OVERVIEW
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TRIP DATE: Sat 28 Feb – Sun 8 Mar 2026
Join Colombia Transformed: A Journey Through Colombia’s Remarkable Transformation
Be part of Offbeat Horizons’ first 2026 trip, Colombia Transformed, and experience first-hand the extraordinary transformation of a country emerging from decades of turbulence. This exciting adventure uncovers a side of Colombia that’s often overlooked, exploring regions rich in culture, history and natural beauty.
We’ll begin our journey in Medellín, the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, nestled in a steep valley surrounded by lush countryside. From there, we’ll head to Jardín, a charming flower-lined colonial town for adventure activities. the trip will conclude in Cartagena, a vibrant hub of Caribbean culture.
At Offbeat Horizons, we’re dedicated to supporting personal growth for everyone involved. On this trip, we are particularly excited to highlight the invaluable volunteering opportunity at the Loros Foundation. Located in the tropical dry forest of Bolívar, this not-for-profit organisation is committed to the rehabilitation and restoration of parrots and macaws. As part of your enriching experience, you’ll assist in preparing meals for the birds, help plant trees, and take part in an off-roading adventure.
In addition to the hands-on work with wildlife, the foundation plays a vital role in supporting the local community by offering alternative livelihoods and education, helping to deter poaching and promote sustainable practices. By joining this trip, you’ll contribute to the founder’s vision for growth and support the foundation through travel that truly makes a difference.
ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
- DAY 1: Welcome to Medellín – Private airport transfer and welcome dinner.
- DAY 2: Explore Comuna 13 – A hillside community once controlled by Pablo Escobar, now a symbol of resilience.
- DAY 3: Hike the towering rock of Guatapé, wander through Colombia’s most colourful town, and sail across the serene reservoir.
- DAY 4: Discover the secrets of coffee production at a family-run hacienda nestled in the Andean mountains and witness the spectacular Andean cock-of-the-rock in its natural habitat.
- DAY 5: Venture into the mountains for a hike to a breathtaking waterfall cave with a natural pool perfect for a refreshing dip or canyoning, then return to the charming town of Jardín for free time.
- DAY 6: Fly to the historic walled city of Cartagena, enjoy a Champeta dance workshop, and savour a rooftop dinner with stunning views.
- DAY 7: Volunteer at a bird rehabilitation and rescue reserve, while contributing to reforestation efforts in the tropical dry forest.
- DAY 8: A free day to relax, explore or indulge in a personal adventure.
- DAY 9: Private airport transfer – Until next time, Offbeaters!
FULL ITINERARY
Hola Medellín
Welcome to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring. Nestled in a steep valley, this vibrant city offers stunning views of high-rise buildings and colourful neighbourhoods framed by jagged peaks. Once associated with Pablo Escobar and a troubled past, Medellín is now a thriving hub of innovation and transformation.
Upon arrival, a private transfer will escort you to your carefully selected contemporary hotel, where you can unwind before gathering for your welcome dinner.
Meals Included: Dinner
REVOLUTION OF THE HILLSIDE FAVELA
Today, we’ll take public transport, including the metro and cable car, to the iconic Comuna 13, a hillside neighbourhood once plagued by violence and controlled by Pablo Escobar. Discover the powerful history of Operation Orion, a 2002 military campaign aimed at dismantling guerrilla factions, and learn how community-driven projects have transformed the area. As you walk through vibrant alleys, you’ll witness political street art that tells the story of resilience and change.
The remainder of the day is yours to rest or explore. You may choose to immerse yourself in the city’s dynamic nightlife or relax in a local cigar lounge.
Meals included: Breakfast
ASCEND GUATAPÉ’S MONOLITH AND DISCOVER ITS VIBRANT HEART
Climb the 740 steps to the top of the 200-metre-high monolith, where a strenuous ascent is rewarded with panoramic views of the vast Guatapé reservoir.
Next, head to the charming village of Guatapé for a traditional Colombian lunch and a leisurely stroll through its vibrant, colourfully painted houses.
