Colombia Travel Operator began in 2009, when very few travelers visited Colombia. Some people thought we were crazy, but we were patient.
We were optimistic for the future, with a deep love for our country, and we knew we had much to share with the world. We knew we wanted to:
Show you our remarkable wildlife and pristine nature.
Connect you with the warmest and most genuine people on Earth.
Share our vibrant Colombian culture.
Tell our stories of resilience and take you to visit our partner communities because the toughest times brought out the best in us. All these experiences in Colombia shaped us into who we are today.
To achieve this, you need to feel safe, comfortable and cared for. That’s why your needs are our top priority. We created a comfortable space for you to meet and explore the changing Colombia.
Medellín, the "City of Eternal Spring", is a city that captivates you from the moment you arrive, not just for its perfect weather, but for the warmth of its people, its incredible food, and that irresistible paisa charm that visitors fall in love with. Nestled among lush mountains, the city offers breathtaking panoramic views and green spaces that make every walk feel like an adventure. Some highlights include:
El Poblado: a lively neighborhood packed with bars, restaurants, and nightlife for every taste.
Local cuisine: treat yourself to the flavors of the region: crispy buñuelos, hearty mondongo soup, and the legendary bandeja paisa, a plate that's practically a meal for two.
Day trips: head just outside the city to Guatapé, home to the iconic Piedra del Peñol, a massive rock you can climb for one of the most stunning views in all of Colombia.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Comfortable clothing and shoes
Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Hat or cap
Hydration
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker for outdoor activities
On this day, our driver will be waiting for you at the José María Córdova International Airport to take you to the selected hotel.
Upon arrival, you will have the day free to enjoy the hotel.
Caño Cristales, known as the "River of Five Colors" or "the river that escaped from paradise," is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Colombia and the world. Located in the Serranía de la Macarena, in the Meta department, this succession of waterfalls, natural pools, and rock formations is famous for the colors that blanket the riverbed. Through its crystal-clear waters, you can see yellow, blue, green, black, and red hues produced by an endemic aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera. Here you can enjoy experiences such as:
Walking the trails of the Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park and marveling at its unique landscapes, where the Amazon, the Llanos, and the Andes converge.
Swimming in its natural pools of pure, crystal-clear water, a refreshing and unforgettable moment in nature.
Discovering the petroglyphs of pre-Columbian communities along the banks of the Duda and Guayabero rivers, silent witnesses of an ancestral history.
Spotting exotic wildlife during the canoe ride along the Guayabero River: turtles, birds, monkeys, and perhaps a crocodile.
TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Light, breathable, long-sleeved clothing to protect you from the sun and insects.
Comfortable, waterproof shoes suitable for walking on stones and in water.
Hat or cap and sunglasses.
Do not bring sunscreen or insect repellent when swimming in the river, as these substances can harm the ecosystem.
Get vaccinated against yellow fever at least 15 days before traveling.
Swimsuit.
Plan your visit between June and November, which is the only time of year when the river's colors are at their peak.
Our adventure begins around 11 am when we will transfer to the local airport of Medellín Enrique Olaya Herrera for a flight to La Macarena (flight included) where we will spend the majority of our trip. This small town will be our base, from where we will depart and return once the tours to the river are finished.
Depending on the arrival time, we can take one of the following alternatives: a 40-minute navigation on the Guayabero River to witness the wildlife or a 25-minute journey through the plains of La Macarena. Dinner will be at our hotel. Tonight, rest will be important as the upcoming hikes warrant it!
PLACES TO VISIT:
Municipality of La Macarena
Guayabero River
Plains of La Macarena
Before embarking on our outdoor adventure in La Macarena National Park, we will have a presentation by environmental authorities (PNN, CORMACARENA) to help us keep the park in perfect condition and ensure our visit does not harm the environment. After this short presentation, we will set sail! We will navigate the Guayabero River for 30 minutes to reach the point where 4X4 trucks await to take us to Caño Cajuche. Secure your boots and begin walking along the trail approved by environmental entities. In most cases, we visit the Los Pianos trail, known for its numerous waterfalls. During the hike, we will have the opportunity to have lunch. We will carry our own lunch, which consists of rice, meat, and potato wrapped in a Biao leaf (the leaf of the plantain palm, as plastic is NOT allowed in the park). At the end of the afternoon, we will return to La Macarena for dinner and a well-deserved rest.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Caño Cristales
Los Pianos Trail
Natural Pools
Diverse Waterfalls
IMPORTANT:
Sunblock and repellent are not allowed in the river. Quick-dry clothing and good grip footwear are required. Plastic is not permitted in the park.
