Welcome To Colombia.
After decades of civil unrest and being closed to tourism, we have not only opened our doors, but also our hearts to adventurers like you who are excited to learn about our controversial history, taste our local food, practice our local dances, and, most importantly, enjoy Colombia's main attraction .... THE PEOPLE!
Colombia's landscape is diverse ... from the mighty Andes to the Amazon jungle, and is surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our history as the meeting place of Indigenous groups, Spanish conquerors, European pirates, and African slaves resulted in the blend of our colorful CULTURE!
Colombia is full of controversial subjects and people. We are the land of COFFEE & ESMERALDS, but also one of the main exporters of drugs in the world. Colombia is home to some of the most famous artists in South America, such as Fernando Botero & Shakira and Garcia Marquez, but also the birth place of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Colombia's landscape is diverse ... from the mighty Andes to the Amazon jungle, and is surrounded by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our history as the meeting place of Indigenous groups, Spanish conquerors, European pirates, and African slaves resulted in the blend of our colorful CULTURE!
Colombia is full of controversial subjects and people. We are the land of COFFEE & ESMERALDS, but also one of the main exporters of drugs in the world. Colombia is home to some of the most famous artists in South America, such as Fernando Botero & Shakira and Garcia Marquez, but also the birth place of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
Open your hearts and minds to us and get ready for your UNFORGETTABLE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE IN COLOMBIA!
WHAT IS THIS ADVENTURE LIKE?
Colombia is an ADVENTURE in itself. It's long been a closed destination and is slowly opening up to tourism. As a pioneer you must understand service will not be what you are used to. The most important things to pack are: your sense of adventure, an open mind, and patience. In order to get the most of our upcoming 12 days together, 100% flexibility, active participation.
Colombia is a developing country and we are on the early stage for international travel, so please be patient with us - we are still learning. Service is not up to INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. We move at a more leisurely pace than Americans so be prepared to allow extra time for meals or any special requests. Please also be aware that few people speak English, so get ready to practice your Spanish! You can have some great "conversations" with locals even if you don't speak Spanish if you have the right attitude... remember a smile goes a long way.
When in Colombia, do as Colombians do! Meet new people, taste local food, dance cumbia, ride on local transportation, speak Spanish, feel the breeze from the Caribbean, see the rebirth of the country, and learn more about Colombia's history and politics from the people who know it best -- the locals!
Our trip starts exploring BOGOTA, our aristocratic capital located high in the Andes plateau. It's the cultural heart of the nation and home to artists and intellectuals. Then we fly northwest to the second most important and modern city of MEDELLIN, once home to drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and violence, now a city full of rebirth and hope. Next we travel to the countryside of the COFFEE TRIANGLE which boosts lush green landscapes, and is home of Colombia's main export --coffee. We finish our adventure on the Caribbean coast at the Colonial jewel of CARTAGENA DE INDIAS!, beautiful colonial streets and miles of city walls protecting the city.
A word about PACING!
After spending many hours flying to South America (halfway across the globe to get to this corner of the world); you may need time to recover from long flights or explore on your own this new destination, because of this reason the itinerary during the first four days after arrival has been designed to provide a comfortable pace, with blocks of free time and prompt introduction to local culture. Should you have different requirements please talk to your Trip Leader.
Colombia is a developing country and we are on the early stage for international travel, so please be patient with us - we are still learning. Service is not up to INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS. We move at a more leisurely pace than Americans so be prepared to allow extra time for meals or any special requests. Please also be aware that few people speak English, so get ready to practice your Spanish! You can have some great "conversations" with locals even if you don't speak Spanish if you have the right attitude... remember a smile goes a long way.
When in Colombia, do as Colombians do! Meet new people, taste local food, dance cumbia, ride on local transportation, speak Spanish, feel the breeze from the Caribbean, see the rebirth of the country, and learn more about Colombia's history and politics from the people who know it best -- the locals!
Our trip starts exploring BOGOTA, our aristocratic capital located high in the Andes plateau. It's the cultural heart of the nation and home to artists and intellectuals. Then we fly northwest to the second most important and modern city of MEDELLIN, once home to drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and violence, now a city full of rebirth and hope. Next we travel to the countryside of the COFFEE TRIANGLE which boosts lush green landscapes, and is home of Colombia's main export --coffee. We finish our adventure on the Caribbean coast at the Colonial jewel of CARTAGENA DE INDIAS!, beautiful colonial streets and miles of city walls protecting the city.
A word about PACING!
After spending many hours flying to South America (halfway across the globe to get to this corner of the world); you may need time to recover from long flights or explore on your own this new destination, because of this reason the itinerary during the first four days after arrival has been designed to provide a comfortable pace, with blocks of free time and prompt introduction to local culture. Should you have different requirements please talk to your Trip Leader.
