bogota
bogota city
cartagena

In just twelve days, you'll experience the cosmopolitan cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena and contrasting quaint colonial towns and coffee plantations. Explore the remote beach of Nuqui on the Pacific, and the Rosario Islands archipelago within a National Park in the Caribbean.

Colombia is the only South American country with both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Its enterprising people are famed for their music, footballers, fruit and coffee. The legendary Magdalena River runs vertically from the south, between two Andes mountain ranges towards the Caribbean Sea. Islands near and far are visited by those seeking tranquil white sands. Famous cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena are complemented by many smaller towns with charming colonial histories. Colombia has also developed its eco/agro tourism, where local guides share rural customs in their authentic context.

Highlights

Bogota, Medellin, The Pacific Coast, Cartagena, the Caribbean Coast

In just twelve days, you'll experience the cosmopolitan cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena and contrasting quaint colonial towns and coffee plantations. Explore the remote beach of Nuqui on the Pacific, and the Rosario Islands archipelago within a National Park in the Caribbean.

Colombia is the only South American country with both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Its enterprising people are famed for their music, footballers, fruit and coffee. The legendary Magdalena River runs vertically from the south, between two Andes mountain ranges towards the Caribbean Sea. Islands near and far are visited by those seeking tranquil white sands. Famous cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena are complemented by many smaller towns with charming colonial histories. Colombia has also developed its eco/agro tourism, where local guides share rural customs in their authentic context.

Highlights

Bogota, Medellin, The Pacific Coast, Cartagena, the Caribbean Coast

bogota
bogota city
cartagena

Colombia’s Vibrant Cities, Coffee Estates & Pristine Beaches Itineraries

bogota

Arrival to Bogota (overnight: Bogota)

AM: Today you will arrive to the capital of Colombia: Bogota City. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your selected hotel in Bogota. Be aware of the sign with your name on it.

AM: Bogotá is a big city with over 8 million people that has 2 different faces for tourism. The old Candelaria Historic District is blessed with colonial houses and very close to government buildings and the modern Bogotá to the north where tourists will find all sort of shops, restaurant and bars surrounded by brick constructions all over.

Today you get to know the Colombian capital Bogotá in a 4-hour walking tour with an English speaking guide. You will get to know Bogota's historical center called "La Candelaria" and its impressive churches, the Governmental palace and the main square "Plaza Bolívar". Bogotá is an inspiring city which has something new to explore every single day. 2010 the capital was chosen as a must see destination by the renowned daily newspaper New York Times. Experience a city with various offers in art, culture, recreation, sport and science.

Bogota has 19 districts and each of these districts has a public market, however, Bogotá currently has more than 44 public and private markets. In Colombian culture these spots play a key role because they are a cultural, gastronomic, social, political and commercial meeting point. There you will get to know how vibrant and diverse the Colombian culture is.

Today you will visit a traditional market in Bogotá where you will find a large array of fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, cheeses and flowers, among other products and ingredients. You will taste delicious and exotic fruits. Colombia is a country with wide diversity of exotic fruits and typical snacks, so let yourself be amazed by the variety of colors, flavors and smells that you will find scrolling through the market.

Eat as a "Cachaco" and do it by yourself, discover the flavors and scents that identify Colombia's capital. In this tour you will learn how to cook step by step with all its ingredients and techniques one recipe between the traditional Ajiaco Santafereño, Amasijos, Tamal or typical desserts.

AM: Today you will have your trip from Bogota to Medellin, you shall have a private transfer from your hotel to the airport in Bogotá. Then, you will have a domestic flight from Bogota to Medellin. Once you arrive, you will have a private transfer from the José Maria Córdova airport to your selected hotel in Medellin.

AM: Slightly more than 20 years ago, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90´s, hunting on Pablo Escobar, the head of Medellin's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus the reign of “El Patrón” came to its end. Until the turn of the millennium the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education - successfully. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Join us on an exciting tour through the history and present of Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis.

AM: Today you will have your trip to Nuqui; a unique experience in the tropical Pacific Coast! You will have a private transfer from your hotel to the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport in Medellin.

