Colombia
Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America
Program No. 20099RJ
Gain a comprehensive understanding of Colombia as you learn about paintings in Bogotá, cuisine in Manizales, coffee in Armenia and the great writings of Márquez in Cartagena.
Enroll with Confidence
We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more
Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
12 days
11 nights
25 meals
11B 9L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
Bogota
5
The Cocora Valley
Salento
6
Bonsai & Orchids, Manizales
Manizales
8
Guatape Lake
Medellin
9
Medellin, Its Art & Transformation
Medellin
10
Fly to Cartegena
Cartagena
12
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Experience the many faces of Colombia, a country transformed from a place of turmoil to a thriving modern nation. Journey to the bustling capital of Bogotá, known for its glimmering skyscrapers and world-renowned collection at the Gold Museum. Explore the verdant hills and traditional villages of the coffee region, and discover Medellín, now one of South America’s most progressive cities. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Cartagena, the home and inspiration of Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles at a time, often on dirt paths, cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Elevations up to 9,000 feet.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Explore the world-famous Gold Museum and learn about the gold on display, its shamanic significance and how the collection was formed.
- Discover the amazing underground construction and architecture of the Salt Cathedral.
- Learn about Colombian coffee from production on the plantation to the delicious cup sold in the café.
Suggested Reading List
(19 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Bienvenidos a Colombia: A Renaissance in South America
Program Number: 20099
My Colombian War, A Journey Through the Country I Left Behind
Now a journalist living in New York, Paternostro travels back to her homeland in a search for the roots of Colombia's bloody civil war.
Looking For History, Dispatches From Latin America
A beautifully written, incisive collection of essays on contemporary Argentina, Colombia, Cuba, Peru and Mexico.
Living to Tell the Tale
Garcia's celebrated memoir, as captivating, warm and spirited as any of his fictional tales, covering his youth in Aracataca, memorably recast as fictional Macondo on Colombia's Caribbean coast.
The Making of Modern Colombia, A Nation in Spite of Itself
A leading historian of the region, Bushnell traces the political history of Colombia from before the arrival of the Spaniards through independence and reform in the 19th century, then through to the 1980s in this thoroughly enjoyable, incisive portrait of a nation.
The Conquistadors, A Very Short Introduction
This provocative book by two leading historians explores who the conquistadors were and what made their adventures possible.
Birds of Northern South America, Vol. 2: Field Guide
This comprehensive field guide, featuring an astounding 6400 paintings and 2308 maps, covers all the birds from Ecuador to Guiana.
The Andes
Starting out in Cuzco, heart of the Inca Empire, Wilson spreads north and south along the Andes, including excerpts from South American literary giants, travelers and his own impressions.
Lonely Planet Colombia
A practical guide to Colombia featuring maps and detailed information on excursions, accommodations and sightseeing. With a few color photographs and excellent travel information.
Culture Smart! Colombia
A concise and practical guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.
Liberators, Latin America's Struggle for Independence 1810-1830
Focused on the heroism and derring-do of seven legendary men, Harvey tells the story of Simon Bolivar, General Jose de San Martin and other greats in the fight for independence.
Colombia Map
A colorful travel map of Colombia, including an inset of Bogota, at a scale of 1:2,000,000.
Miracle in the Land of Coffee
Set in the 30’s, in the picturesque Colombian countryside, in a time of violence between neighboring towns over local resources. Felipe, a young man of the Franciscan order, has to choose between his faith and calling, or surrender his heart to the woman he loves.
News of a Kidnapping
In 1990, fearing extradition to the United States, Pablo Escobar -- head of the Medellin drug cartel --kidnapped ten notable Colombians to use as bargaining chips. With the eye of a poet, Garcia Marquez describes the survivors' perilous ordeal, depicting through this story the keening ache of Colombia after nearly forty years of turmoil.
A History of the World in 6 Glasses
A highly enjoyable chronicle of the prestige, power, politics and pleasures of key beverages through the ages. Standage argues that the drinks that have mattered, since the Stone Age, are, in chronological order: beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and cola. Each chapter is a vivid history of politics, prestige, colonialism, commerce and society.
