NATURE AND CULTURE TRIP - 19 DAYS
ANCESTRAL COLOMBIA
From the Andes and the Pacific rainforest to the Amazon and the Caribbean Raizal
ROOTS AND TERRITORIES
A journey through the most authentic Colombia, amidst nature, ancestral cultures, and local communities. From the jungles of Chocó and the indigenous territories of Putumayo to the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean, a route filled with encounters, traditions, and unforgettable landscapes.
PACIFIC
DAYS 3 - 6 (COLOMBIA, CHOCÓ, NUQUÍ)
AMAZON
DAYS 10 - 13 (COLOMBIA, PUTUMAYO)
THE ANDES
DAYS 7 - 10 (COLOMBIA, NARIÑO)
DURATION
19 DAYS / 18 NIGHTS
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD
$10,490
PRIVATE
2 PAX
COUNTRIES
COLOMBIA
DATES
UPON REQUEST
ITINERARY:
START: MEDELLÍN → NUQUÍ → PANGUÍ → GUACHALITO → JOVÍ → MEDELLÍN → PASTO → LAGUNA DE LA COCHA → SIBUNDOY → MOCOA → PUERTO LIMÓN → PUERTO ASÍS → BOGOTÁ → SAN ANDRÉS → PROVIDENCIA → SANTA CATALINA → SAN ANDRÉS → END OF TRIP: BOGOTÁ
Day 1: Arrival in Medellín - the city of eternal spring
Arrival in Medellín and welcome by our local team. Transfer to the hotel and time to settle in. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax after your trip, begin exploring the surrounding area, or enjoy the excellent cuisine of a city that surprises with its energy, pleasant climate, and cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Day 2: Medellín - silletera tradition, Arví Park
After breakfast, we'll ascend to the verdant mountains of Santa Elena, the birthplace of one of Antioquia's most iconic traditions. We'll visit an authentic flower farm and meet a local silletero (flower grower), who will share the history of the famous silletas (flower arrangements) and the family legacy that comes alive each year during the Flower Festival.
We'll continue to Arví Park, a large green space nestled between forests and mountains. From there, we'll descend on the Metrocable to Santo Domingo, enjoying spectacular panoramic views over the vast Aburrá Valley and discovering how this transportation system became one of the symbols of Medellín's urban transformation.
We will end the day in the heart of the city, visiting Botero Square and some of the most representative corners of its historic center.
Day 3: Medellín - flight to Nuquí, Panguí mangroves
Today we'll change scenery completely. We'll fly from the Andes to Nuquí, on the remote Colombian Pacific coast, a territory where the rainforest slopes down to meet the ocean.
Upon arrival, we'll be welcomed in local style with coconut water and a traditional fish empanada. From Nuquí, we'll continue by boat to Panguí, sailing along a coast covered in lush vegetation, until we reach La Posada de Chachita.
After lunch, we'll venture into the mangroves by kayak, slowly navigating through natural channels and tropical vegetation. We'll spend part of the afternoon with the local community before returning to our lodge for dinner and a relaxing break, surrounded by the sounds of nature in the Chocó region.
Day 4: Nuquí - whales, Guachalito and Afro-Pacific culture
One of the most exciting days of the trip awaits us. We'll sail towards Cabo Corrientes in search of the humpback whales that, during their season, arrive in these warm waters of the Colombian Pacific. Observing them in their natural habitat, surrounded by the vastness of the ocean and the jungle-covered mountains, is an unforgettable experience.
We'll continue on to Guachalito, a nearly untouched landscape of dark beaches, palm trees, and rainforest that seems to plunge directly into the sea. Later, we'll visit a community of women in Arusí, where we'll experience Afro-Colombian culture through its flavors, songs, music, and stories.
Day 5: Joví, La Chontadura waterfall and Chocó rituals
Today we'll discover the Chocó region from the water and the rainforest. In the community of Joví, we'll board a traditional chingo, a small wooden boat used for generations to travel along the river. We'll navigate slowly through a veritable tunnel of tropical vegetation before continuing on foot to La Chontadura waterfall, where we can refresh ourselves in its natural pools.
After lunch we will arrive at Arena Azul, where we will participate in a traditional ritual of cleansing and energetic purification in connection with the natural environment.
As night falls, we will bid farewell to our stay in the Pacific to the rhythm of drums and marimba, sharing the traditional viche and getting closer to an Afro-Colombian culture deeply linked to music, community and territory.
Day 6: Nuquí - flight to Medellín
After breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the jungle and the Pacific Ocean before flying back to Medellín. Transfer to the hotel and the rest of the day is free to relax, enjoy the city at your own pace, or simply prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Day 7: Medellín - Pasto - Nariño coffee - Laguna de la Cocha
We'll fly to Pasto, the so-called Surprise City, nestled among volcanoes, mountains, and fertile Andean landscapes. From there, we'll venture into the Nariño region to discover one of its greatest treasures: high-altitude coffee.
We'll visit a traditional farm dedicated to specialty coffees, walk among the coffee plants, and learn from local producers about the entire process that transforms the fruit into one of the world's most prized beverages. We'll conclude the experience with a private tasting.
