Tour info

About Our Group Tours

To find out more about how our group tours including group sizes, solo travellers and why to choose us. Please click here.

Tour Leader

On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start to finish by one of our exceptional Journey Latin America tour leaders. From the moment you land in Latin America until the day the tour ends they will deal with all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the circumstances and individual needs of the group. Rather than different guides in different cities, your leader will get to know the group and keep you informed and entertained as you go.

Summary Of Nights

15 days, 14 nights: Bogotá 2 (or 2 with check-in on arrival if flying overnight from the UK); Villa de Leyva 2; Coffee region 3; Medellín 3; Cartagena 3.

Accommodation

On this journey we use mid-range and upper mid-range hotels and lodges.

Examples of hotels on the Chachalaca include:

• Bogota: Artisan DC
• Villa de Leyva: Posada San Antonio
• Coffee region: Estrella de Monte
• Medellin: Park 10
• Cartagena: Bastión Luxury Hotel

On very rare occasions these hotels can change, however please speak to one of our consultants who can provide full details for each departure if you have any doubts. Address and contact details will be sent out with your final documents.

Transport

2 flights (longest 1.5hrs); 4 road journeys (longest 7-8hrs with stops for drinks and lunch) all done by private vehicle.

Meals

Breakfast daily.

Optional Excursions

On this tour the price includes excursions in all the places you visit as per the itinerary. There will however likely be some free time when you may choose to take part in an optional excursion. These are booked locally through your tour leader once you are in Latin America, however we are more than happy to advise you of what is on offer in advance of your holiday so you can best plan the excursions that suit you.

Travelling Alone

There is no extra cost for single travellers who are willing to share a room. You will be accommodated with a same-sex member of the group who is usually also travelling solo. For single travellers who wish to be sure of having their own room there are a limited number of single supplement places available, which carry a surcharge.

Altitude

Several days are spent at high altitude (over 2,500m). You may notice the effect of high altitude; symptoms vary: most common are mild headaches and breathlessness. If you drink plenty of water and allow your body to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, you will minimise your chances of being adversely affected.

Climate

The dry season in Colombia is from December until March and then June to September and temperatures during this period average around 30°C, although are more or less consistent throughout the year. Bogotá, and towns in the coffee growing region have a spring like climate and can be chilly at night. Cartagena and the Caribbean coast are hot throughout the year, with rainy seasons typically in April, May, October and November.

Clothing, Equipment and Luggage

Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, comfortable walking shoes. Warm items and a good waterproof jacket are also necessary for all departures.

Protection against the sun (sun block, sun hat) and mosquito repellent are essential and you should bring swimwear. A day pack is essential for carrying rain-wear, snacks, books/tablet and a water bottle.

Money

Please see the Country Info tab on this holiday for our latest currency information and advice about how to take your spending money. Tipping in Latin America is almost always done using cash. It is customary to tip tour leaders, local guides, drivers, boat crews and other service providers such as restaurant staff and porters. Full tipping guidelines are sent with your confirmation documents as is advice on local costs.

Health, Entry Requirements and Insurance

For health information on travelling to Colombia including recommended vaccinations, please see https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/

All Latin American countries have specific entry regulations related to Covid 19. Please also check our Travel Hub for further information.

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports should be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Other nationalities should enquire with us or check with the consulates.

Travel insurance is essential. Details of our recommended policy can be found on the Travel insurance website.

Our full briefing dossier contains more information on vaccinations, visas and insurance and will be provided with your final travel documents or can be requested from your travel consultant at any time.

 

Country info

When is the best time to visit Colombia?

The country is an all-year destination. The highlands have a permanent spring-like climate. The Caribbean coast is mostly dry and hot with plenty of sun, at its driest Dec-Mar. The Amazon jungle is hot and humid all year. Beach resorts can be very crowded at weekends, national holidays and Dec-Feb.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

What is the official language in Colombia?

The official language in Colombia is Spanish.

What is the official currency in Colombia?

The official currency of Colombia is the Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).

What is the time difference between Colombia and UK?

The time difference between the UK and Colombia is GMT -5 hours.

Do I need a visa for Colombia?

Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.

What vaccinations do I need for Colombia?

Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.

What places combine well with Colombia?

A trip to Colombia combines brilliantly with many destinations in Central and South America, due to great flight connections from Bogota. Some of the most popular combinations include Peru, Ecuador and Panama.

What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Colombia?

Hay Festival take place in January in Cartagena. An offshoot of the famous literary festival in Hay-on-Wye, it attracts Latin American and international writers and intellectuals of international renown.

Carnival takes place countrywide in Feb-Mar. The most famous and extravagant carnival takes place in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, with frenetic dancing and parades of revellers wearing extravagant costumes.

Easter (Holy Week) is also celebrated countrywide in Mar-Apr: Many Colombians spend this week away at beaches and other popular destinations.

The Flower Fair takes place on Medellin in August. This is a sumptuous floral celebration with displays of artistic creativity.

International Jazz Festival happens in Bogota in September. World renowned artists will perform in front of thousands of jazz enthusiasts.