This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Travel Date
May 13 – 20, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
20+
Transportation
Van, plane
Age range
20 – 40
Travel interest
Food & culture, sightseeing, party & nightlife
Founded in 2013, VAOVA Travel is an experience tour creator specializing in university treks, meetings and events, and luxury small group tours. Their mission is to share an authentic and unique perspective of the destinations they travel to by creating memorable experiences, bringing people together through perfectly curated 'happenings'.
Experts at organizing events and parties in magical locations from remote islands to vibing cities, VAOVA aims to blend traveler's experiences with high-end interactive and unique events and vibrant local cultures. They also specialize in personalized tours, local insider knowledge, highly-trained bilingual guides, exciting accommodation, and tours of all of the best activities — from must-see tourist hotspots to off-the-beaten-track excursions.
VAOVA also have COVID-19 policies in place, ensuring that your safety is the top priority. With symptom monitoring, event protocols, and on-hand medical assistance, they're sure to make you feel safe, secure, and give you that extra peace of mind.
In this PDF document you will be able to see all the details and information about the trip. Don't miss it!
Get ready to explore the beautiful country of Colombia in style! This incredible journey will take you from city to city in search of culture, history, and fun. City tours, a meeting with important Colombian leaders, an incredible dinner backed by a theater performance, a night out on the town, and more are all included in the price, making every day feel like a new, exciting adventure. You'll also be able to supplement your trip with various optional activities that will allow you to see even more of what Colombia has to offer! Book now and join us on a journey that you'll never forget.
Refunds after booking your trip
Up to 60 days before the start of the trip, you will receive a full refund (excluding a service fee of USD $90).
Between 59 and 30 days before the start if the trip you will receive a 60% refund.
No refunds will be issued if the trip is canceled between 29 days and the start of the trip.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 (only PCR tests accepted) at most 7 days before the start of the trip, a full refund will be issued if requested (proof required).
No refunds will be issued if the COVID-19 diagnosis is positive during or after the #ColombiaTrek.
Trip cancellation due to force majeure
In case the trip is canceled due to force majeure, (natural disaster, pandemic, strikes, or curfew) a mandatory lockdown, or a border closure in Colombia or the United States due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund.
In case of an event considered as force majeure after the trip has begun, which compromises the execution of the activities proposed in the itinerary, we’ll issue a full refund for the room nights and the activities that couldn’t be operated.
This is the spot for your picture and bio. Tell your travel story and get your group excited for this trip!
Duration
8 days · 7 nights
Travel Date
May 13 – 20, 2023
Activity Level
Moderate
Group Size
20+
Transportation
Van, plane
In this PDF document you will be able to see all the details and information about the trip. Don't miss it!
Get ready to explore the beautiful country of Colombia in style! This incredible journey will take you from city to city in search of culture, history, and fun. City tours, a meeting with important Colombian leaders, an incredible dinner backed by a theater performance, a night out on the town, and more are all included in the price, making every day feel like a new, exciting adventure. You'll also be able to supplement your trip with various optional activities that will allow you to see even more of what Colombia has to offer! Book now and join us on a journey that you'll never forget.
Welcome to Medellín! This amazing city will serve as your introduction to Colombian culture, giving you an opportunity to learn what the country has to offer. After you arrive, you'll be whisked away to your hotel to check in and unpack your bags. A welcome talk will then prep you for the adventures ahead before we go to the first event of the trip: a party celebrating Medellín's urban culture.
