Colombia

I visited Colombia 1 1/2 years ago with OAT and have wanted to return to see the archaeological sites in the south. I looked at the following companies: Travel the Unknown, Turcol, Eldertreks, Bestway and Rainforest Alliance. I setted on Natura Travel de Colombia (http://www.naturatraveldecolombia.com/paginas/ingles/ColombiaI.htm) which is based in Bogota.    The agent I'm working with is Cesar Paiz and I find him responsive to my emails, and very detailed in his quotes for the custom trip.       

For private guiding in Cartagena last year, I used Henry Castrillon ( snowfull1966@hotmail.com). He is not a licensed guide, but lives in the Old City and knows it well. Together we spent an afternoon walking the walls, and the next day took a day trip to a fishing village and mangrove area.   I plan on asking  him to guide me again when I return.  He has good reviews on tripadvisor.

Instead of a custom trip, what you may want to consider is  a small-group tour of Colombia as it would cover Bogota, Cartagena and either the central area or the north coast, and spend a few days on your own at the beginning or end with private guides.  

The best suggestion I can give you is to go thru the ads in ITN -- there are several companies that advertise tours to Colombia. If you don't take the magazine, here is their list of companies: www.intltravelnews.com/advertisers/a

Most tours run 10 to 12 days.  Once you've settled on a group tour,   take  a good look at  Natura Travel's website for add-ons from Cartagena (for sure do the mud volcano, Rosario Islands (day trips) , and maybeTayrona National Park) and Bogota. 

I plan on going to Columbia later this year with Road Scholar on their Bienvenidos a Columbia program at http://www.roadscholar.org/n/program/summary.aspx?id=1%2D5KUKNN

Road Scholar was my second choice of tour company and I picked it because it ends in Cartagena where I plan on spending an extra day on my own to go Rosario Island to visit with the tropical fishes.  :-)

Odysseys Unlimited was my first choice but unfortunately they cancelled all their Columbia departures for the rest of this year due to "insufficient interest".  Don't know if they plan on reinstating them next year -- their 2014 catalog will be coming out shortly though (in August).

Hi there,I am scheduling a trip to Ecuador (Galapagos Island) at the middle year and would pay the country 1 week. Is it enough?But I still have some 5 days left. I am wondering whether it is enough for an insight into Colombia? or I should spend the left for Panama? I did travel to Peru and Cancun last year, hence just feel it has done to Peru.Any adivce would be appreciated.Mori

Dar YamadaMori:  I just returned frommy second visit to Colomiba last month and with the five days you have available, it might be best to base youself in either Bogota or Cartagena and do day trips from there:Bogota:Do a general City Tour;Visit the fabulous Gold Museum;Do a Graffiti Tour in the Candelaria district (company has a website);Visit the Salt Cathedral. Cartagena:do a general city tour that includes the Fortress;Spend a day walking around and making your own discoveries  (it is a beautiful walled city);Do a day trip to the Mud Volcano;Spend time at one of the beaches.If your flight includes a stopover in Panama, there is lots to see there --not just the Canal.Good luck with your travel plans!