Colombia – Peaks & Palms

Day 1 - ZAGREB – BOGOTÁ

Meeting at Zagreb Airport and departure for Colombia via connecting flights.
A great adventure awaits us on the other side of the world, in one of Latin America’s most fascinating countries.

Overnight in transit.

Day 2 - BOGOTÁ – Bienvenidos a Colombia

Upon arrival in Bogotá and our first encounter with Colombia’s organised chaos, traffic, music, and vibrant energy, we head towards La Candelaria, the colourful and historic heart of the Colombian capital.

We settle into our accommodation in the centre of the old town, surrounded by colonial architecture, murals, and lively streets that buzz with life from early morning until late at night. After the long journey, there is time to relax before heading out for a gentle introduction to the neighbourhood and our first taste of Latin American culture.

The evening is reserved for getting to know the group, sampling our first Colombian flavours, and settling into a country that will take us from the Andean highlands to the Caribbean coast over the coming days.

This is not a day for rushing. This is a day for easing into Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá.

Day 3 - BOGOTÁ – Above the Clouds

Breakfast. Today is dedicated to exploring Colombia’s capital and discovering its many layers. Rich colonial history intertwines with the legend of El Dorado, while contemporary street art continues to cover the city’s walls and shape its unique identity.

We begin with a visit to Monserrate, the iconic mountain rising above Bogotá. From its summit, we enjoy unforgettable panoramic views over the vast city spread across the Andean plateau. It is the perfect place to appreciate both Bogotá’s scale and the contrasts that make it one of South America’s most intriguing capitals.

Next, we visit the famous Gold Museum, one of Latin America’s most renowned cultural institutions. Through its remarkable collection of pre-Columbian gold artefacts, we learn about ancient civilizations and the legend of El Dorado that drew explorers to these lands for centuries.

In the afternoon, we dive into Bogotá’s renowned street art scene with a graffiti tour through La Candelaria. The murals covering the city’s walls tell stories of Colombian history, politics, daily life, and social transformation. Bogotá is now considered one of the world’s street art capitals, and its walls provide one of the best windows into contemporary Colombia.

We end the day with local flavours and the lively atmosphere of a city that constantly surprises. Perhaps it’s time to try Colombia’s national spirit—aguardiente? Overnight in Bogotá.

Day 4 - BOGOTÁ – SALENTO – Coffee Country – Optional Coffee Plantation Experience

Breakfast. This morning we leave the bustle of Bogotá behind and fly into Colombia’s famous Coffee Region, the heart of the country’s coffee culture. Flight and we arrive in Salento, one of Colombia’s most charming towns.

Surrounded by lush hills and coffee plantations, Salento captivates visitors with its colourful colonial architecture, laid-back atmosphere, and slower pace of life. Here, life revolves around a perfect cup of coffee, conversations with locals, and endless green Andean landscapes.

The afternoon is reserved for exploring the town, wandering its vibrant streets, and soaking up the atmosphere that makes so many travellers fall in love with this corner of Colombia.

For those wishing to immerse themselves more deeply in Colombia’s most famous export, an optional visit to a family-owned coffee plantation is available. We learn about every step of the coffee-making process from bean to cup, while enjoying tastings and hearing stories from local coffee growers. Overnight in Salento.

Day 5 - SALENTO – Cocora Valley – Land of the Giant Palms

Breakfast. Today brings one of the highlights of the entire journey and one of Colombia’s most iconic landscapes.

Travelling by traditional Willys jeeps, we reach Cocora Valley, one of Colombia’s greatest natural treasures.
Our trek takes us through lush valleys, cloud forests, and mountain meadows dominated by wax palms—the national tree of Colombia and the tallest palm species in the world. Some rise more than 60 metres into the sky, creating scenery that feels almost surreal.

Throughout the day we walk through mist-covered forests, cross hanging bridges, and enjoy spectacular viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Andean peaks. The landscape is unlike almost anywhere else on Earth and represents one of those unforgettable moments that justify travelling to the other side of the planet.

