Highlights

Medellin City, White Water Rafting, Colonial Countryside,

Physical Rating:

Moderate
i

This Trip is Rated: Moderate

Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.

How We Rate Our Trips

Easy: Our easy tours generally require fairly little exertion. Each day will involve walking, sightseeing and general travel-related activities such as getting in/out of vans, planes, boats, and zodiacs.

Moderate: Our moderate trips require an average level of fitness. Itineraries may include walks or short hikes of up to two to three hours with little elevation gain, sustained walking at higher altitudes, and/or other similar level physical activities. Many activities are optional.

Difficult: Our difficult trips may involve hiking over uneven terrain, with some hikes including significant elevation gain or loss and at higher elevations (up to 12,000 ft). Itineraries may include three to six hour hikes and other activities such as horseback riding, mountain bicycling, rafting and kayaking, which require no previous experience. On many trips, passengers may elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics.

Most Difficult: Our most difficult expeditions are for the adventurer who is in good physical condition. Itineraries may involve multi-day hiking and trekking excursions over steep, rugged terrain and/or where altitude may exceed 14,000 feet. Many trips include camping in remote areas and/or high altitude sites in varying temperature and weather conditions. Trips may also involve many days of demanding Class IV-V rapids, longer sea kayaking trips, horseback riding, and/or mountain bicycling. Training for the physical demands of these tours is highly encouraged. 

Discover Medellin

This Colombia experience offers a taste of urban life in one of Colombia’s most interesting cities.  Medellin is a bustling sophisticated city that has revitalized itself from its turbulent crime filled past.  Located in a narrow mountainous valley, year round pleasant weather has earned this metropolis the nickname, “City of Eternal Spring.” This exciting tour will acquaint you with this fascinating city, its wildly interesting history, and friendly people.  Dur... READ MORE >>
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Medellin
Day 2: Medellin City Tour
Day 3: Rafting on the Rio Buey
Day 4: Guatape & El Penol Rock
Day 5: Medellin - Home
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Medellin

On arrival in Medellin, you will be picked up at the international airport and taken to your hotel for the night to unwind before your Colombia tours begin.

Day 2: Medellin City Tour

Today, experience Medellin via its public transportation system, which received recognition in 2012 as one of the Top Transport Systems in the World. You’ll arrive at the Comuna 1 neighborhood via cable car, and walk through the streets of this infamous area that served as the stronghold for drug lord Pablo Escobar for two decades. Once considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the 90’s, Medellin has worked hard to reinvent itself. You’ll see some of their projects first hand, including installations of local art and architecture, sustainability and literacy projects; some housed in properties previously belonging to drug lords. After stopping to see the famous sculptures in Fernando Botero Square, named for the artist, you’ll head to the Comuna 13 neighborhood to continue acquainting yourself the city from within.  (B,L)

Day 3: Rafting on the Rio Buey

Your route north continues on a scenic road through the Cauca river valley, a fertile region dotted with small traditional towns that seem suspended in time. Surrounded by the Farallones peaks, this is a picturesque agricultural area for your day of Columbia whitewater rafting. The crystal clear Rio Buey originates beyond Medellin, flowing through pristine, mostly isolated cloud forest and remote farmland, ending at the convergence with the Rio Armas. Though considered a class III river, when water flow is high, a few class IV rapids may be encountered which can be portaged. Return to Medellin, take a rest and head out for dinner in a lively local restaurant. (B,L)

Day 4: Guatape & El Penol Rock

Enjoy a full day tour to El Penol and colonial Guatape. Upon arrival in Guatape, explore the quaint town center and enjoy its colorful buildings and street decorations. This charming little town also has a beautiful waterfront.  After a typical Antioquia lunch, climb the 642 stairs to the top of Peñol Rock, with sweeping views of the Guatape reservoir. El Penol is a giant monolithic rock offering beautiful views of the undulating mountain scenery in these hillsides outside Medellin.  (B,L)

Day 5: Medellin - Home

From your hotel, you will be taken to the International Rio Negro Airport for your flight to Bogota or your next destination, ending your Colombia tours with Southern Explorations. (B)

Weather

When to Visit
  • jan
  • feb
  • mar
  • apr
  • may
  • jun
  • jul
  • aug
  • sep
  • oct
  • nov
  • dec

The most pleasant time to visit Colombia is in the dry season, between December and March or in July and August. The dry season also gives visitors a better chance to savor local cultural events because many festivals and fiestas take place during these periods.

Altitude
Colombia's proximity to the equator means its temperature varies little throughout the year. However, the temperature does change with altitude, which creates various climatic zones ranging from hot lowlands to freezing Andean peaks - you can experience completely different climates within just a couple of hours of travel. As a general rule, the temperature falls about 6ºC (43ºF) with every 1000m (3281ft) increase in altitude.

