Colombia
Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America
Program No. 20099RJ
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Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America
Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America
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Participant Reviews
Based on 46 Reviews
SHOWING
Freddy was the best tour guide ever! He made Colombia come alive for us.
— Review left February 3, 2026
This was my first trip with Road Scholar. It surpassed my expectations. Daniel, our main guide was excellent. He made the whole trip seem flawless. Each of the area guides were also excellent, but especially Omar. He was extremely knowledgeable and was able to personalize the horrors of the time of the guerillas and narcos.
We experienced a great variety, from the cities to small villages and towns. I highly recommend tour.
We had a wonderful group of diverse individuals on the tour who melded well.
— Review left December 17, 2025
The Colombia program is very informative and eye-opening. It will likely be among the more memorable of my many travel experiences.
— Review left March 2, 2025
Up front, I will admit that this was a trip booked more for somewhere to go in February than to fulfill a lifelong dream to travel to Colombia. Having acknowledged that, however, I will say that it was an amazing trip because Colombia is an amazing country. The country’s geography is diverse, the history is both inspiring and distressing, and the people are warm and welcoming. Our tour leader, Andres, was undeniably the best of both of those, along with being well-organized and considerate.
Our local guides were enthusiastic promoters of their nation without trying to cover up its ominous past history. The progress the country has made over the past thirty years is quite impressive and inspirational. Beyond that, the country is beautiful! The different cities and towns and places you visit are all unique and the sights you see are out of the ordinary. While there is plenty of Spanish architecture and Catholic churches to appreciate, there is also the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and the Gold Museum in Bogotá and Botero sculptures scattered all around the country. The visit to the coffee plantation and the family farm with all the orchids and vast numbers of bird species were highlights for me, along with the cable car view of Medellin.
However, be warned that this trip absolutely fits the Road Scholar activity level of Keep the Pace. The altitude was bothersome to some people and there was quite a lot of uneven terrain and steep climbing streets and roads and paths. You definitely need to be physically ready for this trip. But it’s unquestionably worth it!
— Review left February 26, 2025
This trip was absolutely amazing. Freddy was an incredible group leader.
— Review left February 8, 2025
This program was loaded with new, surprising information that helped me understand some complex history. I appreciate the great variety of activities and locations visited. I never felt unsafe or out of place. The traditional and contemporary foods we ate really helped my enjoyment of the trip.
— Review left January 29, 2025
This was an excellent trip that allowed us to explore many facets of Colombian culture, with an emphasis on recent improvements in security and the economy. We enjoyed being a small group of 15 participants. For me, highlights of the trip were hiking among wax palms in a cloud forest, visiting a coffee plantation and a coffee roasting facility, visiting an orchid collection, eating a home-cooked meal at two farms, riding in old Jeep Willys to access farms on steep mountain roads, riding cable cars up a mountain, climbing to the top of Peñol rock, taking a boat ride on Guatapé Lake, seeing a sloth and tamarin monkeys in a city park, feeding carrots to captive llamas, and eating a wide variety of tropical fruits. Freddy was a delightful group leader who was super organized about logistic and safety details, and who enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge about Colombian culture. In addition to scheduled activities, Freddy offered some fun optional activities during our free time, such as learning to play tejo, learning to dance salsa, and tasting food from street vendors. We were joined by Omar as our local guide for several days in the central region. Omar presented a lot of thought-provoking information and his personal perspective about the recent history and economic development of Colombia, which provided an excellent context for places that we visited. Both Omar and Freddy clearly have a commitment to projecting a positive image of modern Colombia.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Colombia is a beautiful country. Her people are so warm and welcoming making for a fantastic Road Scholar adventure. Freddy made the journey so smooth and fun. All the local guides enhanced our learning experience with their knowledge of their area. I highly recommend this adventure!
— Review left October 26, 2024
This was an excellent program that delivered on the premise of the title: learning about the Renaissance of Colombia. It had a great combination of activities that enhanced the overall experience. The program leader, Freddy, was a superb host that made the experience so very enjoyable. I gained a new perspective on, and admiration for Colombia and its people.
— Review left October 26, 2024
Fantastic experience! Freddy , Omar and all the local program presenters helped us learn about Colombia in the past and her strive for a better future. What a beautiful country that is well worth a visit1
— Review left October 17, 2024
This was an exceptionally well planned trip. All the places we visited were beautiful, interesting and stimulated our minds and open our hearts. Our main tour guide, Freddy was the best. He took care of every single detail to make our stay in Colombia enjoyable and enriching. He left nothing to chance. He was also very knowledgeable. Omar, the tour guide we got for the Coffee route and Medellin was very personable, passionate and inspiring, sharing his life story with the group and opening up to the difficult times all Colombians have lived through decades. Cristina, our guide through Comuna 13 in Medellin left a mark in my heart with her passion and inner strength to come back from tragedy.
My trip to Colombia open my heart and mind to the beauty of this beautiful country, to the struggle of its people and to the love for life that everyone shared with us during our stay. I am grateful for the time I had with my fellow Road Scholars getting to know Colombia!