In the afternoon, we return to Salento, where the remainder of the day can be spent enjoying a cup of locally grown coffee or wandering through the colourful streets of this enchanting town. Overnight in Salento.

Day 6 - SALENTO – A Relaxed Day with Optional Excursions

Breakfast. After several active days in the Andes, today we slow the pace and shape the day according to our own interests.

For those eager to continue exploring, a selection of optional excursions is available around Salento. You may choose to cycle through rolling green hills and picturesque villages, gain insight into local rural life, or enjoy a horseback ride through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Coffee Region.

Those who prefer a more leisurely day can remain in Salento, wander its colourful streets, enjoy a cup of exceptional Colombian coffee, or simply embrace the relaxed atmosphere that makes this town one of the country’s most beloved destinations.

A day without fixed plans, but full of possibilities. Overnight in Salento.

Day 7 - SALENTO – MEDELLÍN – Old Reputation, New Story

Breakfast. Today we leave behind the green hills of Salento and continue to Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city and one of South America’s most fascinating urban centres.

Once infamous as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, Medellín has reinvented itself as a symbol of transformation, innovation, and resilience. Nestled within a lush Andean valley, the city has undergone an extraordinary evolution over recent decades, emerging as a vibrant and forward-looking metropolis.

Upon arrival, we begin exploring the city centre. We stroll through Medellín’s historic district and visit Plaza Botero, home to the monumental sculptures of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most celebrated artist. We also experience Medellín’s metro system, widely regarded as one of the city’s proudest achievements and a key symbol of its transformation.

Towards evening, we head to El Poblado and its famous neighbourhood, Provenza, now considered the heart of Medellín’s nightlife scene. Its streets are filled with music, restaurants, rooftop bars, and travellers from around the world.

For those interested, we organise an evening rooftop and nightlife experience through Provenza. With panoramic views over the illuminated city, Latin rhythms, and an energetic atmosphere, we discover the side of Medellín that has made it one of South America’s trendiest destinations. Overnight in Medellín.

Day 8 - MEDELLÍN – Cartels, Transformation & Comuna 13

Breakfast. Today’s focus is understanding the remarkable story behind Medellín’s transformation into one of South America’s most inspiring cities.

We visit Comuna 13, once considered one of Colombia’s most dangerous neighbourhoods and today a powerful symbol of creativity, resilience, and social change. Accompanied by local guides, we walk through streets filled with vibrant murals, music, street performances, and powerful stories from residents who witnessed the area’s transformation firsthand.

We also ride Medellín’s famous cable cars, which connect hillside communities with the rest of the city and are regarded as one of Latin America’s most successful urban integration projects. From above, we enjoy sweeping views over the city while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges Medellín faced for decades.

Throughout the day, we also explore the complex legacy of Pablo Escobar and the era that shaped modern Colombian history. Through local perspectives and carefully selected locations connected to that period, we gain insight into how violence, cartels, and social upheaval influenced the city and how Medellín ultimately forged a new identity.

By the end of the day, it becomes clear why Medellín is no longer defined by its past, but by its remarkable transformation and vision for the future. Overnight in Medellín.

Day 9 - MEDELLÍN – GUATAPÉ – Life by the Lake

Breakfast. This morning we leave Medellín behind and travel to Guatapé, one of the most colourful and photogenic towns in Colombia.

Situated beside a vast reservoir surrounded by green hills, Guatapé is famous for its brightly painted buildings decorated with intricate bas-reliefs that depict local stories, traditions, and everyday life. We stroll through charming streets and plazas while soaking up the relaxed atmosphere of a town that feels as though it has stepped straight out of a postcard.

The afternoon is left free to enjoy the lakeside setting, take a walk along the waterfront, or simply relax with a coffee while admiring one of Colombia’s most beautiful landscapes.

Once the day-trippers depart, Guatapé reveals its most enchanting side. We slow down, watch the sunset over the lake, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that many travellers consider the highlight of their visit. Overnight in Guatapé.