Nuquí is located in the Department of Chocó in the Gulf of Tribugá, a strategic place to watch whales with its warm and calm waters. Free from strong currents and high traffic of boats make this place a haven for the mothers with their newborn babies. You will be picked up at the airport in Nuquí and from there you will take a boat transfer along the coast, to the El Cantil Ecolodge. The journey lasts approximately 35 minutes. Once in El Cantil, you can settle in and enjoy your first day in this paradise on the Colombian Pacific Coast.

AM: Today you will leave by boat on a tour to observe the immensity of the Pacific Ocean and watch the impressive whales that visit Nuquí. Between the months of June and October the whales travel from the cold waters of the Antarctic to south of America, and finally to the warm and calm waters of the Colombian Pacific to mate and have their offspring.

The whales can be seen at a minimum distance of 200 meters from the boat, in order not to invade their space and also to provide greater security to the viewer, although the humps are very tame and sometimes friendly. In Nuquí, internationally recommended practices of responsible sighting are followed. Sometimes it is the whales that approach the boats, the ideal moment to take an incredible photo.

AM: Today after a wonderful accommodation in Nuqui, you’ll have your trip back to Medellin. You will have a transfer out from the hotel to the airport in Nuqui. Your will have a domestic flight from Nuqui to Medellin .You will have a private transfer from the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport to your selected hotel in Medellin.

AM: A scenic ride through the lush green mountains takes you into the coffee growing region of Antioquia's Southwest. On the way to Jardín you will see the brightly painted “Chivas” (the traditional public buses of the region) at the square in the small town of Andes. The village tour starts at the museum Clara Rojas, where the history of the region comes to life. After tasting the award-winning sweets of Doña Mariela, a traditional cable car takes you to the other side of the valley and you enjoy a nice walk back to the village center. English speaking guide included during the excursion.

AM: At the coffee farm “Los Angeles” you learn more about coffee. Here you can observe and will be explained the whole process from the cultivation of coffee plants to your cup of coffee. The farm is situated in an idyllic unique location and offers spectacular views over the endless green hills of the coffee zone of Antioquia.

In the afternoon you will return to Medellín, and then take your domestic flight to Cartagena. Once in Cartagena you shall go on a walking tour and street food tour. What you can know about Cartagena is that its colorful streets are made a walk, explore the walled city with your personal guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present when visiting monuments such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia´s statue, the city’s founder as well as other parts of the historic center such as parks and squares, where you will be able to appreciate beautiful houses with republican and colonial styles, among others. During the walk, you may notice many influences – Romanesque, Moorish, colonial, military, Arabic, Spanish and North American that have given shape to Cartagena.

Behind the walls of Cartagena de Indias you will found centuries of history, culture and flavors, as a result of the fusion between African, Spanish and native people that met in this region during the Spanish colony. In this tour you will enjoy 7 street foods original recipes that has inspired the new Colombian cuisine.

AM: Today will be a relaxation and adventure day, you’ll go on a day tour to Islas del Rosario. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the harbor to take your speed boat that shall transfer you in the morning and afternoon on your way back.

The Rosario Islands are located approximately 40km (approx. 1 hour by boat), south-west of Cartagena. They consist of 27 islands with 20 hectares of coral reefs. Explore the impressive, beautiful landscapes of the Rosario Islands with their clear waters, gentle breezes, and maritime life such as dolphins. Today, the entire surrounding area, including the Islas de Barú and the Islas de San Bernardo, are officially protected sites. During this day trip on the Majagua Island you will have enough time to explore the beautiful nature and relax on the beach. There you will also be served a typical lunch. In the afternoon you will return to Cartagena.

AM: Today you will visit the African corner of Colombia! In 1603, America’s first liberated village was founded by Benkos Biohó, an escaped slave who hid with 36 other men and women. Until the sixties, there were no infrastructures which connected San Basilio de Palenque to any other main road in Colombia. This is why the creole language of Palenquero (which is not spoken anywhere else in the world) has been able to be preserved. The small village was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its fascinating history, but most of all because it is the place where many Afro- Colombian styles of music and dance find their origin.

From Cartagena, it will take us about 1.5 hours to arrive at San Basilio de Palenque where we will meet our local tour guide, a Palenquero. We will explore the village and cultural center where we will learn about the rich history of Palenque. If you want, you will be able to witness why the Palenqueros are so admired for their rhythms and dances and why San Basilio is the center of Afro-Colombian music (dance performance not included in the package). We will then be served a typical Palenque dish for lunch -Palenque’s cuisine has actually been recognized as one of the best in an international competition- and after lunch we will return back to Cartagena.

Important information:

In Palenque it could be warmer than in Cartagena: Wear an adequate amount of sunscreen, such as hats and sunscreen during the tour. Drink an adequate amount of water Ask permission before taking photos of the locals (the photo is an international word)

AM: Today after having a delicious breakfast, you shall be transferred to take your international flight back home. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Cartagena’s Airport.

Price per person

Double

USD$ 3810

Included in the price

  • 12 Days – 11 Nights Tour in Colombia
  • Visit of the cities of: Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena (and surroundings)
  • Visit to the islands: Islas del Rosario
  • Hotel accommodations in double room in 4 Star Hotels
  • Meals as described in the itinerary
  • Daily Tours as described in the itinerary
  • All transfers described in the itinerary
  • Entrances fees and tickets to museums or similar
  • Transfers with a Spanish speaking driver
  • Tours with an English speaking guide
  • Domestic Flight: Medellin – Nuqui – Medellin (Round Trip)
  • Domestic Flight: Bogota – Medellin (One Way)
  • Domestic Flight: Medellin Cartagena (One Way)
  • Assistance 24/7 by our work team

Not included in the price

  • Excursions and meals not mentioned in the program
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses
  • International flights
  • Travel Insurance

back cafeok1
atacama

Your Trip Begins Here

Interested in more information about any particular South American destination or trip?

Simply let us know your interests or question, and one of our travel experts will be more than happy to assist you -- at no charge, of course!

Plan your trip (Top)

Colombia’s Vibrant Cities, Coffee Estates & Pristine Beaches Gallery

Welcome to the "Colombia’s Vibrant Cities, Coffee Estates & Pristine Beaches" photo section! Here you can explore the beauty and charm of this incredible destination through a selection of stunning images. Let yourself be inspired by the natural and cultural wealth of Colombia’s Vibrant Cities, Coffee Estates & Pristine Beaches, and start dreaming about your next adventure in this hidden paradise.

Best Destinations of the Season

Discover the season’s best South America destinations with Surtrek — from the iconic Galapagos Islands to the immersive Amazon Rainforest. Explore top wildlife encounters, eco-adventures, and expert-curated travel experiences for an unforgettable journey.

Alto Atacama

4D / 3N

Nestled in a serene valley, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa blends seamlessly with its terra...

Atacama Desert, Valley Inca Trek, Petroglyphs, Excursion, Devil’s Throat

from

US$ 1,950

Discover

Awasi Atacama

4D / 3N

Awasi is a premier hotel in Chile’s Atacama region, renowned for its exceptional service and immersi...

Chile, San Pedro de Atacama, Highland Salt Flats, Hike, Lake Mountain Bikin

from

US$ 3,000

Discover

Skorpios II & The Chonos Route

6D / 5N

The 6-day/5-night Skorpios II cruise takes you through Chile’s northern Patagonia, covering 80...

Puerto Montt, Corcovado Gulf, Puerto Aguirre Island, Punta Pescadores, San

from

US$ 1,500

Discover

Alto Atacama

4D / 3N

Nestled in a serene valley, the Alto Atacama Desert Lodge & Spa blends seamlessly with its terra...

Atacama Desert, Valley Inca Trek, Petroglyphs, Excursion, Devil’s Throat

from

US$ 1,950

Discover

Awasi Atacama

4D / 3N

Awasi is a premier hotel in Chile’s Atacama region, renowned for its exceptional service and immersi...

Chile, San Pedro de Atacama, Highland Salt Flats, Hike, Lake Mountain Bikin

from

US$ 3,000

Discover

Skorpios II & The Chonos Route

6D / 5N

The 6-day/5-night Skorpios II cruise takes you through Chile’s northern Patagonia, covering 80...

Puerto Montt, Corcovado Gulf, Puerto Aguirre Island, Punta Pescadores, San

from

US$ 1,500

Discover

What Our Travelers Say About Us

Read verified reviews from travelers who have explored South America with us on Tripadvisor. Discover why our personalized journeys earn outstanding ratings.

Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Nicole C profile picture
Nicole C
24 Junio 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Wonderful trip We were so taken care of by Surtrek on a recent family trip to Equador and the Galapagos (travelers ages 8-77). Our Surtrek guide Maite worked with us to design a trip that focused on the items we wanted to be sure to see, and our timeframe and budget. Local guides and the boat tour she outsourced were wonderful. We felt so comfortable every step of the way for what would have otherwise been confusing travel. We definitely would recommend this company to others!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Journey12963557311 profile picture
Journey12963557311
25 Febrero 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Unforgettable sensitive experience. Excellent!!!An unforgettable journey accompanied by the cordiality and professionalism of the company.Highly recommended, willing to repeat!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Edgardo Marcelo M profile picture
Edgardo Marcelo M
25 Febrero 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Beautiful experience. Wonderful places. Very well explained by guides of admirable training. All very well. There are no details to improve. The absolute good disposition and kindness were unbeatable. Makes you want to return soon
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Elsa M profile picture
Elsa M
25 Febrero 2025
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
A dream trip The views was amazing. I took a lot of photos. Never seen animals, dream landscapes, amazing sea color. Luxury hotels, in Isabela by the beach, just steps from my room!!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Nick V profile picture
Nick V
17 Diciembre 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Ultimate fun, minimized hassles, amazing tour operation and travel agency I've had several people ask me what the highlight of our Quito, Ecuador and Galapagos Islands trip was, and frankly it's hard to pinpoint anyone thing so I tend to tell them: all 8 days! Our trip started with being greeted and picked up by our amazing travel agent, Maite. She was delightful from start to finish. Easy to communicate with via email, phone, and whatsapp. Maite consistently made sure we had what we needed. Surtrek supplied our driver, Christian, and our tour guide in Quito, Juan. Christian was a great driver. He knew the roads inside and out and we always felt safe. Juan probably knows everything about Ecuador -- and interestingly also Chicago! The time in Quito was fabulous. We enjoyed seeing the sites of the city and the cloud forest nearby. We ate delicious food and really had a treat with great weather. Maite and Christian got us to the airport for our trip to Galapagos and made sure we were smoothly through security. I've never had such personal service!Our time on the Horizon was fabulous. The staff onboard were top to bottom great. From the tour coordinator to the housekeeping to the culinary to the guide and of course the folks who drove the dinghys that got us to and from every activity. The food was top knotch with a lot of variety. The activities were fun and not overly strenuous, but also not lethargic. A nice balance.I was pleasantly surprised that in November there were no bugs, so no need for bug spray. Of course plenty of need for sun screen still! But the temps were great. High 70's and low 80's Fahrenheit. We saw basically everything in the Galapagos: penguins, blue and red footed boobies, frigate birds, owl, land and marine iguanas, sea lions everywhere, and of course the giant tortoises! During snorkeling we had [small and hammerhead] sharks in the water with us, sea lions in the water, schools of brilliant fish, and 1 amazing encounter with a sea turtle only feet away from my mask. It was breathtaking. Some folks say later in the summer is the best time because the water is clearer, but in our case the water was still quite clear and the animals were much closer to the surface, so it worked great. And the crew provided us with wet suits, so that helped with buoyancy and with warmth. After Galapagos we were shocked to have Maite and Christian back with us at the airport. We expected since our planned activities with Surtrek were done that we wouldn't see them again, but no they were there to meet us again and make sure we transited to our final hotel for a few hours sleep before the final trip home. It was a very pleasant surprise, and frankly just made it so much simpler than being "on our own".The coffee, the chocolate, the hummingbird sanctuary, all the beautiful sites. Dessert all the time. Just a really great trip!I'd go back to Ecuador in a heartbeat, and Surtrek is absolutely how I'd organize my trip to make it hassle free!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
TravelerPatch profile picture
TravelerPatch
20 Noviembre 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Oh, were there to be Six Stars to give! My friend and I were looking to do a boat-based Galapagos trip, as well as a few days in and around Quito. Normally, I don't much use tour companies, preferring to plan the trip mostly on my own. However, for a few reasons, and after some research, we ended up working with Maite at Surtrek to plan this trip. It was, simply, fantastic.From the start (and all the various questions over email) to the end (meeting us at the airport as we were headed back to the U.S., Surtrek (and, specially, Maite - and our guide, Juan and driver, Christian) was 100% top-notch, full recommend, no-doubt-about-it wonderful.Assuming you can book a flight to and from Quito, the rest you will not have to worry about one bit. They will work with you to tailor a trip exactly to your liking (we had a grand time doing just what we hoped to do) and, while on that trip, you'll have a blast. The enthusiasm and passion with which Juan lead the tours was unsurpassed. Christian was a great driver and, also, such fun. Maite was a true joy with which to work.I know this sounds a bit over the top, but it's also accurate. I fully recommend - trust me - you won't be disappointed.
