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THE
COLoMBIA
trip
2023 DATES
*Trip availabilities change throughout the day and may not be accurately reflected here. To see if space is available for the date you are interested in, please click through to the booking form.
Nov 18 - 26, 2023
Thanksgiving trip - likely to sell out
Dec 29 - Jan 6, 2024
NYE Trip - likely to sell out
This trip runs backwards (Medellín first, finishes in Cartagena)
1 Gal spot + a few Guy spots left
Dec 30 - Jan 7, 2024
NYE Trip
2 Gal spot + 2 Guy spots left
9 days/8 nights
starting at $3,299 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
2024 DATES
$200 off with
EB2024col
Jan 20 - 28, 2024
Feb 17 - 25, 2024
March 16 - 24, 2024
May 25 - June 2, 2024
June 29 - July 7, 2024
July 4th trip - likely to sell out
Aug 31 - Sept 8, 2024
Labor Day trip - likely to sell out
Nov 23 - Dec 1, 2024
Thanksgiving trip - likely to sell out
Dec 28 - Jan 5, 2025
NYE Trip
9 days/8 nights
starting at $3,299 USD
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
Page Menu
GENERAL INFO
DAY BY DAY
FAST FACTS
FLIGHTS
ALUMNI REVIEWS
LEARN MORE
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our small group trip to Colombia caters to travelers in their 20s and 30s searching for history in Cartagena's walled city, delicious fruity cocktails in the Rosario Islands, and ultra-hip coffee culture in Medellin.
Soak up the sun, rum, and sultry beats of homegrown tunes on this tropical escape. Mix in Cartagena's Old Town, throw in balmy Caribbean seas, and Medellin's mountains, and you'll understand why Colombia has become the go-to destination for travelers in the know.
This is a country that's made a comeback like no other, now known for friendly locals, fortressed walls, and street-art-infused neighborhoods high atop looming hillsides. It's one funky place sure to kick all your senses into overdrive.
For the love of
COLOR
MOJITOS
RHYTHM
SOCIAL IMPACT
STREET ART
TURQUOISE WATER
REDEMPTION
VIBRANCE
MOUNTAIN VIEWS
COLOMBIA
Included
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8 nights accommodation in centrally-located hotel
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All accommodations in a shared room with one other person with the option to upgrade to a private room (limited availability)
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In-country transportation for included activities
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Flight from Cartagena to Medellin
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8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
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Cartagena cultural walking tour (including Castle visit)
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Volcano mud bath experience
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Social impact drumming experience
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Rum tasting
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Private boat trip to Rosario Islands
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Commune 13 graffiti and culture tour
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Medellin cable car trip
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Day trip to Guatape town and Peñol rock
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Coffee farm visit
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Salsa lessons
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Trip leader and local hosts
*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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International flights (into Cartagena and out of Medellin)
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned, not including alcohol (budget $200-$300)
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Transportation to/from airport for arrival and departure flights
day by day
*Itinerary is indicative and is subject to change
arrive
Day 1 - Cartagena
BienVENIDOS
Land in Cartagena by 2pm and head to our centrally-located hotel to check in.
In the late afternoon, meet up with your new travel crew for a quick welcome meeting before getting happy hour at the perfect spot to watch your first Colombian sunset.
After a mojito or two, we'll head to dinner at a lively restaurant that serves typical Cartagenian food.
DANCE
Day 2 - Cartagena
CARTAGENA CULTuRE
After a good night's rest, we'll start the trip off with a full day of cultural immersion. First up: a walking tour of Old Town, including an overview of important landmarks and events, as well as the best places to eat, shop, and drink.
We'll have a traditional lunch at a local hotspot in one of the area's palenques. From there, we'll visit a music school that helps children find purpose through music and mentoring. Enjoy a performance of the local beats before learning how to play a drum yourself!
Last but not least, we'll head to the tiny Totumo Volcano for a very unique experience that really can't be described. **Note: this experience is dependent on weather.
GET MUDDY
Day 3 - Islas del Rosario
LAS ISLAS
Have an early breakfast before we depart for Islas del Rosario for the day! We'll hop in a speedy little private boat out to the crystal blue waters of the Carribbean where you'll have the change to ogle Pablo Escobar's abandoned casino and even snorkel around one of his sunken airplanes!
For lunch, we'll head to a secluded beach club where you can grab a mojito, play some volleyball, or just relax in the sun.
We'll take the boat back to Cartagena, where you can freshen up at the hotel or wander through the charming and colorful streets.
