Colombia Balanced schedule Tours & Trip Packages

Colombia Balanced schedule Tours & Trips

173 Colombia trips. Tours from 69 tour companies. 245 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

80 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Balanced schedule
Charming Peru & Colombia
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota, Cartagena, Cusco, Lima, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • See the world-famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu
  • Admire the colonial architecture of the capital city, Lima
  • Soak up the colonial charm of the Sacred Valley and Cusco
  • Enjoy spectacular views at the top of the Monserrate Hill
  • Get an experiential immersion in the world of Colombian Coffee
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What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

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Colombia's Colonial Jewels & the Coffee Triangle
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin

Highlights

  • Explore Bogotá
  • Discover Medellin
  • Visit the Antioquia Museum at the Plaza de Botero in Medellín
  • Visit the Cocora Valley
  • Visit the massive cathedral on Plaza Bolívar

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"This letter is effectively what was communicated no less than 8 times in writing and conversation to OAT representatives up the chain, beginning 19 days before the trip. OAT was IMMOVABLE on allowing us to find an alternative travel companion and it was 100% due to rigid policy, not real barriers. We never expected a refund and wouldn't have blamed them if we could not fill my spot. They refused to even give us the opportunity. Appalling and sadly representative of their customer service. Congratulations, you lost two customers and one long time referral source. I only think it is fair that folks know the nature of the company at this point. An absolute shame. As a dedicated Edmund Hillary member of OAT with a history of introducing countless friends to your service including 4 who booked trips, I am writing to express my deep concern over the handling of our Galapagos trip booking in light of a recent medical emergency. This situation not only highlights significant gaps in customer communication and care but also underscores the need for immediate, effective action. Timeline of Events and Communication Issues: Initial Contact on 11/22: We contacted OAT 19 days before the trip, scheduled for 12/11, as soon as it became clear that extended surgical complications would prevent my travel. Policy of No Refunds or Changes Under 30 Days: We were informed that the trip is non-refundable under 30 days, which is understood. However, OAT also refused to allow a replacement traveler, posing zero risk to the company. Both of us called, met with the same response. Response from Exceptions Department on 11/22: The no-change policy was reiterated by the Exceptions Department on the same day. Written Escalation on 11/22: Both parties sent written letters to escalate the matter. Delayed Response Until 11/29: We did not receive any response until 11/29, with OAT mentioning the inability to make changes 12 days before the trip. Policy vs. Practical Reasons: The response seemed more policy-based than practical. We offered to cover the cost for a replacement traveler for the internal Galapagos flight, which was declined. The rep always returned to the policy prohibiting it. She further added we do not sell trips within 30 days. Upon looking the next day, I found no less than 7 different itineraries with no less than 13 different trips that I could have booked within 30 days. Further Escalation Request and Conversation on 11/30: A further request for escalation resulted in a 23-minute conversation on 11/30 without any change. Given these circumstances, I propose the following practical solution: Future Travel Credit in Exchange for Re-Selling My Space: If finding a substitute traveler is unfeasible, I suggest OAT resell my space to another interested party, crediting me for a future trip. This solution aligns with my preference and ongoing loyalty to OAT. The lack of a constructive response and rigid adherence to policy without considering exceptional circumstances is alarming. It not only affects this immediate trip but also impacts my ability to continue advocating for OAT in good conscience. An amicable and prompt resolution to this issue would speak volumes about OAT's commitment to customer satisfaction and flexibility. Unless there is a prompt and constructive resolution to this matter, we will be forced to escalate our concerns further. This includes reaching out to higher management within OAT, engaging with consumer protection agencies, sharing our experience through travel forums, and social media for breach of service. Our preference is to resolve this amicably, yet the current trajectory leaves us little choice but to pursue these avenues. I implore you to seriously consider these options and respond in a manner that reflects OAT's values of empathy and customer support. Your immediate attention to this matter is not only appreciated but necessary for a resolution that respects both parties' interests. Thank you for your understanding and prompt attention to this critical issue."

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Grand South America
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4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota, Buenos Aires, Cartagena, Cusco, Lake Titicaca, Lima, Machu Picchu, Puno, Sacred Valley

Highlights

  • Discover colorful, vibrant coastal city of Cartagena
  • Get an experiential immersion in the world of Colombian Coffee
  • Enjoy spectacular views at the top of the Monserrate Hill
  • Explore the Sacred Valley and magnificent Cusco
  • See the world-famous Inca ruins at Machu Picchu
Show more

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"BUYER BEWARE!!! This company has a policy that if THEY cancel your trip…THEY get to keep your money and you get a credit the company. They cancelled my first trip..found out the hard way about their policy. Booked a trip…then had left over money so booked another…which they cancelled…again. Surprisingly…this time they offered a refund, but only gave me back the money I had put down…not what was left of “my credit”. So now I am forced to do business with a company I no longer wish to, that picks and chooses when to follow their own policy!! There are plenty of other travel agencies with similar tours…don’t give these guys your hard earned money for them to keep."

Trip dates & details
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Colombia World Heritage Discovery
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4.8/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota, Cartagena

Highlights

  • See the International Centre, the world famous Gold Museum (closed on Mondays), the Botero Museum and Bolivar Square.
  • Explore Isnos with its “Alto de las Piedras”, the second most important archaeological park in this area.
  • Visit the Botanical Garden of Quindio with its huge butterfly house.
  • Enjoy a short walking tour of Popayan to soak in the local atmosphere before head out to Silvia

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"I took the most amazing tour across Portugal and Spain through Bestway Tours last year. It was a 10 day tour visiting historic cities across the countries and was blown away by level of service and convenience the team provided. I've learned so much through the knowledgeable tour guides and enjoyed lots of delicious local food. I cannot wait to take another Bestway Tour in the future!"

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Best of Colombia
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4.9/5 Excellent
25 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cartagena, Medellin

Highlights

  • First thing you gotta know about bogota: how to pronounce it (emphasise the ‘ta’, not the ‘go’. bogo-tahh. now you’re talking). second thing: head to the paloquemao market
  • La cocora-cha, la cocora-cha… hike through the awesome cocora valley to check out colourful hummingbirds and the world's tallest palm trees
  • Get behind the scenes of the beans during a stay on a traditional coffee estancia located deep in colombia's coffee country
  • Pablo escobar and his crew no longer be meddlin’ with medellin. now this town is where it’s at. hit the salsa clubs and ride the cable car up to flower-filled santa elena
  • Cartagena is one of latin america’s most romantic cities. a fine place to finish up. beach, anyone?

Themes

Cultural, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"FANTASTIC. Start to finish it is such a fantastic taste of Central America, all the destinations are interesting and you can do as much or as little as you choose."

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5 Day Highlights of Colombia
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota, Cartagena

Highlights

  • Walking tour of the Colonial district of La Candelaria, one of Bogota’s oldest neighborhoods Visit the Botero Museum in Bogota, housing many of the paintings and sculptures of this world-famous artist Visit the Gold Museum in Bogota, with more than 55,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold and artifacts Walk through the lively Zona Rosa district in Bogota, with its exciting nightlife Admire the rich architecture of magical Cartagena, the queen of the Caribbean coast †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

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4 Day Cartagena Vacation (New York)
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Cartagena

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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4 Day Bogota Vacation (New York)
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3.7/5 Great
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Bogota

Themes

50 plus, Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have loved Gate 1 and always sing their praises. We've been on 7 tours with another one booked for fall. We were supposed to leave for Ecuador this week, however the country is in a 60 day state of emergency with the escape of 2 infamous gang members. Tourists are advised to stay indoors and there is a daily curfew from 11pm-5am. (our flight was to land at 11:15pm). Our trip included stays in 2 of the main cities of unrest. There have been shootings, car bombings, hostage taking, closing of embassies, and other countries issuing do not travel warnings. Other tour companies have cancelled tours or offered refunds or rescheduling. Travel insurance does not cover wars or civil unrest, but we are clearly afraid to go there. Both we and our travel agent have reached out multiple times with our concerns and asked if we could reschedule or get some sort of credit. We continue to get the same reply either in person or via email...Gate 1 has your safety as our highest priority and we feel you are safe ("they are not targeting tourists") and your itinerary should not be impacted. What? Their highest priority is $ and not our safety. There is no way that's the tour we anticipated. We cancelled the trip and took a 90% penalty, loss of deposit, and $276 airline penalty. It's a LOT of money, but we would have been terrified, and it's not worth getting hurt or worse. Sorry, but it's not the company I want to do business with in the future."

Trip dates & details
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Balanced schedule

Colombia Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
245  Reviews
See all Colombia tour reviews
Excellent
80
Great
36
Average
3
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
S

Sophia

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

An amazing experience that I would recommend but really think some changes should be made to the itinerary to make best use of the time

An amazing experience that I would recommend but really think some changes should be made to the itinerary to make best use of the time. People place a lot of emphas...

A

Angela

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Colombia is so much more diverse than i ever realized both in scenery & people

Colombia is so much more diverse than i ever realized both in scenery & people. This tour gave us a great snapshot of some of the country's highlights & made...

M

Marco

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

A great experience, many fantastic impressions from a beautiful country

A great experience, many fantastic impressions from a beautiful country.

G

Grit

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Classic Colombia trip is a perfect way to get know Colombia and makes you curious to see more parts of the country

The Classic Colombia trip is a perfect way to get know Colo...

E

Eileen

Oct 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Excellent experience we felt we saw the best that Colombia had to offer and our group were all lovely people

Excellent experience - we felt we saw the best that Col...

Write a Review

Colombia Tour Selection Trips

  • While Colombia is no longer someplace to avoid beyond the cruise ports, there are still areas to be wary of. Heed safety warnings and travel with a group.
  • Take a tour of a coffee plantation to get an inside look at where one of Colombia’s most valuable commodities comes from
  • There is much to do outside the major cities and tourist hubs - a guided tour will ensure you see the countryside, local villages, and coastal towns while staying safe.
  • If you are taking a tour of the Amazon, there is no better place than Colombia, where there are thousands of acres of untouched rainforest. Colombia’s Amazon is much less developed than forest in other countries, however, so if you are expecting to stay at a 5-star jungle lodge, Colombia may not be the right destination for you.

Additional details

Common Colombia Tour Toutes

The longer guided tour routes of Colombia often depend on which city travelers arrive in. Similarly, travelers’ length of stays in Colombia heavily impact how much of the country may be seen during a tour. This is because travel times are significant between cities, especially if travelers along Colombia tour routes are looking to visit the Caribbean coast, the Andes, and/or Los Llanos.

While it is possible to arrive in one Colombian city and leave from another, this usually complicates flights and can lead to travel delays. There are internal flights between cities that may be booked, but this requires advance planning. Travelers in Colombia who are not interested in frequent travel may consider limiting themselves to one area of the country or visit fewer stops than are offered on common Colombia tour routes.

If travelers to Colombia are beginning their stay in Bogotá, they can choose to either head north to San Gil or west to Armenia or another part of the Coffee Region. The first option provides an opportunity to engage in adventure-tourism, such as rappelling, paragliding, or climbing.

On the other hand, Armenia provides travelers to Colombia with the opportunity to see coffee plantations and witness first-hand their cultivation techniques with the option to purchase sustainably-grown coffee beans. Cali is another major city nearby that travelers often stop at, given the relaxed nature of it which serves as a break during travel.

After choosing to stop in or skip Salento, travelers come to the limits of Medellin. Once a stigmatized city of crime, it is now a haven for art and music which travelers are encouraged to engage with. From there, Cartagena is the next typical stop, as travelers are finally given the opportunity to visit the Pacific Ocean.

The options to visit nearby islands or scuba dive along the world’s third largest coral reef are available for travelers here at this point along their Colombia tour route. This attitude of relaxation is continued with a visit to Tayrona National Park, at the feet of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and along the Caribbean coast.

Before finally bringing their tour route of Colombia to an end, travelers can decide to stop at the town of Santa Marta. While small, the city is a well-known starting point for the 4-6 day journey into the surrounding mountains to “La ciudad perdida” (The Lost City). At the end of a long trip along a busy tour route, it may be difficult to find the motivation to complete such a trek, but the end result of witnessing the historic ruins is well worth it.

