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2024 will be our inaugural trip!

Colombia

Adventure is the spice of life, and this country has adventure by the truckload. With its tumultuous history, it hasn’t had a lot of visitors but tourism here is now growing in leaps & bounds, and Colombia is quickly emerging as a “must-visit” destination. And who wouldn’t want to come here; the country has so much to offer! You can expect to find wild landscapes, snow-capped peaks (though we won’t be hiking up to any of those thank goodness!), forested trails hiding majestic waterfalls, and rolling green hills dotted with small villages and plantations. It’s geo- and bio-diversity are second to none! The country's history, its astonishing variety of climates & landscapes, and the friendliness of its people guarantees an unforgettable experience.

 

We have put together an exciting program, showcasing 3 different regions. Beginning in Colombia’s vibrant capital, Bogota, we will take you on a walk through graffiti alley (because beauty is in the eye of the beholder) and then out into the countryside to hike to the country’s tallest waterfall (and let me tell you, it is truly impressive). Then on to the renowned coffee region, where Juan Valdez himself will be our guide. Just kidding! But we will do a guided coffee tasting together in addition to one of the most marvelous hikes through the famed Cocora Valley with its towering wax palms. From there, we turn up the heat and head to the Caribbean Coast, splitting our time between Santa Marta and Cartagena. The hiking around Santa Marta is excellent, and if you have never heard of Tayrona National Park, let this be your calling to look it up (and then sign up!). Finally, our tour winds down in Cartagena, Colombia’s jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And in true Comfortable Hiking Holidays fashion, we have dotted the program with special surprises. 

 

We will stay in comfortable, modern hotels throughout the trip plus the food is incredible, especially the astonishing variety of fresh fruits!

 

Ready to spice up your life? We know every one of you has a little bit of adventure in you!

 

P.S. It’s Colombia not Columbia.

Dates

September 10 to 23, 2024

Grade

Moderate to Challenging

What's Included

- 13 nights' hotel accommodations plus early check-in on day of arrival
- 13 breakfasts, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
- 6 guided hikes & several walking tours
- 2 domestic flights within Colombia
- Tips for local guides
- All entry fees for attractions per itinerary and all park fees
- Ground transportation and transfers

Cost

$4895 USD land

For this trip, we believe that pricing in U.S. dollars is the fairest way to offer you the best rates - with no artificial inflation of prices or lack of protection against fluctuations in exchange rates.

Send $500 USD nonrefundable deposit to reserve - balance is payable June 26, 2024 (75 days prior to departure)

My Own Room

If you would like to share accommodations, we offer a roommate pairing service. If there is another solo traveller looking to share accommodations, we will pair the two of you up together; in this case there would be no single supplement to pay.

If you would like to have your own room (or if a roommate is not available), then the single supplement would apply.

The cost of the single supplement for this holiday is $1085 USD.

Meeting Times/Places

September 10, 2024
The meeting place and time is the Bogota Airport (BOG) at 6:30 AM
We have organized our own bus to take us from the Bogota Airport to our hotel.

September 23, 2024
You are welcome to depart at any time on Sept 23rd, as we will arrange for taxis to transfer you from the hotel to Cartagena Airport


Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. There is a small service fee for booking flights.

Should you decide to book your own flights, we will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip's itinerary so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

Status

Only 5 spots left!

  • Daily Synopsis

  • Map

  • Photo Gallery

  • Accolades

  • Book This Trip

  • Terms & Conditions

Daily Synopsis

Day 1

WELCOME TO BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
Upon arrival in Colombia, you will have time to rest, freshen up and explore a little on your own. Later, we shall regroup and do a walking tour ending at a delightful little restaurant for dinner together.

Day 2

LAGUNA GUATAVITA & CATEDRAL DE SAL
This morning, we visit Laguna Guatavita, a sacred site to the Muisca people, who cast elaborate gold offerings into its depths, inspiring the legend of El Dorado and several ill-fated attempts to drain the lake. (Moderate, 2.5km)
After lunch, we transfer to Zipaquirà to visit the Salt Cathedral, a mammoth underground church and one of Colombia’s greatest architectural achievements. (Moderate, 2.0km)

Day 3

LA CHORRERA
La Chorrera is the highest waterfall in all of Colombia and the 6th highest in South America, cascading down 590m! The hike starts off as a leisurely walk and then gets a bit more challenging as we near the spectacle of La Chorrera! Afterwards, we will do a stunning little circular hike around another waterfall, El Chiflón. (Moderate-challenging, 8km)

Day 4

COFFEE REGION
We will take an early morning flight from Bogota to Armenia in the coffee region, the heart and soul of Colombia’s highly respected and deep-rooted coffee culture. We shall visit a local coffee plantations to learn about the process of cultivation and preparation of this world renowned product, and will do a guided coffee tasting.
Afterwards, we transfer to Salento.

