Colombia Off-Road
COL-26 LT / 21-day trip / Grade: T3
Culture: Bogotá, Salento, Cocora Valley, Riohacha, La Guajira, Buritaca & Cartagena
Light Trekking: Los Nevados National Park & Trek to the Lost City

Colombia Off-road is one of the most complete active programs we have on our portfolio. It combines both, adventure and culture, while visiting place on and off-the-beaten track. This itinerary takes through different ecosystems: from a trek in the Andean highlands at the foot of the snowcapped volcanoes, down to 4-Wheel drive over the dry deserts of the Guajira peninsula, to the humid jungles of the Lost City trek. Covering also the cultural icon like the coffee area, Caribbean beaches and ending at the historical city of Cartagena de Indias.
Trip’s highlights:
– 5-day trek in Los Nevados National Park on the central Andes range. In addition to the trek, the coffee culture enriches the experience and can be enjoyed in the town of Salento, right in the heart of Colombia’s traditional coffee area.
– 3-day trip to the northernmost point in South America: Punta Gallinas located in the Guajira peninsula, where the amazing sand dunes beaches meet the sea. On top of that, the cultural experience to see the Wayuu indigenous group’s way of life.
– 4-day trek to La Ciudad Perdida of the Tayronas, known as “The Lost City”, one of the best restored and preserved archeological sites in the country. It is located in the Buritaca valley in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest costal range in the world.
– Tayrona National Park: Visit to the famous Tayrona park with an alternative program visiting the Kogi settlement of Tayku and learning about an ancient way of life, before hiking down to Cabo San Juan and follow the coastline trail enjoying some of Colombia’s best beaches.
– Cartagena de Indias. To end this amazing program, a cultural visit to the historical fortified city of Cartagena de Indias.
– All services are in private basis and of the best available quality, according to the area and possibilities.
Do not miss it!
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá – City tour |
| Day 3 | Trekking: Chingaza National Park – Trek to Siecha Lakes (3620 m) |
| Day 4 | Bogotá – Ibague – Anzoategüi – Palomar (2900 m) |
| Day 5 | Trekking: “Vancouver” farm (3630 m) |
| Day 6 | Trekking: “Cañon” campsite & Hot springs (3964 m) |
| Day 7 | Trekking: “Primavera/La Playa” farm (3769 m) |
| Day 8 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) by the Cardenas valley |
| Day 9 | Salento (1919 m) – Coffee tour |
| Day 10 | Flight: Armenia/Pereira – Riohacha via Bogotá |
| Day 11 | Punta Gallinas – the Northernmost point of South America |
| Day 12 | Cabo de la Vela |
| Day 13 | Cabo de la Vela – Tayrona National Park |
| Day 14 | Tayrona National Park: Tayku Kogi settlement & hike along the park’s coastline |
| Day 15 | Lost City – Trekking: “Donde Adan” lodge (480 m) |
| Day 16 | Trekking: “Paso Lorenzo” lodge (806 m) |
| Day 17 | Trekking: Lost City (1175 m) |
| Day 18 | Trekking: El Mamey (150 m) – Santa Marta |
| Day 19 | Santa Marta – Cartagena |
| Day 20 | Cartagena – Half-day city tour |
| Day 21 | Cartagena – Bogotá Airport |
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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE LOST CITY TREK:
Yearly closures:
– The Lost City trek closes once a year for Indigenous religious ceremonies. This usually occurs in September and typically lasts for the entire month.
If you are planning your trip around this time of year, please contact us to confirm the exact restricted dates, as they may vary slightly from one year to the next.
