Begin your journey sampling the flavors from the tropical valleys of the Coffee Triangle, and continue to the snow peaked volcanoes in Los Nevados National Park. In mountainous Tamesis, explore high altitude ecosystems and follow stone paths built by ancient cultures that once called this region home. Finish your trip in trendy Medellin. A great Colombia tour that balances cultural and natural discovery in the Central Andes.
Highlights
Hike through a 489 hectare cloud forest in search of local flora and fauna
Look for petroglyphs as you climb an ancient stone path
Hike Serrania de Las Baldias to see rare orchids and bromeliads
Experience the museums, galleries and exciting nightlife in Medellin
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
Arrive in Pereira. This region, referred to as the Coffee Triangle, is the heart of Colombia’s coffee production. Here visit an award winning coffee hacienda and walk through plantations to learn the intricate techniques of cultivation, harvesting, peeling, selection and the roasting process. Experience a process known as "Coffee Baptism" to better understand the difference in blends and aromas. Your time in the Coffee Triangle ends fittingly with a barista demonstration and coffee tasting.
The day begins in Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary - a 489 hectare cloud forest filled with hundreds of species of birds, butterflies and small mammals. Hike through trails lined with old growth forest, orchids, bromeliads and ferns. Following your cloud forest hike, continue on towards Manizales and the foothills of Los Nevados, home to Central Cordillera’s highest peaks. This region is home to many unique high altitude species of birds and plants including thousands of conspicuous Speletia or Frailejon. Enjoy views of the endemic Paramo (alpine tundra) ecosystem, cloud forest and classic Colombian farmland. Tonight, relax in the town of La Pintada, situated along the Rio Cauca.
Otun Quimbaya hike: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Elevation gain: 280 feet (85 m)
Max. altitude: 6375 feet (1973 m)
Los Nevados hike: 2.5 miles (4 km)
Elevation gain: 486 feet (148 m)
Max. altitude: 13,652 feet (4161 m)
Continue the journey north along the fertile Cauca River Valley. This area produces coffee, cacao, bananas, citrus fruits and sugar cane. Arrive in Tamesis, a small colonial town with great views of the Farrallones peak. Once inhabited by the Chami-Embera Indians, the region is home to hundreds of petroglyphs; today’s hike takes you on a stone trail built by this ancient culture. The landscape in this mountainous area is filled with caves, underground rivers and waterfalls. As you climb the stone trail, explore the flora of the cloud forest: Lichen, ferns, bromeliads and orchids. Based on your fitness level, visit an underground riverbed. Or hike to the Cristo Rey (King Christ) monument that is perched high on the mountain – this hike is a recognized by many as spiritual pilgrimage. In the evening, settle in at your hotel and enjoy views of Cauca River gorge.
Total distance: 6.2 miles (10 km)
Elevation gain: 520 feet (835 m)
Max. altitude: 8,094 feet (2467 m)
Day 4: Santa Fe de Antioquia and Serrania de Las Baldias Hike
Founded in 1541, Colombia’s Santa Fe de Antioquia is a beautiful example of a traditional colonial town. Dotted with squares, streets, plazas and churches, learn about the local history as you spend a leisurely morning in this historic town. After lunch, continue to nearby Serrania de Las Baldias. This high altitude cloud forest reserve remains a best-kept secret in the region. Thousands of rare orchids and bromeliads are found throughout. Explore the reserve on foot. Your 4 mile (7km) begins at 3,150 m (10,335 ft.) and descends to 2,500 m, offering views of both the Central and Occidental mountain ranges. Finish the day in the city of Medellin. Overnight in Medellin's “zona rosa” neighborhood to enjoy local galleries, restaurants and some of Colombia’s exciting nightlife.
Serrania de Las Baldais hike: 4 miles (7 km)
Elevation descend: 2133 feet (650 m)
Max. altitude: 10,335 feet (3150 m)
Surrounded by mountains, the locals call Medellin the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year round temperatures. Your tour of this bustling city begins with a visit to Plaza Botero, a space designed to honor Colombia’s famous artist of the same name. Continue to the Antioquia Museum and the botanical gardens, which act as a wildlife refuge and research center. From the gardens, you’ll ride up on a cable car to ARVI, the city’s most important park and nature reserve. Enjoy panoramic views of the city. From here, visit the Silleteros or saddle men who live in the Santa Elena community. The Silleteros were porters from the colonial era that used to carry goods and even people. Today this community is especially recognized for their elaborate floral arrangement prepared for the annual flower festival -- Feria de Flores. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel for a farewell dinner in Medellin.
ARVI hike: 3.7 miles (6 km)
Elevation gain: 300 feet (92 m)
Max altitude: 8,425 feet (2568 m)
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
