Food And Drink: Food in Colombia: What to Know and Eat
Diverse cultures, dynamic landscapes and storied history make Colombia an exciting place to explore also make it an exciting place to eat.
It's all amazing. All the way from the verdant Cocora Valley to the jagged peaks that loom high above it. All the way from the coast—where thick jungle gives way to white-sand beaches and the stunning blue sea—to Cartagena, the colonial jewel of the Caribbean. Colombia casts a seductive spell. Enjoy it all.
THIS ITINERARY: 8 days, 7 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Casual Hotels
Start Pereira / End Cartagena
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Hike amid bamboo and vibrant flowers in the Coffee Triangle, a World Heritage site | Savor lunch at a sustainable coffee farm amid endless rows of coffee plants and learn how the coffee is processed from bean to cup | Venture into the Cocora Valley, home to groves of Colombia's national tree, the wax palm, that grow over 150 feet tall! | Explore the quaint coffee village of Salento, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture | Spend time strolling palm-lined Plaza Bolívar and browsing artisan shops.
Located in the temperate Andes foothills, Sazagua's colonial wooden guesthouses feature intriguing art and eclectic furniture and are surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens. (pool, spa)
Walk to a local farm and learn about the traditional Colombian Paso Fino (Fine Step) horses | Fly to the Caribbean coast, settle into our beachside hotel and bliss out on the pristine beach or relax at the pool | Discover Tayrona National Park and its lush tropical forests and boulder-strewn Caribbean beaches, one of Colombia's most stunning natural areas | Keep an eye out for unique wildlife, like a monkey found nowhere else in the world: the striking cotton-top tamarin | In the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a World Heritage site, follow centuries-old trails to meet with indigenous community members, a unique opportunity unavailable to most travelers | Learn cumbia, Colombia's national dance, and other local dances during our lesson.
This lovely villa is situated on a pristine stretch of coastline with palm trees, jungle and the Sierra Nevada mountain range providing a lush backdrop. (pool)
Float on the crystal-clear Don Diego River | Arrive in the magical port city of Cartagena, once home to writer Gabriel García Márquez | Join a guide to explore Cartagena's colonial walled city and fortress, learning about its deep history | Take in the postcard-perfect colonial architecture with Spanish-style roots.
In the heart of the colonial walled city, this lovingly restored hotel exudes historical charm. (pool)
The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next—and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do. LEARN MORE.
Note: The terrain on this trip features dirt roads through villages and farmland, mountain trails through rain forest and some beach paths.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
This trip involves an ample amount of travel time which enables us to visit a great variety of Colombia's different geographic zones (including an internal flight that requires a layover in Bogotá and a 5½–7 hour shuttle to Cartagena). The small winding roads to access national parks can make ground transportation a slow—but scenic!—endeavor.
On this trip we travel by plane to reach the hotels and activities this destination has to offer. We will be flying on a commercial flight with Avianca aboard a twin-jet plane.
The hotels on this trip are among the best each region has to offer, adding unique elements to the trip, whether it's architectural, historical or a beautiful location. They are, however, more rustic than other Backroads hotels, with rooms in varying sizes and offer simple amenities.
Diverse cultures, dynamic landscapes and storied history make Colombia an exciting place to explore also make it an exciting place to eat.
Stay up to date on the latest Backroads news. You’re free to opt out at any time.