24/7 support
No card fees

Excellent

Highlights of Colombia

New Tour

11 days

PARTIALLY GUIDED TOUR: Begin this 11-day tour of Colombia with a private bike tour of Bogota's highlights, and visit the Gold Museum. Play Colombia's national sport of Tejo and travel to Villa de Leyva via the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. Discover Villa de Leyva's historic charm and its paleontological museum before flying to the Coffee Region to visit the Cocora Valley, Salento, and Finca El Ocaso. Journey to Medellin for a city tour highlighting its transformation, including Comuna 13. Continue to Tayrona National Park and conclude in Cartagena with visits to La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Fortress, and the historic centre. See the Inclusions for more information regarding the guiding style of this tour.

For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.

Download our Trip Notes

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Tour Overview

Duration

11 days

Starts

Bogota

Ends

Cartagena

Range

Handpicked

Tour Guide

Yes - for included sightseeing

Group Size

Min 2 / Max 12

Minimum age

No minimum age

Departs

Tuesdays

Hotel Rating

3-4 star hotels

Countries

Colombia

Physical Rating

Easy

Tour Pace

Medium

Arrival Transfer

Yes

Departure Transfer

Yes

Meals included

Breakfast: 10
Accommodation Standard
Adults (12+)
Children (0 - 11)
Per Person From
CAD

$3,585.00

Deposit From
Final payment
CAD

$1,000.00

$6,170.00

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Tour Highlights

Bogotá - Discover Bogotá’s vibrant history and culture on a bike tour through La Candelaria, visit the Gold Museum to admire pre-Columbian treasures, use the opportunity to try your hand at Tejo, Colombia’s national sport
Zipaquira, Raquira & Villa de Leyva - Explore the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, the colourful pottery village of Ráquira, use the chance to wander through the colonial charm of Villa de Leyva with its grand main square and cobbled streets
Coffee Region - Wander through the stunning Cocora Valley, visit the picturesque coffee village of Salento, use the opportunity to tour Finca El Ocaso to learn about Colombia’s coffee production
Medellín - Experience the transformation of Medellín with a visit to Comuna 13, ride the metro and cable cars, use the chance to enjoy the art at Botero Plaza and Berrio Park
Cartagena - Take in panoramic views from La Popa Monastery, delve into the military history at Felipe de Barajas Fortress, use the chance to explore Cartagena’s UNESCO-listed historic centre, full of charming squares and colonial architecture

Included

10 breakfasts
10 nights in 3-4 star hotels
Arrival airport transfer on day 1 and Departure airport transfer on day 11
Transfers and transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles
2 economy flights: Bogotá – Coffee region & Medellín – Santa Marta
Services of local English-speaking specialist guides
Private bike tour of Bogotá.
Day trip to Cocora Valley, Salento and Finca El Ocaso.
Day tour of the city of Medellín
City Tour with San Felipe and La Popa.
Note: This tour is operated by a trusted local partner and you will join travellers who booked through different operators, not solely On The Go Tours
Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides as per the itinerary, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations and will not have a guide staying with you at your hotel.

Not Included

International flights and visas
Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Airport taxes
Optional activities

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to Bogota!

Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Bogotá. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Bogotá at your own pace or to relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Bogota

Day 2 - Bogota Bike Tour & Colombia's National Sport

Our guides will take us on an immersive bike tour of Bogotá, starting from hotels in La Candelaria. We will not only explore the squares, beautiful parks, and historical monuments of Colombia’s vibrant capital, but also uncover the “real Bogotá.” As we pedal through the streets, we’ll delve into the city’s politics, culture, art, and the powerful graffiti that adorns its walls, reflecting the turbulent history of this fascinating country. The tour is incredibly flexible, with each experience subtly differing depending on the unique knowledge of our guide.

We’ll immerse ourselves in Colombia’s rich history and culture at the renowned Gold Museum, where we’ll journey back in time to admire over 30,000 pre-Columbian gold pieces (closed on Mondays).

In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the excitement of playing Tejo, Colombia's national sport. We’ll get our hands dirty and engage in some serious fun with this traditional pub game. Tejo, a sport invented by the Chibcha people, involves throwing metal discs, called “tejos,” at targets made of small gunpowder packets, or "mechas," buried in sand. The objective is to hit the mechas and set off a small explosion, earning points. A private van will pick us up from our hotel, and we’ll spend a lively afternoon in one of Bogotá’s unpretentious Tejo spots, where beer, music, noise, and lots of cheering create a vibrant atmosphere.

Overnight: Bogota
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3 - Zipaquira, Raquira & Villa de Leyva

Bogota - Zipaquira- Raquira - Villa de Leyva. After breakfast, we’ll leave Bogotá and head north along the highway. Our first stop will be the remarkable Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an extraordinary piece of ecclesiastical architecture carved 120 metres underground in a salt mine during the 1950s.