Day 5

COCORA VALLEY
Any trip to Colombia must, must, MUST include a hike through the striking Cocora Valley, where you will see the palma de cera (wax palm), the largest palm in the world & Colombia’s national tree. (Moderate-challenging, 12km)

Day 6

PENAS BLANCAS
Outside the town of La Virginia, we will meet Javier. Javier is so passionate about reforestation that he planted 39,000 trees over the last 20 years and plans on planting 10,000 more. Luckily for us, he has opened his land to hikers. (Moderate-challenging, 9km)

Day 7

FLY TO SANTA MARTA
Today is essentially a travel day. We will fly from the coffee region to the Caribbean Coast, arriving in Santa Marta in the mid-afternoon.

Day 8

FOOTHILLS OF SIERRA NEVADA & MARINKA WATERFALL
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is the world’s highest coastal mountain range. Today's hike meanders through the foothills, down to the spectacular Cascada de Marinka where a dip is definitely in order! (Moderate, 12km)

Day 9

TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
Tayrona NP is a magical slice of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, and was voted one of the world's most beautiful destinations by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. We shall hike from the park entrance all the way to Cabo San Juan del Guia where we will have plenty of time for both lunch and a swim before heading back. (Moderate, 13km)

Day 10

KOGUI TAYKU INDIGENOUS VILLAGE
Today, we have the opportunity to visit with the Kogui, one of Colombia's indigenous tribes. In order to preserve their traditional way of life, this tribe does not often interact with the modern world. This means we have to hike to get there & back, but what a truly unique, cultural experience! (Moderate-challenging, 8km)

Day 11

TRANSFER TO CARTAGENA
We will be driving from Santa Marta to Cartagena. Once we arrive in Cartegena, we shall go for a guided tour of the historical heart of the city. Often described as Colombia’s “jewel”, Cartagena is a living, breathing and pulsating museum.

Day 12

LA BOQUILLA & THE NATIONAL AVIARY OF COLOMBIA
La Boquilla is a tiny but thriving fishing community where traditional fishing techniques are still being used. Fisherman weave their canoes through a twisted maze of narrow waterways and mangrove tunnels. This will be quite the experience for us too!
After lunch, we shall visit the National Aviary of Colombia. Colombia boasts the world’s most remarkable bird diversity, with more than 1900 species, and the National Aviary reflects this with an essential cross-section of this diversity.

Day 13

LEISURE DAY IN CARTAGENA
We have left this day for you to enjoy at your leisure. There is plenty to do on your own in Cartagena plus the shopping is great too.

Day 14

HASTA LUEGO COLOMBIA

 

Interactive Trip Map

 

Click on the interactive map to see where we'll be hiking.

 

Select satellite view to get even more detail.

 

Photo Gallery

We have some great photos of previous tours of this location.
Click on the photo gallery link to view the gallery.

 

polaroids

What an experience!

 

2024 will be our inaugural trip!

 

Make a Reservation

We're so glad you've decided to take a trip with us! We will do our very best to ensure you have a great time. Thank you for your business and we look forward to seeing you.

Please fill out the registration form below.

It is important that you read the Terms and Conditions before completing this form.

Destination

Colombia

Dates

September 10 to 23, 2024

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Dietary Notes:


Insurance

Medical and cancellation/interruption insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED for all our tours and can be arranged through our offices. We work with Allianz Global Assistance.


I understand that by not purchasing Allianz Global Assistance offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays, I may be exposed to financial losses ranging from the full price of my trip to the unknown costs of trip interruption/cancellation or out of province medical care. I waive any liability against Comfortable Hiking Holidays or Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc. for any costs I incur as a result of my choice not to purchase this travel insurance.
I hereby decline any Allianz Global Assistance coverage offered by Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

Travel Waiver and Release

On this date, I requested that Comfortable Hiking Holidays, an independent contractor (the 'IC') with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., make one or more travel arrangements (booking of flights; lodging; car rental; etc.) on my behalf as well as on behalf of my family/travel companions. Direct Travel Inc., its officers, directors, employees, advisors and contractors, including Independent Contractors, are hereinafter called 'Agency'.