Medellín urban culture party
This all-night party begins on the outskirts of Medellín, where you’ll arrive at a rustic private venue that overflows with a warm environment that contrasts with the chilly air. We’ll greet you with daring artists from Comuna 13, various drinks at an open bar, a graffiti scene that you can paint and intervene as much as you want, and a dinner that’ll kick off a unique show from stunning breakdancers. After their performance, join them in a party driven by hip-hop, rap, and other rhythms that gave life to artists like J Balvin, Maluma, and Karol G. Dance to the urban sounds of the city, eat a hot dog and other tasty street food, and dive into an uncommon stage of neon lights and lots of fun.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Welcome artistic performance with extreme sports and rappers
- VAOVA’s open bar: firewater (aguardiente), vodka, gin, rum, tequila, wine, and beer
- Live graffiti including spray paint, stencils, and a space to express yourself through graffiti
- Private DJ with lights and audiovisual show
- Dinner with a stir-fried beef bowl and Food cart with unlimited hot dogs
- Main Show
- Exclusive venue outside Medellín
Good morning! It's your first full day in Colombia, and there are multiple ways to enjoy it. After breakfast in the morning, you'll have two optional adventures to choose from: a paragliding excursion or a visit to a coffee farm. Then, in the afternoon, we'll head out on a street art tour to see how much color it brings to the city! Then, to wrap up the day, you'll have the option of hopping on a gastrochiva party bus for a fun night out on the town.
Medellín City & Graffiti Tour
Discover the many faces of Medellín and its ability to transform its history of violence into a thriving, creative community. Visit the landmarks downtown, learn about the metro culture, and ride the cable car to Comuna 13, a neighborhood that finds inspiration in entrepreneurship and urban art, especially graffiti, hip-hop, and rap. Meet the local guides and listen to their perspectives on social change, vulnerability, and how the collective effort of the community has brought them to where they are today.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A bilingual guide for every 15 people
- Water, beer and snacks
- Tickets for the public transportation systems
- Food tasting (empanadas, popsicles) and traditional beverages
We're headed to Bogotá today, but we have one more activity planned in Medellín. Afterwards, we'll transfer to the airport and catch a flight to discover another one of Colombia's finest cities!
Meeting Colombian Leaders
In Colombia, issues like inequality, violence, and environmental risks are a constant threat to development, economic growth, and society. For this reason, we value the voices that rise and contribute to the much-needed message of peace. You'll have a chance to personally meet the people behind those voices, including business owners, seasoned politicians, expert academics, Nobel Prize winners, thriving entrepreneurs, and social community leaders. In alliance with the Compaz Foundation, we create a private conference or a case study event where you can listen to their personal stories, have holistic discussions about emerging affairs, and discover their unique insights about Colombia and Latin America.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Private venue
- Speaker
The Unmissable: Andrés Carne de Res
Lights, theater, flavor and rumba. Andrés Carne de Res is not only an exquisite restaurant and exotic rumba party. Andrés Carne de Res also breathes, in every corner, breaths of the Colombian bohemian spirit. On this night the tradition is lived dancing!
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Entrance to the restaurant
- Beer, Water & Snacks
- Family style dinner with plates to share
- Unlimited alcoholic beverages in certain spirits
Now that we're here in Bogotá, why not do some exploring? In the morning, we'll go on a city tour in La Candelaria, exposing us to the food, the sights, and the vibes of downtown. Then, in the afternoon, optional activities like a War & Peace Tour and San Felipe Gallery Hopping will help wrap up the day.
Classic City Tour in La Candelaria
Downtown Bogotá, discover La Candelaria, a district with a special meaning in the history of both the city and Colombia. Take a walk through the pebbled streets to learn fascinating stories about the Colonial era and crucial local landmarks such as Chorro de Quevedo or Bolívar Square. Taste various exotic fruits in a public market, try out the legendary Colombian coffee, and finish the tour by visiting a museum that preserves much of the cultural and historical heritage of the country.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A bilingual guide for every 18 people
- A sample of Colombian fruits and fruit juices
- Specialty coffee
- Entrance fee to the museum
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Ready for another change in scenery? In the morning, you'll grab breakfast at the hotel, decide whether or not to opt in for a Paloquemao Market Tour, and then fly to Cartagena. Generally considered one of Colombia's most beautiful cities, Cartagena boasts a wonderful coastline and a city that mixes traditional culture with colonial architecture. Then, in the evening, we'll head to a Jual del Mar, a local restaurant, for dinner. (Not included in price.)
For today, you have the ability to completely choose your own adventure. If you feel like having a chill day after lots of travel, you're welcome to just hang around at the hotel and explore the city at your own pace. If you're in the mood for adventure, you can head out on an optional Rosario Island Hopping trip that will take you to some dreamy islands just off the coast of Cartagena. Then, in the evening, you can keep the good times rolling with an optional party at La Jugada! (Rosario Islands trip and La Jugada party not included in price; see add-ons below.)
