Modern Art Museum, Casa de la Memoria, or a relaxing local park.

Finally, head to the airport for your flight home, full of memories of Colombia's diverse ecosystems and vibrant cities. Have a safe trip back!