Walking in Colombia
COL-24-LT / 16-day trip / Grade: T2
Culture: Bogotá, Boyaca, Tatacoa desert, San Agustin, Popayan, Salento & Coffee Farm in Manizales
Light Trekking: Paramo of Oceta, Cocora Valley & Los Nevados National Park

Walking in Colombia focus on the Andean region, combining cultural and trekking activities along the itinerary. The program starts visiting the charming state of Boyaca, north from the capital, which has some of the best-preserved colonial town still keeping their traditional way of life. Here we find a hidden jewel called Paramo de Ocetá, a relatively unknown highland with a fantastic circular hike through pristine nature.
Then we will travel back in time to the archeological sites of San Agustin and its beautiful natural sceneries in the Souther Huila’s state with landscapes ranging from desert to green highlands. We also will enjoy the traditional city of Popayan on our way to the Coffee area. At last, we will experience first-hand the coffee production, trek in the Los Nevados National park and enjoy the relaxing towns and landscapes that make this a-must-see in a trip to Colombia.
Trip’s highlights:
– Boyaca’s colonial towns
– Hike in Paramo de Ocetá in Boyaca.
– San Agustin archeological sites.
– Coffee area and the Cocora valley.
– Barbas Bremmen Natural Reserve.
– Trek in Los Nevados National Park.
Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá |
Day 2 | Bogotá – City tour |
Day 3 | Boyacá’s bridge & colonial towns of Nobsa & Monguí |
Day 4 | Trekking: Paramo of Ocetá |
Day 5 | Guatavita lake, Zipaquirá’s salt cathedral & Bogota |
Day 6 | Neiva – Tatacoa Desert |
Day 7 | San Agustin |
Day 8 | San Agustín’s archeological Parks |
Day 9 | Popayan |
Day 10 | Salento |
Day 11 | Cocora Valley |
Day 12 | Trekking: Barbas Bremmen Natural Reserve & Filandia – Manizales |
Day 13 | Manizales – El Cisne Mountain Refuge (4170 m) – Trek: Laguna Verde (4301 m) |
Day 14 | Trekking: Nevado Santa Isabel’s glacier (4680 m) – Coffee farm |
Day 15 | Coffee farm: Coffee tour |
Day 16 | Manizales/Pereira airport – Flight to Bogotá and onward international connection |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GUATAVITA LAKE:
– Guatavita Lake is closed every Monday. If Monday is a public holiday, the site will be closed on Tuesday instead.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SAN AGUSTIN’S ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES:
– San Agustin archeological site closes every Tuesday.
– Isnos (Alto de los Idolos) archeological site closes every Wednesday.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITING LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK:
In accordance with park regulations, Los Nevados National Park closes to visitors four times a year during the following periods:
* Easter Week: The week immediately after Easter, from Monday to Friday.
* May: From the third Monday of May until that Friday.
* September: From the fourth Monday of September until that Friday.
* November: From the fourth Monday of November until that Friday.
If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us in advance, as the exact closure dates may vary each year.
Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá |
Day 2 | Bogotá City tour: Historical downtown, Gold Museum & Monserrate IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BOGOTÁ CITY TOUR:– The Gold Museum is closed every Monday, including Mondays that fall on a holiday. – The Botero Museum is closed every Tuesday. |
Day 3 | Boyacá’s bridge & colonial towns of Nobsa & Monguí |
Day 4 | Trekking: Paramo of Ocetá |
Day 5 | Guatavita Lake & Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR GUATAVITA LAKE:– Guatavita Lake is closed every Monday. If Monday is a public holiday, the site will be closed on Tuesday instead. |
Day 6 | Bogota – Neiva – Villavieja – Tatacoa Desert The adventure continues with a scenic road trip to the charming town of Villavieja. From there, embark on a classic tour through the striking Tatacoa Desert, a semi-arid tropical dry forest that stretches over 330 square kilometers. Despite its name, Tatacoa is not a true desert, but rather a tropical dry ecosystem, known for its dramatic eroded formations, deep canyons, and a stunning palette of colors—ranging from ochre and red in the Cuzco area to silvery grays in Los Hoyos. These landscapes are continuously sculpted by wind and rain, creating a dreamlike, almost lunar scenery. Discover the Red Desert, the most iconic area of Tatacoa, famous for its reddish and copper-colored clay formations. This one-day experience includes scenic trails, natural rock sculptures, and eroded terrain—perfect for hiking, photography, and connecting with nature. Highlights of the visit include impressive sites such as the Cardón Viewpoint, the Colorados Trail, the Fossil Cemetery, the Cusco Trail and Labyrinth, the Estoraques, the Faces, the Tower, and the Phallus of the Red Desert, as well as several scenic overlooks that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, we’ll observe the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to this arid environment. The day ends at the Tatacoa Astronomical Observatory, where we’ll enjoy stargazing under one of Colombia’s clearest and most awe-inspiring night skies. |
Day 7 | Villavieja – San Agustín |
