Calling All Explorers: Visit Colombia with National Geographic Expeditions

¡Nos vamos a Colombia! From gorgeous coastlines to lively culture, Colombia is one of the most unique, historic and diverse countries in the world. With its history dating back thousands of years, there is so much to see, taste and experience, and with National Geographic Expeditions, guests will explore Colombia with the leading experts who bring the location to life.

We’re excited to share that our new Signature Land trip, Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past, will embark in 2024! This nine-day, eight-night itinerary is bursting with exciting activities and learning opportunities – perfect for curious explorers. Plus, traveling with a National Geographic Expert will take you deeper into Colombian culture.

Fascinating behind-the-scenes insight from the Experts help to set up the experiences in the days ahead. From photographers to naturalists and local experts, these expeditions are brimming with access and knowledge!

Let’s begin in Bogota

There’s no better place to kick off this itinerary than in the country’s capital: Bogota. This bustling and beautiful hub has so much to offer travelers.

Guests start their day at Paloquemao Market, one of the largest food markets in Bogota. With a private tour, they’ll navigate the aisles as they sample delicious fresh fruits, and not only admire but also learn about the diversity of the vibrant local flowers that fill the market – all before embarking on a walking tour of the city’s historic plazas and landmarks.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Museo del Oro (an amazing collection of pre-Columbian gold relics from indigenous Muisca people), then settle back into the comfort of the hotel for an impactful talk from a National Geographic Expert – the first of three fascinating Expert talks along the way.

Get caffeinated in the Coffee Region

Guests will experience coffee production first-hand at a fourth-generation, family-owned coffee farm in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an incredible chance to understand the process – from growing beans to roasting – in one of the top coffee producing countries in the world.

Discover biodiverse and beautiful surroundings

The expedition will also take guests to breathtaking natural areas, such as the Cocora Valley. This lush green valley is home to towering, 125-foot wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world – so this is a nature-lover’s dream.

Then, guests will explore Tayrona National Park with a naturalist, hearing all about the surrounding environment. Be on the lookout for endemic cotton-top tamarins and more than 280 species of birds! Nearby, travelers also visit Taironaka Village, where they can see the ruins of a historic indigenous community and meet members of the Kogi community, who are descendants of the Tairona culture.

Channel your inner explorer

Other unique cultural experiences include a visit to the Carnaval Museum in Barranquilla, where travelers will hear about the iconic celebration recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. And for the final two days of the trip, dive deep into important history, famed architecture and local fare while exploring Cartegena.

From a walking tour of the historic Walled City to following the footsteps of the influential Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Márquez, there’s so much to do and see in this area.

On the final full day, guests will take a short coach ride to nearby San Basilio de Palenque, known for being the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas. Here, they’ll learn about its rich African roots and music, taste regional food and even step into the ring at a local boxing studio.

We can’t wait for your guests to enjoy all that the National Geographic Expeditions Colombia itinerary has to offer in 2024. For details, visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com.

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