How easy is it to get around Colombia?

Internal flights connect all major regions quickly. Within cities and the Coffee Region, private vehicles are the most efficient way to travel.

Is Colombia safe to visit?

Tourist areas are well established and welcoming. Our small group tours stick to safe, well-trodden routes guided by experienced local operators.

What altitude should I expect?

Bogotá sits at 2,640m. Allow time to acclimatise on arrival before more active days.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No — your guides speak fluent English. A few Spanish phrases are appreciated but not required.

What is Colombia famous for?

Colombia is famous for its world-class coffee, vibrant Caribbean and colonial cities, the pre-Columbian stone figures of San Agustín, the Cocora Valley's wax palms and being one of the most biodiverse countries on earth.

ColombiaFrom £3,5952 tours

Colombia Tours & Holidays

Colombia holidays designed for the curious — Andean peaks, Caribbean shores and the unhurried magic of South America's most exciting emerging destination

Best timeDecember–March and July–August (dry seasons)
Time zoneColombia Time (COT) — UTC-5
CurrencyColombian Peso (COP)
LanguageSpanish (official); English in tourist areas
Travel styleSmall group cultural & adventure
TransportInternal flights, private vehicles, walking tours
VisaVisa-free entry up to 90 days for UK, US, EU, Canadian and Australian citizens

Overview

An introduction to Colombia

Colombia tours offer one of South America's most varied journeys, combining colonial cities, Andean peaks, the world-renowned Coffee Region and an extraordinary range of biodiversity. Recognised as one of the most species-rich countries in the world for birds, butterflies, orchids and endemic wildlife, Colombia is a destination of remarkable contrasts. Bogotá, one of the world's highest major capitals, sits at the heart of a nation shaped equally by colonial history and pre-Hispanic civilisations.

Our small group Colombia holidays travel from the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and colonial Villa de Leyva to the lush Coffee Region, the Cocora Valley, the dramatic Tatacoa Desert, and the UNESCO-listed archaeological park of San Agustín — with the option to extend to Cartagena and Tayrona on the Caribbean coast.

Explore

Colombia

Our journeys

Tours in Colombia

Small-group departures led by local experts, plus private tailor-made itineraries shaped around your interests, pace and dates.

Colombia and Panama – Bridging the Americas

This epic 27-day adventure through Colombia and Panama reveals the diverse cultural, historical, and natural wonders of two of Latin America’s most captivating nations. Beginning in Bogota, this itinerary is one of our popular Colombia Tours, taking you through the country’s colonial heritage, the spectacular Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, and the beautifully preserved town of Villa de Leyva. Journey south through the Tatacoa Desert, the archaeological treasures of San Agustin, and the elegant “White City” of Popayan, before continuing into the lush Coffee Region, where traditional fincas, sugar plantations, and rolling hills define the landscape. Crossing into Panama, explore the contrasts of Panama City – from the ruins of Panamá Viejo to the grandeur of the Panama Canal. There’s no shortage of incredible experiences in Panama City – meet the Indigenous Emberá and Ngäbe-Buglé communities. Discover the highlands of Boquete, the wildlife-rich cloud forests of La Amistad International Park, and the idyllic Caribbean islands of Bocas del Toro with their coral reefs and tropical tranquillity. Blending archaeology, culture, coffee, and coastlines, this immersive journey captures the essence of Latin America at its most authentic and varied.

From

£6,545

The Secret Heart of Colombia

Colombia is rapidly emerging from its reputation as the bad boy of Latin America to show its true colours as one of the most exciting corners of the continent. Put aside what you’ve read about Colombia’s murky past: for those willing to step beyond the stereotypes, the country offers a breathtaking array of world class attractions that are sure to leave an enduring imprint on the souls of all who visit. Curious about what makes this country so remarkable? Our guide to the Colombia culture and heritage goes deeper into what sets it apart.

From

£3,595

All tours

Why visit

What makes Colombia worth the journey

A place apart

Unrivalled Biodiversity

Travel through one of the most species-rich countries on the planet for birds, orchids and wildlife

Authentic Culture

Discover a welcoming nation where colonial heritage meets living pre-Columbian traditions.

Diverse Landscapes

Move from Andean peaks to Caribbean coast in a single trip, all within one country.

World-Class Coffee

aste exceptional coffee straight from the highlands where it's grown and processed.

See itineraries

Next departure to Colombia

Colombia and Panama – Bridging the Americas

8 Feb 2027Guaranteed departurefrom £6,545 pp

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Highlights

The highlights of Colombia

Bogotá & La Candelaria

Explore the colonial heart of Colombia's high-altitude capital, with its world-class museums and vibrant street art.

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Descend into an extraordinary subterranean cathedral carved entirely from rock salt 200m underground.

Villa de Leyva & Popayán

Wander the whitewashed streets of two of South America's best-preserved colonial settlem

Coffee Region

Discover coffee cultivation firsthand in the lush green Zona Cafetera, a UNESCO-listed cultural landscape.

Cocora Valley

Trek through misty cloud forest beneath the world's tallest palm trees, the iconic Quindío wax palms.

Tatacoa Desert

Cross a striking ochre-and-grey badlands landscape with some of South America's best stargazing skies.

San Agustín

Marvel at hundreds of enigmatic pre-Columbian stone figures at one of the Americas' great archaeological sites.

Cartagena & Tayrona

Walk Cartagena's UNESCO-listed walled city and unwind on Tayrona's jungle-backed Caribbean beaches.

