Panama and Colombia Cultural Discovery
17 days from £5,700 pp
Our Panama to Colombia cultural discovery combines a melting pot of colours, cultures, history and heritage. Panama is unique and fascinating to explore, offering so much more than just the iconic canal. Be awed at the rich nature, wildlife and biodiversity you will discover. Heading to Colombia, take in cultural highlights and hidden treasures. Find off-the-beaten-track gems, beautiful remote villages alongside unique customs and natural wonders. Across 17 days try delicious food, stay in charming properties and be accompanied by expert private guides and drivers throughout. Our best cultural holiday to South America.
Trip Highlights
- Discover there is more to Panama than just the famous canal
- Rich biodiversity, glistening lakes and magnificent jungles
- Coffee, cities and culture in Colombia
- Remote villages, Colonial towns, unique customs and Colombian beaches greet you
Our Expert Tip
”If you are intrigued by Panama, speak to our experts about staying here longer. Home to seven indigenous communities, Panama is a real Travel Differently gem. Jungle, sea and and city, Panama is relatively untouched by tourism and ripe for exploring”
Sinead, Colombia expert
Detailed Panama and Colombia Itinerary
Day 1-3: Panama
Your Panama and Colombia cultural discovery begins. Arrive into Panama City and enjoy a relaxed first day to soak up the atmosphere and explore on foot. Stay in a gorgeous boutique hotel, try some delicious local food and take in this vibrant city. The next day head out on a private tour of the canal, learning its history and importance to the city and beyond. Venture further, on an eco-tour of The Gatun Lake in the Panamanian Rainforest. Discover a side of Panama you never knew existed; vibrant butterflies, monkeys, rich biodiversity, a huge glistening lake and magnificent jungle.
Day 4-7: Medellin & Coffee Farm
Take a direct flight to Medellin to begin your Colombian cultural adventure in this beautiful city rich in art, history, incredible architecture and bustling plazas. Your guide will show you the highlights, including Comuna 13, a symbol of transformation and positive resilience against Medellin’s challenging past. Head to colourful Santa Elena, witnessing one of Colombia’s famous flower farms. Have a go at climbing the iconic Rock of Guatape with its 740 steps and astonishing views. Colombian coffee is world-famous. Try a delicious cup of coffee on a unique working farm, just 45 minutes from Medellin. Discover the plant to cup process, learning the roasting secrets and what makes Colombia coffee so beloved.
Day 8-9: Cartagena
Next on your unique trip to Panama and Colombia is Cartagena, the city of street food and majestic buildings. Your expert guide will take you on a gastronomy tour to sample local delicacies and regional favourites. Explore the convents, fortresses and walled city, taking in some incredible views. Cartagena offers a unique and fascinating blend of cultures, and is a great place to take your time and explore on foot. Head to a rooftop bar for a sunset view with a cold drink.
Day 10-12: Mompox
Begin an amazing road-trip inland to some remarkable Colombian villages. Firstly San Basilio de Palenque, a UNESCO cultural heritage site full of rich history and captivating bullerengue music. Continue to San Jacinto, a colourful village famed for its vibrant culture, artisan hand-weaving and birthplace of gaita music. Lastly, Mompox, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mompox is a timeless colonial town teeming with Spanish architecture, cobbled streets and historical charm. Your time here is spent learning history, trying delicate local flavours including artisan cheese and having a go at some intricate handweaving. For something really special, experience Magdalena River’s musical heritage with an unforgettable folk performance with singing and dancing.
This is how you explore the real Colombia, away from the tourist route, hearing music, learning unique cultures, experiencing artisan customs and meeting locals.
Day 13-16: Tayrona National Park
Before a stunningly beautiful drive to Tayrona National Park, you will get the chance to explore Aracataca, the home of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Take a trip to the Cienaga Granda de Santa Marta, a vast area of marshland and the largest wetland in Colombia. Head out on a boat and discover the scale of this protected biosphere, before visiting Nueva Venecia and Buenavista. Whilst here, see first-hand local fishing techniques, colourful artwork and brightly coloured houses.
Finish your Panama and Colombia cultural holiday in Tayrona National Park, the world-renowned sanctuary of nature and archaeological treasures. Explore mangrove swamps, corals, cloud forests and look out for over 100 species of mammals. Stay in a lovely boutique coastal hotel, giving you both free time to relax on the beach and enjoy the National Park.
Day 17: Depart
As your Panama and Colombia cultural journey comes to an end, soak up the last few hours of the beautiful Caribbean coast.
Thinking of adding a hike into your Colombia trip, or some more time in the coffee region? For some inspiration read more about the best things to do on a holiday to Colombia here.
When to Go
Includes
- All accommodation
- Excursions
- Transport
- Private guides
Excludes
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa cost
- Tips
Why Book With Travel Differently
Passionate and experienced
- Each member of the team has over a decade of experience in the industry
- Our 5* client reviews reflect our service & standards
- We are a fully independent & owner-run tour operator
- Our holidays include full financial protection & ATOL coverage
- We are destination experts, ensuring authentic & reliable advice
Committed and Responsible
- We only work with trusted, hand-picked partners
- Every holiday is thoughtfully crafted to ensure a positive impact
- Our tours & experiences are unique, memorable & immersive
- We work with certified & respected local guides & drivers
- Judge us by the company we keep. Read more here
Tailor-made and Personal
- No two trips are the same, our holidays are 100% bespoke
- We design personal, genuine cultural connections & experiences
- From planning to travel, you’ll have one dedicated point of contact
- Our support is available around the clock during your holiday
- We take care of the details, so you don’t have to
Need More Inspiration?
Want to combine multi-countries, take less flights, or include a hike in Patagonia? Thinking of a longer sabbatical holiday, or staying in some luxury yurts? It’s all possible; all our holidays are tailor-made with a focus on responsible travel. Take a look at more ideas below, and contact our experts.
