Hiking in Colombia, from the Amazon to the Caribbean of San Andrés

Discovering Bogotá

Today, we're dedicating the entire day to exploring Bogotá and immersing ourselves in Colombian culture! We'll visit the Catedral de Sal, an absolutely unique underground site located in the former Zipaquirá salt mine. Afterwards, we'll stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, discovering La Candelaria, an iconic neighborhood centered around Plaza Bolívar, surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings and murals created by South American street artists.

In this neighborhood, you'll also find the famous Gold Museum, a must-see for understanding the country's pre-Columbian history, as well as the Botero Museum, which is full of iconic works. You can end the day by climbing Cerro de Monserrate to admire your first Colombian sunset… or immerse yourself in local life over a drink in one of La Candelaria's lively bars.

Our Amazon adventure begins! We're flying to Leticia, a city on the Amazon River, on the border between Brazil and Peru. This will be our base camp for exploring the wilderness and immersing ourselves in the unique atmosphere of the jungle: its sounds, its colors, its scents… everything is magical. We grab a quick lunch and then we're off for an extraordinary experience!

Wayruru community: between jungle, indigenous culture and night excursions

We arrive in Terapacá, where an excursion awaits us! We'll set off on a hike through the Amazon rainforest to reach the Wayruru indigenous community. Once we arrive at the Maloca – the spiritual and communal heart of the village – we'll be welcomed by a shaman who will tell us about his people's history, their culture, and the sacred plants they use.

We will then prepare a traditional dinner with the locals and visit the chagra, a garden cultivated according to local traditions. After dinner, we'll embark on a night hike through the jungle to discover the inhabitants of the Amazon. We will spend the night immersed in nature, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. An unforgettable day in the heart of the Amazon!

Today, an intense and adventure-filled day awaits us! Aboard a local boat, we will sail on the Amazon River, the longest in the world, which crosses nine South American countries.

We will observe the fishermen in action and the pristine nature that surrounds us… A unique world, still largely unexplored, will unfold before us as we travel along the water. A true immersion in the heart of the most authentic Amazon.

Once we arrive at the Marasha Nature Reserve, we'll set off on a hike through the forest, surrounded by unspoiled nature, wildlife, and typical exotic birds. A traditional lunch awaits us, followed by a unique experience: we'll climb to the treetops on a zipline, where we can admire breathtaking views and observe numerous exotic animals. No, it's not a dream: we're really going to "fly" from tree to tree!

In the afternoon, we'll have a choice: go piranha fishing, birdwatching, or explore the river by kayak. In the evening, the more adventurous can set off at night in a canoe to see the wildlife… or look up to admire a spectacular starry sky. To end this day in style: we'll sleep in treehouses!

Tabatinga: a quick detour through Brazil before heading back!

Today is our last day in the Amazon: an early start to return to Leticia, where we'll catch our domestic flight to Salento. But before saying goodbye to the jungle, if time allows, we'll make a short detour to the Brazilian city of Tabatinga: we can visit the Chocolate Museum, stock up on souvenirs and – why not – enjoy a delicious Caipirinha before heading back!

We've arrived in Salento!

Our Colombian adventure continues: we arrive in Salento, one of the most typical and emblematic regions of the country! Salento is a charming little town in Quindío, a department nestled in the heart of the central mountain range.

We take advantage of the rest of the day to settle into the hotel, relax a little, and share all the emotions experienced these last few days in the Amazon :) … before preparing to explore this magnificent region, surrounded by green mountains and coffee plantations as far as the eye can see.

Hiking among the world's tallest palm trees

Ready for another plunge into Colombian nature? Today, we're off to admire the tallest wax palms in the world! Aboard the famous Colombian Willys jeeps, we'll reach the Cocora Valley, located 15 km east of Salento.

These giants are impossible to miss: they can reach up to 70 meters in height and are considered the national tree. On the agenda: a 5- to 6-hour hike into the heart of nature to see, with a bit of luck, the hummingbirds that inhabit this region. It'll be a real leg-burner, but once at the top, the panoramic view over the entire valley is well worth the effort!

Coffee color

Salento and its surroundings live primarily off coffee production: we are in the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing region, the most famous when it comes to this essential beverage. This experience is not to be missed: we will visit a coffee farm to discover all the secrets of this local black gold, with our guide. We will end the visit in style: sitting with the locals over a delicious cup of coffee!

In the evening, head to the Mirador for the breathtaking panoramic view of Salento and its mountains.

