COLOMBIA
COLOMBIA
Colombia Group Tour for Solos 30s & 40s !
On this immersive 11-day group tour to Colombia you’ll explore hip n happening Medellin, peaceful Jardin (located in the foothills of the Andes Mountains), tropical Cartagena, bustling Bogota and the very exotic Parque Tayrona. You’re in for an absolute treat of a trip in the very best parts of Colombia. Expect stylish hotels, breathtaking beaches, buzzing cities, stunning landscapes, colourful characters, amazing food, and a genuine insight into the Colombian way of life.
Expect Vibrant Cities, Colourful Towns & Exotic Beaches !
Highlights
- Explore the vibrant cities of MEDELLIN, CARTAGENA & BOGOTA
- Learn the Afro-Caribbean dance of CHAMPETA
- Meet COFFEE farmers and understand their craft
- ISLAND-HOP the stunning ROSARIO ISLANDS (on our private boat)
- Taste Colombia’s finest RUM and dance with the locals
- HIKE lush jungles and discover breathtaking beaches in PARQUE TAYRONA
- LEARN about Colombia’s difficult past and impressive transformation
Included
- 11-days / 10-nights: 2 Medellin, 3 Cartagena, 2 Jardin, 2 Parque Tayrona, 1 Bogota
- Accommodation in hand-picked 3 & 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
- Meals – All breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
- 2 internal flights (Medellin – Cartagena, Santa Marta – Bogota)
- A Colombian host plus various local experts
- Note – international flights not included (we will recommend best options)
Highlights
- Explore the vibrant cities of MEDELLIN, CARTAGENA & BOGOTA
- Learn the Afro-Caribbean dance of CHAMPETA
- Meet COFFEE farmers and understand their craft
- ISLAND-HOP the stunning ROSARIO ISLANDS (on our private boat)
- Taste Colombia’s finest RUM and dance with the locals
- HIKE lush jungles and discover breathtaking beaches in PARQUE TAYRONA
- LEARN about Colombia’s difficult past and impressive transformation
Included
- 11-days / 10-nights: 2 Medellin, 3 Cartagena, 2 Jardin, 2 Parque Tayrona, 1 Bogota
- Accommodation in hand-picked 3 & 4-star hotels (based on sharing twin room)
- Meals – All breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- All transportation & activities within itinerary (excluding optional activities)
- 2 internal flights (Medellin – Cartagena, Santa Marta – Bogota)
- A Colombian host plus various local experts
- Note – international flights not included (we will recommend best options)
Our Route Through Colombia
Itinerary
Day 1
HOLA COLOMBIA!
Bienvenido a Medellin, the city of eternal spring. Arrive at any time (we can help recommend flights) and we’ll be at the airport ready to take you back to your hotel. Unpack, relax, settle-in and then why not go for a wander to explore your new exotic surroundings. In the evening we’ll meet for a welcome introduction and then enjoy a group dinner so you can get to know better your fellow travellers.
Day 2
MEZMERIZING MEDELLIN
Time to get up close and personal to the sizzling urban sprawl that is Medellin. We’ll catch the city’s modern metro system and do a whistle-stop tour of ‘El Centro’ before stopping for a hearty lunch at one of Medellin’s most historical restaurants. Afterwards, you’ll visit Comuna 3 (Manrique) to witness first-hand the impressive social transformation taking place in one of the city’s most notoriously dangerous zones – it’s humbling, inspiring and fascinating all rolled into one!
Day 3
COFFEE COUNTRY
Time to make the journey to the rural Antioquian town of Jardin to experience local ‘Paisa’ culture at its most authentic – you may feel like you’ve stepped back in time. After the scenic bus ride from Medellin you will check into our quaint hotel before spending the afternoon visiting a local coffee finca. Here you’ll enjoy a home cooked lunch, witness the coffee making process, learn about life as a coffee farmer and taste some of the freshest coffee in your life!
Day 4
HIKE THE ANDES
Today is all about getting outdoors, getting active and reconnecting with nature! You’ll spend the morning hiking the lush Andes mountains surrounding Jardin, stopping off to enjoy the plentiful waterfalls and breathtaking scenery along the way. Then take the afternoon at your leisure: horse-riding, mountain biking, hangliding, or simply soaking up the peace and tranquility of the charismatic pueblo. In the evening we’ll share a group meal in the town’s colorful central plaza.
