Embark on an extraordinary three-week adventure, combining the vibrant landscapes of Colombia with the pristine beauty of the Galápagos Islands. From the lively streets of Bogotá, the picturesque coffee plantations in the Andes, the relaxing time on pristine Caribbean beaches, to the awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Galápagos, this tour is perfect to create an unforgettable and diverse travel experience.
About Colombia & Galapagos
Colombia, situated in the northwest corner of South America, is a land of captivating contrasts. Its geographical diversity is astonishing, ranging from the soaring Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforests and the sun-kissed Caribbean coastline. With bustling cities like Bogotá and Medellín, charming colonial towns like Cartagena, and serene coffee plantations in the countryside, Colombia offers a tapestry of experiences that reflect its unique blend of cultures and landscapes.
The Galápagos Islands, situated in the Pacific Ocean, are a remote paradise located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. These islands, scattered along the equator, offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience. With their stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, and remarkable wildlife, the Galápagos are a dream destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Program Benefits:
Cultural experience:
Colombia’s cultural scene is a vibrant tapestry of traditions and modern influences. From colorful festivals that fill the streets with music and dance to the rich tapestry of indigenous, African, and Spanish heritage, cultural activities in Colombia offer a deep dive into the nation’s soul.
Environment sustainable experience:
Galapagos’ commitment to sustainable tourism offers travelers the chance to explore its incredible landscapes and cultures while safeguarding its natural heritage for generations to come.
Local support to communities:
Participating in socially supportive touristic activities in Colombia allows travelers to not only enjoy the beauty and culture of the country but also make a positive impact on the lives of the people who call it home.
Welcome to this beautiful country. We’re here to make you feel right at home from the very start! Our dedicated driver will be ready to escort you to your chosen accommodation
Today, our guide will take you to the most famous places in downtown Bogota. A walking tour through the main square, Gold Museum, Monserrate hill, etc will be part of this first day in one of the most beautiful cities in South America
In the morning, after breakfast, our driver and guide will take you to Zipaquira, and its famous Cathedral, made of salt. This unique experience will take you all morning. After lunch, you will come back to Bogota.
At the appointed hour, our driver will promptly pick you up to escort you to the airport, ensuring you catch your flight to Medellin. Once there, you will have a private transfer to the accommodation
Today you will enjoy a city tour in Medellin, experiencing some cultural attractions such as the Botero square where you can take pictures of his famous sculptures; also you can reach the Nutibara park, to know more about the Paisas culture. To finish, a visit to the famous Comuna 13 and its stunning graffiti will take place in the afternoon.
Tour Guatapé & Piedra del Peñol The Peñol Boulder is one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellin. The 200 meters high monolith can be climbed through a staircase of 740 steps. Enjoy breath-taking views over the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes.
On this day, we will fly from Medellin to Cartagena, once you arrive your driver will pick you up and drive to your accommodation. After the check-in, you will have free time in the afternoon to know Cartagena and its famous downtown.
Walking tour to know the downtown. Cartagena de Indias is without a doubt one of the most beautiful cities in America. City Tour where you will discover Its historic downtown, walled by the fortifications built-in the colonial time, still preserves its original architecture and nowadays the walled city is shown in an endless number of colors that fill it with life and Caribbean charm
This day, private transportation will take you to the airport to catch your flight to Bogota. Once there, you will have a transfer-in to the accommodation. The rest of the time you will have free time to hang around and know the city.
This day marks the beginning of our adventure as we soar from one country to another, ready to explore the enchanting islands. You will decide which city of Ecuador you prefer to land in.
As you touch down on Baltra Island, a warm welcome awaits. Our team will be ready to receive you at the airport and escort you to your accommodations in Puerto Ayora. Your designated contact person will be there to greet you, offering a detailed overview of the upcoming schedule. In addition, you’ll receive recommendations, about local dining gems and enticing activities to explore on Santa Cruz.
The afternoon is all about you and your adventurous spirit! Santa Cruz is your canvas, just waiting for your artistic touch. How about starting with a leisurely saunter through the mesmerizing dry tropical forest that leads to Tortuga Bay? Or, channel your inner explorer with a visit to the Charles Darwin Station, where you’ll dive into the Galápagos’ ongoing conservation efforts. Feeling the thrill? Grab a mountain bike and set off into the highlands of Santa Cruz, carving out your very own trail. The options are as endless as your imagination – the island’s magic is ready and waiting for you to uncover!
At Santa Fe Island, you will see land iguanas and enjoy some bird watching too. This hidden gem boasts
volcanic rocks covered in giant Opuntia Cactus, creating a unique landscape. After a breezy boat ride, get ready to dive into two awesome snorkel spots. Playful Galapagos sea lions might join you, along with colorful reef fish, and maybe even turtles, reef sharks, and rays. The next stop is ‘Playa Escondida’, where you might spot more of Santa Fé’s residents like land iguanas, hawks, finches, doves, mockingbirds, rice rats, and even the friendly Galapagos snake. Lunch is served onboard, making this adventure even more exciting!