— Review left October 17, 2024
We went to many place in Colombia and at all times felt safe.
— Review left February 10, 2024
Outstanding adventure that will open your eyes to wonders of Colombia. If you have Danny as your leader, you are in for a trip of a lifetime!
— Review left February 4, 2024
This program was truly exceptional! Colombia is a beautiful and fascinating country that has worked hard over the last decade to transform itself into a place that is safe to live and to visit, and where its people can prosper. Our group leader, Daniel, and local guides Yohany and Juan David were all very knowledgeable and passionate about their country. Their energy, enthusiasm, and humor made this program even more special. I learned so much on this trip. I highly recommend this program!
— Review left February 3, 2024
Columbia is a 'must visit' country that has changed for the better over the past 10-20 years. WE felt very welcome wherever we traveled in the counrty
— Review left February 2, 2024
Colombia is a country rebuilding itself. It has many resources that we enjoyed immensely. The Road Scholar experiences were educational, well planned, and fun. I highly recommend this program to others so that they also can benefit from the excellent guides we had.
— Review left February 2, 2024
This was an amazing trip. It opened my eyes to a new culture and changed my perception of Colombia. The people were welcoming. The Group Leader and Local Guides shared their passion and love of their country which enriched my experience.
— Review left February 1, 2024
What an amazing trip to Colombia! Our guide Daniel was exceptional, educating and sheparding us though his beautiful country. Our local guides, Juan David and Yohany poured their heart and souls into every topic and local. If you are thinking about visiting Colombia don't wait. You will not be disappointed!
— Review left February 1, 2024
This trip was magical. Everything was wonderful starting with our tour leader - Daniel. Juan David and Johani were exceptional guides. I learned so much. This has been one of my best trips yet (and I have been on a lot of wonderful trips). I would VERY highly recommend this trip. It will exceed your expectations!
— Review left January 31, 2024
Columbia was amazingly vibrant, friendly, safe and fascinating. Food so well prepared and inexpensive. Physically active travelers would very much enjoy a visit to Colombia. A big plus is that it is just a few hours on a plane from Miami. Study up on your Spanish. Practice using Google translate.
— Review left October 25, 2023
A wonderful and busy trip: Colombia was beautiful and our guides were great. Warning: you spend a lot of time on bus or getting to and from airports but I don't see how this could be avoided and still see the different and varied places we went. Walking on uneven sidewalks: be careful and maybe bring a stick. The food was delicious, especially the amazing fruits. Woth going on this trip just to see the wax palms. All the guides were helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
— Review left March 12, 2023
Weather in the mountains of Colombia is cold and wet. Be sure to bring a warm jacket and rain gear, as you will be touring outside most of the time (regardless of weather conditions).
— Review left March 10, 2023
This was a great trip. Really enjoyed our group. The leader Daniel and the local guides Ernesto and Omar were wonderful. It's a beautiful country!
— Review left February 11, 2023
My husband and I just finished our first trip with Road Scholar which was to Colombia. We were very pleased with the overall experience and ease of travel. It was a fascinating trip, beautiful country and we made some new friends. I would strongly recommend this location as well as the Road Scholar experience.
— Review left February 2, 2023
We had a tremendous time i Colombia. We learnt a great deal from Omar. Daniel our director, and Edwardo in Cartagena. Our group was a lot of fun.Weahad a person fall and break he shoulder but or leader Daniel was like not only efficient and caring in taking care of her emergency. he was an angel. I am a physician, and he and I were with her so i have seen him take care of a disastrous situation wit calm abd loving efficiency.
— Review left February 1, 2023
This was an excellent and very educational experience. Also fun! We have been on thirteen Road Scholar trips, and both the group leader (Freddy) and our primary educator (Omar) were the best we've ever had. So lucky to have been able to experience 2022 Colombia and learn about the tremendous progress that has been made in this country.
— Review left December 22, 2022
The trip to Colombia was superb! I believe the Group Leader, Freddy was the best I have ever had on my 14 total Road Scholar trips! Food was spectacular and accommodations were just perfect! I loved every minute of the trip and learned so much about an area of the world previously unfamiliar to me. Thank you, Road Scholar!!!
— Review left October 20, 2022
This tour is a group pleaser because of the varied experiences of art, nature and culture both past and present!
— Review left January 27, 2022
After years of planning for this trip we were delighted that it exceeded our expectations. Andres, Carlos, Andrea, Christina, and Eduardo were exceptional guides and local educators. Even during COVID they made this travel experience delightful and nearly seamless.
— Review left January 26, 2022
A very disappointing experience, possibly the worst trip I have taken. The Tour leader Andres and his Associate,Yohany were not a fit for the program participoants as their experiences were limited. They offered not additional suggestions or provided insight on their country.
There were no additional experts to enrich the program and the information they gave could be read in any guide book. There was an over emphasis on Pablo Escobar and Gabriel Marquez and much reiteration.