Day 5
CARIBBEAN VIBES
It’s time for a complete change of scene now as we swap the Andes Mountains for Colombia’s Caribbean coast. We’ll make our way back to Medellin by bus and from there catch a short 1 hr flight to beautiful Cartagena. Upon arrival we’ll check into our hotel in the Getsemani area and then head out for dinner in the UNESCO heritage Old Town. Afterwards, enjoy the rest of the evening soaking up the lively vibes of Cartagena and maybe finish the day sipping a cocktail from a rooftop bar or hitting up one of the many Salsa bars.
Day 6
TROPICAL ISLAND HOPPING
Today we’re hiring our very own private speedboat and setting off for some island-hopping around the very tropical Rosario Islands. We’ll swim, dance, sunbathe, enjoy the freshest seafood lunch and bask in the pristine beaches and crystal clear sea – vacation mode fully activated! We’ve left this evening free for you to take in Cartagena at your own pace. Maybe finish with a dip in our hotel’s infinity pool, watch sunset from the city walls and then enjoy the energetic atmosphere of Cartagena’s bustling streets.
Day 7
CHAMPETA + RUM TASTING
Free day! You could head out of town to the nearby Bazurto market or Palenque village to get a better perspective of real life Colombia. Maybe go visit the impressive San Felipe Fort. Or, if mud baths are your thing, you could venture out to the Totum mud volcano. Another option is to simply take things a bit slower , relax by the pool with a cocktail and take in the coastal view from above. Later, we’ll regroup over a spot of rum tasting and then learn some moves of the local Afro-Carribean dance known as Champeta.
Day 8
CHILL DAY
Time to say goodbye to Cartagena and make the 4-hour bus journey towards Parque Nacional Tayrona (it’s a great opportunity to catch up on sleep after a few late nights). Our hotel is located in the most gorgeous, tranquil, setting just outside the park amidst the lush Colombian jungle. Upon arrival it’s all about relaxation. You can enjoy the pool, outdoor jacuzzi, sauna, steam room – and if that’s not quite enough – we’ve also hooked you up with a massage.
Day 9
A DAY IN PARADISE
We can’t think of many better feelings than waking up knowing you’re going to spend the day inside the exotic, otherworldly Tayrona national park. It’s epic! We’ll make our way to the postcard-worthy beach of Cabo San Juan by hiking through dense Colombian rainforests and along rugged coastal paths to spend a few hours basking by the sun-drenched shores. This is a day to remember! Afterwards, reward your efforts with one last evening of chill at our lovely Spa hotel.
Day 10
COLOMBIA’S BUSTLING CAPITAL
It’s time for our next spot on this epic trip, so we’ll make our way to the Santa Marta airport for the short (1 hour) flight to Colombia’s bustling capital, Bogota. After checking into the hotel, we’ll make our way to Monserrate mountain where we’ll ride the metrocable to the top to take in the utterly spectacular panoramic views over the gigantic Bogota. We’ll then stroll towards the charming old town – La Candelaria – to feel first-hand the vibe of Colombia’s cool capital. We’ll finish this day with one final meal as a group at one of Bogota’s best known restaurants.
Day 11
ADIOS AMIGOS
All good things must come to an end, and the time has come to say goodbye. But think of all the incredible things you’ve done. You’ve danced champeta, drank rum, hiked jungles, swam pristine oceans, felt the buzz of mega cities, discovered hidden pueblos, mingled with locals, eat awesome food, learned about Colombia’s amazing transformation and shared all of this with some amazing people along the way. After one final breakfast, we’ll take you to the airport in Bogota to begin your journey home.
Trip Price
We have guests join us from all over the world but predominantly from the UK, US, Canada, Europe, Australia & New Zealand. As standard we sell in both GBP and USD – however if you prefer to switch to your local currency you can do so during the checkout process.
United Kingdom
- Includes all items mentioned in “Included” above.
- Deposit = £200, to reserve your spot.