Next, we’ll visit Ráquira, a lively village renowned for its colourful pottery and ceramics, where we can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and explore its charming streets.

We’ll then continue our journey to Villa de Leyva, and as soon as we arrive, we’ll see why this colonial town is regarded as one of the most beautiful in South America. After checking into our hotel, we’ll take a leisurely stroll around the main square, wander through cobbled streets, and explore local cafés and handicraft shops.

Nestled in the heart of Colombia, Villa de Leyva is a town brimming with charm. Founded in the 16th century, it once served as a centre for grain storage and trade. Today, it remains wonderfully preserved, with one of the best-preserved historic centres in the country. The main square, one of the largest in South America, is framed by impressive colonial buildings and churches. As we explore the narrow streets, we’ll take in the stunning architecture or unwind in one of the many cosy cafés. For those who enjoy hiking, Villa de Leyva offers access to the nearby Iguaque National Park, where scenic trails lead to the sacred Iguaque Lagoon, perched at 3,600 metres and held in reverence by the indigenous Muisca people.

Overnight: Villa de Leyva
Meals: Breakfast

Day 4 - Paleontology & Coffee Region Flight

Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Salento. Today, we’ll step back even further in time as we visit the Paleontological Museum, where we can marvel at dinosaur fossils that are over 150 million years old and uncover the fascinating Jurassic history of the region. After our visit, we’ll begin our journey back to Bogotá, where we’ll catch our flight to the Coffee Region.

Overnight: Salento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 - Exploring the Coffee Region

Salento - Cocora Valley - Finca El Ocaso - Salento. After breakfast, we’ll explore the stunning Cocora Valley, where towering wax palms rise high against the lush slopes of the cloud forest. This valley is one of Colombia's most beautiful spots, and we’ll walk beneath these majestic trees, soaking in the surroundings and spotting various bird species. If you prefer, you can opt for a horseback ride through the valley.

On our return to the hotel, we’ll pass scenic hills and charming haciendas, then stop in Salento, one of the most picturesque coffee villages. We’ll explore the streets, enjoy the main square, and taste the local coffee or shop for handmade crafts.

Finally, we’ll visit Finca El Ocaso, a traditional coffee farm, where we’ll learn about the coffee production process from seed to cup.

Overnight: Salento
Meals: Breakfast

Day 6 - Salento to Medellin

Salento - Medellin. Today, we’ll embark on a private transfer from Salento to Medellín. The journey will take approximately 7 hours, offering a chance to relax and enjoy the scenic views as we travel through the beautiful landscapes of Colombia’s coffee region and beyond.

Once we arrive in Medellín, you’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore the city’s vibrant neighbourhoods, cafes, and local sights.

Overnight: Medellin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 7 - Medellin Half Day tour

After breakfast, we’ll explore the fascinating transformation of Medellín. Once notorious as one of the world’s most dangerous cities, Medellín was shaped by the violent legacy of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. After Escobar’s death in 1993, the city’s struggle continued until the early 2000s. However, from 2002 onwards, forward-thinking leaders invested heavily in infrastructure and public education, gradually turning Medellín into one of the most innovative cities globally.

We’ll experience the city’s captivating evolution first-hand, using the metro and cable car to journey to Comuna 13, an area with a history of resilience. On the electric escalators, a key part of the city's revitalisation, we’ll delve into the daily life of the community.

Later, we’ll visit Berrio Park and Botero Plaza, where we can admire the striking bronze sculptures of the famous artist Fernando Botero in the heart of Medellín.

Overnight: Medellin
Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 - Medellin, Santa Marta & Tayrona

Medellin - Santa Marta - Tayrona. This morning, we will be met at the hotel and transferred to José María Córdova International Airport for our flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival at Simón Bolívar International Airport, we’ll continue our journey with a scenic transfer to Tayrona Park, just an hour away, where we can begin to immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of this stunning coastal region.

Overnight: Tayrona National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 - Tayrona at Lesiure

After breakfast today, we will have a day at leisure to enjoy the wonders of Tayrona at our own pace. You can take the opportunity to relax in this stunning coastal region or opt for a Day Trip to explore more of Tayrona National Park (approximately 9 hours).

During the day tour, you will leave our hotel in the morning and drive east along the Caribbean coast to El Zaino, the main entrance of Tayrona National Park. After a short walk, you will reach Cañaveral Beach, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from a small hilltop.

The adventure continues with a one-hour hike through the tropical forest to Arrecife, another beautiful beach within the park. After a break for lunch, you will continue your trek, passing beaches like Arenillas, La Piscina, and Cabo San Juan, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved swim on the palm-fringed beach.

Please note: The walk in Tayrona National Park is of easy to intermediate difficulty, with ascents, descents, and high humidity. Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Swimming at Arrecifes Beach is prohibited due to strong currents. The park closes for ecological recovery from February 1–15, June 1–15, and the last two weeks of October.

