Colombia Uncovered - 12 Day Trip
Want to backpack outside of Asia? You're in the right place!
The Best Adventure Travel Tour in Colombia for Solo Travellers
Picture this: stunning hidden beaches, colourful cobblestoned cities, lush jungles, and a hybrid of old and new culture all in one incredible 12-day group trip! Immerse yourself in Medellin’s notorious history, wander through streets laced with colourful art and travel the famous escalators into Communa 13. Take in Colombia’s natural beauty from the top of El Penol Rock, get your coffee fix at a local coffee farm while learning about the coffee industry. Swap the city life and head deep into the jungle in search of Marinka waterfall, surrounded by unique wildlife and immense mountains! Make a splash island hopping and riding the waves of the Caribbean - a water babies’ paradise. Cap off your adventure taking in the colonial architecture of Cartagena Old Town over a sunset cocktail.
Travel Style
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When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle. Built for backpackers by backpackers.
What's Included
Your Trip Planner
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Colombia Uncovered
12 Days
medellín - cartagena
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Map
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Bucket List
Itinerary
airport pick up
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¡Bienvenidos! Welcome to Colombia! You’ve made it! Arrive any time at Jose Maria Córdova International Airport where we’ll pick you up. We already know you’re a legend because you’re joining a TruTravels tour so high fives at the ready! We'll pick you up from the airport and take you to our hotel in Medellin. Chill out, relax, chillax before we meet up later for a bite to eat and some welcome drinks! Limonada de cocos all round!
guatapé & coffee farm
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Wake up and grab a world-famous Colombian coffee, you’re going to need it! We’re starting the day by climbing 650 stairs up to El Peñol Rock. We know what you’re thinking ‘That’s your exercise done for the month’. But the view from the top is next level, it’s unbelievable (that’s if you make it of course) but it’s one not to be missed! Afterwards, we head to Guatape, Colombia’s most colourful town and an Instagram hotspot for all of you who love a pic for the gram. Next, we head to a local coffee farm. The coffee industry is vital to the local community and it’s the country’s biggest export! Yes, it’s coffee..So get stuck in, learn about how they’re made, even try a cuppa or 2. It’s a brew-tiful day!
medellin history & city tour
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It’s our third day and we’re throwing ourselves straight into Colombian culture as we explore Medellin! What better way to see the city than a city tour! Obviously. Medellin has transformed dramatically over the recent years to become one of the most popular cities to visit in South America! Go, Medellin! We’re heading over to the once-notorious Comuna 13, once known for being one of the most dangerous communities in the world, It has been completely transformed with famous street art paving the way for tourism today. Medellin’s rich city heritage can still be felt here but the lively neighbourhood and vibrant streets make it what it is today. Could we really walk past giant murals and not get a snap for the gram? Absolutely not! It’s a spectacle you’re gonna wanna remember! After an epic day, it’s time to grab dinner and drinks! Hey, we’ve done a lot of walking today so a beer or 6 are well deserved!
fly to santa marta
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Alexa play WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE. Today we’re swapping city life for the jungle! We catch a midday flight to Santa Marta where we’ll be for the next couple of nights! We stay at a funky quirky hostel, so spend some time chilling by the pool, challenge your fellow TruTraveller to a competitive game of snooker (loser buys the find round of course) or just take in the 10/10 good vibes. Santa Marta is a big backpacker area so the atmosphere is pretty lively! You know what that means.. We’re going out!
minca tour & waterfalls
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Breathtaking views? Stunning scenery? Oh, go on then! Today we jump aboard our transportation for the day and head deep into the Colombian Jungle to Minca. Wildlife, waterfalls and one hell of an experience! Minca is a nature lover's paradise, we really do take you off the beaten track and show you the hidden gems Colombia has to offer here. Spend the day bathing in Minca’s waterfall, grab your camera’s and get some shots of the local wildlife that are living harmoniously here. Next up, we we spend the afternoon relaxing in Sierra Minca. Sit back, take a dip in the pool or treat yourself to a cocktail if you fancy it!
rio buritaca
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We’ve hit up the city and driven through the jungle. Next stop is our Jungle River spot! From now on, call us Mr Worldwide. We’re doing it all! We are heading to the refreshing waters of Rio Buritaca. Sip on a cocktail or two at the river bar, play a game of beach volleyball with the TruCrew and make the most of the hostel’s facilities before we freshen up. Tonight, it’s beers and bonfires! We can’t promise someone won’t bring out a drunken guitar singalong, but hey you’re on holiday. Try and join in…
river tubing baby!