Sunset and Drinks by the Bay
Spend an exclusive afternoon aboard a private catamaran and have drinks with your friends while enjoying the beautiful view of the city at sunset. Take your time to admire the setting sun, the Caribbean sea, and the city of Cartagena as its nighttime charm comes alive.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Private 2-hour catamaran ride
- Private DJ
- VAOVA’s open bar: aguardiente, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, wine, and beer
Eat and Dance at Casa Cruxada
Spend a night out in Casa Cruxada, a trendy club with different environments to choose from. Start with a three-course dinner in Ocasus, a restaurant with a wood oven, grill, and a tiki bar. After dining on an exclusive patio and enjoying the Caribbean music, go upstairs to Ostería Alta, an electronic music club where you can enjoy the open bar and have an unforgettable party with one of the best DJs in town.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Dinner with starters to share, main course, dessert to share and unlimited wine at the Ocasus restaurant
- Entrance fee and preferential admission to the club
- Open bar: aguardiente, vodka, gin, rum, tequila, wine, and beer (the available types of drinks will depend on the size of the group)
It's your last day in Colombia. If you'd like, you can opt in for either a kayaking or a fishing trip in the morning to have one more adventure before you leave. Either way, we'll head to the airport once the morning is up. Have a safe flight, and thanks so much for joining us!
The Estelar Square Hotel in Medellín is in the elevated El Poblado neighborhood. This area has chic cafes, fashion boutiques, and posh restaurants minutes from the property. On site, enjoy comfortable rooms with modern decor and amenities including free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and minibars. You’ll also find a full-service restaurant and bar, fitness center, a Sky Bar, and rooftop pool overlooking the city. Room type: Double occupancy.
A delightful boutique hotel in downtown Bogotá, BOG Hotel has everything you need for a perfect stay in the city. There are tons of restaurants within a short walk, and a nearby commercial center makes it easy to walk out the door and get a feel for Bogotá's bustling culture. Truly focused on luxury, BOG Hotel offers air conditioning, blackout cuertains, free high speed Wi-Fi, an infity pool, and other amenities to elevate your stay. Room type: Double occupancy.
With oceanfront views and a stunning rooftop pool, this is the ideal destination for resting and relaxing in Colombia and enjoying nearby sights in Cartagena. This upscale, luxury hotel features chic rooms with all the modern amenities you need for your getaway, including free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. There are two restaurants on-site, plus a lobby bar and a scenic Sky Bar — the best place to unwind after a day of exploration. Room type: Double occupancy.
2 nights in Estelar Square Hotel (or similar)
2 nights in BOG Hotel (or similar)
3 nights in Estelar Cartagena de Indias Hotel (or similar)
Shared occupancy in accommodation
All activities described in the itinerary
Transportation between activities and accommodation
Meals as described in the itinerary
Group airport arrival transfers
Group airport departure transfers
2 domestic flights (Medellín - Bogotá & Bogotá - Cartagena)
1 VAOVA team member for every 20 people
Medical insurance and doctor available 24/7
International flights
All food not mentioned in inclusions
Optional add-ons
Travel insurance
Gratuities
What is the pricing schedule for this trip?
Early-bird bookings: Bookings made during the early-bird period (deadline December 17, 2022) will be entitled to our early-bird pricing of USD 1,400.
Regular price: Once the early-bird period has passed, this trip will be priced at USD 1,535 The deadline for bookings is March 14, 2023.
Late-bird bookings: After March 14, 2023, this trip will be priced at USD 1,690. The deadline for bookings is April 23, 2023.
