Colombia, a gem in the heart of South America, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for those embarking on Colombia-guided tours. Known for its lush landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality, Colombia presents a vibrant mix of modern cities, colonial charm, and natural wonders. Tours to Colombia take you through diverse environments - from the Andean peaks to Caribbean beaches and from the Amazon rainforest to the rolling coffee plantations. The country's tumultuous history and resilient spirit shine through in its art, music, and festivals, making touring Colombia an enriching experience. Whether it's exploring the historic streets of Cartagena, hiking in the Cocora Valley, or dancing to the rhythms of salsa, Colombia's diverse appeal makes it a captivating destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With tour operator volume buys plus our low everyday prices you can save up to 40% versus assembling the same itinerary on your own! Book your Colombia tour today with AffordableTours.com, your discounted tour headquarters. View Colombia Tour Deals and Discounts
Colombia Travel GuideTour Itinerary | Days | Operator | Quality | Style | Starts | Ends | Price | |||||
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Colombia Journey 3 reviews | 09 Days | National Geographic | Escorted | 3 - Explorer | 12+ years old | 15 | Bogota | Cartagena | Colombia | -9% From: $3,399 $3,099You Save: $300 View Tour Best Low Guaranteed Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
Caribbean Colombia Express 3 reviews | 08 Days | G Adventures | Escorted | 3 - Explorer | 12+ years old | 16 | Cartagena | Santa Marta | Colombia | -36% From: $2,449 $1,574You Save: $875 View Tour Best Low Guaranteed Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
11 Day Kaleidoscope of Colombia 12 reviews | 11 Days | Gate1 | Escorted | Bogota | Cartagena | Colombia | $2,099View Tour Best Low Guaranteed Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | ||||
Explore Colombia | 10 Days | Intrepid | Guided/Hosted | 3 - Explorer | 15+ years old | 12 | Cartagena | Bogota | Colombia | -33% From: $3,115 $2,079You Save: $1,036 View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
Cafe Colombia 2 reviews | 09 Days | Intrepid | Guided/Hosted | 3 - Explorer | 15+ years old | 12 | Bogota | Cartagena | Colombia | -14% From: $3,070 $2,641You Save: $429 View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
Best of Colombia | 19 Days | Intrepid | Escorted | 2 - Classic | 15+ years old | 12 | Bogota | Bogota | Colombia | -12% From: $5,980 $5,275You Save: $705 View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary | |
Real Colombia | 12 Days | Intrepid | Escorted | 2 - Classic | 18 - 29 years old | 16 | Bogota | Cartagena | Colombia | -25% From: $2,090 $1,564You Save: $526 View Tour Book With Flexibility | View Itinerary |
Colombia Travel Guide
Colombia Tours Highlights
Colombia, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty, is home to numerous iconic sites and attractions that are essential to any Colombia guided tour. These destinations range from historical landmarks to natural wonders, each offering a unique insight into the country's diverse character.
The Coffee Cultural Landscape: Colombia's coffee region, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a breathtaking landscape of rolling hills and coffee plantations. Here, on tours to Colombia, visitors can learn about the coffee production process, from bean to cup, and enjoy some of the world's best coffee. The region's picturesque towns, like Salento, also offer a glimpse into rural Colombian life.
Medellín and the Transformation Story: Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has transformed into a vibrant and innovative city. Touring Colombia often includes a visit to Medellín to witness its urban transformation, including innovative public transportation systems like the Metrocable and cultural attractions like the Botero Plaza.
The Lost City (Ciudad Perdida): For the adventurous, trekking to the Lost City in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a highlight of Colombia guided tours. This ancient archaeological site, older than Machu Picchu, is accessible only by a multi-day hike through lush jungle, offering an unforgettable experience.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Close to Bogotá, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground church built within a salt mine, is a marvel of engineering and religious art. Visiting this unique attraction adds a spiritual and artistic dimension to touring Colombia.
Cartagena's Historic Walled City: The historic walled city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of tours to Colombia. This beautifully preserved colonial city is known for its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant cultural scene. Exploring Cartagena's old town, with its charming plazas, churches, and museums, is like stepping back in time and is a must-do on any tour of Colombia.