Overnight: Tayrona National Park
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10 - Half Day Cartagena City Tour

Tayrona - Santa Marta - Cartagena. Today we will make our way from Tayrona to Santa Marta and Cartagena (approximately 4–5 hours). Upon arrival, we embark on a fascinating half-day exploration of Cartagena’s iconic landmarks, beginning with the revered La Popa Monastery. Perched atop the city’s highest point at around 140 metres, it offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Our journey continues to the formidable Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a stunning feat of architecture built with coral stone, which once served as a key defensive stronghold against pirate raids during the 17th and 18th centuries. Here, we delve into the city’s military history on an informative one-hour tour.

Next, we meander through the historic centre, enjoying a leisurely two-hour stroll through its charming squares, churches, and winding streets. As we wander, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant fusion of colonial architecture, local cuisine, and cultural energy that makes Cartagena so unique. This captivating city, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, leaves an indelible mark on all who visit.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast

Day 11 - Goobye Cartagena

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred from the hotel to Rafael Núñez International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Extras and add-ons

If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.

Pre and Post Tour Accommodation

Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.

Post Tour accommodation - Cartagena

Child

$45per passenger

Triple

$95per passenger

Double

$125per passenger

Single

$225per passenger

Pre Tour accommodation - Bogota

Child

$75per passenger

Triple

$85per passenger

Double

$95per passenger

Single

$165per passenger

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.

Hotel Casa de la Vega
Bogota

Housed in a restored 19th-century building, this unpretentious hotel is conveniently located near cafes and restaurants, just a 6-minute walk from the Gold Museum, 9 minutes from Plaza Bolívar, and 16 km from El Dorado International Airport. The spacious, laid-back rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and safes, with room service available. A 24-hour restaurant and snack bar are also on-site for guests to enjoy.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Mesón De Los Virreyes
Villa de Leyva

Located in a charming colonial-style building just 200 metres from the main square, this relaxed hotel in Villa de Leyva offers bright rooms with free Wi-Fi and a TV. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, spa, and indoor pool, along with a wood-beamed restaurant, an outdoor pool, and a peaceful atmosphere for a truly laid-back stay. You can also indulge in beauty treatments at the spa or request a massage session for an extra fee. Hotel Mesón de los Virreyes is just a 5-minute drive from the bus terminal and a 3-hour drive from Bogotá El Dorado Airport.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
Hotel Salento Plaza
Salento

Situated just 100 metres from the main square in Salento, Quindio, offers a sun terrace with garden views. The rooms are equipped with a TV and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. A 24-hour front desk is available, and bike hire is offered, with the area being popular for horse riding. Pereira is 24 km away, Ibagué is 42 km away, and El Eden International Airport is 29 km from the property.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel
La Campana Hotel Boutique
Medellin

Nestled in a tranquil residential area, this relaxed hotel is just an 11-minute walk from the lively bars and clubs of Parque Lleras and 3 km from the grand El Castillo Museum. The straightforward rooms come with Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, laptop safes, and minibars. Guests can also enjoy an open-air dining area and a charming garden.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
Mid-range Boutique Hotel
Hotel Senda Koguiwa
Tayrona National Park

Just 5 minutes from the main entrance of Tayrona Park, Senda Koguiwa offers accommodation with a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and a bar. Surrounded by nature, guests can enjoy a peaceful lake and interact with ducks. The property is located 33 km from Santa Marta Cathedral, the Gold Museum, and Simón Bolívar Park, and about an hour's drive from Simón Bolívar International Airport. All rooms are equipped with air conditioning and a private bathroom. The nearest airport is 39 km away, with the Santa Marta Marina and Rodadero Aquarium located nearby.

Our Rating
Superior
Local Rating
4 Star Hotel
Hostal Casa Mara
Cartagena

Located just two blocks from Parque Centenario Square and a 10-minute drive from Cartagena's Convention Centre and airport, this charming colonial-style hotel features an inner courtyard with a pool and rooms offering views of the garden. Only a 5-minute drive from Bocagrande and Marbella beaches, the rooms are equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, cable TV, and private bathrooms.

Our Rating
Standard
Local Rating
3 Star Hotel

Accommodation Standard

Standard

Prices & Dates

All dates are guaranteed to operate when there are 2 persons booked on the tour. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. Child pricing is applicable to travellers aged 11 and under.

2025
Double
Single
18 Feb - 28 Feb
Sold Out
Sold Out
3 Jun - 13 Jun
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
1 Jul - 11 Jul
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
15 Jul - 25 Jul
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
12 Aug - 22 Aug
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
26 Aug - 5 Sep
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
4 Nov - 14 Nov
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485
18 Nov - 28 Nov
Adult - $3,585Child - $1,795
$4,485

Similar Tours

Explore more exciting tours in Colombia to discover even more unforgettable adventures!

4.4 out of 5 based on 286 reviews