Love in the Time of Cholera
A glorious tale of great love consummated after 50 years, nine months and four days, memorably set in a dusty 19th-century town on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.
Tropical Nature
A lucid portrait of the tropics as seen by two uncommonly observant and thoughtful field biologists. Its 17 marvelous essays introduce the habitats, ecology, plants and animals of the Central and South American rainforest.
Our Lady of the Assassins
A vivid, cynical portrait of Medellin, Colombia's second largest city and the stronghold of ruthless drug lord Pablo Escobar. The narrator returns to the town after a long absence to find it beset by horrific violence and a chilling indifference to death.
Latin America in Colonial Times
This scholarly primer considers the history of the continent from the arrival of the first Conquistadors in the 16th century to the dying embers of empire 300 years later, giving equal weight to the histories of the colonial rulers, the African slaves brought over to work in the New World and the indigenous groups whose lives and lands were forever changed by conquest.
One Hundred Years of Solitude
The breathtaking, life-altering, much-celebrated tale of life and love on most everyone's list of the greatest books of all time, ours included.
Meals
25 Meals
11 Breakfasts
9 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024
- Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Dec 06, 2024 - Dec 17, 2024 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Jan 17, 2025 - Jan 28, 2025 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Feb 14, 2025 - Feb 25, 2025 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Mar 14, 2025 - Mar 25, 2025 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Oct 03, 2025 - Oct 14, 2025 (Bogota to Cartagena)
- Dec 05, 2025 - Dec 16, 2025 (Bogota to Cartagena)
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.
3 nights
Bogota
Expect the best at the Andino Royal Hotel in Bogotá, a destination designed to deliver the ultimate in relaxation to discerning business and holiday travelers. From room and suite accommodations appointed with every luxury amenity to a modern gym, soothing sauna, chrometherapy shower, and massage room and elegant fine dining restaurant, our reputation as one of the premier Bogotá hotels has been built on our unmatched amenities and personalized service. Think of us as your home away from home when visiting Colombia’s vibrant capital.
2 nights
Salento
The Salento Real Hotel is a cozy hotel in Salento , right in the Coffee Region of Colombia and 20 minutes from Valle de Cocora. Colonial style, environmentally friendly, and specially designed for couples, families, and groups of friends who want to enjoy nature and tranquility in a warm environment where traditional hospitality of Quindio prevails.
1 night
Manizales
The Europa Hotel - Boutique is located in the Centennial Avenue near the bullring in one of the sectors with the highest tradition of the city of Manizales, near the historical center and commercial area of the city. In our hotel every guest is unique and this is precisely why we guarantee an unforgettable stay for both tourists to the executive, thanks to our personalized service, focused on meeting the needs and desires of each of the people staying with we.
3 nights
Medellin
Hotel Park 10 offers 55 air-conditioned accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature minibars and laptop-compatible safes. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Select Comfort beds feature Egyptian cotton sheets, down comforters, and premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. Televisions come with satellite channels. Bathrooms include bathtubs or showers with rainfall showerheads and bathrobes. This Medellin hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Rooms include complimentary bottled water and hair dryers. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested with non charge. Recreational amenities at the hotel include a health club, a spa tub, and a sauna.
2 nights
Cartagena de Indias
This property is a 11-minute walk from the beach. Situated on a quaint cobblestone street and strategically located within Cartagena's Historic Centre, Movich Hotel Cartagena de Indias is close to Plaza de la Aduana, where shopping, dining and touristic attractions can be found. Its rooftop terrace features a swimming pool with 360-degree panoramic city views. The rooms freshly decorated with an elegant and modern-style décor and are equipped with air conditioning, ceiling fan, iPod dock and pillow menu. The full bathrooms boast a double shower. The rooftop lounge bar offers sophisticated cocktails and views San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the Marina Park, 0.6 miles away.