Family Adventure Travel in Columbia

This is a country packed with history, culture, nature and adventure.

Destination Highlights

Active Adventures

When it comes to adventure, Colombia offers it all – hiking, mountain biking, white water rafting, canyoning and abseiling, as well as incredible diving.

Culture

Cartagena is a spectacular fortified colonial city on the Caribbean, while Medellin is a city that has risen from the ashes to become a symbol of incredible rebirth. The countryside is full of quaint villages dating back almost 500 years – with whitewashed earthen walls and terra-cotta covered sloping red roofs. In the south of the country, the mysterious giant statues of San Agustin reflect cultures long since disappeared. The salt mines testify to a commodity that was once more valuable than gold, and the legend of El Dorado comes to life at the incredible Gold Museum of Bogota.

Nature & the Great Outdoors

But more than its history and culture, Colombia is a country of spectacular nature and adventure, ideal for families of all ages. The snow capped Andes Mountains kiss the Caribbean Sea at Santa Marta, and the jungle clad hills reach all the way to the pristine untouched Pacific coastline, which heaves with whales during the birthing season. You will find deserts with dunes, the deep rainforests of the Amazon, African-like safaris with anacondas, capybaras and pink dolphins, and the spectacular Caribbean, with see-through turquoise waters and wonderful marine life.

Highlights

  • Hike the ancient Royal Trail, stopping in at forgotten colonial villages.
  • Raft the enormous Chicamocha Canyon, and abseil down waterfalls
  • Take a “Narcos” themed tour of Medellin, and learn how this vibrant city has been reborn as one of the most dynamic cities in the world.
  • Explore the ancient salt mine at Nemocon, and see where the movie “33” was filmed.
  • Go whale watching in paradise at the untouched and pristine Pacific coast, where jungle meets the ocean.
  • Take a South American safari – see capybaras, anacondas, pink Amazon dolphins and many more amazing creatures.
  • Learn Salsa in its birthplace of Cali, at traditional Salsa School.

Columbia Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bogota.
Bogota is a huge metropolis that offers plenty for families. Transfer to your city hotel for overnight.

Day 2
Enjoy a full day of touring with your guide. This day is customized according to your preferences. Options include a fascinating market visit followed by a cooking class, or a visit to the world class Gold Museum. Bogota is also a street artist mecca, and one can take a guided cycling tour through the streets viewing the amazing murals and other street art.
Tonight enjoy a special Colombian fest at the quintessential Colombian restaurant, Andres Carne de Res!

Days 3 & 4
Take a quick flight to the city of Bucaramanga. Transfer through the Andes mountains to the delightful town of Barichara, your home for the next 3 nights. You will stay in your own private villa, with a chef, cleaning staff and a local host to look after you.

Day 5
In Barichara. For the very active there is white water rafting, waterfall rappelling, horseback riding, hiking or mountain biking. For the less active, there are guided easy walks in the town, street food sampling tours, visits to nearby colonial towns, tuktuk rides and visits to artists studios.

Day 6
In Barichara. A day to be s busy or as relaxed as you wish. Feeling lazy? Relax at the pool with a cocktail!

Day 7
Return to Bucaramanga and fly to Medellin. Medellin is a city that has totally reinvented itself. What was once a feared area is now arguably Colombia’s most relaxed and enjoyable city. Overnight in the city.

Day 8
Take a quick flight over the mountains and jungles to the totally unspoilt and virgin Pacific Coast. A region where ocean meets jungle, you are almost off the map! No roads means getting around by boat, and you’ll stay at a family owned hotel on a deserted beach, where you will be treated as part of the family! Spend 3 nights here.

Day 9
Enjoy a surfing lesson , followed by a visit to a local community. The region is inhabited by an Afro-Colombian community, and you will be able to learn about their lives, eat their food and take hikes into the jungle.

Day 10
During whale season (July-September), you can go on a private whale watching cruise – just you and your family, the skipper and his crew. Or, just relax at the beach and enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific.

Day 11
Fly back to Medellin. Enjoy an afternoon tour of this rejuvenated city with its ski gondola public transport system! Then transfer to the airport and check in for your flight back home.

Extend your trip?

Looking to extend your trip? Fly to the Caribbean coast for a few extra days of sun and sea, or visit the Coffee Region, and stay on a traditional coffee farm!

Columbia Trip Tips & FAQ's

What time of year is best to visit Colombia?

Since Colombia sits near the equator, it has no seasons and is great to visit all year round. October-November is the low season and it can rain a lot on the Pacific coast at this time of year. Generally though, the country can easily be visited all year round.

Is Colombia a good place for a family vacation?

Absolutely. Colombians love kids and there is so much to do. Markets are full of fascinating exotic foods, while hiking and especially biking are super popular activities. There is great wildlife, and the cities are buzzing and trendy. Colombia has a very young population that loves to dance and enjoy life, and kids, especially older kids, will love the vibe.

What can a family do in Colombia?

Take a bike graffiti tour in Bogota, or visit the former drug cartel strongholds of Medellin, now turned friendly and fascinating. Go on a great safari to see South American wildlife such as capybaras and giant anteaters or go whale watching on the coast. Learn the secrets of coffee, or hang out on tropical beaches with diving and snorkeling. Eat some of the best fruit you will find anywhere!

What is the food like in Colombia?

Colombia has incredible fruit. Most food is meat or fish oriented though all diets are catered for. Colombians have great sweet tooths and there are amazing local candies made for sugar cane! All kinds of international food can be found in Colombia and we have our favorite restaurants and local chains.

Where should I stay in Colombia?

Accommodation ranges from private fully staffed villas to international hotel chains and excellent boutique and family owned accommodation as well.

Is Colombia Expensive?

Colombia offers very good value for money at all price levels, whether it be a midrange trip or a deluxe honeymoon!

Name something that is very weird in Colombia?

The game of Tejo involves throwing a heavy metal ball at sticks of gunpowder. If you hit one and it explodes, you win a beer!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

Colombia

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