Two Seasons
Colombia has two seasons: verano or la sequia (summer, or dry), and invierno or temproada de lluvia (winter, or wet). The pattern of seasons varies in different parts of the country, and has been greatly affected over recent years by El Niño and La Niña. For example, in the Andean region there are two dry and two rainy seasons per year. The main dry season falls between December and March, with a shorter and less dry period between July and August. This general pattern varies throughout the Andean zone.

Los Llanos
The weather in Los Llanos has a more definite pattern: there is one dry season, between December and March, while the rest of the year it's wet. The Amazon doesn't have a uniform climate but is generally quite wet year-round.

Discover Medellin

Pricing
Per Person
$1,595

Domestic Airfare:
Domestic flights may or may not be required depending on your international air route. Please contact us for details. 

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: + $280
Single Supplement is the additional cost of a single traveler not sharing a room in double occupancy.

Holiday surcharges may apply.

Included in tour cost
  • Private transportation
  • Rafting equipment
  • All airport/hotel transfers
  • All hotel accommodations
  • All listed activities
  • English-speaking certified guides
  • Entrance fees for all scheduled tours, national parks & archaeological sites
  • Meals as indicated
  • Southern Explorations pre-departure services
Excluded from tour cost
  • Domestic airfare within South America
  • International airfare to and from Central & South America
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Medical & travel insurance (highly recommended)
  • Hiking boots and other necessary sports gear

Discover Medellin

Trip Dates
This tour operates year round with the best time being July, August and December through March. Custom tours are also available. Contact us for details.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 to Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Available
Wednesday, January 1, 2020 to Thursday, December 31, 2020
Available
Coffee Region
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Bogota
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
Medellin
Hotel upgrades are available, please contact us to discuss your options.
colombia travelMy two friends and I just recently returned from our trip to Colombia. This is our third trip to South America in recent years and was without question our best trip directly because of our guide Nicolas Mejia. He was outstanding and incredible in every way and made our 11 day excursion a trip of a lifetime. From his expert knowledge about all aspects of Colombia to taking us to the most amazing restaurants, Nicolas fully immersed us in all aspects of Columbian lifestyle and culture. He helped create one of most authentic experiences we have ever had and even introduced us to his entire family. He always took the time to answer every question we had and always went the extra mile to create the most perfect experience wherever we were. Whether we were was hiking El Pueblito and the Lost City of the Tayrona People or mountain biking the Santa Fe Antioquia or white water rafting down the Cauca River, the totality of experiences were both exhilarating and serene. The famous philosopher Confucius once said, “Tell me and I will forget. Show me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand forever”. Thanks to Nicholas we have more of an understanding of Colombia and all its beauty than we could have ever hoped for. Thanks again for an amazing and unforgettable experience. Very truly yours, Mark Mailman (Colombia Trip).
colombia cultureOur deepest gratitude to Nicolas Mejia for his hospitality, generosity, kindness, and his commitment to excellence in all aspects of our discovery of Colombia.  His passion for Colombia and the outdoors was contagious. He managed masterfully for our 10 days exploration to be  an unforgettable experience with in times presentations of the Colombian history and culture, other days great hikes in Iguaque and Tayrona National Parks, with emphasis on breathtaking views of unique Andean and Caribbean landscapes; mixing the discovery of master pieces of Fernando Botero  and stunning street art, unforgettable gratifies  in Bogota. In terms of food culture, we got to experience different variety of Colombian cuisine, local fruits and vegetables, coffee but also the unique cacao of Colombia with the best dark chocolate ever. Great conversations while traveling between different regions about traditions, Colombian cinema, music... In terms of organizing our stay in Colombia (arrival, transfers, hotels, restaurants, departure..) it was a seamless and pleasant experience for the entire trip. Nicolas discretely monitored the safety for both of us in terms of hiking in altitude and yet making sure the thrill and excitement were there. He introduced us to fine restaurants in every town we visited. The icing on the cake was discovering the night life in Cartagena, the salsa clubs and helping my husband with organizing the best birthday party!!  Finally a great way of ending each day was getting every night the pictures of the day. It was too short of a visit to a vast country with such a rich culture, yet it was a magical experience. Merci Nicolas! - Massy Safai (Colombia Tour)
colombia travelThank you Southern Explorations for organizing our trip to Bogota & Medellin Colombia.  The personalized service exceeded our expectations.  All of our guides were very friendly, knowledgeable and a true joy to be around. The hotels were comfy and located in just the right spot for us to really experience the cities and towns on our tour.  Everything went so smoothly we were able to really relax and enjoy the trip.  We can’t wait to book another trip with SE. - Cecilia Uribe (Bogota & Medellin Tour)
 
