Colombia Slow Travel Holiday
22 days from £5,990 pp
How do you explore a country as vast as Colombia in a better, more sustainable way? Our Slow Travel Colombia trip has minimal flights and instead, journey through incredible landscapes and rich scenery by private vehicle. See the Colombia that the tourist route misses; hidden cultural gems, archaeological treasures, thundering waterfalls, ancient communities and exclusive hiking routes. We still include ‘must-see’ places, but some unique and untouched areas too. Get ahead of the travel trend on our best Colombia Slow Travel holiday, and discover first, where others will soon follow.
Trip Highlights
- Get off the-beaten-track with our expert guides and see the real Colombia
- Journey through the unknown gem of Pasto, seeing a true ancestral way of life
- Try delicious local cuisine in Popayan, the foodie capital of Colombia
- Local coffee farms and colourful towns await you
Our Expert Tip
”For a truly immersive experience, visit Pasto in early January to coincide with the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos – a festival full of colour, music and dance!”
Sinead, Colombia Expert
Detailed Colombia Itinerary
Day 1-4: Pasto, Narino
Your slow travel adventure through Colombia begins in the beautiful and quaint Narino. Here it’s all about cultures and scenery. Get straight into it, on a mystical ancestral tour of Narino with your private guide. Visit the imposing Tulcan Cemetery and picturesque village of Las Lajas. Take in breathtaking scenery, the famed museum and even opt to attend a Eucharist celebration for something very special.
Immerse in local cultures in Sibundoy Valley; visiting the home of Master Gerardo. Learn local craftsmanship and why not try a sound therapy session for something really different. Experience life with an Inga or Kamentza family who will share their traditions and world view with you. A really unique way to see the true Colombian ancestral way of life.
Get out on the water, at the vivid Cocha Lagoon. Board wooden motorboats, visit a local family, and sample delicious local snacks. A perfect glimpse into rural Colombian life. Be captivated by ‘The Surprise city’ of Pasto; discovering incredible art, workshops, the Carnival Museum and the iconic Cathedral.
Day 5-7: Popayan
Drive days in Colombia show off the incredible beauty and rich scenery this country has to offer, something you would miss by simply flying. Popayan is all about food and is recognised by UNESCO as the world’s first City of Gastronomy. Enjoy foodie tours with your guide, tasting delicious delicacies. Some dishes you may have heard of, some will be a first – give them a try.
Discover Silvia in Cauca, and learn about the Misak people and their unique outlook on nature. Get messy in the kitchen with a Colombian chef and immerse yourself in the unique flavours of Cauca in a cooking workshop, before strolling through lush gardens and agroecological crops.
Day 8-11: San Agustin
With your guide, transfer to San Agustin. You will be amazed at the breathtaking scenery en route; vivid green hills and coffee plantations as far as the eye can see. San Agustin Archaeological Park awaits: the largest necropolis in the Americas and UNESCO protected. Discover statues, spirits and sacred ground. This slow travel Colombia trip always explores deeper than the tourist routes, as you venture beyond San Agustin to the Estrecho del Magdalena. Colombia’s incredible river narrows between lush Andean forests. Witness thundering waterfalls, ancient Augustinian tombs, rare sculptures and archaeological wonders.
This unique Colombia holiday is not designed to be rushed; so slow it down, and take it all in by exploring San Agustin town itself. Go wandering on foot, grab a cold beer and snack, and watch Colombian life go by.
Day 12-14: Medellin
Today, take the first of only two flights in your slow travel holiday. Reach Medellin and give yourself the day to relax and rest, grabbing some local food and see the city views from your rooftop.
Your guide will walk you through the city highlights, from the famous Plaza’s rich artwork, to the downtown historic centre. Ride the cable car and take some amazing pictures of colourful dotted houses below.
Visit Comuna 13; an area which has transformed from a troubled past to a thriving community of success. Witness first hand the positive changes that have occurred since the city’s dark times. This is nn inspiring and important part of the trip, and a place where there is always hope.
Get out of the city to colourful Colombia; exploring Guatape and El Penol. Give yourself a challenge and climb the famous rock, the 740 steps will absolutely be worth it for the views. Bright colours, rich cultures and cobbled streets…ending with a boat ride and a stroll to unwind.
Day 15-16: Coffee region
A four hour awe- inspiring drive into the coffee region; one of Colombia’s must visits. Visit a charming coffee estate, learning the bean to cup journey and of course sampling some of the world’s finest coffee. No coffee tasting would be the same without some delicious authentic regional dishes on the side. A perfect day for foodies.
As always, do things differently and away from the masses. Take a guided hike in the heart of the Cocora Valley, walking among towering Quindo Wax Palms, through misty cloud forests and immersive nature. This is an exclusive and less travelled trail, designed just for our guests. Explore picturesque Salento town with its artisanal charm, and stunning Filandia.
A perfect blend of nature, culture, scenery and coffee, without queuing with the tourist crowds. We will suggest a gorgeous boutique eco-lodge to base yourself in, so at the end of each day you can relax with some of the best views in Colombia.
Day 17-18: Cartagena
A second flight takes you to Cartagena, where things get really fun on a rum and chocolate tasting tour. Try unique flavours, have a go at making a cocktail and be sure to stock up with delicious chocolate.
Immerse yourself in the beautiful city of Cartagena, seeing San Felipe de Barajas Fort and La Popa Hill, and hearing fascinating stories from your guide. The best way to see the city is on foot. At your own pace explore the clock tower, the city founder’s statue, the country’s oldest cathedral, and the very trendy Getsemani district. A perfect excuse for a spot to sit with a drink and take it all in.
Day 19-22: Caribbean Beach
As your slow travel Colombia trip nears the end, you’ll have deserved some down time to relax on some of South America’s finest beaches. Choose from Isla Baru or the Rosario islands, both close to Cartagena. Go paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkelling, try delicious fresh seafood and witness some of the best sunsets in the world. Relax and enjoy every last moment of your Colombia trip of a lifetime.
Want to add more days or extra cities into your Colombia Slow Travel holiday? Read more about the best things to do on a trip 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.
