Tour overview

This 7-day trip for travellers aged 18 to 35 is a short, action-packed introduction to Colombia, travelling from the capital Bogotá through rainforest canyons and colourful mountain towns to Medellín, once infamous and now one of South America's liveliest cities. Groups have up to 16 travellers, with a leader throughout and a private vehicle for every journey. You stay six nights: one in a hotel in Bogotá, two in rustic lodges in the rainforest of the Río Claro nature reserve and three in hostels in Guatapé and Medellín. Breakfast is included daily from the second day, with a lunch on the way to Río Claro.

Your adventure begins in Bogotá, a high-altitude capital of colonial churches, street art and lively cafés, with a welcome meeting in the evening. The next day is a long one, travelling through the historic river town of Honda to the Río Claro reserve, where your lodge sits beside a crystal-clear river flowing through a white marble canyon.

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A walk along the Ecological Trail takes you through rainforest alive with birds and butterflies, and you can swim, float down the river on a tube or explore caves inhabited by oilbirds. Travelling into the Andes, you reach Guatapé, a small town famous for its houses decorated with brightly painted reliefs, and climb the 740 steps of El Peñol, a giant granite monolith with sweeping views over a lake dotted with islands.

In Medellín, the capital of Antioquia province, set in a valley ringed by mountains, you have a free day to ride the cable cars, explore the street art and murals of Comuna 13, visit the Botero sculptures in Plaza Botero and sample the city's nightlife before the trip ends.

The physical rating is medium, with one long travel day and active days in the rainforest. This trip suits sociable young travellers short on time who want a lively taste of Colombia's landscapes and cities. Pack a waterproof and swimwear for Río Claro, and light layers for the cooler mountain towns. Departures run year-round. The pace is fast, with something new to see every day of the week.

Trip highlights

  • A welcome night in Bogotá (Day 1)
  • The historic river town of Honda (Day 2)
  • The marble canyon of Río Claro (Day 3)
  • Guatapé's painted houses (Day 4)
  • Climbing El Peñol (Day 4)
  • A free day in Medellín (Day 6)

Your route

6 stops from Bogota to Medellin

7-day route: Bogotá – Honda – Río Claro – Guatapé – Medellín
  1. Bogota Day 1
  2. Honda Day 2
  3. Rio Claro Nature Reserve Days 2–3
  4. La Piedra del Peñol Day 4
  5. Guatapé Day 4
  6. Medellin Days 5–7

Why choose this tour

A great-value week in Colombia, from rainforest to city. A sociable group of young travellers.

Best suited to

  • Travellers aged 18 to 35
  • Travellers short on time
  • Solo travellers looking for a social group
  • First-time visitors to South America
El Peñol above the lakes of Guatapé

Day-by-day itinerary

7 days from Bogotá, Colombia to Medellín, Colombia

  1. Day 1 · Bogotá Arrive in Bogotá

    A welcome meeting in the capital.

    Hotel
    Hotel
  2. Day 2 · Honda, Río Claro Río Claro

    A long drive via Honda to the reserve.

    Hotel
    Rainforest lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch
  3. Day 3 · Río Claro Río Claro

    A rainforest walk and river time.

    Hotel
    Rainforest lodge
    Meals
    Breakfast
  4. Day 4 · Guatapé, El Peñol Guatapé

    A painted town and a giant rock.

    Hotel
    Hostel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  5. Day 5 · Medellín Medellín

    Drive to Antioquia's capital.

    Hotel
    Hostel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  6. Day 6 · Comuna 13, Plaza Botero Medellín

    A free day to explore.

    Hotel
    Hostel
    Meals
    Breakfast
  7. Day 7 · Medellín Trip ends

    The trip ends after breakfast.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Cable cars over Medellín

Where you stay

  • Bogotá (1 night) Hotel
  • Río Claro (2 nights) Rainforest lodge
  • Guatapé (1 night) Hostel
  • Medellín (2 nights) Hostel

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 1 night in a hotel, 2 in a lodge and 3 in hostels
  • Meals 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch
  • Private vehicle throughout
  • Río Claro Ecological Trail walk
  • Guatapé and El Peñol
  • Leader throughout

Not included

  • Flights
  • Optional activities such as tubing and caving
  • Meals not included 4 lunches and 6 dinners
  • Tips, travel insurance and personal spending
Street art in Comuna 13

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You are over 35 — this trip is for 18 to 35-year-olds
  • You want comfort — some nights are in hostels and rustic lodges
  • You want many meals included
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Days 2–7 · Lunch: Day 2 · Dinner: none included
A river through rocks and forest

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £805 per person, twin share, tour only. 24 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Who is this trip for?

Travellers aged 18 to 35.

What is the accommodation like?

A hotel in Bogotá, rustic rainforest lodges and hostels.

Is Bogotá at altitude?

Yes, Bogotá sits at about 2,600m. Take it easy on arrival.

Do I need a visa?

UK visitors do not usually need a visa for a holiday stay in Colombia. Check before you travel.

Are flights included?

No, flights to Bogotá and from Medellín are not included.

How many people travel together?

Up to 16 travellers aged 18 to 35, with a leader.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary