PLEASE NOTE: We will be operating with a reduced staff on Friday 29 March for the Good Friday holiday (Canada), and back to full operation from April 1st. Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable weekend!

Book 24/7 via this website; contact 1800 665 3998 or [email protected] to reach out.

21 Day Colombia Tour & Panama

TOURCODE: CM5

Duration:
21 Days

Activity Level:
2

When To Go:
Jan, Oct

Countries Visited:
2

Arrive In / Depart From:
/

Max Group Size:
18

Tour Style:
Cultural

Price From:

  Overnight in: Bogota, Salento, Medellin, Cartagena, Panama City, Chiriqui, Bocas del Toro

Discover the country's true culture with the help of experienced local guides.

  • Small group sizes to help escape the beaten path.
  • All-inclusive with top-rated restaurants and hotels.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Tour Overview
Tour Overview
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Countries Visited: 2 Activity Level: 2 Tour Style: Cultural

This Panama and Colombia tour is a nice combination of our highlight-packed tour of Colombia and our ever-popular tour of Panama in one nice three-week package.

 


 

Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices

 

Prices below are per person, twin-sharing costs in US Dollars (USD). Pricing does not include airfare to/from the tour and any applicable taxes. For single supplement rates and taxes (if any), please refer to below Prices & Dates table. For general information on flights to/from the tour, click here.

 

Select a date below to reserve your spot:

 


The above prices are subject to an additional $264 for taxes/fees levied on flights that occur as part of the tour. The internal airfares ARE included (any exceptions are listed in red below), but we list the taxes separately on your invoice as they are beyond our control and can change at any time.

Optional Single Supplement: $1610 USD (number of singles limited).

 


 

Full Itinerary
Full Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrival in Bogota
Today we arrive in Bogota, Colombia and transfer to our hotel.

Also known as Santa Fe de Bogota, or the 'Athens of the Americas' (owing to Bogotanos' reputation for politeness and civility), Bogota is set at an altitude of over 2600m (8,600 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east. This captivating urban center has a rich cultural life and beautiful architecture. Like any self-respecting capital city, Bogotá is the country's capital of art, academia, history, culture and government. This is Colombia's beating heart.

Overnight in Bogota.

Included Meal(s): Dinner



Day 2 Bogota: Paloquemao Market, Cerro Monserrate & Gold Museum
This morning we will visit the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, the most famous flower and food market in Bogota. This is the focal point where the produce of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the fertile Andes and the tropical jungle meld together. The market is divided into sections: flowers; fruit, vegetables and aromatic herbs; and meat and fish. A visit here will engage all of your senses, and provides us with a great insight into Colombian customs and local living in Bogota.

Next we take a cable car to Cerro Monserrate. Some amazing views can be had from this great vantage point (weather dependant). Monserrate is crowned with its easily recognizable church and is a place of pilgrimage due to its statue of Senor Caido, the fallen Christ. Cerro de Monserrate is sometimes called the 'mountain-guardian' of Bogota, and has been a place of religious pilgrimage since colonial times.

Afterward we discover the best spots of street art in Bogota, where the most famous artist of the graffiti around the world have come to out their ideas in the walls of the city. Continue to the old quarter of La Candelaria and walk through the Plaza de Bolivar, stop at the well-known 200-year-old restaurant, La Puerta Falsa, to try the local typical sweets and desserts. We also visit the Botero Museum, home to some of Fernando Botero's finest pieces. Fernando Botero is the most widely recognized Colombian painter and sculptor. Today the museum houses one of Latin America's most important international art collections. The museum consists of over 100 works of Fernando Botero, and some of the other highlights include works by Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Henri Matisse.

We finish our day at the world-famous Gold Museum, regarded as the finest collection of gold from pre-Hispanic times. This museum has some excellent, well laid out exhibitions with explanations in English.

Overnight in Bogota.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 3 Bogota: Catedral de Sal & Paso Fino Horse Ranch
This morning we travel north to Zipaquira where we visit the Catedral de Sal. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá (Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá) is an underground Roman Catholic Church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underneath a mountain. This is not only a popular destination with travellers, but also an important place of pilgrimage in the country.

This cathedral is an engineering feat under the earth's surface, part of the salt mines that date back from the Muisca period. Curving and twisting tunnels descend into the Roman Catholic Church, passing 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. Each station has a cross and several kneeling platforms carved into the salt structure.

Upon leaving Zipaquirá, we’ll visit a traditional hacienda, one of the most traditional estates on the outskirts of Bogotá. Here you will enjoy the best of the local gastronomy by trying the typical ajiaco (chicken and potato soup) for lunch, and afterwards attend to private and exclusive exhibition of the famous Colombian creole "paso fino" horses.

We return to our hotel (due to our early departure tomorrow and included lunch today, dinner is on your own this evening).

Overnight in Bogotá.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Lunch



Day 4 Bogota - Fly to Cafetera Region & Coffee Experience
Early this morning we transfer to Bogota's airport for our 30-minute flight to Pereira, one of the cities located near the Colombian Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO listed area known for its breathtaking deep green landscapes and the unique culture and traditions of the region. Having shed years of isolation imposed by surrounding civil war and the central Andean range that marks its eastern limit, coffee country has become the heart of Colombia's nascent "rural tourism" industry that fuses history, ecology, and know-your-roots national pride.

Once landed, we'll have a hands-on coffee experience covering the cultivation, harvesting, roasting, and tasting processes of coffee production, from the seed to the roasted bean. The rich volcanic soil together with the climate and the topography make this region ideal for the cultivation of quality coffee.

Our overnight point is Salento, situated in the heart of the coffee region. This is one of the oldest towns in the department of Quindio and probably the smallest. Startlingly well- preserved, Salento offers us an opportunity to enjoy a traditional coffee settlement. Set amid gorgeous green mountains, this small town survives on coffee production, trout farming and, increasingly, tourists, who are drawn by its quaint streets, typical paisa architecture, and its proximity to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.

PLEASE NOTE that hotels in the area are relatively small and simpler with respect to the amenities on offer. Our preferred choice is clean and comfortable and quite charming, but please do not expect a lot of "frills" or assistance with your luggage. We may also need to walk a short distance (15-20 minutes) to the restaurant where we will have our evening meals; we suggest bringing a small flashlight and, as always, sturdy walking shoes with well-treaded soles.

Overnight near Salento.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 5 Salento: Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve
We begin our day by visiting the reserve of Barbas Bremen, an easily-accessible nature reserve filled with hundreds of wild species, such as the howler monkey, butterflies, and myriad birds. Along our +/- 2 km leisurely walk, we'll explore the surrounding river, and forest ecosystems (your Tour Leader will provide more details on the nature of our excursion the night before).

Overnight near Salento.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 6 Salento - Cocora Valley - Fly to Medellin
This morning we visit Valle de Cocora located to the east of Salento. Here we will enjoy a walk in the valley and see the famous Palma de Cera (wax palm) growing abundantly along the hillsides.* Towering high, this palm makes for the rather strange but beautiful scenery. Back in the 80s, this place was declared a sanctuary for the protection of Colombia's national tree, also home of the endemic yellow-eared parrot.

We then return to our hotel, check out, and catch our flight to Medellin, transferring to our hotel located in the modern neighborhood of El Poblado.

This is Colombia's 'second city' and the capital of 'Paisa' culture. Medellín is a forward-thinking city, which has reinvented itself since the dark days of the drug cartels. With Colombia's most extensive integrated public transport system, this city is a 'pioneer' in terms of social reform and offers a slick uptown district with an international feel.

Overnight in Medellin.

* Please note that viewing the trees involves the need to walk on hilly terrain some distance away from where our transport is parked. The surface is "natural" (ie not paved) and can be slippery if it has rained. By this point your Tour Leader will be familiar with your abilities and, if you have concerns about your suitability, please consult with them prior to the excursion.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 7 Medellin: City & Area Touring
Today we will enjoy a guided tour through Medellin, the "City of Eternal Spring". We walk through the historical and cultural centers where we learn about Colombia's controversial yet fascinating history.

Having gone through several periods of significant transformation, the Medellin of today is an inclusive city, where every inhabitant has the space to express themselves and participate in social change. Much of this is due to the efforts made to improve the quality of life of Medellin's inhabitants following the difficult decades of the 80s and 90s. On our visit, you’ll have the chance to learn more about this city and the art, music, and food culture that has developed during its gradual transformation.

We enjoy the urban street art in the comunas of San Javier, the typical and avant-garde street food on the boulevard of Parque del Rio, and the massive sculptures by Fernando Botero in the heart of Medellin’s city center. We continue to the Medellin Memorial Center, a blast from the past, displaying the dramatic history of cartels and gangs that struggled for control of the city.

After a break for lunch we head to Parque Arvi, a large natural reserve located above the city that has several paths that weave their way through magical forests and amazing landscapes of the Andes Central Mountain Range. After arriving by cable car from Medellín, we visit the village of Santa Elena, best known for its large, ornate flower arrangements displayed annually at Medellin’s Flower Festival.

The people of Santa Elena have learned how to create colourful shapes, figures and even faces out of flowers – a tradition that has been handed down to them over many years. On this visit, you'll even get a chance to chat with a flower farmer, or silletero, and stroll through a flower producing farm, taking in all the lovely fragrances.

Overnight in Medellin.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 8 Medellin & Guatape
Today we get away from the hustle and bustle of Medellin with an excursion to the nearby (2- hour drive, each way) village of Guatape.

Guatape was relocated to its present spot after the construction of the Guatape hydroelectric dam. Since its foundation, all the inhabitants of the town began the tradition of decorating their houses with the unique stories of their families, their livelihoods, and the events that have marked their lives. As we explore the streets of Guatape, you’ll be impressed with the amazing, colourful walls and original art. You’ll also have the chance to visit the big rock of El Peñol, a huge monolith that faces a picturesque lake, the perfect postcard shot of the day.

We return to Medellin.

Overnght in Medellin.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 9 Medellin - Fly to Cartagena: Old Town Walking Tour
This morning we fly to Cartagena.

Located on Colombia's northern coast and facing the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast. Founded in 1533 by Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia, and named after the port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, Cartagena de Indias was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. Today Cartagena beautifully preserves its colonial character with the assistance of UNESCO as a listed World Heritage Site.

This afternoon we'll discover Cartagena's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture. You will learn about the culture of Cartagena and its interesting architecture, and visit such beautiful sites as Plaza de Bolívar, the Cathedral of Cartagena, San Pedro Claver Square, and San Pedro Church. We will stroll through the narrow shaded streets of the old walled city, where flowers cascade from overhanging wooden balconies. The Old City is nearly encircled by walls that stand 4m (12ft) tall and are as thick as 18m (60ft) in some places. Their strength has preserved some fascinating colonial structures.

Cartagena's historic center is flat and relatively small, making it the perfect city for walking. You'll find a photo opportunity at every corner. Peek into doorways to see the cool tiled patios hidden from other passersby.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 10 Cartagena: San Fernando Fortress & La Popa Monastery
Cartagena is built on several islands located at the end of a bay; the marshes that originally surrounded these islands were filled in order to link the land to the coast. Several bridges provide access to and from the island, and one of these leads directly to the old city. A number of lagoons separate the suburban areas from the old city, whose centre is surrounded by magnificent ramparts.

Today we visit San Fernando Fortress, located on Cartagena's island of Tierra Bomba at a strategic location for Spaniards to defend the city from corsairs. The most representative sight here is the Fortress of San Rafael, a well-preserved gem that endured many battles in its time.

We'll also visit the fortress of San Felipe, a masterpiece of military strategy, before heading up to la Popa Monastery, located on the highest spot of Cartagena, where we can have a 360° view of both modern and historic Cartagena.

Overnight in Cartagena (dinner on your own this evening).

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 11 Cartagena: Palenque & Leisure Time
This morning we travel two hours to San Basilio de Palenque, a centuries old village and the first place registered as a free town for the slaves in all of the Americas, over 100 years before slavery was abolished. With the insight of a local guide, we are able to enter rustic homes, try local foods and drinks, hear traditional music, learn about a UNESCO recognized language and culture, and rub shoulders with some of the friendliest people in the country.
After about a 90-minute visit, we return to Cartagena by way of Bocagrande and Manga.

You are then free to find lunch and enjoy an afternoon of exploration before we meet later this afternoon, when colonial carriages will take us for a ride around the city before our final dinner.

This afternoon may want to visit the local Gold Museum with its amazing and priceless national collections, and interesting rooms that recreate the region's Amerindian ethnic groups. Though small, this museum offers a fascinating collection from the Zenu (also known as Sinu) people, who inhabited the region of the present-day departments of Bolívar, Córdoba, Sucre and northern Antioquia before the Spanish Conquest.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 12 Cartagena, Colombia - Panama City, Panama
Today we fly from Cartagena to Panama City.

Overnight in Panama City.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 13 Partial Canal Transit
We have an early morning pick-up at the hotel for the 15 minute drive to the port of Balboa where we board the passenger ferry that will take us on the world famous journey through the Panama Canal ("partial" transit; one-way). For many, this tour is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the MiraFlores Locks we experience how ships are raised 16 m / 54 feet in a two step process. This activity is achieved by sending water from Pedro Miguel's lake by gravity to fill the chambers where the ship is locked. Once the first set of locks is transited, the vessel arrives at the Pedro Miguel locks to be raised up to 26 m / 85 feet. Again no water pumps are used; they take advantage of gravity to transfer water from Gatun Lake, filling the last Chamber of the Pacific site. We cross the Continental divide and narrowest part of the Panama Canal arriving at the town of Gamboa, home to the dredging division, an important part in the functioning of the canal.

The tour includes breakfast and lunch and a specialist guide. Light clothes, insect repellent, hat, sunscreen and very comfortable shoes, are suggested. Do not forget your camera!

Overnight in Panama City.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner



Day 14 Panama City & Interoceanic Train*
Today we travel by bus to Portobelo, once the main port of entry and exit for all of South America. The exchange of merchandise took place annually at Portobelo in the form of a fair which lasted from 30 to 60 days. During this time, this sleepy little place was a beehive of activity. Transactions frequently totaled from 10 to 12 million gold pesos. These fairs took place once each year until 1738 when, as a result of continual attacks by pirates, Spain was forced to abandon the Isthmian route for the longer but more secure one around Cape Horn. The frequent pirate attacks forced the Spaniards to adopt a convoy system. Each year two fleets of 40 to 70 ships sailed from Spain, one bound for Veracruz, the other for Portobelo. Our visit / tour also includes the Maria Chiquita coastal area.

For our return to Panama City, we proceed to Colon where we board the Interoceanic Train for a scenic one hour journey back to the capital.* The Panama Railroad became the first transcontinental railway when it was completed in 1855 -- of course, a "transcontinental" line is a lot easier to make when you've only got 50 miles to cross! The California Gold Rush brought the new railway lots of business; eventually it was sold to first the French, and then
the Americans, in conjunction with the efforts to build the Panama Canal, and it eventually passed to Panama in 1979 under the terms of the Panama Canal treaty. Now it's a private venture, completely rebuilt, with elegantly refurbished passenger coaches. The passenger trade is just a sideline, though. The real business of the railway is freight, moving containers between the Atlantic and the Pacific in less time and at lower cost than a canal passage. The train follows the canal and runs across narrow artificial causeways in Lake Gatun that are indeed spectacular, and the ambiance of the train is very pleasant. We will also go to Aguas Claras to see the new set of locks with their fascinating overflow tanks.

* PLEASE NOTE: The above described excursion was discontinued due to pandemic and, though we were hopeful that this service would resume starting from late 2022, it is quite possible/probable that this situation may be indefinite. If service has not resumed for your chosen departure, we will accomplish this distance by bus instead. Should this suspension go beyond 2023, we may remove mention of the train from this day's description (current as of July 2023)

Overnight in Panama City.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 15 Parque Metropolitano & Amerindian Village
Today we head north of downtown to Parque Metropolitano, which protects vast expanses of tropical semi-deciduous forest within the city limits and serves as an incredible wilderness escape from the trappings of the capital. Our walking route takes us to 150m-high mirador (lookout) with panoramic views of Panama City, the bay and the canal all the way to the Miraflores Locks.

This afternoon we visit an Embera / Choco Amerindian village. We take a boat along the route commonly used by the Indians for their daily transport along the river. A short walk through a forest follows, with a local guide to explain botanical novelties and the culture of this authentic village. We return to Panama City.

Overnight in Panama City.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 16 Panama City - David, Chiriqui Highlands
Today we are picked up at our Panama City hotel and transferred to Panama City's Albrook domestic airport where we board the scheduled flight to David in the province of Chiriqui.*

This enchanted land is the Chiriqui Highlands, the part of the Cordillera Central that defines the northern border of the province of Chiriqui. Primeval rainforests bedecked with clouds, noisy, chattering birds flash brilliant iridescent colours as they dart about their daily chores, flowering epiphytes bloom en masse high above the forest floor while gurgling streams glisten and tumble hurriedly over great boulders in their dance towards the sea. It is a beautiful
landscape of cloud forests, volcanic peaks, coffee plantations and home to most of Panama's Guaymi Indians.

* Due to 12 kilo weight restriction on this flight and on the flight from Bocas back to Panama City, we strongly recommend that you pack a smaller bag for the next few nights and leave excess baggage in storage at our Panama City hotel.

Overnight in Chirqui Highlands.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 17 Chiriqui Highlands
Today we will travel to Cerro Punta to explore the area with a local naturalist guide on a nature walk.

This area is good for resplendent quetzal, black and yellow silky flycatcher, prong billed barbet, and the volcano hummingbird. From here we'll travel to the area of La Amistad International Park Headquarters. La Amistad is a bi-national park that stretches from Costa Rica into Panama, a small portion of which extends into the Chiriqui province encompassing mostly cloud forests. Here the land rises in excess of 1500 m / 4,950 feet and warm air ascends the mountains where it meets with cooler air and condenses into a persistent cloud cover. Cloud forests exhibit a unique ecosystem with an astonishing diversity of flora and fauna.

We also tour Haras Cerro Punta, a thoroughbred breeding farm in a mountain valley between Cerro Punta and Guadalupe – the highest inhabited part of Panama. The 100-hectare farm is surrounded by one of the most fertile agricultural areas in the country. With an average population of 200 animals, the farm turns out racehorse champions for Panama and beyond.

NOTE: The order of our Chiriqui sightseeing may vary due to weather, accommodation availability, and other logistical considerations.

Overnight in Chirqui Highlands.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 18 Chiriqui Highlands - Bocas del Toro
After a leisurely morning we prepare for our drive to Almirante on the Caribbean side of the country. En route we stop to view the impressive Fortuna Dam and spectacular waterfalls along the Continental Divide. We will be crossing the Palo Seco Protected Area that serves as buffer zone to La Amistad International Park. The transition from the cloud forests to the coral reefs of Bocas del Toro is impressive. In Almirante we are met by our boat and transferred to the island.

Five hundred years ago, Christopher Columbus arrived at a tropical paradise he named Bocas del Toro. Overwhelmed by the most incredible contrasts of vivid colour and sheer unspoiled natural surroundings, Columbus decided to drop anchor and spend a bit of time in this idyllic place. Not much has changed since that pristine time with the exception of the provocative Calypso beat and the alluring accent of the Caribbean inhabitants. Bocas is the best place to sink your toes in the white sand, to explore lush tropical rainforests and coral reefs and to look for the faithful sea turtles that have come to these islands for millennia.

Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 19 Bocas del Toro
Ninety-two percent of this island is covered by tropical forest that helps keep a natural balance of the ecosystem. This huge national patrimony has 200 species of plants, 55 amphibious and reptiles, 57 mammals, 200 types of birds, 1500 bugs, and more than 58 species of corals.

Bocas del Toro Province is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Veraguas Province to the east, Chiriqui Province to the south and Costa Rica to the west. Most of the province is on the slopes of the Talamanca and Central mountain ranges, but the majority of its 93,000 inhabitants live in low-lying areas along the coast and on islands.

The province contains the large Archipielago de Bocas del Toro at the mouth of the Laguna de Chiriqui, beginning 35km from the Costa Rican border. The chain consists of 68 islands and numerous mangrove keys. Around them are fields of coral, a titanic variety of marine life and water so emerald in colour that Christopher Columbus named the region Veraguas, a contraction of verdes aguas (green waters).

Today we have a boat tour to the surrounding attractions of the island so you can appreciate the incredible beauty of this place. There will be time for swimming in the surf and walking along the coastline to Red Frog Beach where you will be amazed by a sort of symphony of rather non-musical chirping that sounds like it must be coming from crickets. When you look closer, however, you will be surprised to find that this strangely beautiful noise is coming
from a small frog, about the size of your thumbnail.

Overnight in Bocas del Toro.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 20 Bocas de Toro - Fly to Panama City: Panama City Touring
Today we fly back to the capital and enjoy some city sightseeing on arrival.

Our tour includes a visit to the ruins of Old Panama and Casco Viejo (the old city compound) which dates from the late 1600's. We will learn of the events in history leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Casco Viejo is home to monuments to Ferdinand de Lesseps and others who were instrumental in the ill-fated French attempt to construct a canal through Panama. Here we visit the Altar de Oro at the San Jose
church. As it's name would suggest this large barouque altar is made of pure gold. The church was built soon after the first Spanish settlement was established on the Pacific Coast in 1519. In the 17th Century this settlement was abandoned and moved to it's present location on the small peninsula that that contains the San Felipe district of the city. When the church itself was moved so was it's most famous possession. Our tour ends with a visit to the Panama Canal Museum.

Overnight in Panama City.

Included Meal(s): Breakfast and Dinner



Day 21 Departure
Today we depart from Panama City.

BUEN VIAJE!

Included Meal(s): Breakfast

 


 

Trip Info
Trip Info

Inclusions
Breakfast and most dinners; some lunches (hotels and restaurants).

All sightseeing and entrance fees for sites noted as 'visited' in the detailed itinerary.

Gratuities for local guides, drivers, restaurant staff, porters (if available).

Airport transfers for land & air customers and for early arriving / late departing land & air customers who book their extra hotel nights through us.

Exclusions
International airfare to/from the tour.

Tour Leader gratuity, some lunches, drinks, personal items (phone, laundry, etc), departure taxes, domestic and international air taxes (if applicable).

Airport transfers for Land Only customers. Optional trip cancellation insurance.

Our post-reservation trip notes offer further guidance on optional meal costs, shopping, and locally paid departure taxes.

Seasonality and Weather
Colombia: Here the weather and climate are truly those of 'perpetual spring,' as understood in temperate latitudes. Nights are cool but never really cold, and at this height frost is unknown. The days feel warm in the sun but are never really hot. Rain and afternoon cloud are frequent, especially on the coast where temperatures and humidity are considerably higher.

Panama: This tour is offered during the northern winter and outside hurricane season (though this region is not near historic hurricane tracks). Temperatures are high across the whole country throughout the year, though cooler at higher altitudes. The rainy season lasts from May to November.

Transport and Travel Conditions
Land transport throughout by private air-conditioned motor coach, 24-36 seats depending on ultimate group size (see 'group size'). Though we will have some full bus days, road travel is not particularly arduous as there are plenty of stops of interest. Most roads are in good condition though winding on some stretches. Numerous walking tours on uneven surfaces. Most people are not seriously affected by altitude (2400-3300 m / 8,000-9,500 ft).

We have numerous walking tours on uneven surfaces. Our excursion in Salento (Colombia) will likely involve simple Jeep-like transport, which can be bumpy and slow. On foot, this excursion also involves some walking on slopes, which can be slippery if it has rained. In smaller towns, we may also have to walk a short distance to restaurants for our evening meals. By this point in the tour, your Tour Leader will be familiar with your abilities and able to provide advice on your suitability prior to this and other excursions.

Most people are not seriously affected by altitude in Colombia (2400-3300m/8,000-9,500 ft).

Our difficulty level "2" rating refers to the above-mentioned busy days, walking tours on uneven terrain, lack of handrails (public and elsewhere, ie shower stalls), and fatigue that can be caused by heat and humidity and unfamiliar food and drink. Please note that porters are generally not available at smaller hotel properties outside of major cities; you will need to be independent with your own luggage as necessary.

Am I suitable for this tour? Please refer to our self-assessment form.

Accommodation
Well-located, air-conditioned, mid-range hotels with en suite toilet and bath throughout. Smaller hotels in rural areas will be of a simpler standard and will likely not provide baggage handling.

For more hotel information, please click on the "Map & Hotels" tab on this page.

Staff and Support
Tour Leader, local guides and driver/s.

Group Size
Maximum 18 plus Tour Leader

 


 

Map & Hotels
Map & Hotels

Regions visited: South America and Central America
Countries visited: Colombia and Panama


*The red tour trail on the map does not represent the actual travel path.


The following is a list of sample hotels at some locations included on this tour. The hotels shown here are meant to provide a general sense of the standard of hotel we usually aim for; they are not necessarily confirmed for your chosen departure.


Hotel bh Bicentenario
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Bogota
Country: Colombia
Located in the heart of Bogotá's historical district, bh Bicentenario features all you need, including plush rooms and an unparalleled level of service. This boutique hotel is located minutes away from the ... financial district, close to endless entertainment, museums, and the most diverse shopping centers in Colombia.

Modern in design, our downtown gem is a coveted retreat amidst all the fun and adventure that Bogotá has to offer.
Read More
Salento Real Hotel
3 Star Accommodation 3 Star Accommodation 3 Star Accommodation
Location: Salento
Country: Colombia
The Salento Real Hotel is a welcoming hotel in Salento, in the Coffee Centre of Colombia, within a 20 minute drive to the Cocora Valley. This eco-friendly hotel with a colonial style ... with complete superior and double rooms offers you spaces to your liking devised for couples, families and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and the calmness and hospitality of Quindio.
Read More
Apartamentos Poblado Alejandria
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Medellin
Country: Colombia
Situated near coffee shops and a bar 6 km from the outdoor Botero Plaza, the stylish Apartamentos Poblado Alejandria By Housy Host Medellin comprises 89 rooms 7 minutes walk from ParchaTours. The ... restaurant and the lounge bar are available at this 4-star hotel boasting an excellent location in Medellin.
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Santa Catalina Hotel
5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation 5 Star Accommodation
Location: Cartagena
Country: Colombia
This is a special place where you will experience something new and different. The Santa Catalina Hotel is a new luxury boutique hotel in Cartagena that ensures your stay is filled with ... warmth and comfort. Its excellent services and special location in the heart of the historic city center make it the perfect accommodation.
Read More
Hotel El Panama by Faranda Grand
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Panama City
Country: Panama
Offering upscale comfort and authentic Latin style, our hotel provides full-service stays in the heart of downtown Panama City. From sumptuous rooms and comprehensive meeting facilities to our expansive lagoon pool, you’ll ... the difference.

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Bocas del Toro Hotel
4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation 4 Star Accommodation
Location: Bocas del Toro
Country: Panama
This charming hotel offers a unique blend of simple elegance and the historical ambiance of Caribbean wood craftsmanship with the sparkling sea beneath. Nicely appointed with wood and nautical furnishings the 11 ... boutique hotel offers the concept of comfort with 400-thread count cotton sheets, WI-FI, flat Screen cable TV, air conditioning, telephones, coffee makers, ocean and town balcony views.
Read More

 


 

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Frequently Asked Questions
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
ASK A QUESTION
01. What is the maximum number of participants on a trip?
Most of our tours carry a maximum of 18 participants; some tours (ie hiking tours) top out at 16. In the event that we do not achieve our minimum complement by our 60-day deadline, we may offer group members the option of paying a "small-group surcharge" as an alternative to cancellation. If all group members agree, we will confirm the trip at existing numbers; this surcharge is refundable in the event that we ultimately achieve our regular minimum. If the small group surcharge is not accepted, we will offer a refund of your deposit or a different trip of your choice.
02. Can I extend my tour either at the beginning or end? What about stopovers?
Yes, you can extend your tour either at the beginning or the end and we can book accommodation in our tour hotel. Stopovers are often permitted, depending on air routing. Stopovers usually carry a "stopover" fee levied by the airline.
03. How do I make a reservation? How and when do I pay?
The easiest way to make a reservation is via our website; during office hours, you are also more than welcome to contact us by telephone. A non-refundable deposit is payable at the time of booking; if a reservation is made within 60 days, full payment is required. Some trips require a larger deposit. If international airline bookings require a non-refundable payment in order to secure space or the lowest available fare, we will require an increase in deposit equal to the cost of the ticket(s). Early enrolment is always encouraged as group size is limited and some trips require greater preparation time. Once we have received your deposit, we will confirm your space and send you a confirmation package containing your trip itinerary, any visa/travel permit related documents, invoice, clothing and equipment recommendations, general information on your destination(s), and forms for you to complete, sign and return to us. Your air e-tickets (if applicable), final hotel list, final trip itinerary, and instructions on how to join your tour, will be sent approximately 2-3 weeks prior to departure.
04. What about cancellations, refunds, and transfers?
Please review our cancellation policy page for details.
05. I am a single who prefers my own room. What is a single supplement?
All of our tours have a single supplement for those who want to be guaranteed their own room at each location. This supplement is a reflection of the fact that most hotels around the world do not discount the regular twin-share rate for a room by 50% for only one person occupying a room. Most hotels will give a break on the price, but usually in the range of 25-30% of the twin-share rate. This difference, multiplied by each night, amounts to the single supplement. The conventional amount can also vary from country to country and some destinations are more expensive than others for single occupancy. In order to be "single friendly," the supplements we apply are not a profit centre for us and we do our best to keep them as reasonable as possible. On most tours we limit the number of singles available, not to be punitive, but rather because many hotels allow for only a limited number of singles; some smaller hotels at remote locations also have a limited number of single rooms available. Please note that most single rooms around the world are smaller than twin-share rooms and will likely have only one bed.
06. Do you have a shared accommodation program?
Yes! If you are single traveller and are willing to share, we will do our best to pair you with a same-gender roommate. On most of our tours, if we fail to pair you, we will absorb the single supplement fee and you will default to a single room at no extra charge. At some destinations, however, where single rooms are not significantly discounted, or not at all, we may apply a "mandatory" single in the event that we cannot find you a share partner. This is usually 50% of the usual supplement, but can be as much as 100%. If applicable, this proviso will be noted on each tour page on this website, on your invoice, and in our tour date/price book (available for download under "Resources").

 

What People are Saying
Fay S.
West Vancouver, BC - CA
Difficult to pick which element was enjoyed the most. We enjoyed the variety and felt we were given a great exposure to both countries . The tour of District 13 in Medellin was moving. Gold museum excellent. Loved the day on the water in Bocas del Toro. Loved using the passenger ferry through the canal. We were impressed with our tour leader. We felt that it was important to him that everyone was looked after, that tour expectations were met and everyone was happy. All bus drivers were excellent and all very pleasant. Evening meals were very good, particularly in Colombia. Fantastic holiday!
Maryse L.
Vancouver, BC - CA
I enjoyed all the sightseein. These are the ones that were the highlights: Bogota flower market, Montserate, walking through town with Catarina, salt cathedral; the wax palm valley hike, coffee plantation visit; Comuna 13 and public transport in Medellin; the forts in Cartagena, walking through the old walled city. In Panama, I loved everything relating to the canal. Enjoyed hiking in the mountain region, in the Panama City big park with the biodiversity, and really liked the boat trip in Bocas. We ate very well, I would say it exceeded my expectations. Specially liked the restaurant in Bogota that opened up for us in the evening, Prudencia. The hotels were excellent. Trip exceeded my expectations. Excellent value for the money.
Dan W.
Barriere, BC - CA
AA certainly met our expectations. We signed up for a cultural tour of Columbia and Panama and AA provided the opportunity to experience and learn about both of these countries. We took advantage of that opportunity and our horizons have been broadened. We always feel safe and comfortable traveling with AA. We always get to experience something special on our trips, and this trip was no exception. Your product is amongst the best in the business.
Carolyn M.
Calgary, AB - CA
We particularly enjoyed the city walking tour in Bogota and Cartagena, the Salt Cathedral, the flowers in Medellin, Coffee plantation, palm tree walk, the hills in Panama, cruise through the canal and train ride, walk in forest in Panama, and the water tour in Panama. The drivers on this tour were very good. Our tour leader was always proactive, receptive, and provided lots of additional information. He always went above and beyond. Adventures Abroad have great tour leaders and the small group size is great.
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Countries Visited: 2

Colombia; Panama.
Activity Level: 2

These are particularly busy tours that feature a lot of moving around, sometimes by train and short journeys on local transport. Walking tours of towns and cities are leisurely but you should be prepared to be on your feet for several hours. Some of our cultural trips that occur at high altitude and/or require greater independence with baggage handling (at hotels, airports, train stations) also fall into this category.
Tour Style: Cultural

These three- and four-star hotel-based, "soft adventure" trips concentrate on the culture, history, and natural attributes of our destination. Though there are no strenuous activities built into these tours, you need to be prepared for some full days with some early starts, plenty of walking on uneven surfaces through villages, cities and archaeological sites, and not a lot of "down time." Independence, reasonable fitness, and an ability to be steady on one's feet are critical in order for you to get the most out of these programs.
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