Amazon Rainforest: One of the highlights of touring Colombia is the Amazon Rainforest, where guided tours delve into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Here, visitors can embark on river cruises, jungle hikes, and bird-watching excursions, experiencing the unparalleled beauty of this vast wilderness.
The Tayrona National Park: Colombia's Caribbean coast is another must-visit for those seeking outdoor activities. The Tayrona National Park, with its stunning beaches and coastal lagoons, is perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and hiking. The park's rich flora and fauna add to the allure of Colombia guided tours.
Colombia Tours Travel Tips
- Language plays a crucial role in Colombian culture, with Spanish being the predominant language. However, numerous indigenous languages are still spoken, highlighting the country's diverse ethnic makeup. Colombia guided tours often provide opportunities to interact with local communities, offering a deeper understanding of these linguistic and cultural traditions.
- Colombian customs and traditions are deeply influenced by its regional diversity. Each region has its unique customs, crafts, and traditions. This diversity is celebrated in the country's art, literature, and way of life, making exploring Colombian culture an enriching part of any travel experience.
- Colombia guided tours often include interactions with local communities, providing authentic experiences that are not always accessible to independent travelers. These interactions are not just culturally enriching but also support local economies.
- Coffee lovers will revel in visiting the coffee plantations, where they can taste some of the world's best coffee right at the source. Moreover, every region in Colombia has its unique culinary specialties, making dining an integral part of touring the country.
- Most street vendors and local attractions only accept cash, so always carry some Colombian pesos with you.
- Music and dance are integral to Colombian culture, with styles like Cumbia and Vallenato having roots in both African and indigenous rhythms. The Salsa culture, particularly in cities like Cali, is renowned worldwide. Touring Colombia often includes experiencing these musical traditions, either at local festivals or vibrant city nightlife. The Carnival of Barranquilla, one of the largest in the world, is a spectacular event featuring parades, music, and dance, showcasing the country's unique culture. Other festivals, such as the Flower Festival in Medellín and the Ibero-American Theater Festival in Bogotá, are also significant cultural highlights on tours to Colombia.
- For hiking enthusiasts, Colombia's Andean region offers some of the best hiking trails in South America. The trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) is a popular choice on tours to Colombia, offering a challenging yet rewarding journey through scenic landscapes and ancient archaeological sites.
- A staple of Colombian cuisine is the Arepa, a versatile corn cake that accompanies many meals. On tours to Colombia, you'll also encounter Bandeja Paisa, a hearty dish featuring beans, rice, pork, and avocado, showcasing the country's love for robust flavors. For soup lovers, Ajiaco, a chicken and potato soup with a touch of guasca herb, is a must-try.
- Colombia's coastal regions offer exquisite seafood dishes, while the Andean highlands present rich, comforting stews and roasted meats. Touring Colombia also means indulging in fresh tropical fruits, often found in local markets.
- The convenience and safety of escorted tours are unmatched. All logistical aspects, including transportation, accommodation, and entry to attractions, are handled by the tour, allowing you to travel stress-free. This organization is particularly beneficial in a country as diverse and vast as Colombia.
Colombia Tours Things To Do
- Take a walking tour around La Candelaria to learn about the rich history of Bogotá
La Candelaria is the most popular tourist area in Bogotá, a historical neighborhood in downtown. It's a place to discover Colombia's culture and history – it's characterized by Spanish colonial-style architecture where you'll find many of the top local sightseeing destinations. Take a walk down the cobblestone street of Calle del Embudo, lined with colorful buildings and graffiti, or visit some cultural venues like Botero Museum, Gold Museum, and Luis Angel Arango Library.
You Should Know
Walking tours are the best way to experience La Candelaria not only to see the sights but learn a lot about the city's history. - Start your sightseeing journey in Plaza Bolivar to explore the center of Colombia’s capital
Plaza Bolivar is a must-visit attraction in Bogotá. It's the main square in the capital and one of the most popular gathering places. It's a place for sightseeing, people watching, or enjoying the local atmosphere. The square was established in the 16th Century as a public gathering space for entertainment and public markets. It was renamed in the 19th Century and now prominently features a Simón Bolívar statue in the center.