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Laura M profile picture
Laura M
9 Noviembre 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Galapagos, Machu Picchu, and Easter Island! Everything about this trip was absolutely amazing. Surtrek arranged and organized everything for us - it was one of the best travel experiences we've had. We had guides and drivers who took very good care of us and made sure we got to see and do absolutely everything. I would HIGHLY recommend Surtrek for any South American travels!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Sangeetha M profile picture
Sangeetha M
21 Octubre 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Amazing honeymoon trip to the Galapagos! We loved our trip with Surtrek! We worked closely with Fernando to plan our honeymoon to the Galapagos. We didn't know exactly what we wanted to do; whether it was a cruise or a land tour. But, we knew we needed to plan it relatively soon or the opportunity would slip through the cracks as we got busy with work travel and the holiday season that was approaching. Fernando provided several options to choose from with a combination of cruise and land options; all within our budget. He provided his insight and suggestions along the way, which was much appreciated! We ultimately chose a 7-day, 6-night luxury yacht with an additional 3 nights on the island to explore by ourselves. It took a little more than a week from the time I contacted Surtrek to the time we finalized/booked the trip, There was always someone to guide us every step of the way, which was also appreciated as neither of us spoke Spanish. All the logistics worked out perfectly. 10/10 would recommend!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Donalyn R profile picture
Donalyn R
28 Septiembre 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
The trip of a lifetime!! We just had the most amazing adventure and it was all thanks to Maite at Surtrek! She patiently listened and crafted the very best experience for my husband and I! We visited Mindo, Cotopaxi, Baños, the Napo Cultural Center in the Amazon, and took a cruise around the Western Galapagos islands. From start to finish, Maite was so kind, so patient, and attended to my every question and concern. This was to be a celebratory vacation for many reasons, but principally our 25th wedding anniversary. Maite shared this with some of our hosts and we experienced beautiful celebrations at the restaurants and hotels we stayed at. It was the trip of a lifetime and we were so well cared for. When I expressed concerns regarding the reported unrest in Ecuador, Maite was able to reassure me that all would be well and that we would be very safe. We always felt very secure and comfortable. The private transportation and guides, the beauty and nature we witnessed, everything was amazing!! I cannot recommend Surtrek highly enough. We came home with over 1,800 pictures! Absolutely incredible! While you may be able to find cheaper options for travel, the quality of our experience with Surtrek was absolutely worth the price. If you want a quality experience, Surtrek is a fantastic choice!
Publicado en Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Trail777667 profile picture
Trail777667
21 Julio 2024
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verificada
Surtrek is Awesome When my wife & I were planning a trip to Galapagos and Peru, we contacted 3 or 4 different travel agencies. I found Surtrek to be the most helpful, knowledgeable, flexible and offered competitive pricing. I dealt directly with Ligia at Surtrek and cannot find enough words to describe the friendly and superior services she provided us. We had specific cities and sights we wanted to visit and Ligia mapped out an excellent itinerary for us, including hotels, flights, restaurants and sightseeing. We visited Quito, Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Lake Titicaca, in addition to an 8-day luxury cruise of the Galapagos islands. All arrangements, including flights, cruise, hotels, ground transportation, sight-seeing and guides were arranged by Surtrek. We were met at each arrival city by an expert guide and driver and the guide also helped us check in for our on-going flights at the end of each city tour. The guides were very knowledgeable, experienced and friendly, treated us very well and catered to our every need. Surtrek even helped secure reservations at high end restaurants in Lima, which are difficult to get unless booked well in advance. Surtrek made us alternate arrangements when one of our flights was canceled for mechanical reasons. Our trip lasted 18 days and all arrangements were flawless.To add a personal touch, Ligia treated us to a very nice lunch on our arrival in Quito. Thank you, Ligia, for making our Ecuador/Galapagos/Peru trip such a memorable, enjoyable and stress free one. I look forward to contacting you at Surtrek for our future South America travels.

tripadvisor2026
trustpilot