This is the second time we have travelled to South America using Southern Explorations as our tour organizer. This second trip was as fantastic and well-run as the first. We had no issues at all and saw and did everything we had contracted for. Our guide, Alfredo Meneses, was always a gentleman while at the same time knowledgeable and well-informed about the places we were visiting. We also had local guides, Christian Rojas and Nicolas Mejia, were kind, sensitive, equally knowledgeable, and endlessly patient!! This was a truly memorable trip, thanks to the work of Southern Explorations but also because Colombia is such a spectacular and as yet generally undiscovered country! - Fred & Karen Leitner (Colombia) 
Hi Justin,
What a fabulous trip!!!!!  We absolutely loved everything about it!!!  Your itinerary was perfection and having Alfredo as our guide was so important to the success of our trip!  Alfredo is by far the best guide we've ever had anywhere!!!  His knowledge is encyclopedic and his enthusiasm for traveling and exploration is addicting!  It also helps that he's a world class athlete!  All of the people who were added to the trip for our benefit were terrific!  So fun, knowledgeable, thoughtful and kind, just wonderful people trying to help us have a great time!  Thank you so very much for another perfect trip!!!!!  We wouldn't have changed anything!  We love Colombia and had such an amazing time!!!
 
Hugs,
Carol & Rick Abrams (Colombia Multi Sport)

 

Colombia - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose an itinerary?
A: We offer both active and cultural tours that visit colonial cities, the coffee region, the Caribbean coast and the three Andean cordilleras. These itineraries vary in length and level of accommodation. Our Adventure Travel Coordinators would be happy to chat with you to help you find the itinerary that best meets your needs and interests.
Q: Can I make changes or additions to these tours?
A: Yes! We are happy to put together a custom Colombia tour for you if our current itineraries are not quite what you are looking for. We can also add extensions onto any of our existing tours.
Q: Is Colombia safe?
A: Colombia has changed dramatically from the times of Pablo Escobar. Generally speaking, Colombia is a safe place to visit.  There are, of course, parts of the country that are not safe, but you will not venture to these areas on our tours.  You should practice the same safety precautions in Colombia that you would anywhere in the world (leave valuables at home, don’t wear flashy jewelry, etc). Listen to and take the advice of your guide, but relax and enjoy your trip.
Q: When is the best time to go to Colombia?
A: Colombia is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit for optimum weather are July, August and December through March.
Q: What is the weather like?
A: Temperatures in Colombia remain stable throughout the year due to its proximity to the Equator. Cartagena and the Caribbean coast are hot and humid, with averages in the mid-80s.  In the higher elevations you can expect a range of temperatures from 40s at night to 80s in the day, depending on the region.  Rainfall varies in the Andean regions with two wet seasons and two dry seasons each year. The driest months are from December to March and July to August. In the low-lying areas of Colombia, rain is more consistent year round. Please see the weather tab on your specific trip for more details.
Q: What is a typical day like on a Colombia tour? 
A: A typical day in Colombia will vary from tour to tour, but you can generally expect to start your excursions right after breakfast, with a full day of scheduled activities or sightseeing. A lunch break is included and you’ll retire to your accommodations in the late afternoon, with evenings free.
Q: How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy a trip to Colombia? 
A: Our Colombia trips vary in level of activity, so the requirements differ based on itinerary. Please check our physical ratings for each itinerary to see what may be required of you when assessing your ability to enjoy a trip. If you have any specific questions, please contact your Adventure Travel Coordinator. We have personal experience with these activities and can help you decide whether a trip is right for you.
Q: How much time do we need to visit Colombia?
A: Most of our Colombia trips are between one and two weeks, depending on how much of the country you would like to see.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
A: For the best guide availability and selection in hotels, we recommend booking three to six months in advance. December through March are especially popular times for Colombia travel, so more advance planning is ideal. For the Christmas holiday season and the week prior to Easter, we recommend booking a year in advance.
Q: What are your booking and cancellation policies?
A: Click here to see our booking and cancellation policies.
Q: Do you use certified guides?
A: Our guides have been carefully selected for their knowledge, professionalism, experience and ability to effectively manage groups with finesse. We only hire guides who are native to the destination and licensed or certified in accordance with the government regulations of their country. All are fluent in Spanish and English. Most have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, native culture or other related field. All guides are experienced in the outdoors and trained in basic first aid.
Q: What kind of accommodations can I expect?
A: In major cities we offer a variety of hotels including boutique properties and larger business-style hotels. Throughout the rest of the country we work with a combination of historic haciendas, small traditional hotels and remote lodges. The majority of the properties are family-run or locally owned. All of our accommodations are clean and comfortable, with private bathrooms and hot water. We offer basic or luxury options in many locations, depending on taste and budget.
Q: Do tours include airfare?
A: Travelers are responsible for their own international airfare. Internal flights are quoted separately from our base trip costs. We will include any necessary internal flight pricing in your quote.
Q: How many people are on your tours?
A: Eight travelers is the maximum for our Colombia trips, but the majority of our departures are private.
Q: Will I get more information on packing, vaccines, currency, electricity, etc.?
A: After booking you will receive a link to our online trip portal, which includes all of the need-to-know information that is specific to your itinerary. This includes packing lists, restaurant recommendations, tipping guides, FAQs, vaccine recommendations and currency information. Your Adventure Travel Coordinator will also be a great resource for any other information you may need.