Our week-long Colombia: Center of the Universe itinerary pays tribute to endlessly zesty and warmly welcoming Colombia with visits to the country’s undeniable centerpieces: sophisticated Bogota, the flourishing Coffee Triangle, and glorious Cartagena. Adventuresome travelers with additional days to fall for Colombia’s charms may choose to add on one, or all, of these alluring, pre- or post-trip extensions from our a la carte menu.

Medellin is a hip and progressive microcosm of Colombia – with friendly, industrious paisas (as Medellin residents are often called), bustling and tidy plazas, and a magnetic climate. In addition, the colonial relics and jovial, rural lifestyle of Santa Fe de Antioquia are just a short drive away. Tayrona National Park boasts the staggering Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and pristine, jungle-fringed beaches, as well as captivating indigenous culture and archaeological ruins. Manizales and Los Nevados, both prized assets of the beloved Coffee Triangle, offer a closer glimpse into the traditions of un tinto (a cup of coffee), and a look at páramo landscapes, glaciated valleys, and (potentially snow-capped) volcanoes. San Agustin and Tierradentro allow visitors to Colombia to roam rarely traveled paths in the south of the country, giving the archaeologically inclined the chance to become acquainted with the enigmatic, pre-Hispanic sculptures of volcanic stone in San Agustin, and to survey the equally marvelous, monumental tombs of Tierradentro.

Itineraries-at-a-Glance

Medellin Extension
Day 1: arrive in Medellin • Day 2: full day of ambling in Medellin’s plazas, museums, gondolas • Day 3: day-trip to Santa Fe de Antioquia • Day 4: fly onward.

Tayrona National Park Extension
Day 1: fly to Santa Marta and transfer to the Tayrona Ecohabs • Day 2: full day at your leisure in Tayrona National Park, for jungle wandering, hiking, swimming • Day 3: transfer from Tayrona to Santa Marta for onward flight, or drive to Cartagena.

Manizales and Los Nevados Extension
Day 1: arrive in Manizales; visit a coffee plantation and downtown Manizales • Day 2: full-day exploration of Los Nevados National Park • Day 3: fly onward.

San Agustin and Tierradentro
Day 1: fly to Neiva and drive to San Agustin; visit Obando and the Magdalena River narrows • Day 2: tour the San Agustin Archaeological Park and transfer to Tierradentro • Day 3: survey the Tierradentro Archaeological Park, then drive to Popayan • Day 4: roam Popayan before continuing onward.