The Secret Heart of Colombia is a 16 day small group journey through some of Colombia's most authentic and lesser visited regions.
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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. On this overland journey of discovery we take an unforgettable journey to discover cosmopolitan cities, Andean highlands, coffee estates, colonial villages, living traditions, dramatic mountain scenery, and innovative urban culture. From Bogotá’s historic grandeur to the lush Coffee Triangle, from wax palm valleys and artisan towns to the vibrant transformation of Medellín, this journey offers an immersive and authentic encounter with one of South America’s most captivating destinations.
The Secret Heart of Colombia
Drawn from the full tour dossier — the standout days, encounters and views our specialists keep coming back to.
The highlights
The tour opens in Bogotá with a full day exploring the capital, including the colourful Paloquemao Market, panoramic views from Monserrate Hill, the renowned Gold Museum and the atmospheric streets of La Candelaria. From Bogotá, travel into the surrounding Andean countryside to visit the extraordinary Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, carved deep inside a former salt mine. Continue to sacred Lake Guatavita, whose Muisca legends helped inspire the enduring story of El Dorado.
Descend from Bogotá’s cool highlands into the warmer Magdalena Valley to reach Honda, once Colombia’s most important inland river port. Explore its cobbled lanes, colonial houses, historic bridges and riverside quarters before continuing across the Central Cordillera. The scenic journey towards Colombia’s Coffee Region passes the remains of Armero and climbs towards the dramatic landscapes surrounding Nevado del Ruiz, reaching altitudes of around 4,000 metres before descending into the lush hills of Quindío.
Spend several days discovering the landscapes, flavours and rural traditions of Colombia’s UNESCO listed Coffee Cultural Landscape. Visit a local cacao finca to learn about cultivation, fermentation and artisanal chocolate production, then explore the cloud forest and butterfly house of the Quindío Botanical Garden. In Manizales, visit a working coffee finca and follow the journey from harvesting and selecting the beans to roasting and brewing. A hands on plantain workshop introduces another important part of Colombian cooking, with the opportunity to prepare traditional sweet and savoury dishes.
Travel through mountain scenery to Salamina, one of Colombia’s most beautifully preserved colonial towns. Explore its peaceful plazas, historic streets and elaborately carved wooden balconies before travelling by traditional Willys Jeep into the Samaria Valley. Here, forests of towering wax palms, Colombia’s national tree and the tallest palm species in the world, rise dramatically above the misty Andean landscape. Continue through the uplands of Caldas and Antioquia to Aguadas, where local artisans preserve the tradition of weaving the distinctive Aguadeño hat from iraca palm fibres.
Trip highlights for The Secret Heart of Colombia
Full itinerary · 16 days
Reserve your place with a £350 per-person deposit; the balance is due 70 days before departure. Prefer your own space? A single room is available on every departure.
Our departures are guaranteed to run. We never cancel a confirmed tour.
| Departs | Returns | Status | Price pp | Single supp. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Oct 2026 | 20 Oct 2026 | Sold out | £3,595 | +£535 | Closed |
| 8 Feb 2027 | 23 Feb 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 31 May 2027 | 15 Jun 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 16 Aug 2027 | 31 Aug 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 4 Oct 2027 | 19 Oct 2027 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 7 Feb 2028 | 22 Feb 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 22 May 2028 | 6 Jun 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 14 Aug 2028 | 29 Aug 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
| 2 Oct 2028 | 17 Oct 2028 | Guaranteed | £3,595 | +£535 | Book now |
Every one of our Colombia journeys can be rebuilt around your dates, pace and interests — or we’ll design something entirely new.
Shared across all tours that visit this destination. Read alongside your individual tour dossier for trip-specific details.
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.
Reviews from ninety-plus small-group adventures worldwide, written by the people who took them.
Make The Secret Heart of Colombia your own — adjust the route, dates, pace or who travels, or start from a blank page with a specialist. We'll bring the details of this trip straight into your enquiry.
Join a small-group departure, or let our Colombia specialists craft a private journey shaped around your dates and interests.
Common questions
Maximum 12 travellers — that's the cap on every Undiscovered Destinations small-group tour. Small enough to eat in a local family home; large enough to share the wonder with other like-minded travellers.
Yes, solo travellers are welcome on every small-group tour. A private single room is offered on every trip, with the single-room supplement listed alongside the departure price. If you’d rather share, you can opt for a twin room with another solo traveller of the same gender. Around 60% of UD travellers come solo, so you’ll be in good company.
Fitness requirements vary by itinerary, from gentle to demanding. The day-by-day tour dossier sets out walking distances, terrain and any altitude so you know what to expect. If you have specific concerns, speak to our team before booking — they can talk you through a typical day.
The next available departures are 8 February 2027; 31 May 2027; 16 August 2027. See the "Choose your departure" table further up the page for the full schedule and per-departure pricing.
Yes. Departures marked Guaranteed on this page run whether one traveller books or twelve. We never cancel a confirmed tour for lack of numbers, so you can book flights and time off around it with confidence.
Included items vary by tour — see the full list above. On this trip, expect: Arrival and departure transfers; Overland transport throughout with professional driver; All accommodation; and more. International flights and travel insurance are not included.
This tour visits Colombia. Each destination has its own page with practical information, climate, and the attractions our specialists recommend — linked from the itinerary above.
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