DIVE IN
Day 4 - Cartagena
rum & salsa
This morning, you have some free time to explore Cartagena on your own. Walk along the fortress wall, pick up some delicious coffee, or go check out street art in the neighborhood of Getsemani.
In the late afternoon, head with the crew for a tasting of Colombia's most popular spirit... rum! We'll learn about the history, production, and mixology.
That evening, if you're still on your feet, you'll have the chance to learn some dance moves at one of the liveliest salsa spots in the city.
EXPLOrE
Day 5 - Cartagena
heart of medellin
In the morning, we'll catch a flight to Medellin for the second half of our trip.
That night, we'll have dinner in one of Medellin's trendiest neighborhoods. Be prepared to try some dishes you've never even heard of before!
*Domestic flight times change for each trip and will be confirmed 2 weeks before departure.
Day 6 - Medellin
for the love of coffee
This morning we'll head to Commune 13, once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the city, to meet with a local who will walk us through his community, explaining how art, music, and dance have rebirthed this vibrant area of Medellin. From there, we'll ride up Medellin's cable car for some absolutely breathtaking views.
In afternoon, we will head to the hills in search for a caffeine fix.
Did you know that 95% of Colombian coffee is produced by family farms? This afternoon you'll have the chance to visit one of these little operations that has been passed down from generations. We'll learn all about the coffee making process, from seed to the first sip!
LEARN
Day 7 - Guatape
COUNTRYSIDE VIEWS
Get ready for an active day ahead!
Today, we'll get up early to head into the countryside to see a different side of Colombian life. We'll start with a boat ride along a reservoir where we'll have the chance to see one of Pablo Escobar's abandoned houses that was once bombed by a rival cartel.
We'll stop for lunch in what is dubbed "Colombia's most colorful town" before heading to Penol rock to hike up 700 steps - tiring but definitely worth it for the views!!
SALUD
Day 8 - Medellin
intentionally
free
We've left today totally free for you to customize to your interests and soak up some final Colombian vibes.
That evening, we'll have a farewell group dinner to recap the trip.
After dinner, join your new travel family for one last night out in Medellin. Ball pit anyone?
Day 9 - Medellin
adios
Sadly, today is the last day in Colombia. Join your travel group for one last breakfast before heading to the airport. Flying out later? The hotel will happily store your bags until you leave.
“What matters in life is not what happens to you but what you remember and how you remember it.” ― Gabriel García Márquez
FAST FACTS
Just for fun
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Colombia has over 2,000 miles of coastline - AKA beach heaven!
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Colombia has been voted the happiest country in the world multiple times.
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world, after only Brazil, which is 10 times its size.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Colombia is safe but it's important to be mindful of your surroundings. Always have your purse/bag in front of you at all times and be extra careful in busy tourist areas.
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The sun can be very intense in Colombia, even on cloudy days. Be sure to apply sunscreen before heading out for the day!
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Cash is king in Colombia. Be sure to use to the ATM at the airport to withdraw some Pesos!
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All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
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More information regarding visa requirements and Covid restrictions can be found here.
About colombia
Cartagena is a major port city on Colombia's beautiful Caribbean coast. This is a vacation spot unlike any other. Cartagena has a little bit of everything: breathtaking beaches, volcanoes, snow-capped mountains, extensive cultural history, a thriving theater and art scene and some of the most incredible food. The mix of new and old makes Cartagena the perfect spot to relax as you wander the cobblestone streets of the 16th century during the day, and watch the sun set over the modern skyline by night.
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The national language is Spanish
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The national currency is the Colombian Peso
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Tap water is okay to drink in Colombia
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In restaurants and hotels, a 10% tip is generally included when you get the bill.
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The closest arrival airport is the Cartagena Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)
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The closest departure airport is Medellin José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
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Try to learn a few key words in Spanish before the trip. It'll come in handy!
Flights
Fly into Cartagena (CTG)
You'll need to be in Cartagena by 2pm on Day 1, however with the recent amount of flight delays we recommend planning to arrive a day early just to be safe.
Fly out of Medellin (MDE)
Feel free to leave whenever you like on day 9.
Want to check out flights for your trip?
Feel free to also set up flight alerts to Cartagena & from Medellin so you can grab the best deal!
*FTLO is not responsible for any fees or costs related to flights. We strongly suggest that all travelers wait until they receive the official FTLO Greenlight Email to book flights. This will be sent 3-4 months prior to the start date of your trip.
Alumni Reviews
We know how much you'll love the Colombia trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
LEARN MORE
Interested in learning more about our Colombia trip?
We're here to answer any and all questions you might have! Leave us your information below and we'll be in touch with you as soon as possible.