Who Will Enjoy Traveling in Colombia?

Since Colombia is well-known for both its urban centers and diverse landscapes, it appeals to travelers of all ages. For those looking to enjoy luxury travel experiences in Colombia, each major city offers its own variety of highly-rated hotels.

With a rise in infrastructure and tourism, Colombia has made serious efforts to cater to those looking to stay in comfort within their cities. To facilitate this process, specific hotels can be booked through Colombia tour companies, as many include pick-up and drop-offs from airports and activities.

For those seeking adventure and those who want to relax, Colombia is only as busy as those who visit wish it to be. Depending on how active travelers to Colombia are, there are different ways to explore the country.

In the major cities especially, travelers in Colombia will likely see umbrellas or signs that read “Free Walking Tours,” which are provided by locals who expect a tip at the end of their trip. There are also relaxed ways to spend the day on guided tours of Colombian museums.

Centering around art, history, and even gold, the museums are open to the public (some have the entrance fee included with guided tours) every day except for national holidays and Mondays. For those with families, there is a children’s museum in Bogotá that features hundreds of exhibits and an actual (non-functional) Boeing 720 airplane that can be examined.

Unfortunately, travelers in Colombia looking to experience winery tours will have a difficult time, as there are only a handful of merited ones. However, this does not mean that there are not multiple culinary tours in Colombia. For the “foodie” in any traveler, the city of Bogotá is widely regarded as the culinary (and national) capital of Colombia.

The Paloquemao food market, located centrally in the city, is a huge collection of food stalls filled with local and traditional recipes for travelers to taste. Chocolate tasting classes are also available by tour in most major cities, as Colombia is a producer of the bean and an avid fan of it in traditional drinks.

For thrill-seeking travelers looking to push their limits, paragliding in Mesa de Ruitoque is available, usually year-round given the area’s temperate conditions. This activity can be done in a group tour, but the actual flight itself must be solo. At 17,000 feet, the snowy peaks of El Cocuy are available for exploration.

Considered to be a haven for rock climbers for both its views and remoteness, the mountain range has miles of unexplored territory that travelers in Colombia can traverse with guided tours. On the other hand, travelers yearning for warm, sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean can visit Malpelo Island.

Not only is the island beautiful (and hard to get to), but the surrounding water is home to hundreds of hammerhead sharks that swim in schools together. Adventurous travelers may scuba dive with them, making for great photos and unforgettable memories.

Is Colombia safe?

On account of a stigma that has permeated from news articles and popular TV portrayals of Colombia’s past, the country has made many strides to ensure that it is safe for international travelers.

As of 2016, Colombia has been at peace from internal turmoil and is quickly becoming the site of a blossoming art and music scene. The progress it has made in providing a safe environment for travelers is reflected in Pope Francis’ journey to Bogotá, Colombia in 2017. In order to further solidify this reinvention of their image, the country has focused on developing a tourism sector that is especially for families traveling in Colombia.

As of 2014, the estate of the famed (now deceased) drug-lord, Pablo Escobar, was reconstructed into a safari theme park. Complete with a water park and zoo, Hacienda Napoles is available for families in Colombia to visit for around $15 per person. On another note, while bottled water is still available, travelers on a budget will be glad to know that the tap water is safe to drink in Colombia’s major cities.

From a point of travel, Uber is prolific throughout Colombia, which is a safe alternative to walking or bussing between locations. Similarly, Airbnb’s have also become an option for lodging for travelers in Colombia who want to ensure they have a safe place to stay. With the successful development of ecological and commercial tourism in Colombia, there is something for all travelers to enjoy besides personal safety.

Much like any other country, there are certain sections of rural roads or villages to be avoided, most of which are not ones travelers are likely to be in. Especially in cities, it is important to be vigilant at night. While many places to lodge may host a night-life of their own, travelers in Colombia may opt to head further into cities.

It is recommended to explore the popular areas of Colombia that are well-known as ones for travelers, as this limits unforeseen circumstances. As a rule of thumb, watching all drinks and not leaving items unattended prevents druggings and thefts. Colombia tour guides are often great resources for verifying which parts of cities are to be avoided and which are the most fun for travelers to explore.

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