Day 8 | San Agustín’s archeological Parks We will begin our visit at San Agustín Park, where more than 500 stone sculptures are scattered across lush green landscapes. These enigmatic figures, some reaching over four meters in height, depict warriors, deities, and mythical beings, showcasing the artistry and spiritual beliefs of the pre-Columbian inhabitants. As we explore, we will learn about the significance of these sculptures and their connection to funerary rites, cosmic beliefs, and the region’s historical importance. In the afternoon, our journey continues with visits to Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras, two additional archaeological sites that provide further insight into the cultural and religious practices of the ancient San Agustín civilization. At Alto de los Ídolos, located on the banks of the Magdalena River, we will admire intricately carved tombs and imposing statues, some still featuring traces of the original red, black, and yellow pigments. This site also houses the largest monolithic sarcophagus discovered in the region. Next, we will visit El Estrecho del Río Magdalena, a remarkable natural wonder where Colombia’s longest and most important river narrows to just 2.20 meters in width as it flows through a rocky canyon. This site offers an impressive view of the powerful currents squeezing through the narrowest section of the river, a phenomenon that highlights the dramatic landscapes of the region. As we take in the breathtaking scenery, we will learn about the river’s significance to Colombia’s geography, history, and culture. Finally, at Alto de las Piedras, we will discover more unique sculptures, including one of the most famous figures of San Agustín: El Doble Yo (The Double Self), a striking representation of duality in the ancient belief system. The surrounding landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop, with rolling hills and dense vegetation enhancing the mystical atmosphere. By the end of the day, we will return to the hotel, having experienced an immersive journey through one of the most enigmatic and historically rich regions of Colombia. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR SAN AGUSTIN’S ARCHEOLOGICAL SITES:– San Agustin archeological site closes every Tuesday. – Isnos (Alto de los Idolos) archeological site closes every Wednesday. |
Day 9 | Popayan – Walking city tour |
Day 10 | Popayan – Salento (with optional visit to Silvia Marked) Optional visit to SILVIA MARKED: ONLY ON TUESDAYSIf you are lucky to be here a Tuesday, we will make a visit to the Silvia Marked. This is a very authentic market, mainly staffed by the indigenous Guambiano Indians, who live in the nearby areas and have largely maintained their traditional way of life. It is, by no means, touristy and it’s a great opportunity to learn more about the life style in the country site. |
Day 11 | Cocora Valley |
Day 12 | Trekking: Barbas Bremen Natural Reserve & Filandia – Manizales The tour starts in the morning from Salento, being picked up at approximately 8 AM to travel (1 hour) to the town of Filandia. Barbas Bremen Reserve – Howler Monkey Sighting: The tour follows a trail surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna and the wonderful universe of the Andean humid forest. In this place, you will get possibilities to see different birds, dragonflies, flowers and the red howler monkeys, as well as, archaeological remains of the Quimbaya culture and beautiful waterfalls. After the visit, will spend some time in Filandia town and have lunch at a typical restaurants. In addition to the monkeys, it is a beautiful experience in nature taking the opportunity to learn about the fauna and flora of the region. Night in hotel. |
Day 13 | Manizales – El Cisne Mountain Refuge (4170 m) – Trek: Laguna Verde (4301 m) IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITING LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK:In accordance with park regulations, Los Nevados National Park closes to visitors four times a year during the following periods: * Easter Week: The week immediately after Easter, from Monday to Friday. If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us in advance, as the exact closure dates may vary each year. |
Day 14 | Trekking: Nevado Santa Isabel’s glacier (4680 m) |
Day 15 | Coffee farm: Coffee tour |
Day 16 | Manizales/Pereira airport – Flight to Bogotá and onward international connection |
INCLUDED
- Local English-speaking cultural guide from day 2 to 3 and 5 to 11
- Local English-speaking mountain guide from day 5, 12 and 13
- Private transfers out and in in Bogotá
- Private transportation throughout the entire program
- National Park entrance fees & archeological sites
- 3 nights in shared double rooms in hotel in Bogota
- 2 nights in shared double rooms in hotel in Mongui
- 1 night in shared double rooms in hotel in Villa Vieja
- 2 nights in shared double rooms in hotel in San Agustin
- 1 night in shared double rooms in hotel in Popayan
- 2 nights in shared double rooms in hotel in Cocora Valley
- 3 night in shared double rooms at Coffee farm in Manizales
- 1 nights in shared rooms at the mountain refuge
- Shared coffee tour at coffee farm
- Included meals specified in the day to day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic and international flights (see domestic approx. price above)
- Personal trekking equipment
- Insurance
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
BOGOTÁ: Hotel Opera or similar
MONGUI: La Casona de San Francisco de Asis or similar
VILLA VIEJA: Hotel Yararaka or similar
SAN AGUSTIN: Ecolodge Hotel Akawanka or similar
POPAYAN: Hotel La Plazuela or similar
SALENTO: Hotel Salento Real or similar
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS NEVADOS:
El Cisne Mountain Refuge (no website) or similar
MANIZALES: Hacienda Venecia – Coffee Lodge or similar