+1 832 389 2448 info@bnbcolombia.com
+1 832 389 2448 info@bnbcolombia.com

F.A.Q’s – Facts and Questions Over 50 High-End Shared Group Tour 13-Day Heart & Soul of Colombia

F.A.Q’s – Facts and Questions Over 50 High-End Shared Group Tour 13-Day Heart & Soul of Colombia

All of the following facts and questions apply to the 13-Day Heart & Soul, Over 50 High-End Shared Group Tours. If you still have any questions please book a chat with one of our destination experts by clicking here!

  • What clothes should I bring?

Colombia has an incredible variety of weather conditions in relatively short distances, mostly due to altitude. (This is a great link for weather details for the cities you will visit)

    • Bogotá, where you will start your trip, is very high at nearly 9,000 ́, so it is generally cooler than many other places. A light jacket or sweater is good to have but at night you certainly need warmer clothing as it gets very chilly. Rain is never far away so an umbrella or a waterproof coat is advisable. A hat is useful as when the sun shines it is very intense since the air is very thin at altitude.
    • Villa de Leyva is somewhat warmer and at times during the day can be quite hot, with fresh evenings. Likewise, the other pueblos you will visit are warm during the day with pleasant evenings.
    • Barichara is warm, so it is recommended that you wear light summer clothes, preferably loose-fitting cotton.
      Shorts are a good option, and be sure to have a wide-brimmed hat as the sun at altitude (1,336m/4,383´) is very strong. Evenings can be fresh, so a light jacket or sweater is handy to have with you.

      • Quality sandals for walking around the town as many streets are cobbled. If you intend to hike or participate in any more extreme activity, sturdy footwear and good socks are required.
    • Medellín on the other hand is known as the city of eternal spring, with spring weather to accompany it. So, light clothing is best with a jersey for the evening.
    • Outside of Medellín for Guatapé and the coffee plantation tour, it will be somewhat warmer, so cotton shirts and light pants are a good option. It is an excellent idea to have comfortable walking shoes for this part of your adventure. Again, it goes without saying, have a hat or cap as the sun is really strong in Antioquía, and some sunscreen close by you.
  • What are the activity levels in this package?

All our shared group tours for the over 50 are rated easy or moderate, based on the level of activity you can expect. This is noted on every itinerary page, next to the tour name.  In general, where tours include more than a mile of walking per day you will need the ability to remain on your feet for extended periods of time. You can see the specific activity level details for each tour under the itinerary details

    • For Bogotá you will be moving around quite a bit, so comfortable walking shoes are in order especially as some of the streets are cobbled. Those who are energetic can scale the steps up to Monserrate (2,000 ́) for a glorious view of the city or otherwise take the teléferico.
    • For the towns of Zipaquira, Raquira & Villa de Leyva there is a good amount of walking, so again comfortable shoes are best. There are many cobbled streets, particularly in Villa de Leyva.
    • The Barichara to Guane hike would rate in the moderate category. Here you need a good pair of boots and carry some light refreshments.
    • In Medellín too you need comfy footwear to enjoy the city tour and visit Comuna 13. The day trip to Guatapé and the coffee plantation entail some walking, of course. For the spirited ones, you can ascend the 702 steps to the crest of La Piedra, which would be a moderate effort at a slow pace.
  • Will I have any free time?

Each itinerary offers the perfect balance of downtime and discoveries. Evenings are often yours to explore or just relax. If you wish to opt out of a particular excursion let us know. Remember however that this is an inclusive tour, so there is no refund available if you decide to miss something on the itinerary. In this itinerary, you have a free afternoon in Villa de Leyva, a free day in Barichara, and a free afternoon in Medellín.

  • Helicopter tour of the lakes at Guatapé
    • This is something really special. You get a spectacular view of the lakes and islands if you climb to the top of La Piedra, but a sensational experience in the helicopter.
    • Be sure to have your camera ready for photos and videos! Not everyone has this opportunity.
  • How do I know the hotels are up to standard?

BnB Colombia Tours has a wealth of options to choose from and the focus is on quality rather than quantity. You can rest assured that we carefully select accommodations for consistently high standards of cleanliness and service.
This tour has Comfort standard accommodation, so should you wish to upgrade your lodging (such as a single room), let us know in advance. In this way, you can be assured to have your request confirmed.

    • The capital city of Bogotá has a great variety of places to stay, as you would expect. We mainly place our guests on the north side, areas like Chapinero, Usaquen, and Santa Barbara. Here you will be able to best enjoy the vibrant city as well as have green areas to explore.
      Big as Bogotá is, in these barrios, you will be able to live like a local.
    • Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will experience life in the pueblos, such as Villa de Leyva, El Socorro, Guane, and Barichara, “the most beautiful town in Colombia”. We have found some wonderful, small hostelries, mostly family-run, which will give you the flavor of life in rural Colombia.
    • Medellín is a major city spread over a large area. We choose mainly boutique hotels that are centered in the best areas, El Poblado for example, near to everything you might want during your stay – bars, restaurants, shopping malls, etc. This is a great city for a small group to explore together with your guide, so do take advantage of it.
  • Three local dishes to try in Barichara:
    • Caldo de Costilla is a beef soup from the Andean region. The soup is a breakfast dish, made by boiling beef ribs with potato slices, onion, garlic, and cilantro leaves. Popularly nicknamed levantamuertos (awaken the dead), it is an effective aid when dealing with a hangover. It is a perfect comfort food dish that is commonly eaten with a side of either arepa, bread, or rice.
    • Hormiga Culona are world-famous fat-bottomed ants, an unusual local delicacy, originally harvested by the Guane Indians as a protein source. They are soaked in salted water, fried for about 45 minutes then sold on numerous street corners.
    • Obleas are thin Colombian wafers round in shape and slightly brown in color. They are customarily spread with arequipe caramel or other toppings such as fruit jams, grated cheese, or chocolate. Shredded cheese is often added for texture.
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