– This itinerary reflects the standard program but may be subject to change due to weather conditions and/or force majeure events.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE VISIT TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK:
Due to regulations established by local Indigenous communities, Tayrona National Park will be closed three times a year during the following periods:
* February 1st to 15th
* June 1st to 15th
* October 19th to November 2nd
If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us to confirm the park closure, as the exact dates may vary from year to 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 | Trekking: Chingaza National Park – Trek to Siecha Lakes (3620 m) Upon registration, the team will commence the hike to the Siecha Lakes. The hike ascends through the Andean highland, known as the “paramo,” with its characteristic flora and fauna. First, we will pass by the National Park’s Paso Hondo Refuge, then ascend to the first of the lakes known as De Los Patos Lake. Next is Guasca Lake, and finally, the sacred Siecha Lake (3620 m). This last lake is where the Muisca indigenous ancestors practiced the legend of El Dorado, covering their bodies with gold dust to bathe and offer it to the lake and Mother Earth. After the hike, we will drive back to Bogotá. Ascent: 470 m / Descent: 470 m / Highest Altitude: 3620 m / Distance: 5.18 km one-way / Activity duration: 5-6 hours |
| LOS NEVADOS TREK | |
| Day 4 | Bogotá – Ibague – Anzoategüi – Palomar (2900 m) We’ll drive southwards, following the western margin of the river until reaching the city of Ibague, the capital of Tolima state. From here, it’s an 80 km transfer to the town of Anzoategüi via a paved road, followed by a 24 km stretch on a dirt road to El Palomar (2900 m). The entire journey takes approximately 6 hours. The team will stay at El Palomar rural Posada in shared dormitories for the night. |
| Day 5 | Trekking: “Vancouver” farm (3630 m) The second part of the hike continues over the humid “Paramo” vegetation until “Vancouver” farm (3630 m). Located in a shallow valley and a great view to Tolima volcano, it offers a nice dry place to stay. 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 6 | Trekking: “Cañon” campsite & Hot springs (3964 m) The hike continues over the “Paramo”, moving westwards, heading towards the eastern flank of the volcano. It takes about 5 hours to cover the distance and the idea, is to reach the next camp “Cañon” (4000 m) around noon. Lunch will be served and the campsite setup. For the active hiker, an additional short hike that can be done before leaving “Vancouver” farm and it is an ascent to Cerro Gabillo peak (3978 m), located close to the farm. The ascent will take about 2 hours depending on client’s physical shape and acclimatization. Night in tents. Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner |
| Day 7 | Trekking: “La Primavera” farm (3769 m) |
| Day 8 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) by the Cardenas valley |
| Day 9 | Salento (1919 m) – Coffee tour |
| LA GUAJIRA | |
| Day 10 | Flight: Armenia/Pereira – Riohacha via Bogotá |
| Day 11 | Punta Gallinas – the Northernmost point of South America |
| Day 12 | Cabo la Vela |
| Day 13 | Cabo de la Vela – Tayrona National Park |
| Day 14 | Tayrona National Park: Tayku Kogi settlement & hike along the park’s coastline Early pick up and drive to the town of Calabazo (145 m), our entry point to the park. Our trail immerses us in the tropical forest, offering glimpses of the local fauna and flora. After approximately an hour and a half, we reach the village of Tayku, a small settlement inhabited by Kogui families, one of the four indigenous groups residing in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Upon arrival, we engage in a tour led by an Indigenous Kogi member, exploring their community, including the ceremonial house, observing their crops, and witnessing the traditional process of obtaining fique for crafting their backpacks. Subsequently, the MAMO (Highest Authority of the community) welcomes us to share insights into their customs and engage in a brief cultural exchange. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE VISIT TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK:Due to regulations established by local Indigenous communities, Tayrona National Park will be closed three times a year during the following periods: * February 1st to 15th If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us to confirm the park closure, as the exact dates may vary from year to year |
| LOST CITY TREK | |
| Day 15 | Lost City – Trekking: “Donde Adan” lodge (480 m) Morning pick-up at the hotel and transfer in 4WD vehicles, driving northeast along the Caribbean coast. After 1 to 1.5 hours, we leave the paved road—and this is where the adventure begins! After approximately a 1-hour drive on a dirt road through a beautiful landscape, we reach the village of El Mamey (150 m), also known as Machete Pelado. Lunch will be served upon arrival, and then the hike to Ciudad Perdida begins. This day’s hike is exposed to the sun or rain, so it is important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Tropical fruits will be offered along the trek. The group will follow the river trail, which is a more pleasant walk than the main road. This path follows the Quebrada del Alto Mamey river valley for about one hour and then ascends steeply (1.5 hours) to El Mirador pass (640 m), which offers a fantastic view over the town of Mamey and the Buritaca River. From this point, the trail descends steadily (1.5 hours) to the Quebrada Honduras river, where Donde Adán lodge is located. It is possible to take a refreshing swim in a beautiful natural river pool near the lodge. Dinner will be served in this rustic accommodation. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. Ascent: 490 m / Descend: 160 m / Highest altitude: 640 m / Distance: 8,9 Km / Activity duration: 4 h IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE LOST CITY TREK:Yearly closures: – The Lost City trek closes once a year for Indigenous religious ceremonies. This usually occurs in September and typically lasts for the entire month. If you are planning your trip around this time of year, please contact us to confirm the exact restricted dates, as they may vary slightly from one year to the next. – This itinerary reflects the standard program but may be subject to change due to weather conditions and/or force majeure events. |