Paragliding over the Aburrá Valley
Leap and fly at your own pace over one of the most beautiful natural basins in Colombia, the Medellín river. As the conditions have to be perfect before you take off, you’ll have time to prepare and enjoy the incredible view of the city, take some pictures of the stunning landscape, and meet the pilot that will join you in this adventure. An ideal combination of adrenaline, serenity, and clouds, this flight will give you the memory of a lifetime. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A VAOVA bilingual guide for the whole group
- Safety equipment
- A certified flight instructor
- Extreme activity insurance
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Price: USD 70
20 spots left
Coffee Delight
Unveil the secrets behind our world-renowned cup of coffee. Visit a traditional coffee farm just a short ride from the hotel, where you’ll learn everything you need to know about the most famous Colombian drink, from the seed and harvest to the preparation process. Experience a privileged tasting of special strains, and hear more about the role of coffee in the national economy and the history of the family that owns the farm and preserves their knowledge and techniques. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A bilingual guide and coffee expert for every 12 people
- 1 fruit splash (“salpicon” - mixture of fruits and juice)
- 1 small cake tasting upon arrival
- 1 tasting of non - professional coffee
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Price: USD 30
9 spots left
The Gastrochiva Experience
Hop on an authentic ‘chiva’, a Colombian-style party bus, and enjoy a special ride with music and drinks while admiring the city at night. Along the way, you’ll visit a place to discover the sounds of a ‘papayera’ (a tropical band with cheerful music) and taste some local entrées, and then you’ll visit a traditional restaurant where you’ll share a ‘picada’ (Colombian fried food) with popular drinks from the region. Finish the night with a ride through Medellín before you head back to the hotel. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- A traditional ‘chiva’ (Colombian party bus)
- Beer and ‘aguardiente’ (firewater) on the bus rides
- 2 stops to enjoy local food and drinks
- A papayera (Tropical band) from 20+ people
Price: USD 75
120 spots left
War & Peace Tour
While wandering through the historic center of Bogotá, learn about the complex sociopolitical events that have shaped the identity of Colombia and the context that set a clear path towards transformation and development. Visit significant landmarks to discuss issues like political violence, the 1948 riot, influential figures, and the peace agreements implemented throughout the country's history. A thoughtful tour to understand how to embrace and learn from the past to build a better, more empathetic future. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A bilingual guide for every 18 people
- A coffee stop during the tour
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Price: USD 30
50 spots left
San Felipe Gallery Hopping
Discover the neighborhood of San Felipe, an otherwise ordinary district that has seen an artistic movement flourish among its streets, where small and independent galleries are constantly showcasing avant-garde pieces that range from paintings and installations to conceptual works. Play a match of tejo, a traditional game from the region, and explore the incredibly diverse universe of art galleries, where up-and-coming spaces can take you from an intimate environment to a more formal setting, each with its own surprising and inspiring elements. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Entrance fee to three galleries
- 1-hour tejo game with beer
- Beer, Water & Snacks
- Two cocktails, beer and original roman pizza at KB Gallery
- Professional tour guide every 15 people
Price: USD 75
60 spots left
Paloquemao Market Tour
One of the biggest and most important public markets in Bogotá, Paloquemao is a great place to learn about the customs and traditions of the city. We’ll take you to different stalls to savor exotic fruits, passing through authentic shops with treats and crafts for every taste, and getting in sync with the unique and colorful lifestyle of a Colombian popular market. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A bilingual guide for every 10 people
- Hydration (water and beer) and snacks
- Tastings of traditional market food: pandebono (cheese bread), oat milk, empanadas, coffee, fruits, and juices
Price: USD 40
30 spots left
Juan del Mar Restaurant
Located on the San Diego Plaza, the heart of the walled-city, Juan del Mar is a local favorite. Enjoy a menu that blends together the taste of Caribbean cuisine with the roots of Mediterranean gastronomy. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transportation from the hotel
- Dinner with starters to share, main course, dessert to share and unlimited wine
- Open Wine Bar
Price: USD 60
70 spots left
Rosario Island Hopping
Feel the thrill of the sea and don't be afraid to jump from the boat! Enjoy the best gastronomic flavors of the Colombian coast, and loosen up to the Caribbean vibes. Get ready for an afternoon on the beach, sailing, and swimming in one of Colombia's most idyllic archipelagos. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transport from and to the hotel
