Sample itinerary

Whales & wilderness

11 days / 10 nights

1 night in Bogotá

3 nights Caño Critales

Recommended hotels

4*La Manigua Lodge

1 night in Medellín

Recommended hotels

5* Luxury Casa Uribe
5* El Cielo  
4-5* El Patio del Mundo  
4-5* Click Clack

2 nights in Cartagena

3 nights in Nuquí

Recommended hotels

4* Morromico Lodge

This itinerary is a vibrant mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty—perfectly capturing Colombia’s diverse spirit in just a few unforgettable days.

Begin with one night in Bogotá, Colombia’s high-altitude capital, where historic plazas and world-class gastronomy set the tone. Fly to Caño Cristales to witness the breathtaking “River of Five Colors,” a true natural wonder. Then spend a night in Medellín, the innovative city of eternal spring.
From there, head to Nuquí for few nights of raw Pacific beauty—think jungle hikes, thermal springs, and whale watching. End with two magical nights in Cartagena, where Caribbean charm and colonial elegance come together.

Selling points:

  • Ideal for adventure seekers

  • Truly untouched nature

  • Must be done from July to september

Estimated prices:

  • 5* from us$ 6.500 pp

  • 4* from us$ 4.500 pp

Day by day itinerary

Day 1 - Bogotá

  • Arrival at El Dorado International Airport. Your local guide will greet you and take you to your hotel in the heart of the city.

  • After checking in, embark on a guided walking tour through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic quarter. Stroll along cobblestone streets, admire colonial architecture, and visit iconic landmarks like Plaza de Bolívar and the dazzling Gold Museum.

  • For a breathtaking view of the city, we’ll arrange your tickets to Monserrate—take the cable car up at sunset for the perfect introduction to Bogotá’s skyline.

Day 2 - Caño Cristales

  • Fly from Bogotá to La Macarena

  • After a safety briefing with the national park authorities, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Guayabero River, spotting monkeys, birds, and turtles along the way. Hike through the Serranía de la Macarena to reach your first viewpoint of Caño Cristales—where vivid red, yellow, green, and blue aquatic plants create a surreal, living rainbow beneath crystal-clear waters.

Day 3 - Caño Cristales

  • Spend the day exploring different sections of Caño Cristales. Hike along natural trails through rocky terrain and tropical savannahs, discovering iconic spots like Los Ochos, Piscina del Turista, and El Tapete. Swim in natural pools and waterfalls while your guide explains the unique ecosystem of Macarenia clavigera, the plant responsible for the river’s colors. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by untouched nature before heading back to town for a traditional dinner and optional cultural show.

Day 4 - Caño Cristales

  • Wake up early for a short sunrise hike to a nearby viewpoint for panoramic vistas of the jungle and river. After breakfast, explore a different part of the river or visit a local community project to learn about conservation and sustainable tourism in the area.

Day 5 - Medellín

  • Fly from la Macarena to Medellín.

  • Discover the city. Head to downtown to get to know Fernando Botero art and work. Walk in the comuna 13 to understand how the city was totally transformed in the last 20 years.

  • You want to get off the beaten path? check our list of other options.

Day 6 - Nuquí

  • Arrive in Nuquí by flight from Medellín and transfer by boat to your eco-lodge nestled between the rainforest and the ocean.

  • After settling in, enjoy a welcome lunch with fresh seafood and tropical fruits.

  • In the afternoon, take a guided walk through lush jungle trails to nearby waterfalls or hot springs. End the day with a swim in the warm Pacific waters and sunset views from the beach.

Day 7- Nuquí

  • Start early with a boat tour to observe humpback whales (July–October), an unforgettable experience as these giants breach just offshore.

  • Dinner is served by candlelight with ocean sounds as your soundtrack.

Day 8 - Nuquí

  • Visit a local Afro-Colombian or Indigenous community to learn about traditional fishing, cuisine, and music.

  • In the afternoon, explore nearby beaches like Guachalito or go paddleboarding along the mangroves.

  • Take in the beauty of these gentle giants one last time.

  • Leave feeling renewed by nature and deeply connected to one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions

Day 9- Arrival in Cartagena

  • Flight to Cartagena connecting in Medellín. Your local guide will be waiting for you to drive you to your hotel.

  • After checking in, take a walking tour through the old town to get familiar with the city.

  • For dinner, we will assist you by booking a table at some of Cartagena’s best restaurants: Don Juan, Celele or Mar y Zielo are some of our favorites

Day 10- Exploring Cartagena de Indias

  • Cartagena has so much to offer! For this morning you might want to take our “behind the doors of Getsemani” walking tour to discover this cool part of the city or a more historical tour outside of the walled city.

  • After some time to R&R at the hotel, avoiding the afternoon heat, you might want to meet one of our friendly bartender to enjoy a colombian rum tasting or one of our salsa teacher for a lesson.

  • For dinner, indulge at Carmen amazing tasting menu..

Day 11- Cartagena

  • Cartagena has so much to offer! For this morning you might want to take our “behind the doors of Getsemani” walking tour to discover this cool part of the city.

  • After some time to R&R at the hotel, avoiding the afternoon heat, you might want to meet one of our friendly bartender to enjoy a colombian rum tasting or one of our salsa teacher for a lesson.

  • Flight back home