You Should Know
Many notable buildings surround Plaza Bolivar, including the oldest cathedral in Colombia, Liévano Palace, Palace of Justice, and the National Capitol. It's an excellent place for photography to capture the large plaza.Best Time To Visit
Visit Plaza Bolivar during the day when there's lots of activity going on. It's a popular tourist destination where you'll see street performers, vendors, and more. It's also a fun place to be during the holidays when the plaza showcases holiday decorations and events. - Ride to the top of Monserrate for views overlooking all of Bogotá
For the best viewpoint in Bogotá, visit Monserrate, a mountain overlooking the capital. The mountain is visible from all around Bogotá but ascending to the top reveals the scale of the city. Monserrate has an elevation of over 3,000 meters. It features a famous 17th Century white church at the summit and various restaurants and souvenir vendors to support the peak's tourism. It's open daily to ride (or hike) to the top to see the incredible views. The neighboring Guadalupe Hill is visible in the distance to see the Our Lady of Guadalupe statue. The hilltop is another frequently visited destination.
You Should Know
There are several ways to reach the top of Monserrate. Visitors can ride to the top in the cable car or funicular. There is also a hiking trail established, which extends over 2km – it's most popular for pilgrimages to the church.Best Time To Visit
Bogotá frequently has overcasts, so try to plan your visit on a clear day for the best views. Many people like to go to see the sunset. - Taste the best coffee in the world grown locally in the Coffee Triangle
Colombia is famous for its coffee – considered by some to be the world's best. The strong and fresh tasting coffee comes from the Coffee Triangle, the primary coffee-growing region. If you're a fan of coffee or want to experience a rural side of Colombia, you'll greatly enjoy the region. Coffee Triangle is a region known to have the best coffee-growing conditions in the world. Various coffee production farms are dotted throughout the region, which welcomes tourists to immerse themselves in the world of coffee.
You Should Know
There are several destinations outside of the major cities in the region to explore. Visit the Colombian National Coffee Park – an amusement park with more than two dozen rides, visit the Museum of Culture Coffee to see the coffee production process from start to finish – and even taste some of the freshly produced coffee. - Explore Comuna 13 to see some of the best graffiti artworks in Medellin
The graffiti-covered streets of Comuna 13 make it one of the most visited areas in Medellin. The community emerged from a dark past to now serve as a destination for tourists to learn more about Colombia's beauty and transformation. Campo Valdez was once Medellín's most dangerous neighborhood. Within a few years, it was completely transformed into a tourist hotspot to see the colorful graffiti covering the walls and buildings, exploring the local cafes and galleries, and watching street performers.
You Should Know
Comuna 13 is very tourist-friendly – feel free to interact with the locals to learn about the neighborhood's history and how it came to be what it is today. You can access Comuna 13 by the airlift and navigate the neighborhood via electrical staircases. It has a high elevation, so it provides incredible views of the city. - Enjoy the scenic views from atop La Piedra in Guatapé
La Piedra, which translates to rock, is a national monument in Colombia and a popular day trip destination from Medellín. There's a long-lasting dispute over who can claim the rock – it's located on the border of Guatapé and Peñol - but one thing for sure is that it's the main driver for tourists to the area. La Piedra appears to protrude from the Earth at more than 200 meters above the ground. Visitors can climb the 649 steps of the zig-zagged staircase to reach the observation site at the summit. It provides incredible views of the reservoir and small islands within it. It also has a viewing tower for an even better view and a store.
You Should Know
While La Piedra is a favorite tourist spot, don't forget to check out the town of Guatapé. It's a beautiful small town to look at traditional Colombia. The colorful buildings are great for shopping souvenirs or tasting a delicious bandeja paisa meal after your climb. - Step inside the old city walls in Cartagena to find unique shopping boutiques and restaurants
Cartagena's Old City is the most charming part of the city, where most tourists visualize the coastal destination. Old City is the main downtown district filled with colorful colonial architecture and balconies overlooking the narrow streets. It's a cultural hub and romantic area for discovering Cartagena. The old city wall remains, which surrounds the entire old city. Visitors can climb onto the wall to enjoy stunning views of the ocean and Modern Cartagena. Explore some of the popular attractions like Puerta del Reloj, the main gate entering the old city; Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a massive fortress; or some of the numerous museums, galleries, and boutique shops lining the streets.