In the afternoon, sail across the scenic reservoir and pass the ruins of Pablo Escobar’s island mansion. Once used to stash cocaine, the mansion was bombed in the 1990s and remains a tense reminder of Colombia’s past.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
EXPLORING COFFEE SECRETS IN THE ANDES
Today, embark into the heart of the Andean mountains, where you’ll visit a charming family-run coffee farm. An off-road ride will be taking you right to the edge of the farm, where the steep, lush fields unfold before you. Here, you’ll immerse yourself in the coffee production process, learning everything from bean to cup, while picking fresh coffee cherries amidst breathtaking views of the mountains.
A home-cooked lunch will be waiting for you. Afterwards, enjoy a coffee-tasting session, savouring the farm’s rich flavours. Your day continues with a visit to spot the remarkable Andean cock-of-the-rock before settling in the colonial town of Jardín.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Hidden Waterfall Adventure at El Splendor Cave
Venture into the Andes for a thrilling nature escape. A scenic ride in a local chivero, a colourful open-sided mountain vehicle, takes you to the trailhead, followed by a short hike to El Splendor Cave. Here, a waterfall tumbles through a hole in the rock, creating the perfect spot to swim or try canyoning. You return to Jardín to the lively colonial town of Jardín in the afternoon, with time to wander its colourful streets, discover charming cafes, and soak in the town’s vibrant atmosphere.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
Cartagena the-walled city and champeta beats
This morning, you will begin a full day of travel to the Caribbean gem of Cartagena, a historic walled city full of colonial charm. A private transfer will take you from Jardín to Medellin to catch your flight, a journey of around 3 hours with changing landscapes to enjoy.
In the evening, dive into the vibrant rhythms of a Champeta workshop. Known as “Creole Therapy”, this Afro-Colombian music has roots in the struggles between the Afro-Colombian community and Colombia’s European-descended upper classes. The class is more than dance; it is a chance to feel the energy and passion that define Latin rhythm. The evening ends with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, savouring local flavours with city views.
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
HEALING WINGS: VOLUNTEER WITH RESCUED BIRDS
The Loros Foundation is a passionate non-profit dedicated to safeguarding Colombia’s parrots, macaws, and parakeets within the lush tropical dry forest. Protecting 100 hectares of land, they are on a mission to restore biodiversity by planting 20,000 trees, helping to combat climate change in the process. During your time volunteering, you’ll play a key role in the birds’ care, preparing their meals, and planting trees that will directly support their vital reforestation efforts. It’s a hands-on experience that connects you with nature while contributing to an inspiring cause.
Meals included: Breakfast | Lunch
YOUR ALL-IMPORTANT FREE DAY
Today is all about you. You can choose to explore the stunning Rosario Islands, snorkelling in crystal-clear turquoise waters and soaking up the lively party atmosphere, or wander through Cartagena’s walled city, with its vibrant narrow streets, charming squares, and colonial architecture. For a more relaxing pace, curl up with One Hundred Years of Solitude on your hotel’s rooftop, taking in the stunning views. Whether you choose adventure or relaxation, the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner and a final toast, celebrating the memories and your new friends!
Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Farewell Colombia
After breakfast, enjoy a final few hours to explore at your leisure before your evening airport transfer. You might want to do some last-minute shopping. The day is yours before your flight home or onward journey. Until next time Offbeaters.
Meals included: Breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
International Flights
We will make recommendations on flights based on trip start date. We strongly recommend that before booking any flights in relation to this trip that you first check with us that this trip has been guaranteed; the trip is not guaranteed to run until we reach the minimum number of reservations.
We also recommend that you book flights that are flexible and ideally refundable. For more information please refer to our booking terms and conditions.
Contact us if you wish to have an early discussion on flight options.
Key Information
How it works
- Determine if the trip is right for you in consultation with us. We are also able to set-up a video call to discuss.
- Inform us if you are interested in having a private room throughout the trip and require the cost of the single supplement
- We will make you aware of recommended flights
- Reserve your space by paying deposit of £200 through our booking page. This is not applicable if you are booking within 60 days of the trip departure date, in this case you will be sent a payment link to make full payment.
- The trip is not guaranteed until the minimum numbers have been reached. Do not book international flights until you have been notified by e-mail that the trip status has changed to guaranteed.
- Once the trip has been guaranteed, book your international flights and obtain your mandatory travel insurance (if you don’t already have cover).
- We will request passport information, travel insurance evidence, dietary requirements and other applicable information.
