Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean

The majesty of Colombia lies in its contrasts. Here, cities moving at a blur meet time-stood-still colonial towns and ancient archaeological sites yet to fully reveal their secrets. It has the biodiversity to match: bottle-green hills, tropical river valleys, ochre desert, coastal forest and rippling mountains. And there’s a culture so deep it can only be fully appreciated in person. Join this highly varied adventure to experience the many faces of Colombia: navigating vibrant Bogotá, tropical Cali and colonial Cartagena; staying at a traditional hacienda in the coffee region; discovering the enigmatic San Agustín archaeological park; exploring the wilds of Tayrona National Natural Park; and meeting the indigenous Arhuaco community.

The accommodation on this tour of Colombia has been chosen to give a varied and authentic experience of the country. In many of the cities we visit, we stay in characterful, historic three-star hotels in the heart of the old towns. In more rural locations, we have selected countryside retreats that hark back to a more traditional way of life. Our accommodation near Tayrona National Park is at a small and simple hotel that gives visitors the chance to stay in harmony with nature. Below is a selection of some of the places we stay:



San Agustín: Akawanka Lodge







Set in lush gardens on the outskirts of San Agustín, Akawanka Lodge is the perfect place to relax after busy days exploring. Rooms are simple yet thoughtfully decorated with hand-painted murals and wooden furnishings. The lodge restaurant uses ingredients from the gardens and orchard, and views from the terrace are spell-binding.



Coffee region: Hacienda Combia







Hacienda Combia is a colourful converted farmhouse dating to 1887. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi, both of which look out over the verdant natural landscape, plus a spa to ensure guests' complete rest and relaxation. The hacienda also has a coffee plantation and offers visitors authentic coffee experiences in the heart of the coffee region.



Cartagena: Hotel Don Pedro De Heredia







With an enviable location within the walls of Cartagena old town, Don Pedro de Heredia is a charming hotel and great base for our time in the city. Rooms are decorated in a simple, traditional style with antique wooden furniture and exposed beams. The hotel has a rooftop terrace with panoramic views across Cartagena .



Worth knowing



In several of our accommodations, rooms vary in size, style and decoration.

For two nights in Palomino (near Tayrona National Park), we stay in a simple hotel a short walk to the beach (not suitable for swimming). The climate here is hot and humid, and there are streams close to the hotel where we can cool off. Rooms have a fan but do not have air-conditioning. There is no hot water in the rooms; with the high temperatures, it is not needed.