In the afternoon we will continue towards El Encano and the mystical Laguna de La Cocha, an immense mirror of water surrounded by mountains and mist, where we will spend the night enveloped by the serenity of the Andes.
Day 8: Laguna de la Cocha - nature, peasant wisdom and Sibundoy
We'll begin the morning at a private nature reserve, accompanied by Doña Gloria, a local farmer and guardian of the land. We'll hike through Andean forest, mist, and waterfalls, learning about a way of life deeply connected to the land. We'll also participate in a ceremony to connect with nature, focusing on water and the importance of protecting it.
Afterwards, we will sail through the calm waters of La Cocha Lagoon to the picturesque Vereda El Puerto, known as the "Venice of South America", where canals, small wooden houses and gardens full of flowers create one of the most unique images of Nariño.
After lunch, we'll embark on a fascinating journey to the Sibundoy Valley, a mystical territory in the heart of Putumayo, known as the cradle of ancestral knowledge. We'll venture into the territory of the Kamëntsá indigenous people, a community that has preserved its traditions, ancestral medicine, and a profound spiritual connection with nature for generations.
Upon arrival, we will embark on a tour led by an Indigenous guide, who will introduce us to the Kamëntsá worldview and their understanding of the land, community, and universe. We will learn about the symbolism of their celebrations, the meaning of their traditional practices, and the importance of ancestral medicine, as well as their artisanal expressions, where textiles, wood carvings, and masks transmit stories, knowledge, and symbols from generation to generation.
We will end this day by sharing a dinner in the village, before resting surrounded by the landscapes of the Sibundoy Valley.
Day 9: Sibundoy - weaving thoughts
The morning begins with breakfast at the hotel, preparing us to experience a day dedicated to the art, tradition and worldview of the Kamëntsá people.
We will visit the Pakari Women Weavers Association, guardians of ancestral weaving knowledge. We will be welcomed with a harmonization ceremony and, as a symbolic gesture of welcome, they will give us a small amulet representing their joy, strength, and willingness to share their knowledge.
After enjoying refreshments, we will participate in the "Weaving Thoughts" workshop, an experience where threads become a way to express stories, emotions, and memories. Guided by the women of the community, we will discover the meaning behind the colors, designs, and symbols in their weavings.
We will say goodbye to the association by sharing a traditional lunch prepared by the women themselves, an opportunity to also get closer to the flavors and customs of the community.
In the afternoon we will discover other expressions of Kamëntsá art, such as wood carving, working with colored beads and the making of their characteristic masks, pieces full of symbolism that keep alive the memory and identity of this indigenous people.
To close this day we will enjoy the experience “Echoes, Sounds and Silences”, a space for connection with nature, its sounds and our own inner selves.
At the end, we will return to the village to enjoy dinner and rest in the Sibundoy Valley.
Day 10: From the Andes to the Amazon - Sibundoy - Mocoa
The day will begin with an energy harmonization guided by a traditional indigenous doctor, an experience linked to ancestral knowledge that is still part of the life of the communities of Sibundoy.
After lunch, we'll begin one of the most spectacular parts of our route: the descent from the Andean highlands into the Amazon. As we travel, the mountains, waterfalls, and cloud forests will give way to increasingly lush and vibrant vegetation until we reach Mocoa.
We'll be staying at an ecolodge surrounded by nature and overlooking the Serranía de los Churumbelos mountain range. As night falls, a gourmet Amazonian culinary experience awaits us, inspired by local products, aromas, and flavors.
Day 11: Puerto Limón - rivers, waterfalls and Inga culture
After breakfast, we will depart with our luggage towards Puerto Limón, a small town in Putumayo where Afro-Colombian, indigenous and peasant cultures coexist and have shaped a unique identity.
We'll embark on a journey down the river to two hidden waterfalls deep in the jungle, where we'll have time to swim and enjoy this extraordinary natural setting. Afterward, our hosts will offer us a traditional snack prepared with local products and flavors.
The adventure will continue in a different and fun way: we will descend a section of the river in tubing, letting ourselves be gently carried by the current while we contemplate the vegetation and landscapes that surround us.
Back in the village, a lunch prepared by Doña Rafaela, an Afro-Colombian woman, awaits us. Through her cooking, she will introduce us to the flavors and traditions of this region of Putumayo.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Inga Indigenous Reserve of Puerto Limón, where we will meet with members of the community to learn about their customs, celebrations, and traditions. We will discover the meaning of their festivities and have the opportunity to participate in their traditional dances, accompanied by the sound of rattles and harmonicas, while enjoying traditional chicha made from corn or chontaduro fruit. We will also learn about their handicrafts and the work they do to preserve and transmit their culture.
At the end of this intense day of nature, culture, and encounters with local communities, we will transfer to our accommodation to rest. Dinner is on your own, with various options available at the accommodation.
Day 12: Puerto Asís - Finca la Fortuna
After breakfast, we'll continue to Puerto Asís, venturing into the tropical landscapes of Putumayo. Upon arrival, we'll check into the Kofán Ecolodge.
Later, we'll visit Finca La Fortuna, a rural farming project where we'll learn about rural life, traditional crops, and the communities' relationship with their land. We'll also explore the history of the coca leaf in Putumayo, discovering its cultural significance and the transformative processes the region has undergone.
We will share an agritourism and local gastronomy experience with the host family while learning about stories of resilience and new initiatives linked to peace, community and sustainable development.
Day 13: Puerto Asís - Bogotá
We'll leave the Amazon behind and fly to Bogotá. After settling into our hotel, we'll head out to explore La Candelaria, the historic heart of the capital.
We'll stroll along cobblestone streets, past colonial facades and plazas steeped in history, exploring key moments in Colombia's political and social development. Along the way, we'll also have the opportunity to sample local culinary delights and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the historic center.
Day 14: Bogotá - San Andrés - Providencia
Early in the morning we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to San Andrés, the gateway to the Colombian Caribbean. The famous "Sea of Seven Colors" awaits us, a universe of crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs.
After approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes of flight, we will arrive in San Andrés, where we will connect with our next flight to Providencia, a small island that preserves a tranquil atmosphere, lush nature and a deep raizal heritage.
Upon arrival, our local team will be waiting to welcome us and escort us to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon will be free to relax, enjoy the sea, and begin to experience the relaxed pace of island life.
In the evening we will experience our first Caribbean adventure, enjoying a delicious dinner by the sea, surrounded by the breeze and the relaxed atmosphere of Providencia.
Day 15: Providence - native fishing and sea culture
We'll head out to sea with local fishermen to discover a tradition passed down through generations. We'll learn about their artisanal fishing techniques, the fishing grounds, and that deep knowledge of the ocean that is an integral part of Providencia's identity.
Afterwards, we'll return to the beach, where we'll prepare lunch with the day's catch alongside our hosts. More than just an excursion, it will be an opportunity to share stories, flavors, and a way of life that still maintains a close connection with the sea.
The afternoon will be free to enjoy the island at our own pace.
Day 16: Providence - McBean Lagoon & Crab Cay
After breakfast, we'll pick you up and head out into the crystal-clear waters of McBean Lagoon National Natural Park, one of Providencia's greatest natural treasures. We'll sail among coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves—ecosystems that are home to an extraordinary diversity of marine flora and fauna.
We'll continue to Crab Cay, one of the archipelago's most iconic spots. This small cay, surrounded by incredible shades of blue and turquoise, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Providencia mountains. We'll have time to enjoy the sea, snorkel, and discover the richness of its waters.
Afterwards, we'll enjoy a Caribbean lunch and return to Providencia. The afternoon will be free to relax and enjoy the beach.
As night falls, a special encounter awaits us by the sea: we will share a cocktail on the beach accompanied by local music and stories, a relaxed and authentic way to get closer to the culture and Caribbean spirit of the island.
Day 17: Flavors and traditions of Santa Catalina - history and Raizal cuisine - San Andrés
After breakfast, we'll head to the enchanting island of Santa Catalina, where we'll embark on a guided hike to discover the history, traditions, and cultural heritage of this small corner of the Caribbean. We'll explore ancient trails, discover historic fortifications, and enjoy spectacular coastal scenery while listening to stories about the people, navigators, and communities that have shaped the islands' identity.
Later, we'll be welcomed by local hosts for an experience dedicated to the island's cuisine. We'll learn about its ingredients, flavors, and traditional techniques, and participate in preparing some of the island's most representative recipes, passed down through generations.
The experience will culminate by sharing a traditional lunch prepared together, in a close-knit environment that will allow us to learn about the Raizal culture not only through its cuisine, but also through the stories and experiences of our hosts.
After lunch we will return to our accommodation to collect our luggage and transfer to Providencia airport, from where we will take our flight back to San Andrés.
Day 18: San Andrés - Raizal culture and tradition
We'll pick you up to begin a cultural tour of some of San Andrés' most iconic landmarks. We'll visit the Casa Museo Isleña, where we'll learn about the traditions, daily life, and legacy of the Raizal community, and then continue to the historic First Baptist Church of La Loma, one of the island's most important symbols of spiritual and cultural heritage.
Our tour will continue with a visit to a native community, where we will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about the customs, stories, and cultural expressions that keep the archipelago's identity alive.
Later, we'll experience one of the most special encounters of the day: a local family will open their home to share their culinary heritage and the life stories of their elders. Amidst traditional flavors, laughter, anecdotes, and tales that seem straight out of a novel, we'll enjoy an afternoon of camaraderie and connection with the authentic local identity of San Andrés.
Day 19: San Andrés - Bogotá
A free morning to enjoy the Caribbean waters and atmosphere one last time. Those who wish can start the day with an optional wellness experience, yoga, and breakfast overlooking the sea.
In the afternoon, we'll transfer to the airport for our flight to Bogotá. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check into your accommodation. This concludes a journey that has taken us through five different regions of Colombia: the Andes, the Pacific coast, indigenous territories, the Amazon rainforest, and the Caribbean coast, allowing us to discover the country through its landscapes, communities, traditions, and ways of life.