Early wake-up call: today we're facing the longest transfer of the trip. We settle in comfortably, and we're off on a road trip… and a few well-deserved naps. Our destination? Medellín, Pablo Escobar's city. Too often reduced to images from the Narcos series, this city has so much more to offer.

Recognized as the most innovative city in the world in 2013, Medellín has become a symbol of Colombia's renewal. Between colorful neighborhoods, street art murals, local markets, and vibrant nightlife, we'll explore this fascinating city aboard the metro, tram, and even the cable car!

La Comuna 13: the “cradle of Pablo Escobar”

We start the day with a walking tour of Comuna 13, known as “the birthplace of Pablo Escobar”. This neighborhood, at the foot of the mountains, has gone from being the most dangerous area of ​​the city, marked by violence and clashes between drug traffickers, to being the most visited place by travelers.

…still in good shape?

We'll have several sightseeing options: El Basurero de Moravia, Ayacucho, Ciudad del Río Park, the Medellín Museum of Modern Art, or Arví Park! In short… one thing is for sure: we're not likely to get bored today either!

A day in Guatapé

Today, we're heading to the magnificent Guatapé, one of the most beautiful – and especially the most colorful – cities in the world! What makes it unique are its famous zócalos: painted bas-reliefs that adorn the facades of the houses, each telling a story, often linked to the family that lives there. A veritable open-air art gallery!

In the afternoon, we head towards the impressive El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as Piedra del Peñol: an enormous granite monolith classified as a national monument. There are a few steps to climb to reach the summit… but it's well worth the effort: the panoramic view is one of the most spectacular in all of Colombia!

Discovering Cartagena: a pure moment of relaxation

Today, we completely change scenery: waking up at dawn and a domestic flight to reach the magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias, a true pearl of the Colombian Caribbean coast.

Here, we breathe in that tropical dolce vita atmosphere we so desperately needed after the long transfers, the crazy adventures, and all those flights. We have the whole day ahead of us to explore every corner of this city steeped in history, to let ourselves be captivated by its colorful streets, to wander aimlessly, just for the pleasure of it.

You can take the opportunity to buy some souvenirs, or taste some typical dishes – the local cuisine is, in fact, one of the best in the country!

And to make this day truly unforgettable, it's impossible to miss the sunset from the castle of San Felipe de Barajas: a spectacular view that will literally take our breath away.

Sea, sea, sea!

After all these adventures in the heart of lush nature, it's now time for three days of relaxation and beach time! We're boarding our last domestic flight, heading to San Andrés: a Colombian archipelago off the coast of Nicaragua, a true treasure of the Caribbean.

There's no point in trying to describe it with words – this paradise has to be experienced. Today, we let ourselves be carried away by the crystal-clear waters, the coral reefs, and the ultra-fine white sand. And of course, we don't forget to sample the local delicacies, like rondón – a Caribbean dish made with fish, pork, seafood, banana, and coconut milk – perhaps accompanied by a tropical fruit cocktail.

In short: sun, sea, and good vibes. We disconnect, we savor… and we fully enjoy this little corner of paradise

A sea of ​​seven colors

Another day of sea and relaxation! The coral island of San Andrés offers a rich and fascinating ecosystem: coral reefs, geysers, plantations, and cliffs. With its exceptionally clear waters, it's a dream spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.

You can choose to take a boat trip to explore the archipelago, go snorkeling, and discover the coral reef. Visibility here can reach up to 30 meters, and the sea is so spectacular that locals say it's composed of seven different colors. A true natural kaleidoscope to experience with your own eyes!

Shall we go exploring?

Today, we're setting sail to explore the archipelago and its unique ecosystem! On the agenda: the most beautiful beaches, Santa Catalina Island, a small satellite gem of San Andrés connected by a 100-meter pedestrian bridge, Johnny Cay beach with its cedar trees sheltering local birds, mangrove forests, the mysterious Morgan Cave, and the spectacular Blow Hole. In short… there's so much to choose from!

But the island is more than just its landscapes: here, the atmosphere is festive! Reggaeton fills the air, mingling with salsa and calypso rhythms. The locals dance, celebrate, and embrace life.

And tonight is our last night together… so we're bringing out all the stops: energy, joy, music, emotions – and making the most of every moment of this incredible adventure!

Check-out and goodbye

It's time to say goodbye… but if your flight is in the evening – yes, this is a little nudge to encourage you to take it as late as possible 🙂 – we'll still have some time to enjoy the city one last time… or why not experience one last moment of carnival, local atmosphere guaranteed!