You will have a free morning today. Take advantage of it to visit the sites of Santa Cruz that you did not visit on the first day. Later, set your course toward the harbor, your gateway to the enchanting San Cristobal Island.
The ferry sets sail at 2:00 pm, with a voyage that carries you to the island’s embrace, slated for arrival between 4:00 pm and 4:30 pm. Awaiting your arrival at the harbor is your designated contact person, who will guide you to your accommodations. It’s time for exploration on your own.
Isla Lobos: Explore this charming island, where sea lion
colonies flourish alongside captivating seabirds like blue-footed boobies, migratory birds, and frigates showcasing their impressive red courting balloons. Snorkel or swim in the turquoise waters of Canal Lobos, sharing the company of sea lions, tropical fish, rays, and sea turtles. After this aquatic adventure, we head to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (depending on tide) for a box lunch and relaxation on a serene white sandy beach.
Kicker Rock: Venture to the stunning rock formation that resembles a slumbering sea lion according to locals. As the boat navigates around the rock, spot various nesting seabirds, then pause at the canal entrance for a thrilling snorkeling experience.
Encounter sharks (white tipped, Galapagos, and hammerhead), graceful sea turtles, rays, and more beneath the waves. Following this awe-inspiring journey, we sail to Playa Ochoa or Manglesito (according to tide) for a box lunch and leisure on a picturesque white sandy beach.
Enjoy your free morning before departing the Galapagos Islands. When it’s time, we’ll whisk you off to the San Cristobal Airport about 1.5 hours before your flight takes off. Wishing you the smoothest, safest travels ahead! Upon your return to Quito, our driver will be at the airport to transfer to your accommodation.
At a convenient time, our friendly driver will be there to whisk you away to the airport for your journey back home, leaving you with cherished memories of this beautiful country!
During your stay in all the locations, you will feel you are at home, with its professional and helpful staff, numerous amenities, and a warm and traditional design. Most of our accommodation sites are located in touristic neighborhoods.
Services:
Colombia, situated in the northwest corner of South America, is a land of captivating contrasts. Its geographical diversity is astonishing, ranging from the soaring Andes Mountains to the lush Amazon rainforests and the sun-kissed Caribbean coastline. With bustling cities like Bogotá and Medellín, charming colonial towns like Cartagena, and serene coffee plantations in the countryside, Colombia offers a tapestry of experiences that reflect its unique blend of cultures and landscapes. Whether you’re seeking vibrant urban energy, breathtaking natural beauty, or a mix of both, Colombia’s location offers a captivating and dynamic destination to explore.
Currency
The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso, abbreviated as COP. It is the official monetary unit of the country and is represented by the symbol “$” or the code “COP.” Colombian banknotes and coins come in various denominations and feature different historical figures, landscapes, and cultural elements, reflecting the
rich heritage of the nation. Use this currency converter when you need it! Dollar to peso, pound to peso, euro to peso, and more. https://colombia.travel/en/practical-information/currency-information
Passport and Visa Requirements
For all visitors, a valid passport is a requisite, along with the completion of a tourist card entry form, typically provided by your airline carrier. This form can be acquired either at the ticket counter during your check-in for the Colombia-bound flight or once you’re onboard. It’s noteworthy that tourists hailing from Canada, the UK, and the USA are not required to secure a visa for stays spanning up to 90 days. Should your nationality differ, we recommend liaising with the Lead Adventures Staff and consulting your local Colombian Embassy for precise guidelines.
If you require additional insights regarding visas and immigration, rest assured that Lead Adventures will readily provide you with comprehensive information.
Health and Vaccinations
When traveling abroad it is important to seek advice on the potential hazards, understand how best to protect your health, and minimize the risk of harm and disease. Planning ahead and taking preventive measures will reduce the risk of accident and of acquiring disease. We are not qualified to assess individuals health, therefore we highly recommend that you seek the attention of a medical professional regarding specific vaccinations and medications.
You can visit http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ for additional helpful information.
Weather
One of the most surprising things about Colombia for foreign visitors is the unchanging nature of its climate all year round. This is because the country is located on the Equator, which means the sun rises and sets at the same time all year round and the season stays the same, unlike almost every other country in the world. There are just the dry seasons (from December to January and July to August) and the rainy seasons (from April to May and October to November).
However, this doesn’t mean that the whole country gets the same weather. In fact, the topographical diversity of Colombia provides a huge variety of landscapes, biodiversity and thermal floors.
Colombia Time Zone
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
Electrical Standards
Colombia’s electrical current is 120/60 (volts/hz) Type A and Type B Electrical Outlet (same as North America)
FAQs
Lead Adventures highly recommends travel insurance for tourists
Even without proficiency in Spanish, you’re still welcome to participate in our tours. Your commitment to making a difference transcends language barriers, and your contributions are valued and appreciated.
Any interest in the environment, cultural areas, and sustainable travel.
The program is suitable for passengers 18 years of age and older. Also, for families, or minors accompanied by an adult.
The tour operates throughout the entire year on specific dates described before; anyway, we are open to checking for availability in case you need to travel on another date.