WEATHER:
With the Equator running through the southern part of the country,
Colombia sits squarely in the tropics—and has a climate to match. But since a
large part of the terrain is mountainous, the altitude can counteract the tropical
location. Add the effects of trade winds and coastlines on two oceans, and the
result is that Colombia contains a few different climate zones within its borders.
During our main trip, we experience at least two of these zones: the mountains
and the tropical coastline. Weather can be very unpredictable.
Colombia sits squarely in the tropics—and has a climate to match. But since a
large part of the terrain is mountainous, the altitude can counteract the tropical
location. Add the effects of trade winds and coastlines on two oceans, and the
result is that Colombia contains a few different climate zones within its borders.
During our main trip, we experience at least two of these zones: the mountains
and the tropical coastline. Weather can be very unpredictable.
CLOTHING: Comfortable clothing and shoes, Casual attire is appropriate for official welcome and farewell dinner. No formal dress or tuxedos. In the main cities T-shirts and shorts are OK for the excursion and walking around, please bring your most comfortable clothing, not fashionable. BE PRACTICAL.
SAFETY & SECURITY: Common sense and awareness are important!. Do not be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. Pickpockets are common as they are in any large American city. If you are traveling after dark, travel in groups, not alone. Carry only the cash you will need for the day and leave the rest of your money, passport, and valuables in the hotel safe (in your rooms or at the front desk). You can replenish your money supply daily in your hotel or on the bus.
ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 220 Volts / 50 Hertz (cycles per second). You may consider bringing a personal 110v - 220v electrical transformer and/or adapter; outlets are designed for flat-blade plugs or round-pin plugs. For your information, all the new (modern) gadgets already come with a build in convertor. Please double check before you carry those heavy transformers all the way down here. A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed in some hotels during overnight stays. In some places electricity is provided by a generator, and lighting may be poor.
LANGUAGES: Colombia is not Bilingual, If you know some Spanish, please do not hesitate to practice and remember, in some Hotels staff does not speak English.
PASSPORT: It is a good idea to bring a photocopy of your passport, which you will only need it for flights, for everything else a copy is sufficient.
AIRPORT TAXES: The airport departure tax is already included in the ticket.
HOTELS: Some hotels have dim lighting and can be noisy. In Bogota, Medellin & Cartagena are very well located, walking distance to restaurants and main attractions. All hotels have wi-fi connection, safety box in every room, and friendly people at the front desk. In the coffee region we will be staying in a rural area where the wi-fi and services are more limited
SAFETY & SECURITY: Common sense and awareness are important!. Do not be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. Pickpockets are common as they are in any large American city. If you are traveling after dark, travel in groups, not alone. Carry only the cash you will need for the day and leave the rest of your money, passport, and valuables in the hotel safe (in your rooms or at the front desk). You can replenish your money supply daily in your hotel or on the bus.
ELECTRICITY: ELECTRICITY: Electricity is 220 Volts / 50 Hertz (cycles per second). You may consider bringing a personal 110v - 220v electrical transformer and/or adapter; outlets are designed for flat-blade plugs or round-pin plugs. For your information, all the new (modern) gadgets already come with a build in convertor. Please double check before you carry those heavy transformers all the way down here. A constant electricity supply cannot be guaranteed in some hotels during overnight stays. In some places electricity is provided by a generator, and lighting may be poor.
LANGUAGES: Colombia is not Bilingual, If you know some Spanish, please do not hesitate to practice and remember, in some Hotels staff does not speak English.
PASSPORT: It is a good idea to bring a photocopy of your passport, which you will only need it for flights, for everything else a copy is sufficient.
AIRPORT TAXES: The airport departure tax is already included in the ticket.
HOTELS: Some hotels have dim lighting and can be noisy. In Bogota, Medellin & Cartagena are very well located, walking distance to restaurants and main attractions. All hotels have wi-fi connection, safety box in every room, and friendly people at the front desk. In the coffee region we will be staying in a rural area where the wi-fi and services are more limited
LUGGAGE:
CURRENCY:
In Colombia, the currency is Colombian Pesos. Most of the shops, restaurants, handicrafts DO NOT accept U.S. Dollars. We suggest you take the currency exchange sheet with you, fold it and keep it in your pocket for reference when you are shopping.
MONEY EXCHANGE: There are several currency exchange offices in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. In the coffee region it is more difficult to find one so it is always better to carry some cash with you for these 3 days we will spend there.
ATM’s: ATM are available walking distance from the Hotel and your TL will guide you in the Right direction.
CREDIT CARDS: In our hotel and at some restaurants credit cards are accepted but make sure you have cash when you are planning to shop.