Places to Explore

Places to explore in Colombia

Colombia rewards travellers who slow down — the best stories are found off the tour-bus route.

From the field

When to go

Picking the right season for your trip

Sweet spot: Jul–Aug · Dec–Mar

The best time to visit Colombia is during its two dry seasons — December to March and July to August. Because the country sits close to the equator, temperatures stay stable year-round and altitude affects climate far more than season. Bogotá and the Andean highlands remain cool year-round (10–20°C), the Coffee Region is mild and spring-like (16–24°C), and the Caribbean coast is consistently hot and humid (28–32°C). The Tatacoa Desert is hot and dry throughout the year. December to April is the best time for the Caribbean extension to Cartagena and Tayrona, when humidity is lower and skies are clearer.

Live weather

Colombia

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From the journal

Stories from the region

Dispatches, field notes and practical advice from our specialists.

All Colombia stories

Latin America

Things to Do in Colombia: A Journey Through Culture, History and Wild Landscapes

Colombia offers an extraordinary range of things to do — from exploring pre-Columbian ruins at San Agustín and wandering Cartagena’s walled city to hiking through the Coffee Zone’s cloud-draped valleys and stargazing in the Tatacoa Desert. As South America’s most biodiverse nation, it combines colonial history, indigenous culture, Andean landscapes and Caribbean coastline within a single, deeply rewarding trip. This guide covers the country’s highlights from north to south.

Jim Louth·5 Jun 2026

Latin America

Colombia Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do Across the Country

Colombia is one of South America’s most rewarding travel destinations, offering colonial cities, Andean landscapes, Caribbean coastline, and ancient archaeological sites within a single country. Top experiences include Bogotá’s Gold Museum, the wax palm valleys of the Coffee Region, the walled city of Cartagena, and the multi-day trek to Ciudad Perdida. This guide covers the best things to do in Colombia from the capital to the coast.

Jim Louth·21 May 2026

Latin America

Coffee, Cacao and Conquistadors – A Colombian Journey

Follow an unforgettable journey through Colombia's coffee region, Cocora Valley, Bogotá and Cartagena, discovering cacao farms, colonial towns, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and authentic local experiences.

Mark Huggins·1 Apr 2026

Voices from the road

What travellers say about us

Reviews from across our small-group programme. Independently rated 4.9 Excellent on AITO by 250+ travellers.

“Santiago was an excellent guide.”

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Traveller from Thailand

“Santiago (driver/guide) was excellent and made the trip very special indeed. He is a treasure. The tour was well-planned and gave a great range of experiences. ”

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Traveller from the UK

“Jason was very helpful and the booking process was quick and easy. UD offers itineraries that many competitors do not. I thoroughly enjoyed both trips I've taken with them. While they may not suit everyone, I have happily recommended the Senegal tour to fellow travellers.”

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Bernice Hird, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Excellent customer service, reliable itineraries and ability to solve local issues when they arise”

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Gustavo Musto, Uruguay

“I like the small size of groups, the range of destinations and excellent itineraries. This is my third holiday with your company and I have found your itineraries really good.”

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Traveller from the UK

“Excellent company to book with. Complex tour mostly delivered as per itinerary with professional and pleasant local representatives. ”

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Adam Choonara, UK

“I really appreciated Jason's help in answering all of my many questions re: Senegal trip in December 2025. I have a physical disability and I had a lot of accessibility questions for Jason! He was a true professional and was very supportive, warm and friendly and helped me a lot in making my decision to go ahead with the Senegal trip. I would like to thank Jason particularly for this service. I truly appreciate it and I am very thankful.”

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Ramnit Bassi, UK

Helped by Jason van der Wath

“Undiscovered Destinations is able to find wonderful support staff and will go to the far corners of the earth.”

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Patricia Taylor, UK

“This is my third trip with UD and all have been first rate. ”

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Judith Hoyle, UK

“I am very satisfied with every trip that I have doe with you since you match my interests in culture and tribal peoples.”

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Eric Ferkins, UK

Can’t find the right fit?

Every one of our Colombia journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.

Tailor my trip

Gallery

Scenes from Colombia

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Tailor-made journeys

Didn’t find your
perfect Colombia trip?

We’ll build one around you.

Tailor-made Colombia holidays let you go beyond the typical Latin American circuit. We can combine Bogotá's colonial heart, the colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Popayán, the Coffee Region, the Cocora Valley and the pre-Columbian wonders of San Agustín — with an optional Caribbean extension to Cartagena and Tayrona. Whether your priority is colonial architecture, Andean birding, archaeology or unwinding on the coast, we'll build an itinerary around your pace, interests and travel dates. Private guides, boutique haciendas, internal flights and ground transfers are all organised so you can travel with confidence.

Your dates

Travel when it suits you

Private group

Just you, family or friends

Your pace

Linger longer, skip the rest

Bespoke extras

Private guides, rare access

Start planning your trip Speak to a specialist

Typical reply within 3 working days · No obligation · Trusted by travellers since 2004

How it works

1Tell us what you have in mind
2We build an itinerary + quote
3Refine until it feels right

Est. 2004

20+ years of
bespoke travel

Questions, answered

Planning a trip to Colombia?

Internal flights connect all major regions quickly. Within cities and the Coffee Region, private vehicles are the most efficient way to travel.

Before you go

Essential information

Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.

Foreign Office travel advice

Before travelling, consult the latest UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/colombia. The FCDO advises against travel to certain border regions and rural departments; our itineraries are designed to avoid these areas. US travellers should check travel.state.gov for current guidance.