- Speedboat to the islands and back
- Traditional appetizers
- Lunch and unlimited alcoholic beverages in certain spirits
Price: USD 110
500 spots left
Party at La Jugada
Enjoy an unforgettable party in the heart of the walled city at La Jugada, a chic nightclub known for its exclusive ambience. Dance in the different environments of the club, admire the unpaired view of the city and feel the amazing vibes that'll make you fall in love with Cartagena's nightlife. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Entrance fee and preferential admission to the club
- Open bar: aguardiente, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and beer (the available types of drinks will depend on the size of the group)
Price: USD 75
50 spots left
Caribbean Cooking Experience
Discover the secrets of the traditional Caribbean cuisine with an expert cook. Enjoy a traditional drink, explore the fresh ingredients that you’ll use, and learn how to prepare a four-course menu that’ll delight your palate and surprise your guests when you cook for them at home. This is an experience for foodies and lovers of Colombian traditional cuisine. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A specialized bilingual guide
- Four-course menu
- Ingredients and materials for the class
- Hydration
Price: USD 75
20 spots left
Caribbean Drums Workshop
Visit La Boquilla, a district from the north of Cartagena where the community has resisted the gentrification and remained in their territory. Experience the magic of the Afro-Colombian drums through a workshop led by a non-profit organization, where you’ll learn about the most important rhythms of the Caribbean region and try a few simple drumming techniques. Practice your drumbeats while sharing stories with the local hosts, learning more about their community, and enjoying a dancing show of different Caribbean rhythms. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Bilingual guide
- Local host
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Price: USD 50
80 spots left
Walled City and Getsemaní Tour
Discover the stories, beauty, and culture of the iconic city of Cartagena, starting with a tour through the historic center and its most popular streets, passing through the monumental stone walls and fortifications, and then visiting the colorful neighborhood of Getsemaní, where you’ll enjoy local fruits and beverages. Learn about the colonial period, the influence of the city on the Afro-Colombian community, and why Cartagena is known as the ‘jewel of the Caribbean’. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- Bilingual guide
- Hydration
- A tasting of local fruits
- Beer, Water & Snacks
Price: USD 25
180 spots left
Kayak by Morning
Enjoy a morning kayak adventure by paddling in the paradise waters of Cartagena as you watch how the city hustle begins. Admire the incredible landscape embellished by the island of Tierra Bomba, which you'll see from the beaches of Castillo Grande, and return to the beach to enjoy a fruit bowl and relax from your sailing trip. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A specialized bilingual instructor
- Full professional adventure kayak and gear (it may vary from 1-person and 2-person kayaks)
- Insurance
- Hydration
- Fruit Bowl
Price: USD 80
15 spots left
Fishing Through Mangroves
Visit La Boquilla, a district from the north of Cartagena where the community has resisted the gentrification and remained in their territory. Meet local fishermen to learn about their activities and lifestyle, and sail with them through the mangroves to fish in this extraordinary ecosystem using artisanal techniques, traps, and tools. Then, return with the catch of the day to share a traditional lunch with the community. This activity has a minimum of 10 guests.
What does this activity include?
- Transfer from and to the hotel
- A specialized bilingual guide
- Insurance
- Beer, Water & Snacks
- Traditional lunch
Price: USD 65
15 spots left
Refunds after booking your trip
Up to 60 days before the start of the trip, you will receive a full refund (excluding a service fee of USD $90).
Between 59 and 30 days before the start if the trip you will receive a 60% refund.
No refunds will be issued if the trip is canceled between 29 days and the start of the trip.
Trip cancellation due to COVID-19
If a traveler tests positive for COVID-19 (only PCR tests accepted) at most 7 days before the start of the trip, a full refund will be issued if requested (proof required).
No refunds will be issued if the COVID-19 diagnosis is positive during or after the #ColombiaTrek.
Trip cancellation due to force majeure
In case the trip is canceled due to force majeure, (natural disaster, pandemic, strikes, or curfew) a mandatory lockdown, or a border closure in Colombia or the United States due to COVID-19, you will receive a full refund.
In case of an event considered as force majeure after the trip has begun, which compromises the execution of the activities proposed in the itinerary, we’ll issue a full refund for the room nights and the activities that couldn’t be operated.