| Day 16 | Trekking: “Paso Lorenzo” lodge (806 m) The region is also home to Wiwa communities—Indigenous people originally from another part of the Sierra—who have since settled in these valleys and now operate some of the local lodges. A noticeable shift occurs here: expansive farmland gives way to a more pristine and less exploited environment. From the pass, the trail descends quickly into the Buritaca River valley (430 m), where the trek’s only Kogi settlement, Montangi, is located. This is a great opportunity to observe and appreciate local traditions and ways of life. After about an hour, a hanging bridge crosses the river, leading to a second ascent (approx. 2 hours) up to Koskunguena Pass (824 m), before descending again to the Buritaca River (743 m), and finally reaching the rustic lodge Paso Lorenzo (806 m), where you’ll spend the night. This lodge, located beside the river, is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. To Mumake pass: Ascent: 200 m / Descend: 250 m / Highest altitude: 680 m |
| Day 17 | Trekking: Lost City (1175 m) From this point, a journey through time begins, taking us to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites from Colombia’s pre-Hispanic era. The Lost City of the Tayronas—originally known as Teyuna—is internationally renowned and is one of the three great citadels of the vanished Tayrona civilization. Teyuna is the only one discovered so far, and thus the only one partially restored. The Tayrona cities were connected through an intricate network of roads, linking the Caribbean coast with the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The Tayrona had a highly developed social structure and an efficient system for exchanging products and goods among settlements. Although there is no definitive information about the specific role of Teyuna in Tayrona society, it is believed to have been both a religious sanctuary and a political center. During the 3-hour visit to the archaeological complex, you will explore different types of terraces and how their placement reflected social hierarchy and designated functions. During the visit, it is also possible to see the house of a Mamo Kogi (shaman), who continues to preserve his people’s traditions and cosmology. After the visit, the hike continues to the “El Paraíso” lodge for lunch, and then resumes (4 hours), following the same trail as the previous day but continuing further. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and descend through the Buritaca River valley, passing once again through the Kogui settlement of “Montangi” before reaching the “Mumake” lodge (389 m), located at the foot of the Mumake Pass. Overnight in hammocks. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. To Lost City: Ascent: 369 m / Descend back to lodge: 369 m / Highest altitude: 1175 m / Distance one-way: 2,4 Km / Activity duration: 5 hours including a 2 hours visit. |
| Day 18 | Trekking: El Mamey (150 m) – Santa Marta |
| Day 19 | Santa Marta – Cartagena |
| Day 20 | Cartagena & city tour |
| Day 21 | Cartagena – Bogotá Airport |
INCLUDED
- Local English speaking mountain guide from day 4 to 8 from 2 to 6 PAX
- Local English speaking AWT mountain guide from day 4 to 8 from 7 PAX on
- Local assistant mountain guide from 4 people
- Local English speaking AWT mountain/cultural guide during the entire program from 7 PAX
- Local Spanish speaking cultural guide in la Guajira from day 11 to 13 from 2 to 6 PAX
- Local Spanish speaking (basic English) trekking guide from day 15 to 18 from 2 to 6 PAX
- Private transport during the entire program
- Los Nevados National Park entrance fee
- City tour in Bogota with English speaking and entrance fees
- Chingaza National Park tour with English speaking guide and entrance fees
- La Guajira tour on SHARED basis from day 11 to 13
- Tayrona National Park tour and visit to Tayku settlement with English speaking guide
- City tour in Cartagena with English speaking guide and entrance fees
- 3 nights in shared double room in Bogotá
- 2 nights in shared double room in Salento
- 1 night in shared double room in Riohacha
- 1 night in shared double room in rustic lodge in Punta Gallinas
- 1 night in shared double room in rustic lodge in Cabo de la Vela
- 2 nights in shared double room at Tayrona’s Lodge
- 1 night in shared double room in Santa Marta
- 2 nights in shared double room in Cartagena
- 3 nights in hammocks or mattresses for the Lost City trek (mattresses according to availability)
- 3 nights in shared dormitories at mountain farms in Los Nevados
- 1 night in shared tents at campsites in Los Nevados
- Quality mountain tents – 2 pax per tent
- Group common campsite equipment
- Mules for group/personal campsite equipment in Los Nevados, food and pax personal gear (Packing and weight allowance – Information will be sent)
- Pack animal during the Lost City trek for groups from 7 PAX
- Meals as specified in the day to day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic and international flights
- Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrival/departures
- English speaking guide during La Guajira tour for groups between 2 to 6 PAX
- Pack animal during Lost City trek for groups between 2 to 6 PAX
- Personal gear
- Camping gear
- Insurance
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
BOGOTÁ: Hotel Opera or similar
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS NEVADOS:
Finca La Cabaña – Palomar or similar
Finca Vancouver (no website) or similar
Cañon Camping site (no website) or similar
Finca La Primavera/La Playa (no website) or similar
SALENTO: Hotel Salento Plaza or similar
RIOHACHA: Hotel Gimaura or similar
LA GUAJIRA PENINSULA:
Lodge in Punta Gallinas: Hospedaje Alexandra or similar
Lodge in Cabo de la Vela: Rancheria Utta or Rancheria Apalanchii or similar
TAYRONA N.P. – LODGE: Yachay Eco Hotel or similar
SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA – LOST CITY TREK:
Lodge: Donde Adan (no website) or similar
Lodge: Paso Lorenzo (no website) or similar
Lodge: Mumake (no website) or similar
SANTA MARTA: Hotel Casa Carolina or similar
CARTAGENA: Hotel Casa del Curato or similar





