The Ultimate Colombia Group Trip

Colombia Group Travel

Introduction

Looking for a Colombia group trip? My group tour to Colombia is perfect for solo travelers who want the independence of doing their own thing without being completely alone.

Coffee. Chocolate. Music. Art. Dance. Colombia is a hidden gem of a country that’s underrated and off the beaten path.

It has so much to offer, yet travelers usually skip it to visit other more popular destinations.

Not you, though.

Let’s break down what 9 days in Colombia looks like on my group trip.

 

9 Days in Colombia

We cover a lot of ground over our 9 days in Colombia. Here’s an overview of our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Medellín, Colombia

On Day 1 of your Colombia Group Trip, you’ll settle into your hotel in Medellín.

At night, we’ll walk as a group to our welcome dinner at a small, local restaurant. We’ll get to know each other over some local cuisine and wine. If you choose to go out after dinner, we’ll hit up a nearby bar.

This dinner is included.

Register for my Colombia Group Trip here!

The Weather and Climate in Medellín, Colombia

Medellín, Colombia  Laura Ericson Group Travel

On the first day of your Colombia group trip, you’ll settle in to the “City of Eternal Spring.”

Medellín is a beautiful city. It’s known as the “City of Eternal Spring” since flowers bloom there all year, and because it has an ever-pleasant temperature that’s usually between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

It was the first city in the world to use cable cars for mass transit; the cable cars aren’t just for tourists! You’ll get a chance to see the cable cars for yourself on day 2 of our tour.

The city of Medellín is steep. For this reason, it’s been hard for the city of Medellín to get public transportation for its citizens.

This is why you’ll find an outdoor escalator! This escalator helps you scale 28 stories quickly.

It’s located in the Comuna 13 neighborhood, which we visit on day 2.

Medellín is well known for its street art, so you will absolutely LOVE the graffiti tour in Comuna 13!

 

Day 2: Explore Comuna 13 in Medellín

Laura Ericson group in Comuna 13

On the second day of our Colombia group trip, we’ll explore the beauty and history of Comuna 13.

Comuna 13 is a neighborhood in the western part of Medellín. In the 80s and 90s, it wasn’t considered safe, so it wasn’t visited by many tourists. Now, Comuna 13 is getting discovered by travelers every day who are willing to do something different.

On day 2 of our Colombia tour, you’ll get a guided tour of this historic area as we take the escalators up to the top of the neighborhood with views overlooking the city below.

You’ll have time then to wander back down at your own pace along with your new travel buddies. There’s food, drinks, music, and shopping to experience in this vibrant community. Lunch will be on your own.

After we return in the afternoon, you’ll have free time to swim in our hotel’s rooftop pool, relax, or explore Medellín on your own.

Graffiti Tour in Medellín, Colombia

You’ll definitely want to bring your camera for day 2 of our 9 day itinerary.

Rest assured that we do the best graffiti tour in Medellín, Colombia, led by a local here in the city.

graffiti tour in Medellín, Colombia

In recent years, Comuna 13 has become known for for its impactful graffiti murals, which illustrate the conflict experienced by this area of Medellín. The murals showcase the importance of community action, which helped bring an end to the guerilla violence of the 1990s.

Murals of Comuna 13 with Laura Ericson

The murals of Comuna 13 are constantly changing, which means every time you walk through this colorful neighborhood, you’re bound to see something different.

Graffiti Tour with Laura Ericson

Comuna 13 now hosts graffiti competitions and festivals that attract collaborations of artists from all over Latin America.

 

Day 3: Cocoa Farm Tour Outside Medellín, Colombia

Laura Ericson cocoa farm tour

Day 3 of our Colombia group trip is all about chocolate.

During our cocoa farm tour, you’ll get a chance to see high-quality, artisanal chocolate made right in front of you. 

We explore the farm, hiking through the hills and tasting raw cocoa in its purest form. Then we’ll head back to the ranch and see how cocoa is processed from fruit to chocolate. You’ll have the opportunity to make your own chocolate to take home with you and products from the farm will be available for purchase if you want to bring some home for gifts.

Breakfast, the cocoa farm tour, and lunch are included.

Then, you’re free to explore that evening on your own.

What’s the Difference Between Cocoa and Cacao?

cocoa farm tour Laura Ericson Group trip

Though the two words are often used interchangeably, they are completely different products.

Cacao beans have not been roasted. In fact, they’re often cold-pressed to retain their living enzymes.

Cocoa beans are originally cacao, but they’re roasted at higher temperatures. This reduces the bitterness and changes the flavor in a good way.

 

Day 4: ATV Riding and Paragliding in Cocorná, Colombia

On day 4 of our Colombia group trip, we venture outside of the city of Medellín and into the town of Cocorná.

And this day is all about outdoor adventure.

Laura Ericson trip - Paragliding in Colombia

We’ll first go paragliding over the valley of Cocorná, which is an experience you’ll seriously never forget!

After lunch, we ride ATVs through the mountains, taking in the views of beautiful rural Colombia.

Breakfast at the hotel and lunch are included.

Once we return from our day of adventure, you’ll have the evening free to explore.

Join my Colombia group trip by clicking here!

ATV Riding in Colombia

If you’ve never ridden an ATV (all terrain vehicle) before, this will be an amazing experience for your first time.

When you ride an ATV, you get the opportunity to explore and experience areas outdoors that are often difficult to access (and sometimes, even impossible to get to) on foot.

What to Expect On Your First ATV Ride

ATV Riding in Colombia

Since you’ll be in the open air, you’ll want to come prepared with layers, and possibly a layer for wind or rain since the weather can change quickly.

As you ride, you’ll catch the wind blowing past you - which adds to the excitement. It can also make it feel a bit chillier, so do consider what you wear before you ride.