WATER: Refillable Water bottle or personal water thermos: Effective January 1, 2020, Grand Circle Corporation will no longer be providing single use plastic water bottles to our travelers, and will instead encourage you to carry a refillable water bottle. In Colombia, we are implementing a process where we will eventually try to eliminate one time use of plastic bottles. We will have Jugs at all of our hotels were we can fill up refillable water containers and eventually our vehicle as well. It is a work in progress were we hope to reduce our use of one time plastic bottles from thousands a year to eventually zero. We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Food: Colombia is not known as a culinary hot spot as we eat a lot of fried food, chicken, rice and plantains and our vegetarian or vegan options are very limited, repetitive and simple because we are not accustomed to a vegetarian diet. Even though, whenever we have dietary restrictions, we try our best. We do not eat spicy food; we are more “sweet” people with a sweeter culinary. We always said that Colombians show love with food and we are always eating and offering something to eat to our guest all day long. Also, as we are hard workers in the coffee region and in the Andean agriculture regions, we eat big amounts of food during lunch and dinners to keep our energy. We will show you the local traditional food and in the included meals you will have one typical choice or a typical side dish.
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MEDICATION: In case you need pharmacies, let your TL know. Although there are located close to the hotels, normally they don’t have English speaking staff.
INTERNET: WI-FI available with limit access in rural areas.
WHEN ARRIVING IN BOGOTA: When you arrive to Bogota a representative of Overseas Adventure Travel will be waiting for you at the airport after you pass immigration and collect your luggage. There might be a big crowd at the airport, like travel agents and families. Do not worry, take your time and look for the yellow sign of Overseas Adventure Travel, WE WILL BE THERE!! Just to be sure, the representative needs to show you a list with your name on it.
Home Hosted - Hacienda Buenos Aires.
What are the top 3 things travelers can bring?
In this Home Hosted You will have the opportunity to meet different families?
1. Workers of the Farm: Mom is Lucelly, She loves things for the kitchen, or to decorate her house, makeup and beauty products; the father is Humberto and works on the field all the time and one daughter is Denisse with special needs. She loves to paint books with markers, colors crayons.
2. The owners of the farm are a successful family. They are an adult family, although there are grandkids, we will mostly see and share time with adults. Candies, cookies, local treats from where you are from, fridge magnets, books, pictures of the city you are from will be appreciated.
* In the farm there are some workers living there and if you would like some of the gifts can be distributed to the workers: Clothing articles, hats, food carrier bag, thermos, Personal hygiene products, and personal hygiene products bags. They can be second hand goods in good condition.
Emeralds Collection and Store
Colombia is well known for its emeralds. On day 10 we will take you to the best emerald shop where you will have the opportunity to learn about the process: from the mining to the final precious jewelry pieces. You will also have the opportunity to buy an emerald with the OAT guarantee of quality. Note: The day you arrive you must tell Colombian immigration that you are in Colombia for tourism. This is important in order to get a tax refund if you shop at Caribe Jewelry. If you do not state you are here for tourism the tax refund will not be honored.
Colombia is well known for its emeralds. On day 10 we will take you to the best emerald shop where you will have the opportunity to learn about the process: from the mining to the final precious jewelry pieces. You will also have the opportunity to buy an emerald with the OAT guarantee of quality. Note: The day you arrive you must tell Colombian immigration that you are in Colombia for tourism. This is important in order to get a tax refund if you shop at Caribe Jewelry. If you do not state you are here for tourism the tax refund will not be honored.
Optional Tour - Public Market + Urban Street Art + Lunch $95 per person
This optional tour takes us to discover the local culture of Bogotá, where we'll explore a public market full of local fruits and flowers. Here we will learn how people find different ways to make a living. We will have many opportunities to interact with locals and vendors. We will continue the experience through some streets of Bogotá that are adorned by vibrant street art work. This area is very different from others around the world and very controversial. We will actually be guided by a street artists and people directly involved in the Bogotá urban art scene. Finally we will have lunch in a typical restaurant. The main menu will be Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian soup of chicken, potatoes, and corn. Afterwards, we will return to our hotel. |
Is this Adventure Right for You?
- Is not appropriate for travelers using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility aids.
- Travel on city streets, rugged paths and trails, cobblestone roads, and uneven ground.
- You must be able to walk approximately 3 miles unassisted and participate in 6-8 hours of physical activities each day.
- Be prepared to walk up and down hills with 50 or more stairs in high altitude.
- Agility and balance are required for boarding carriages, boats, and a gondola that doesn’t stop while loading.
- Be prepared for 3 full days at an elevation of 8,600 to 10,000 feet. Please talk to your doctor to see if you need to make any adjustments to your current medications or add anti-altitude meds.
- We reserve the right for our Trip Leaders to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience.
Click in the Name of your Trip Experience Leader to see more information