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You've heard of hair of the dog right? It's only the best way to cure a hangover! Ok, maybe some people don't agree with that but today we’re grabbing the coolers and hitting the river!! Get your swimming costumes at the ready and grab a rubber ring and LET'S GO TruFam! Today we’re going tubing down the river, beer in hand, until we reach the beach, where the river ends. It's not a strenuous activity... so it's perfect to ease the hangover. It’s a hard life aye! So sit back, relax and watch the Colombian jungle pass you by while you do this must-do in Colombia!
travel to isla grande
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It’s an early start today so enjoy a spot of breakfast before we head to Isla Grande! We spend most of the day on the road, so don’t forget to download that R’n’B 90’s playlist you love so bad or make sure Friends is downloaded on Netflix to watch offline. Spend the day staring out at the spectacular views Colombia has to offer! Welcome to Isla Grande, a stunning island just an hour away from Cartagena! Spend the next couple of nights in a unique hostel set deep in the mangroves overlooking the Caribbean sea and mangroves. Sit back, relax and take in your surroundings, you really are in paradise.
island hopping adventure
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What is a TruTravels trip without an island-hopping adventure? Today we’re heading off on a Caribbean boat tour extravaganza! Jump in, dive in, and maybe do a backflip! (Just kidding, we're responsible adults here...) Take in the crystal clear waters and the marine life as we snorkel and swim. The water's warm, the sun is shining, and there's nothing but good vibes and good company. This is a secret paradise in Colombia. But lucky for you...We’re in the know ;) Picture perfect.
cartagena old town
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Morning beach guys and gals! Today we are headed to the highlight of the trip. Cartagena! After returning from the well-deserved relaxing island vibes we will explore the walled city of Cartagena with a guide who knows ALL the answers to the burning questions you'll all have. We will see the colourful streets of Getsemaní, enjoy the street performers and wrap up the day in the Old Town city walls for drinks as we watch the sun go down. Will it be worth the wait? It’s SUN-believable ;)
cartagena exploring and cartagena pub crawl!
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It’s our last full day together so take a few hours off to chill out. Recharge those batteries and freshen up before we head out OUT for our last night on the town together as TruFam on the famous Cartagena Pub Crawl! We head into Old Town Cartagena, It’s full of rich history and culture, vibrant street life and 10/10 delicious food. Watch the sun go down, cocktail in hand and take in your surroundings. Could you get any better last night? Someone get the Guaro! *That’s a famous Colombia alcoholic shot, by the way,* Guaro! Guaro! Guaro!
chilled checkout
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Today is the end of our trip and it’s been a WILD one TruFam! Your Travel Ninja is on hand to help with any onward travel plans you may have. Hey if you’re so sad you just need a hug, they’re there for that too. We don't do goodbye’s very well so let's just say see you later, In a while crocodile. Hasta luego! Time really does fly when you’re having fun. We’re sad to see you go, but that just means you’ll have to come back again soon!
WHERE WE STAY
Reviews
FAQs
Where does the trip start & finish?
The trip starts in Medellin and finishes in Cartagena.
Which airport do I need to fly into?
You will need to fly into Jose Maria Córdova International Airport, airport code MDE.
What is the closest airport to the end destination?
Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG.)
How do I get back to the start destination and is this included in the price?
You can fly from Cartagena back to Medellin. However, Cartagena's main airport is international - Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG)
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation is a mixture of dormitories & twin beds. 6 nights of the tour will be spent in dorm accommodation.
How much is a pre-night accommodation?
If you would like to book a pre-night please contact our sales team on info@trutravels.com
What is the currency?
The currency used in Colombia is Colombian Peso.
What visa do I need for Colombia?
Depending on where you're travelling from it's likely that you won't need a visa to enter Colombia. However, this is guidance only and is subject to change. Make sure to check visa requirements before you travel!
Is my money protected?
Yep! You’re protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe. We also offer 1 free date change before 60 days of your departure date.
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesn’t affect your trip!
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured you’ll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesn’t mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you don’t need to worry you’ll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.
You can arrive any time on Day 1 of the tour. There are no scheduled activities during Day 1 on our tours but there will be a welcome meal with the group at around 7 pm. During this first evening, your guide will give you a run-down on the trip, you'll get to meet all the group and of course, you'll do some icebreakers to get to know each other a bit better! For more information on your arrival day contact the team at info@trutravels.com