F.A.Q’s – Facts and Questions Over 50 High-End Shared Group Tour 15-Day Colombian Highlights

All of the following facts and questions apply to the 15-Day Colombian Highlights, 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. You will notice the locals are well-equipped for every eventuality!
- The Coffee Region has variable conditions ranging from very warm to pleasant, so you need to cater to both. Viterbo, where is the coffee finca, is very warm to hot, so loose-fitting cotton clothes are advisable. The sun is strong, so a hat and sunscreen are requisites. For the Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal is high in the mountains and very secluded, so swimwear and casual clothing. Warm and pleasant. Salento and Valle de Cocora are a contrast to Viterbo. Not as hot and at times a light jacket or sweater is welcome. As you proceed up the valley there is more of a chance of rain.
- 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.
- The Caribbean coast is generally hot and humid, so tropical wear is advised. A hat and sunscreen are strongly recommended along with good sandals or something similar. Flip Flops are not the best idea – leave them for the pool. Hiking to Cabo San Juan beach is about 2 hours, remember that it is hot, so bring some liquid refreshments with you. After plenty of time to refresh and recharge at the beach, you will return on foot as well. For those who prefer not to walk, there is the option of traveling on horseback. Remember your long trousers!

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. Remember that you are at an altitude of 9,000´/2,743m, so take it easy until you become accustomed to the thin air. Drink plenty of fluids to aid you. The altitude will have an impact on the level of activity you feel.
- Your trip to The Coffee Zone starts with a visit to the Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal. Very relaxing in a beautiful location. Thereafter it requires good, comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals. There is an amount of walking along tracks, but rather than being strenuous, it is the length of time you will be on the go. Remember to hydrate in Viterbo!
- 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. The vista at the summit makes it all worth the while!
- On the Caribbean coast, it is the heat you need to pay attention to in all activities. Touring around Cartagena is nothing more than an easy effort, but with the heat factor, it might become a moderate level for some.

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 Salento, a free afternoon in Cartagena, and a free afternoon in Santa Marta

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.

What do I need for the Rosario Islands?

- Most importantly do not forget your sunscreen protector, along with a hat.
- Also, bring some mosquito repellent with you just to be sure.
- We’ll be providing you with a quick-dry towel for your time in Colombia, that you can take back home with you.
- There are numerous water sports to enjoy, and equipment is available for hire.

Helicopter Flight over The Lost City of Colombia.
- This is something super special. You get the most spectacular view of a civilization of an era long past.
- If you were to go on foot it would take days hiking through the jungle, plagued by heat and mosquitos. Now you see all from a height and comfort!
- Be sure to have your camera ready for photos and videos. Not everyone has this unbelievable opportunity.

Is Tayrona Park as good as they say?

Tayrona Park is one of the most important Natural Parks in Colombia and is undoubtedly a place for contemplation and rest. This spectacular Natural Nirvana has magnificent beaches with crystalline water.

- Be sure to wear a hat or cap and some sunglasses.
- Cool cotton clothes are best to wear. Pants and a long-sleeved shirt protect the skin from insects, branches, and the sun.
- Water-resistant and appropriate footwear for walking long distances through exuberant bushes and sandals for beach areas.
- Good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport for identification.
- There is only internet service in the Cañaveral section, so be prepared for a day of no communication!

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.
- Salento is one of the most famous and beautiful pueblos in all of Colombia for good reason. You will stay in a fabulous local hostelry close to the center. Many of these establishments are family run, so you can fully experience this magic of Salento
- 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.
- In Cartagena, we try to use small private lodgings in Getsamaní, the most delightful and picturesque of neighborhoods. Excellent restaurants and lively bars abound in the Old City.
- Tayrona has a few excellent eco-lodges which we have carefully selected for you. They are well positioned for the park entrance and also to good restaurants if you wish to dine out.