Colombia
No longer a “hidden” gem, in-the-know travelers have been falling in love with this stunning, eclectic, and passionate country for years. Yet despite its newfound popularity, Colombia retains an irresistible magic and refreshingly off-the-beaten-path feel.
The basics.
What We Love Most
Friendly, fun-loving people. Spectacular landscapes. Incredible music and dancing. Rich and diverse cultures. And a thriving culinary scene.
When to Visit
Colombia is a year-round destination with the climate varying primarily by location (see Notes from the field below). Holiday seasons are very popular and advance planning is typically essential.
Favorite Places
Beautiful Medellin, creative Bogota, sultry Cartagena, breathtaking Tayrona National Park, Quindio and the Zona Cafetera.
Private Trip Pricing
US $600-$900 per person per day and up, including accommodations, in-country transport, unique private tours, and more (see what our trips include).
"I already mentioned that we absolutely loved Colombia. We loved, loved, loved Medellin… Quindio was our favourite place. So beautiful! We will sure be back in Colombia. The people, art and landscapes were so special."
— Karin and Peter, London
Everyone’s perfect trip looks a little different.
We’ll design your itinerary around you (learn about our process), but to whet your appetite here’s a tiny taste of what you can expect to experience on a private trip with us.
Cartagena
Stroll impossibly charming streets. Enjoy cocktails and fresh seafood at a rooftop pool. Immerse yourself in the city’s deep history, rich Afro-Colombian culture, and impeccable architecture. Day-trip to nearby islands. Dance!
Medellin
Explore stylish cafes and designer boutiques befitting the country’s fashion capital. Savor perfect weather, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush flora. Experience Medellin’s awe-inspiring urban rebirth firsthand.
Bogota
Get to know the country’s most exciting young chefs and dynamic culinary scene. Find inspiration in Bogota’s historical neighborhoods, design districts, and museums. Dip your toes in the city’s famously vibrant nightlife.
Rural Escapes
Colombia’s eclectic cities have excitement to spare. But for a relaxing and well-rounded adventure, venture into the Colombian countryside to experience remote beaches and the magnificent Andean Mountains (see our Notes from the field for more insights).
And more.
Whether you normally explore on your own — or realize how much a fun, in-the-know guide enhances the experience — your private trip will be designed to highlight hidden gems (and skip touristy spots).
Where you’ll stay.
We spend a lot of time obsessing over the perfect accommodations.
Our favorites tend to be smaller, boutique properties with a unique sense of style and fantastic service. Sometimes it makes sense to stay at a larger luxury hotel, and there are occasions when a cozy, well-appointed lodge in the middle of nowhere is just what you need.
As more and more travelers become aware of what a special place Colombia is, the country has started to experience a bit of a hotel boom, with lovely properties popping up throughout the country.
Cartagena is rightly renowned for its luxury hotels, many of which (such as Casa San Agustin) are housed in gorgeous historical buildings.
Bogota is full of fun boutique hotels like the stylish Casa Legado, design-forward B.O.G., and trendy Click Clack — not to mention luxury brands (W Bogota, Four Seasons, and JW Marriott).
Other Colombian cities are starting to catch up, but in the meantime also prepare to be inspired by Colombia’s rural accommodations: throughout the countryside you’ll find stunning properties like Hacienda Buenavista, Corocora Camp, One Santuario, and Casa Oropendola.
When suggesting accommodations for your trip, we carefully consider your specific needs, priorities, style, and of course availability (some of our preferred smaller hotels tend to fill up well in advance).
“I grew up visiting Colombia all the time and have always loved it, but having had the chance to travel to and live in numerous countries around the world my appreciation for its beauty and energy has only continued to deepen.”
— Andres Zuleta, Founder (About Us)
Notes from the field.
Our team has spent years criss-crossing Colombia and we love sharing travel tips.
(Plan your trip with us, and many more details are coming your way.)
+ Click for more travel tips.
- Dated perceptions persist, and even some well-traveled people still associate Colombia with an "unsafe" stigma. But in our personal experiences and those of our travelers, safety has never been an issue.
- On the contrary, a common refrain (from both our team, as well as our travelers) is that Colombian people are among the friendliest, most inviting, and helpful people they've encountered in their world travels. Along with being gracious and welcoming to travelers, it's no secret that Colombians love to have fun. Prepare to make friends wherever you go and find yourself dancing at impromptu parties!
- Colombia's location along the equator means seasonal variations are limited, and the country does not experience four seasons. There are generally dry and wet seasons, but the most notable factor affecting climate tends to be elevation. In short, lower elevation areas (for example, the coasts) are always hot, and the higher you go into the mountains the cooler it gets. To give you an idea, expect year-round temperatures around 80-90 F (25-30 C) in Cartagena, 70-80 F (20-25 C) in Medellin, and 60-70 F (15-20 C) in Bogota.
- Colombia's appeal has become increasingly well known in recent years, but in many ways it's still off the beaten path. In the country's most well-established destinations (for example, Cartagena, and to a slightly lesser extent Bogota), you'll find a wealth of great hotels accustomed to receiving travelers from around the world. In "newer" destinations — such as Medellin, which has only become a hotspot relatively recently — there tend to be fewer options, though things are evolving quickly to keep up with demand.
- Some people imagine Cartagena as a beach destination, but the city itself does not have great beaches. For an extended beach holiday, we recommend other areas (see below). But if you just want one beautiful beach day, there are some lovely tropical beaches (like the Rosario Islands and Isla Baru) within super easy reach of Cartagena (approx. 1 hour).
- For domestic and regional travelers, the islands of San Andres and Providencia are extremely popular resort destinations. But apart from feeling relatively touristy, they're also somewhat inconvenient (located off the coast of Nicaragua!). Instead, spend several days exploring Colombia's northern Caribbean coast, where you'll find gorgeous beaches, the breathtaking scenery of Tayrona National Park, beach towns like Palomino and Taganga, the stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, and the historic city of Santa Marta.
- To complement your city explorations and beach time, another worthwhile destination is the lush Zona Cafetera, also known as the Eje Cafetero, Coffee Axis, Coffee Zone, and Coffee Triangle! Spend a few days relaxing at a luxurious hacienda (see one of our favorites above under Where you'll stay), sample some of the world's best coffee at a delightful farm specializing in high-end coffee, explore outrageously charming mountain towns, and kick back in a hammock by the pool.
- If you don't have enough vacation time to devote a few days to the Zona Cafetera, there are also some wonderful coffee farms you can visit as a day trip from Medellin. And speaking of day trips from Medellin, perhaps no visit to this part of Colombia would be complete without a day in Guatape. The town of Guatape itself is pretty, but the real highlight is exploring the iconic reservoir by boat (if you're up for a steep hike, El Peñol above offers panoramic views of the picturesque landscape).
Take the next step.
Get in touch to start planning or brainstorm your next adventure.