- Remaining balance due 70 days before departure.
- Private room = + £650
- Payment plans possible – get in touch to arrange.
USA + Rest of World
- Includes all items mentioned in “Included” above.
- Deposit = $250, to reserve your spot.
- Remaining balance due 70 days before departure.
- Private room = + $850
- Payment plans possible – get in touch to arrange
- Convert to local currency (inc CAD, EUR, AUD) during checkout.
Dates & Booking
Select your preferred departure date, currency and pay your deposit now to reserve a spot!
28 December 2026 – 07 January 2027
06 – 16 March 2027
28 December 2027 – 07 January 2028
Hotels
We know that accommodation is important to you and it’s important to us too. We’ve therefore carefully hand-picked a selection of our favourite 3 & 4-star hotels for this itinerary. These are the hotels we typically use (please ensure you are comfortable with them before booking).
Hotel Viaggio, Medellin
Stylish interior. Spectacular city views. Central, yet quiet, location
Arsenal Hotel, Cartagena
Exquisite colonial architecture. Cool and spacious rooms. Sipping cocktails by rooftop pool.
Kantawa, Parque Tayrona
Remote jungle location. Reconnect with nature. Luxurious spa facilities.
Cite Hotel, Bogota
Hip vibe. Rooftop pool overlooking city. Located at the heart of the action.
40 Amigos, Jardin
Colonial architecture. Relaxed family feel. Perfect location.
Hotel Viaggio, Medellin
Stylish interior. Spectacular city views overlooking Medellin. Central, yet quiet, location.
Arsenal Hotel, Cartagena
Exquisite colonial architecture. Cool and spacious rooms. Sipping cocktails by rooftop pool.
Kantawa, Parque Tayrona
Remote jungle location. Reconnect with nature. Luxurious spa facilities.
Cite Hotel, Bogota
Hip vibe. Rooftop pool overlooking city. Located at the heart of the action.
40 Amigos, Jardin
Colonial architecture. Relaxed family feel. Perfect location.
Customer Reviews
Featured Blog Posts
Want to know more about what to expect on this trip? Read this blog post from Amanda about her experience on our OWR Colombia trip.
Amanda Goes to Colombia with OWR: A Journey Like No Other
After a fantastic time in Morocco with Other Way Round, a chance conversation with a fellow traveler led Amanda straight to our Colombia trip. What followed was a whirlwind of color, culture, and connection across Medellín, Jardin, Cartagena & Bogota. Here’s her story. If you’ve ever found...
FAQs & Important Notes
Below are some of the common questions we tend to get asked – we’ve answered both in video format (general across all OWR trips) and written format (specific to this particular trip).
FAQ video timestamps
The above video takes just under 40 minutes. If you prefer to navigate to a specific topics then you can see the timestamps below.
00:00 Intro
00:33 How It Works
03:00 Demographics
07:25 What’s the Price?
08:04 What’s Included?
10:42 Which Hotels?
12:10 Are Airport Transfers Included?
13:31 Room Sharing / Private Rooms
16:02 Booking & Cancellation Terms
20:30 “I Found the Same Tour for Cheaper”
23:37 I’m an Introvert!
24:54 Is Every Activity Mandatory?
26:02 What Happens After Booking?
27:58 Can I Bring a Friend?
30:50 Are You a Good Fit for OWR?
32:42 Where Is OWR Based?
33:31 Why Should I Choose OWR?
37:35 More Questions?
Am I a good fit for an OWR trip?
We know it’s important to you to choose the right tour company for you.
And equally, for us, it’s super important that we get the right people joining our trips (people who are likely to get the most out of it).
We’d therefore appreciate if you could please read the following page carefully before signing up: OWR Trip Style
How does it all work?
For an overview of how it all works, you can go to this page here: How It Works
Are international flights included?
No.
International flights are not included in the price of our tours. This is something you would book yourself separately.
Which airports should I fly into?
Our trip starts in Medellin (MDE) and ends in Bogota (BOG). You should organise your flights accordingly.
Ideally you should arrive at the hotel by 6pm on the first day. This is when we have our welcome meeting and afterwards go for dinner (although if you arrive later it’s fine to catch up).