- Full and final payment will be requested by e-mail at least 60 days prior to trip departure date.
- You must make payment by the deadline otherwise you could lose your space on the trip
- At least 30 days ahead of the trip start date, you will be sent an Offbeater’s Guide for Colombia Transformed which will include useful information such as a packing list.
- At least 2 weeks ahead of the trip start date, a WhatsApp group will be set-up with the Offbeaters on the tour and a video call will be arranged for a meet & greet, talk through the excitement to come and answer any last minute questions.
- We will await your arrival in Colombia!
Is an Offbeat Horizons trip for me?
Offbeat Horizons trips are not for everyone. Please check the day by day full itinerary carefully and then decide if this trip is suitable for you. Contact us if you wish to discuss or have concerns about not being able to participate in certain aspects of the trip.
Trip pace
Anyone with a reasonable fitness level, a sense of discovery, thirst for learning and broadening their horizons would be a great fit on this trip. The trip will move at a relatively fast pace; be prepared to be active and engaged everyday. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Travelling offbeat
Travelling offbeat can throw up the occasional bumps in the road. We will endeavour to follow the stated itinerary as closely as possible, however, from time to time we may have to make some changes to our stated itinerary or the services we are able to offer. One of the exciting and often rewarding aspects of travelling offbeat is its unpredictability. This can lead to unexpected highlights and experiences that are the essence of travelling offbeat. This is also what makes it so addictive, the thirst for more of the unexpected really can enhance your experience.
We hope the trip will be a good fit but if you have any concerns over the occasional unpredictable nature of offbeat travel then consider if this type of trip is right for you. Contact us to discuss if you have specific concerns.
Solo travellers and hotel single supplement
The majority of offbeaters will be solo travellers so you will have plenty of people to connect and enjoy new experiences with.
All of our prices are based on twin-share accommodation to support fast friendships inspired by hostel experiences in dorm rooms but making it more comfortable and upmarket for the professional. We will never put more than two people in a room. If you are happy with twin-share accommodation we will pair you with a member of the same sex for the duration of the trip.
We appreciate that a minority of travellers will want full privacy and there will be the option of paying a single supplement for a single room throughout the trip, subject to availability. On this trip the single supplement covers all nights of accommodation as per the itinerary. Please be aware that the single supplement entitles you to a single occupancy room. In many cases this will be the same size as a double room/twin room but on occasion the room may be smaller.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance that covers you for emergency repatriation in mandatory on all of our trips. We strongly recommended that you purchase a travel insurance policy that covers you for all of the activities stated in the itinerary of this trip. For more details on our mandatory requirements for travel insurance please visit the Safety and Security Hub.
General Information
Trip price
All of our trips are priced on a tour only basis, not including international flights. This gives you the flexibility to decide how you get to and depart from this trip and attain best possible flight rates.
Deposit
A special introductory deposit of £200 is required to book your space on this trip. This is non-refundable due to costs we incur from when a trip is booked. You will be provided with a full refund of the deposit if we cancel the trip.
What’s not included
We want to be completely up front about our pricing. There are no hidden charges, no hidden fees and we have described inclusions and exclusions in detail throughout the trip page. If in doubt, contact us to discuss. See below for what we don’t include in the trip price:
International flights: Please ask us for advice on the flights from your location.
Visas and mandatory travel insurance: Visas is country/nationality dependent but travel insurance is always mandatory. We will ask you for evidence of travel insurance ahead of the trip departure date.
Airport transfers: We will provide complimentary transfers for arrival and departure on the suggested flights. This does not cover arrival and departure at different times or dates.
Drinks, snacks and items of a personal nature: This is not provided unless explicitly stated as included in the full itinerary.
Why Offbeat Horizons?
To understand what makes us unique as a tour provider. Visit our Why Offbeat Horizons page to get to know us a little bit better.
Entry Requirements
For some destinations we travel to visas may be required.
UK Passport holders are strongly recommended to check Government Travel Advice for up to date entry requirements.
For non-UK passport holders and non-UK residents we strongly recommend you check with your relevant embassies for visa requirements.
Government Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s travel advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Trip Extensions
If you wish to arrive early or extend your trip, we can provide advice on other popular locations and activities.
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