I acknowledge that travel plans made for me/us by the Agency may be delayed, interrupted, or cancelled by service providers (airlines, cruise lines, lodging, etc.). I also acknowledge travel plans may be delayed, interrupted or cancelled by acts of God, by actions of government entities or by other third-party entities over which the Agency has no control. I further acknowledge that the service provider’s own cancellation, rebooking and refund policies, subject to any applicable current and future laws, will govern my rights and remedies, including my right to receive a refund, in such an event.

Moreover, I understand that should I elect to purchase travel protection plan, the terms of the individual policy I have chosen will dictate whether, and to what extent, coverage for any financial loss may exist under these circumstances.

By agreeing to these terms, I hereby agree to hold the Agency harmless and release it from any and all liability for any damages, including but not limited to monetary losses, I may incur as a result of such interruption or cancellation of these travel arrangements.

I agree to these terms.

 

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No space will be held until deposit is paid.

Terms & Conditions

 

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENTS

A deposit is required at the time of booking (see individual trips for amount required for deposit). The balance is due 60 days prior to departure unless otherwise specified. Late payments causing penalties to be levied by the airlines or any other supplier shall be the responsibility of the traveller.

 

Reservations are to be made online. We accept credit cards and personal cheques (payable to Comfortable Hiking Holidays). If paying by cheque, mail cheque along with a reservation form to:

 

Maddalena Molino

Comfortable Hiking Holidays

251 Consumers Road, 7th floor

Toronto, ON  M2J 4R3  Canada

 

6079113 Canada Inc., doing business as Comfortable Hiking Holidays, is an independent travel affiliate with Vision Travel DT Ontario-West Inc., a Canada corporation registered under the Ontario Travel Industry Act, 2002 Registration Nos. 50023501 and 50023502.

 

 

DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS

All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

 

Comfortable Hiking Holidays will base the decision whether or not to proceed with a trip taking into account several key factors, including but not limited to: the Canadian government’s travel advisory, the state of entry/exit requirements in each specific country, as well as the overall COVID-19 situation at that time. Rest assured, that our number one priority remains the safety and well-being of all our guests.

 

After the balance has been paid, refund will be made (less $50 per person and less any incurred charges by hotels, airlines etc.) if YOU can find a replacement person. If no replacement is found, then all monies paid will be forfeited. No refund for any unused portion of a trip. All cancellations are only considered to have been received on the date of receipt of written cancellation in the office of Comfortable Hiking Holidays.

 

If we are forced to cancel a holiday, Comfortable Hiking Holidays will endeavour to recoup any monies already paid, however full refunds are not guaranteed.

 

AIRFARE

Group airfare is not offered for any of our trips, but we can recommend and book flights for you. We can accommodate any itinerary that suits you and from any city, including stopovers. There is a service fee for booking flights, which is not included in the cost of the tour package. 

 

Should you decide to book your own flights (which is not a problem at all), Comfortable Hiking Holidays will provide a meeting time and place for you. It will be your responsibility to ensure that you coordinate your schedule to fit with the trip’s itinerary, so that you can take advantage of transfers between airports and hotels together with the group.

 

Do not book your airfare until you check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays that we have the minimum number of participants to move ahead with the trip. Comfortable Hiking Holidays is not financially responsible for additional expenses incurred by you (such as non-refundable airline tickets) should a trip be cancelled.

 

Call us to discuss and we will tailor your flights to meet your needs.

 

TAXES

H.S.T.

The Harmonized Sales Tax will be added to all trips taking place in Canada.

 

INSURANCE

Medical and cancellation insurance is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED and can be arranged through our offices; we work with Allianz Global Assistance. If insurance is declined, a signed form will be required.

 

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

Should a participant fall ill with Covid while on the tour, the participant will be expected to isolate themselves until they have recovered or have a negative Covid test. This may require a change of hotels or even hospitalization. Such additional costs associated with care, isolation, and repatriation if necessary will be borne by the participant him/herself and/or his/her travel insurance. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed.

 

It is the traveller’s responsibility to determine what documentation is necessary for each country to be visited. All Canadian and U.S. citizens require valid passports for travel. It is recommended and sometimes necessary that passports have a minimum of 6 months to expiry. Other nationalities should check with Comfortable Hiking Holidays. For more information on travel requirements per country, visit www.voyage.gc.ca.

 

It is imperative that the traveller discloses to Comfortable Hiking Holidays any medical condition(s) that may affect his/her ability to complete the hike and/or tour. Examples include (but are not limited to): allergies, ailments, diseases, medical conditions, special diets, medications and so forth. This information will be kept strictly confidential.