You can leave at any time on the last day. There are no activities scheduled for that day.
If you need help researching flights, contact us at [email protected] or fill out the contact form on this page.
Are airport transfers included?
Yes, they are included at both the start and end of every trip.
Notes
- We only do transfers between airports and our selected hotels. No other locations.
- For those tagging on extra days, we will endeavour to include transfers up to 2 days outside of official tour dates.
Can I book a private room?
Yes.
Our standard prices are based on sharing a twin hotel room with one other person of the same gender.
However, if you prefer a private then you can select this option for £650 / $850 extra.
Just let us know at the time of booking.
(Note – we have limited availability of private rooms, these will be allocated on a first come, first served basis).
Can I book pre and/or post accommodation?
Yes, we can book you in for extra days at either our arrival hotel or departure hotel.
This is up to a maximum of 2 days on either side. If for longer, we suggest you book directly with the hotel.
As you book your trip spot through our website, during the checkout process you will be given the option to “add-on” the pre or post accommodation. You can also do this at a later point through our guest portal (you will have access to this after booking).
I’m traveling solo, will I be the only one?
No.
Our trips are specifically designed for solo travelers so you will fit in perfectly.
Some people may bring a friend but the majority will always be traveling solo.
How do I book?
On this page you will see a “Book Now” button next to each trip departure date. Simply click this to start the checkout process and reserve your spot.
You will need to pay a £200 / $250 deposit upfront and then the remaining balance must be paid by 70 days before the trip.
If your booking is within 70 days, then you must pay the full balance at that point.
What happens after I book? (next steps)
This is what you should expect in the lead up to your trip.
- Book trip (secure your spot with a deposit)
- Book international flights (these can be booked at any point after we’ve confirmed your spot – don’t leave too late as price will go up closer to trip)
- Purchase travel insurance (this will cover for issues leading up to trip as well as during)
> 70 Days Before Trip (cancellation penalties kick-in beyond this point)
- Full balance must be paid
- OWR sends survey: requests flight information, dietary requirements, health conditions, emergency contacts etc…(must be returned within 7 days)
> 10 Days Before Trip
- OWR sends day-by-day schedule, optional activity recommendations & some final info to prepare you for trip
> 3 Days Before Trip
- WhatsApp group created with all trip attendees + Tour Leader
> Trip Start Date
- Welcome meeting is typically scheduled for 6pm on first day. This is where you will meet your Tour Leader and other guests (note – we may change this time depending on overall group arrival times. If it changes we will notify you).
Is the deposit refundable?
No, the deposit is non-refundable.
However, if you can no longer make the trip you can transfer that deposit onto any other future trip.
Do you have payment plans?
Yes.
We can either split your balance into even monthly payments, or we can set it up so you can pay any smaller amounts as and when you like.
You can go ahead and book your spot through our website as normal and then afterwards email us at [email protected] to request we set up your payment plan.
Visas, vaccinations & packing lists?
Two months before your trip you will receive a comprehensive pre-trip pack which tells you everything you need to get prepared for the trip (including info on visas, vaccinations & packing lists).
In general, most of our guests don’t need visas to come to Colombia.
Do you cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes.
We cater for vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other dietary requirements. We will always make sure there are options available to you in the restaurants we visit.
Please be aware though that there will not likely be the same range of options as you have available in your home country.
Will I get to meet other members of the group before the trip?
Yes.
3 days before the trip we will create a WhatsApp group with all the people joining the trip. This is a great opportunity to connect ahead of the trip.
Are the hotels listed on the website the actual hotels you use?
Generally yes, it will be these hotels.
From time to time we may need to change a specific hotel if for example it’s not available on those given dates. But in such situations, we will always replace with another hotel at the same quality and notify you in advance.
What’s the cancellation policy?
The £200/$250 deposit is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel at any point, you can put this towards any future trip you book with us (in any location).
The rest of the balance is refundable up until 70 days before the trip. From that point we have to start committing funds to local suppliers and so:-
> 30-70 days before trip – 50% refund
> 0–30 days before trip – 0% refund
But, we also recommend that you take out travel insurance to cover you for any unexpected last-minute cancellation.