INCLUDES:
Local guide, local river and land transportation, breakfast, lunch, hydration, dinner, medical assistance
We will start the day at 8 am, and like the previous day, we will take a boat on the Guayabero River, then ride in 4X4s until we reach Caño Cajuche. From there, we will take a different trail than yesterday to go to the Águila Falls. Get ready to see new landscapes and animals. This trail is quite long, so we have enough time to take photos, enjoy a picnic lunch outdoors, and appreciate nature. The return will be the same as the previous day. Dinner at the hotel.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Caño Cajuche
Águila Falls
INCLUDES:
Breakfast, Transportation, Local Guide, Lunch, Hydration, Dinner, Medical Assistance
Our third and final day of eco-adventures walking will take us to Pailones. This day we will immerse ourselves in the natural pool called Pailón and the Las Marimbas mountain. We will have a shorter day in the Caño, as during the night we will enjoy a folk dance show thanks to the local school. We will be able to taste the local cuisine, which is special grilled meat. Additionally, traditional musical rhythms will make our trip a complete adventure. The rhythm is called Joropo and is characterized by its speed and foot tapping. This activity is ideal to finish our eco-tour and return to the big city.
PLACES TO VISIT
Pailones Trail
Las Marimbas Mountain
INCLUDES
Guide, Medical assistance, Hydration, Private transportation, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Flight in the morning to return to Medellín. Departure is scheduled between 11 am and 12 pm. Once we arrive, you will be transferred to your hotel.
In a single visit, explore the best attractions of Medellín: its main parks, hills, and the city center, while enjoying a beautiful view from its most important transport system: the metro. This tour is ideal for a panoramic experience of the must-see spots in the city.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Plaza Botero
Metrocable
Pueblito Paisa
PANORAMIC SIGHTS:
Parque Poblado
Milla De Oro
Parque Lleras
Catedral Metropolitana
INCLUDES:
Guide (bilingual English – Spanish), private transportation, medical assistance, metro and metrocable entrance, refreshments.
Our main attraction in Antioquia: The Peñol Stone. This monolith stands 220 meters tall and features 700 steps that you can climb to marvel at the stunning view. You will be the star of an incredible photo session for your social media from the top of the stone to the cobblestone streets and colorful roads of the town of Guatapé.
PLACES TO VISIT:
Peñol Stone
Boat (shared)
Replica of Old Peñol
Town of Guatapé
IMPORTANT:
The ascent to the stone is not recommended for people with reduced mobility, respiratory problems, seniors, and children under 5 years old.
INCLUDES:
Guide (bilingual English – Spanish), medical assistance, private transportation, hydration, entrance to the stone, shared boat tour, typical lunch in Guatapé.
Our time together has come to an end, so it is time to say goodbye and, after breakfast, drop you off at the José María Córdova International Airport, so you can start planning your next adventure.
From $1200 USD per person
THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES:
Accommodation
Meals mentioned in the itinerary
Visits with a private guide
Entry to the mentioned attractions
All transfers to attractions and back to the hotel
24/7 assistance
Flight to and from La Macarena
IMPORTANT:
This tour is available from June to November.
This tour may be of shorter duration.
Our rates do not include international and/or national tickets.
Airport-Hotel-Airport transfers between 21:00 and 05:00 will incur an additional night surcharge.
If the passengers are Colombian, a 19% VAT increase must be added.
The accommodation rates apply in low season; if you wish to upgrade your hotel category, you can consult us.
If the passenger purchases tickets, accommodation, or other activities on their own, they should keep in mind that any unforeseen event or occurrence related to this is outside the scope of Colombia Travel Operator, and we are not responsible for it.
From 72 to 48 hours before the services start, a 10% penalty for administrative costs.
Up to 24 hours before starting the service, a 50% penalty of the value of the service.
Less than 24 hours, a 100% penalty of the value of the service.
Flight changes must be notified 3 hours before the service.
Waiting times at the airport are 1 hour (without prior notification of flight changes); after that hour, waiting hours will be counted.
In case of a schedule change in flights or changes in the flight number notified 1 hour before the service, waiting hours will be added or, in default, the service will be canceled (no-show) and a new service will be scheduled.
After 2 hours of waiting without prior notification, it is considered a no-show.
In the case of accommodation purchase, cancellation policies will be negotiated directly with the hotel.
Bank Transfer to the Colombia Travel Operator Bancolombia account – the format with the banking details will be sent individually.
IMPORTANT: proof of payment must be sent to the email specified above.
Credit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Diners.
IMPORTANT: payment by credit card incurs a 5% increase on the rates set in this pricing guide. The charge to the credit card is made only in USD dollars. The authorization format with the required details for credit card payment will be sent individually. Check the value in dollars with Colombia Travel Operator.
PayPal: Payment through this system incurs a 5% increase on the rates set in this pricing guide. A payment request will be sent to the client's PayPal account email. Check the value in dollars with Colombia Travel Operator.
International Bank Transfer – The fee (tax) for this transfer must be paid directly to the client's bank (the amount varies by banking entity and country) which is NOT included in the rates, and please note that this payment method can take up to 5 business days to reflect.
IMPORTANT: proof of transfer must be sent.