Day 10 - GUATAPÉ – LA PIEDRA DEL PEÑOL – to the Carribean (SANTA MARTA)

Breakfast. We begin the day with a climb up the iconic La Piedra del Peñol, one of Colombia’s most recognisable landmarks.

After conquering more than 700 steps, we are rewarded with one of the most spectacular panoramas in South America. From the summit, a breathtaking mosaic of lakes, islands, and rolling green hills stretches to the horizon, creating the landscape that has made this region famous worldwide.

Following our visit, we return towards Medellín and continue our journey to Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Our flight takes us from the mountainous heart of the country to an entirely different world. One of tropical climates, swaying palms, and the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Upon arrival in Santa Marta, we continue to Minca, a small mountain village hidden among the lush slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Here, Andean landscapes give way to jungle, waterfalls, and a laid-back atmosphere that will define the coming days.

We spend the evening surrounded by tropical nature, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying our first views of the Caribbean coast. Overnight.

Day 11 - SANTA MARTA – MINCA – Jungle Above the Caribbean

Breakfast. After several days spent exploring cities and mountain landscapes, today is dedicated to slowing down and embracing the tropical rhythm of northern Colombia.

Perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Minca has become one of Colombia’s favourite traveller hideaways. Life here moves at a gentler pace, surrounded by tropical forests, green mountains, and sweeping views that extend all the way to the Caribbean Sea.

We spend the day exploring the surrounding area, hiking to scenic viewpoints, cooling off in natural pools, and immersing ourselves in the untouched beauty of the region. Minca is also known for its coffee and cacao plantations, offering yet another perspective on Colombia’s rich cultural and agricultural heritage.

As evening approaches, we watch the sun set over the mountains and Caribbean coastline, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere that has made Minca one of northern Colombia’s most beloved destinations. Overnight in Minca.

Day 12 - MINCA – NP TAYRONA – Where the Jungle Meets the Sea

Breakfast. Today we leave Minca behind and travel to one of Colombia’s most iconic natural treasures, Tayrona National Park.

Here, dense tropical rainforest tumbles directly into the Caribbean Sea, creating landscapes that seem lifted from an adventure film. After entering the park, we follow scenic trails winding through lush vegetation, hidden coves, white-sand beaches, and granite boulders sculpted by centuries of wind and waves.

Throughout the walk, we experience one of the most beautiful stretches of Colombia’s coastline, where untouched nature, tropical vegetation, and turquoise waters combine to create one of the country’s defining landscapes.

The afternoon is reserved for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying the Caribbean atmosphere before settling into accommodation near the park. Overnight near Tayrona National Park.

Day 13 - NP TAYRONA – A Caribbean Morning to Remember – BOGOTA

Breakfast. Our final morning on Colombia’s Caribbean coast begins surrounded by palm trees, tropical vegetation, and the soothing sounds of the sea. No rush, no plans.

Today unfolds at a true Caribbean pace, free from schedules and obligations. There is time for swimming, coastal walks, relaxing beneath the palms, or simply enjoying the scenery that has made Tayrona one of Colombia’s most celebrated natural attractions. After a final dose of sun and sea, we bid farewell to the Caribbean and begin the final chapter of our Colombian adventure.

In the afternoon, we travel to Santa Marta Airport and fly back to Bogotá. Returning to the capital provides an opportunity to share memories, reflect on our experiences, and celebrate a journey that has taken us from Andean peaks and coffee plantations to tropical rainforest and Caribbean beaches. Overnight in Bogotá.

Day 14 - BOGOTÁ – ZAGREB

Breakfast.
Our final morning in Colombia is free for a relaxed stroll through the city, one last cup of Colombian coffee, or some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading to the airport.

It is time to say goodbye to a country that has guided us through Andean highlands, coffee plantations, vibrant cities, Caribbean shores, and tropical jungles.

In the afternoon, we depart for Europe. Overnight flight.

Day 15 - BOGOTÁ – ZAGREB

Arrival in Zagreb. Until the next adventure!