Colombian Hiking Getaway
After establishing peace in 2016, Colombia became a prime destination for travelers seeking an authentic South American experience. Most travel focuses on the beautiful historic city of Cartegena, but the Colombian Andes run through the central part of the country. Bogota sits at 8,500ft, and from there, you can explore the region’s excellent hiking – with everything from multi-day treks to day hikes.
Exploring the stunning Seussian palm forests of the Valle de Corocora is the highlight of this trip. The dry months of December to March and July to August are the best times to visit, but the weather can be unpredictable in the highlands at any time of year. You also have the option to unwind on the beach at the end of your stay.
Arrive in Bogota on your international flight; there are direct options from many major US cities. Spend the day acclimating to the elevation, exploring the city’s food scene, and resting. Our favorite hotels are Hotel Casa Legado, a stylish boutique option, and Four Seasons Casa Medina, a classic luxury hotel in a colonial building.
Sumapaz National Park is a tropical mountain protected area only two hours south of Bogota. Your driver will pick you up in the morning for a day of hiking to warm up, and a picnic lunch will be provided. There are some beautiful trails, but we will select one that is not too difficult to prevent altitude sickness. Return to Bogota in the afternoon.
Wake in the morning, and your driver will pick you up to take you to the Bogota airport, where you will catch a short flight to Armenia. From there, drive another 45 minutes to Salento and your hotel. The area is one of Colombia’s most prominent coffee-producing regions. You have some excellent hotel options in the area, including KAWA Mountain Retreat, a sustainable eco-retreat close to the trails, and Bio Habitat Hotel, a luxury yoga retreat.
Spend the afternoon exploring the area around your hotel and taking a yoga class.
You can spend your days in the Cocora Valley on day hikes or overnight treks. The Cocora Valley Loop is a scenic 7-mile hike through farms and wax palm forests.
If you want to do a two-day trek, there are options to start today. Day one covers 6-10 miles, depending on your preference. You will spend the night at a homestay getting to know a local family. On your second day, you will continue the trek through the beautiful landscapes of the Colombian Andes. This is an 8-mile hike down the old traditional trails and the páramo ecosystem. At the end of the trek, a Jeep Willys will take you back to Salento.
There are plenty of trails to occupy you in the Cocora Valley. If you haven’t done the multi-day trek or selected another short trail, you can visit a coffee or avocado farm.
Awake in the morning for a 2.5-hour drive north through the Coffee Triangle to El Nido del Condor lodge. The tented eco-lodge protects the Andean condor habitat and has multiple hiking and mountain biking trails on the property. The lodge is sublimely located on a cliff overlooking a river and can only be accessed via a gondola.
Spend your day hiking or mountain biking on the lodge’s extensive trails. Hikes can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 4 hours and can be used to access mountain fincas for agricultural tours.
Return to Bogota via an hour-long flight from Manizales for an evening departure. Alternately, transfer to Cartegena for an extension.
If you have time, we suggest taking a day to explore the charming city of Cartegena. The nearby island of Baru offers an excellent place to unwind by the sea to rest your tired legs, and Hotel Agua Baru is among the best options.
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