You Should Know
Old City is a popular place to stay in Cartagena to access historical attractions and the beaches.Best Time To Visit
You can visit the Old City at any time! In the day, it's a bustling tourist area where you'll see lots of local tours and street vendors selling food or souvenirs. At night, it becomes a vibrant nightlife area with lots of bars and clubs to check out. - Spend the day hiking to the picturesque Cabo San Juan in the Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is the second-most visited national park in Colombia. It runs along the Caribbean coast, established in 1969 for protecting one of the country's most biodiverse regions. It's the perfect outdoor adventure for sightseeing, recreation, and relaxing on the beach. The park covers approximately 150 square kilometers of land and 30 square kilometers of sea. There are more than 100 animal species, 300 bird species, and hundreds of marine life creatures. Cabo San Juan and La Piscina are two of the most popular points of interest in the park, where tourists can follow hiking trails leading to them. Camping is also permitted in the park.
You Should Know
All visitors must undergo an onsite medical screening check before entering the park in case of bug bites, allergies, or injury.Best Time To Visit
Be sure to arrive at the park early to have enough time to explore. It takes at least three hours to hike to the beach and will take the same hiking back to the entrance before it closes. You can opt for a return trip on a boat or via horseback ride.
Colombia Tour Packages
Any time of the year is a great time to visit Colombia, but keep in mind that its diverse landscape and unique position give it quite a varied climate in different regions. Colombia has two main seasons – the dry season and the rainy season. While the weather fluctuates depend on where you travel, it's a general rule of thumb to remember. Colombia is cooler in the higher elevations, like in Bogotá, and hotter in the northern coastal destinations like Cartagena.
- Dry Season – December to March, July to Sept – Best Season
For the Andean region and the coffee areas, the dry season from December to March and July to August is ideal. This period offers clear skies and pleasant temperatures, perfect for hiking and exploring the highlands. The Caribbean coast is best visited during the dry season from December to April, offering sunny days and calm seas for beach activities and coastal exploration.
- Rainy Season – April and May, October and November – Low season
The rainy season is when you'll be able to find lower rates for traveling to Colombia. The rainy season is characterized by daily rain showers, although the rain only lasts for a few hours, so you can still make the most of your trip if you're traveling at this time. The rainforest region tends to always be rainy, so it shouldn't be a factor when planning your trip.
- Are You Ready to Tour Colombia
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant landscapes and rich culture of Colombia? Colombia guided tours offer an immersive experience in a land of rhythmic music, diverse landscapes, and warm hospitality. From exploring historical cities and lush coffee plantations to indulging in exquisite local cuisine and experiencing lively festivals, touring Colombia promises a wealth of experiences. So, pack your bags and prepare to be captivated by the beauty and spirit of this remarkable South American destination.
Colombia Tours Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Colombia Tours?
Colombia tours offer the best travel to Colombia with tours visiting top destinations. Pick a tour to discover the incredible South American destination for immersive experiences in the culture, history, and natural beauty. Colombia is a combination of major metropolises and pure nature – the tours take travelers to see it all!
- Where do Colombia Tours go?
Colombia tours take visitors to the best tourist destinations for getting to know authentic Colombia. Visit the capital, Bogotá, to see the famous Plaza Botero or views from Monserrate. Travel to Medellin to explore the artfully decorated neighborhood of Comuna 13 or take a day trip to La Piedra rock attraction. Take a trip to the Caribbean coastal city of Cartagena to explore the historic Old City or relax on the world's most scenic beaches.
- Is it safe to travel to Colombia?
Many people hesitate to travel to Colombia because of its reputation, but Colombia has experienced a significant revival into one of the world's most fun travel destinations. There are still areas of caution, especially in the big cities, but use good judgment, and you'll be accompanied by local guides to show you how to have a fun, safe trip to Colombia.
- How much do Colombia Tours cost?
Colombia is a very budget-friendly travel destination with options ranging from luxury travel to backpacking. You can find five-day tours traveling to multiple cities for less than $500 USD if you're looking for a vast experience, or spend more time in each destination to connect with the locals. Colombia Tours are designed to fit all budgets with the best prices online!
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