The organization of the trip was poor, with hotels located in areas not conducive to seeing the "country"either high rise overly expensive hotels or decidely poor choices in smaller towns.
If you have never seen a coffee plantation or an orchid farm this maybe a reasonable trip for you, but if you want to learn about Columbia and it's people this is not the trip for you.
— Review left March 13, 2020
This is a great program for those who want to learn more about contemporary Colombia. And please call it Colombia, not Columbia. The progress this country has made is admirable. We all need to learn more and support it in any way we can. Road Scholar offers a fantastic opportunity with this program, to discover this beautiful country.
— Review left February 5, 2020
This trip was outstanding and it exceeded our expectations.
— Review left February 4, 2020
Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America was a fascinating, educational, and satisfying exposure to Colombian cities and countryside under the inspired and outstanding leadership of Andres Cubillos, our group leader.
— Review left January 26, 2020
Excellent program, interesting and well organized. A beautiful country with a good variety of activities. Colombia is certainly worth a visit!
— Review left January 25, 2020
Go to Colombia! It’s safe, welcoming, interesting, not the scary place it has been in the past, especially with Road Scholar guiding you. You will learn so much on this program, especially if you have Andres and Johanny as your guides.
— Review left January 21, 2020
Very fun and educational program. Great leaders. Very smart and helpful. Great variety in activities. Colombia surprised us with its forward thinking and cleanliness.
— Review left December 18, 2019
Two thumbs up for this trip, and If I had more thumbs they would all be up. Great trip with a good mix of rural and urban. The visit to the wax palms---surrounded by mountains and mists-- was absolutely wonderful Super guide in Freddy Ruiz Pena. Omar---the local guide in the coffee region---was outstanding.
— Review left December 6, 2019
Outstanding trip! Colombia is a ‘must see’ destination!
The trip to Colombia thoroughly exceeded my expectations!
Our guides Andre’s Cubillos and Johany were outstanding in showing us the scenic sights, cultural/historical aspects, and nuances of Colombia. Their attention to detail to keep everything moving smoothly is amazing!
We were able to see and in many ways experience ‘everyday life’ in Colombia. I appreciated the opportunities in the evenings / late afternoons to wander off on my own and experience the local environments. All of my interactions with the Colombians were pleasant. A great opportunity to use / improve my Spanish.
When going to Colombia I recommend that (1) you have your flight arrive early [early afternoon] so you will be able to explore/walk around the area near the hotel in Bogota’ – it’s a very interesting neighborhood, and (2) if you want to exchange US currency to Colombian pesos do so at the exchange in the Bogota’ airport since cash exchanges (cambios) are not plentiful outside of the airport. Be aware that US currency is not commonly used in Colombia. None of these items were an issue for me since I arrived in Bogota' in the early afternoon and exchanged US currency at the Bogota'airport.
Colombia is a ‘must see’ destination. So much to see and learn.
5+ Stars!!!
I look forward to visiting Colombia again.
— Review left March 25, 2019
Colombia is a not-to-be-missed destination and RS does a great job!
— Review left March 24, 2019
Freddy and Omar are outstanding guides and this trip exceeded my expectations. Guaranteed that you will see Colombia in a new and more informed light after attending this program. The breadth and diversity of the experiences matches the fascinating situation of Colombia - a country on the move!
— Review left March 16, 2019
A great way to explore a still under-visited country. And to experience it as it comes out of political and economic challenges while maintaining its rich heritages and singular beauty..
Wonderful scenery, excellent accommodations, food and beverage and group supports from the guides, drivers, other leaders and local hosts.
— Review left March 8, 2019
Works well for me.a
— Review left March 5, 2019
Colombia is a country in transition. The natural beauty and the diversity are real eye-openers. Do yourself a favor and go now - it is spectacular!
— Review left February 24, 2019
This tour of Colombia exceeded our expectations. Our primary guide, Freddy Ruiz, was outstanding. He was well-organized and attentive, upbeat and personable. Freddy was always readily available to tend to special needs by individual members of the group. His grasp of English is excellent. Secondary personnel, such as local area guides and bus drivers, were well-versed and competent. Our hotels were top of the line for each specific locale. Meals at the hotels and off-site were delicious and included local food sources. The sites we visited were varied and interesting. Lectures were filled with facts and no one attempted to gloss over the difficulties that Colombia has suffered over the years.
We felt safe the entire trip and at no time did we feel threatened.
This was an amazing adventure. Colombia is a beautiful country and we are so glad that we got to experience the hospitality that was extended to us by so many people.
— Review left February 9, 2019
Discover diversity, beauty and friendliness of Colombia! You will not be disappointed. The program far exceeded my expectations!
— Review left February 7, 2019
Colombia is amazingly diverse, both geographically and culturally. Its people are friendly. Their optimism is palpable. Medellin earned international recognition for "world's most transformative city." It's worth the trip to discover why. Moreover, the food is great!
— Review left February 6, 2019