Included in the Price:

1. Airport Transfers:

   • Day 1: Transfer from Bogotá International Airport to hotel

   • Day 17: Transfer from hotel to Bogotá International Airport

2. Domestic Flights:

   • Day 4: Flight from Bogotá to Medellín

   • Day 9: Flight from Medellín to Pereira

   • Day 16: Flight from Pereira to Bogotá

3. Van Services:

   • Day 2: Bogotá City Tour (Gold Museum, Botero Museum, La Candelaria, Monserrate Hill)

   • Day 3: Day trip to Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral from Bogotá

   • Day 5: Medellín City Tour (Comuna 13, Museum of Antioquia, Pueblito Paisa)

   • Day 6: Day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol from Medellín

   • Day 7: Day trip to Santa Fe from Medellín

   • Day 10: Cocora Valley Hike

   • Day 11: Visit to Coffee Farm (La Finca El Ocaso)

   • Day 13: Visit to National Coffee Park

   • Day 14: Visit to Pereira Hot Springs and surrounding areas

Accommodation Costs:

• Bogotá (5 nights total)

• Medellín (5 nights)

• Salento (7 nights)

Entry Fees/Additional Costs:

1. Day 2: Bogotá City Tour:

   • Guide for Museums and La Candelaria

   • Gold Museum entry

   • Botero Museum entry

   • Monserrate cable car

2. Day 3: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral:

   • Guide for Salt Cathedral

   • Entry fee

3. Day 6: Guatapé and El Peñol:

   • Entry to climb El Peñol rock

4. Day 10: Cocora Valley Hike:

   • Guide

   • Entry fee

5. Day 11: Coffee Farm Visit (La Finca El Ocaso):

   • Guide

   • Tour fee

6. Day 13: National Coffee Park:

   • Entry fee

7. Day 14: Pereira Hot Springs (Santa Rosa de Cabal):

   • Entry fee

Not Included in the Price:

• International flights

• Travel insurance

• Meals

• Personal expenses

Travel Tips:

1. Weather and Packing:

• Bogotá (Days 1-3, 16-17): Bogotá is known for its cool and unpredictable weather due to its high altitude. Expect temperatures ranging from 10°C to 19°C (50°F to 66°F). Pack layers, including a light jacket, long sleeves, and comfortable shoes for walking. Don’t forget a rain jacket or umbrella, as showers are common.

• Medellín (Days 4-8): Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellín enjoys pleasant weather year-round, with temperatures between 16°C and 28°C (60°F to 82°F). Bring light clothing, comfortable shoes, and a light sweater for the cooler evenings.

• Salento (Days 9-15): Salento’s climate is cooler and more humid, especially in the Cocora Valley. Pack comfortable hiking gear, waterproof shoes, and a light rain jacket for outdoor activities.

2. Altitude Considerations:

• Bogotá: At an elevation of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet), you might experience mild altitude sickness. Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities on the first day, and give your body time to acclimatize.

• Cocora Valley Hike: This hike also involves altitude, so pace yourself and listen to your body.

3. Health and Safety:

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• Mosquito Protection: While malaria is not a major concern in the areas you’ll visit, dengue fever is present. Protect yourself by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, and sleeping in accommodations with screened windows or air conditioning.

• Water: Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid drinking tap water in Colombia. It’s also wise to brush your teeth with bottled water in smaller towns like Salento.

4. Currency and Payments:

• Cash: While credit cards are widely accepted in Bogotá and Medellín, smaller towns like Salento may prefer cash. Colombian pesos (COP) are the local currency, and ATMs are readily available in cities. Carry small bills, especially for markets and rural areas.

• Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For good service, consider tipping around 10% in restaurants. Tipping guides and drivers is also customary.

5. Transportation:

• Domestic Flights: Flights between cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Pereira are generally punctual, but it’s advisable to arrive at the airport at least two hours before departure.

• Local Transport: In cities, taxis and rideshare services (like Uber) are convenient and affordable. In rural areas like Salento, jeep taxis are common for transportation to attractions like Cocora Valley.

6. Cultural Etiquette:

• Greetings: Colombians are warm and friendly. A simple handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time, while friends and family often greet each other with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

• Respect Local Customs: In more traditional areas like Salento, dress modestly and be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially in rural coffee farms.

7. Language:

• Spanish: Spanish is the official language, and while English is spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience, especially in rural areas.

8. Connectivity:

• Internet and SIM Cards: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in cities, but connectivity can be spotty in rural areas like Salento. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for your phone for better coverage, especially if you plan to stay connected during your trip.  Buying a SIM card and buying data or minutes is very cheap in Colombia.

9. Safety Tips:

• General Safety: Colombia has made significant strides in improving safety, but it’s still wise to be cautious. Stick to well-populated areas, avoid showing valuables in public, and use reputable transportation services.

• Scams: Be wary of common tourist scams, such as overcharging for goods or services. Agree on prices beforehand when using taxis or purchasing items at markets.

10. Travel Insurance:

• Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost belongings. Given the variety of activities in this itinerary, comprehensive coverage is advisable.

With these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and unique experiences that this itinerary through Colombia’s highlands and coffee heartland offers!

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Jesse and Alina will be with you for the entire trip, ready to answer questions, and accompany you anywhere you want to go during your free time.  They are on call 24 hours a day for the duration of your trip, so relax and enjoy your adventure in this amazing country!