Closed-toe shoes or sandals like Chacos are usually recommended when riding an ATV, as it makes it easier for you to get on and off of the vehicle.

 

Day 5: Enjoy Scenic Beauty and Enjoy Local Coffee in Guatapé, Colombia

Guatapé is one of my favorite cities in Colombia, hands-down.

It’s absolutely gorgeous, and the landscapes are so scenic.

We start by heading to Guatapé together, enjoying breakfast at a small, local stop on the way.

After breakfast, we’ll visit a local coffee farm, where we learn how coffee is processed from plant to freshly brewed. We’ll pick our own beans alongside Miller, one of Colombia’s most prominent coffee farmers, and his dog, Spike.

Laura Ericson group in Guatapé

From there, we’ll hike up over 700 steps to the top of Peñol rock to enjoy the view of the landscapes below. I am not exaggerating when I say that view is one of the best I’ve ever seen!

We’ll have lunch at a small, local restaurant overlooking the lake (included in your trip package), then we’ll venture into the town of Guatapé, where we’ll get a tour and walk through the streets full of beautifully painted houses and murals. 

Guatapé is one of the most colorful places you’ll ever visit, guaranteed!

You’ll enjoy free time that evening at our gorgeous lakeside hotel with colorful bungalows and unforgettable views of Peñol.

Lakeside hotel Guatapé Colombia

More About Guatapé, Colombia

Guatapé is a resort town in northwest Colombia, nestled in the Andes Mountains. It’s known for its scenic beauty, 

Piedra del Peñol is a giant, granite rock that has hundreds of steps to the top via a system of switchback steps, and the views from the top are incredible.

The entire town is so colorful and beautiful, and there are photo opportunities at every turn.

Rest assured that the town of Guatapé, Colombia is safe–and an absolute must-visit for every traveler. It’s still somewhat under-the-radar for international tourism, so it really gives visitors the feel of a local and authentic experience.

 

Day 6: The Beautiful, Colonial Town of Jardín

On day 6 of our Colombia group trip, we take a road trip together to the beautiful town of Jardín.

Before we leave to Jardín, we’ll have breakfast at the hotel (included) and you’ll have some free time to explore Guatapé or relax at our hotel. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards will be available for those who want to spend time on the lake.

After you have lunch on your own, we’ll embark on our road trip.

It’s about a 5-hour drive between the cities of Guatapé and Jardín, and at this point in our trip, you’ll appreciate the downtime in the van to catch up on sleep or watch our beautiful journey into the Andes Mountains.

Jardín is often called the most beautiful colonial town in Colombia, and it’s easy to see why.

Even from the hotel, you’ll have stunning, unforgettable views.

Laura Ericson Group in Jardin

After we check in that evening, we’ll have a private dinner party at our hotel in Jardín.

Dinner is included, followed by free time for you to explore the town’s nightlife if you choose.

More About Jardín, Colombia

Jardín is another town not usually frequented by travelers to Colombia.

Unlike Bogota or even Medellín, which has had more tourism over the past several years, Jardín attracts a particular type of traveler. 

It’s another beautiful and colorful town, with colonial architecture dating back to the 1500’s. One can quickly see the Spanish influence in the design of the town, and the plaza is worth stopping in for a while.

The entire region is known for its coffee and natural beauty, which you’ll be able to see when you travel with us.

 

Day 7: Adventure in the Andes Mountains

We start day 7 of our Colombia group trip with breakfast at our hotel (included).

Laura Ericson Group Trip to Andes Mountains

From there, we’ll ride in jeeps through the Andes Mountains and hike to a beautiful waterfall, hidden inside la cueva del esplendor.

After our outdoor adventure, we’ll head to a local farm, where we’ll have a traditional lunch with a coffee farmer and his family while we enjoy the gorgeous views of the Andes surrounding us. Lunch is included.

After lunch, we’ll go horseback riding on the ridge, overlooking the coffee-growing region below.

That evening, you can explore the beautiful town of Jardín on your own.

Come with us to Colombia!

Laura Ericson Horseback Riding Andes Mountains

More About the Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains is the longest running mountain range in the world, and they run through the country of Colombia as well!

They lay at the border of southern Colombia and northern Ecuador.

The Andes Mountains are incredibly important to the geopolitics of the whole region. They provide for the region’s agriculture, electricity, minerals, and other kinds of resources.

They’re also just incredibly beautiful. 

When we’re in the Andes, remember that it can be cooler than areas at a lower elevation - so be sure to pack some warmer layers with you!

 

Day 8: Get a Tattoo in Medellín

By day 8, our Colombia group trip is almost over.

We’ll pack up early to head back to the city of Medellín.

Once we check into the hotel, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the city.

The Ultimate Souvenir: Travel Tattoos

Exploring Medellín with Laura Ericson

You have the option of getting a tattoo with our group to remember your trip. This is probably the most unique souvenir that you can get! 

On our last trip, nine of us got tattoos, and it was such a fun, memorable experience!

That evening, we’ll meet for one last dinner, where we’ll say our goodbyes.

The group dinner in the evening is included.

 

Day 9: it’s time to go home

On this day, breakfast is on your own.

After exchanging your contact information with everyone, you’ll get a shuttle to the Medellín airport, which is included.

Come with us to Colombia!

 

Join Our Group Trip to Colombia!

If this 9 day itinerary has you excited, I’d love to have you join us!

Here are some ways for you to join my group trip or learn more:

  • Join my free Facebook Group
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  • Join my email list
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  • Follow my stories on Instagram
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Sometimes, it’s not the destination you really need information about.

Maybe, you’re wondering what it’s like to travel to Colombia as a group, or how you can find awesome people to travel with.

If so, then these blog posts might be what you need to read!

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