 

Our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, but if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely partake in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, they are authorized to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity. Although rarely enforced, by booking this trip you agree that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these circumstances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be responsible for additional costs incurred.

 

In booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described. If you have any doubt about your abilities, please call us to discuss.

 

FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Prices are quoted are in CANADIAN DOLLARS (with some exceptions which are quoted in USD). They were calculated based on the exchange rates at the tme of publishing and are subject to change without notice. Should tour costs increase, Comfortable Hiking Holidays reserves the right to increase the price accordingly. If the price change is more than 7% of the total price for the travel services (except for a price change that is a result of Government Taxation), you are entitled to cancel if you wish, with full refund. You must notify us of your intention at least 48 hours after notification or if the change is a last minute change, within 24 hours of notification.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS

Prices quoted are for shared accommodations (two to a room). A roommate will be arranged  when possible, otherwise the single supplement will apply. Single rooms are available on most holidays; cost for the single supplement is available on request.

 

PHOTOGRAPHS

The scenery is always picture-worthy so please take as many photos as you wish. We will do the same, but please note that it is customary for us to use photographs taken on actual hikes for our promotional materials. If you do not wish to have your photo used in any of our promotional materials, please inform your hike leader at the BEGINNING OF THE TRIP.

 

SMOKING

As the great majority of trip participants do not smoke, those who do are requested to refrain from smoking while with the group (e.g. on the bus, during the hikes, at meals, in the bar and in your room if sharing with a non-smoker).

 

CHILDREN

All participants must be at least 18 years of age.

 

SITE ACCURACY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays has attempted to make this site accurate. However, changes might occur for reasons beyond the control of Comfortable Hiking Holidays. In addition, the right is reserved to substitute hotels or change the itinerary when necessary, provided the travel facilities or other services are of at least the same standard or value.

 

HIKE LEADERS

All of our leaders are experienced hikers and have had first aid training. A representative of C.H.H. will accompany all of the trips (unless otherwise specified) to ensure they run smoothly and efficiently. Our hike leaders will be your guides on most holidays, but in some cases we will use local guides. C.H.H. reserves the right to make changes in hike leaders when necessary.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

Neither Comfortable Hiking Holidays nor Vision Travel shall be liable for any claims, losses, damages, costs, expenses, delays or loss of enjoyment of any nature or kind whatsoever, resulting from events beyond their control or a supplier’s reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, strikes, lockouts or other labour disputes or disruptions, wars, blockades, insurrections, riots, terrorist acts, fire, earthquakes, weather conditions, storms, hurricanes, flood, civil or military authority, government requirement or restriction, disease, epidemic or pandemic.

 

OPERATOR'S RESPONSIBILITY

Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel the operators, its agents, and/or suppliers of services act only as agents for the traveler and accept no responsibility for services of any hotel, aircraft, vessel, train, motor coach or any other conveyance used in connection with these tours, nor any delays, loss or accident to travelers or baggage occasioned by such services, from whatsoever cause. In the event it becomes necessary due to changes by supplier's airlines, or for the comfort or well being of passengers, or for any other reason, to alter the itinerary or arrangements, such alterations may be made without penalty to the operator. The extra cost, if any, resulting therefore, shall be paid by the tour members. Conversely, refunds will be made to passengers if any savings are effected thereby. The right is reserved to cancel any tour and to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, at any time. Acceptance of the initial service to be provided under the tour shall be considered an acceptance of all these conditions. There may be different living standards and practices and different standards and conditions with respect to the provision of utilities, services and accommodations outside Ontario. Climate conditions may affect the provisions of services and the accommodations included in our tours. Accommodations offered in the tour are, to the best of our knowledge, available at the time of printing and accurately described.

 

TRAVEL WAIVER

Participants are required to sign a “Travel Waiver” form, which acknowledges that your travel plans may be interrupted or cancelled through no fault of ours, and as such you may or may not be eligible for a refund should things go awry as they did in 2020.

 

AIRLINE CLAUSE

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omissions or event during the time the passengers are not on board the aircraft. The Passenger Ticket in use by the airline(s) when issued constitutes the sole contract between the airline(s) and the purchase of the ticket and/or passenger.

 

Although every precaution is taken for your safety, this type of excursion involves, by its very nature, a certain amount of risk. All participants are therefore required to sign a form releasing Comfortable Hiking Holidays and Vision Travel of all liability.

 

Effective September 7, 2023, until further notice.