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Visit Colombia with National Geographic Expeditions

A new National Geographic Expedition is coming to Colombia! Disney’s new Signature Land trip, Colombia: Connections to the Land and the Past, will embark in 2024!

Related – First Look at the New Adventures by Disney Colombia Tour

This nine-day, eight-night itinerary is bursting with exciting activities and learning opportunities – perfect for curious explorers. Plus, traveling with a National Geographic Expert  will take you deeper into Colombian culture.

Let’s Begin in Bogota

There’s no better place to kick off this itinerary than in the country’s capital: Bogota. This bustling and beautiful hub has so much to offer travelers.

Start your day at Paloquemao Market, one of the largest food markets in Bogota. With a private tour, you’ll navigate the aisles as you sample delicious fresh fruits, and not only admire but also learn about the diversity of the vibrant local flowers that fill the market – all before embarking on a walking tour of the city’s historic plazas and landmarks.

In the afternoon, enjoy a tour of Museo del Oro (an amazing collection of pre-Columbian gold relics from indigenous Muisca people), then settle back into the comfort of the hotel for an impactful talk from a National Geographic Expert – the first of three fascinating Expert talks along the way.

Get Caffeinated in the Coffee Region

Have you ever thought about where your morning cup of joe originated from? Now you can experience coffee production first-hand at a fourth-generation, family-owned coffee farm in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is an incredible chance to understand the process – from growing beans to roasting – in one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world.

Discover Biodiverse and Beautiful Surroundings

Your expedition will also take you to breathtaking natural areas, such as the Cocora Valley. This lush green valley is home to towering, 125-foot wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world – so this is a nature-lover’s dream.

Then, you’ll explore Tayrona National Park with a naturalist, hearing all about the surrounding environment. Be on the lookout for endemic cotton-top tamarins and more than 280 species of birds! Nearby, you’ll also visit Taironaka Village, where you can see the ruins of a historic indigenous community and meet members of the Kogi community, who are descendants of the Tairona culture.

Channel Your Inner Explorer

Other unique cultural experiences include a visit to the Carnaval Museum in Barranquilla, where travelers will hear about the iconic celebration recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. Towards the end of the trip, you’ll take a closer look into important history, famed architecture and local fare while exploring Cartagena.

From a walking tour of the historic Walled City to following the footsteps of the influential Colombian writer Gabriel Garcia Márquez, there’s so much to do and see in this area.

On the final full day, you’ll take a short coach ride to nearby San Basilio de Palenque, known for being the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas. Here, you’ll learn about its rich African roots and music, taste regional food and even step into the ring at a local boxing studio.

Are You Ready for the Expedition of a Lifetime?

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• National Geographic

Let National Geographic Expeditions Take You On an Adventure to Colombia

by Melissa Roden · June 23, 2023

In case you missed the news earlier this year, National Geographic Expeditions is introducing a new tour for 2024 to Colombia! From gorgeous coastlines to lively culture Colombia is one of the most unique, historic, and diverse countries in the world.  With its history dating back thousands of years, there is so much to see, do, and explore.  Best of all, with National Geographic, you can experience Colombia with the leading experts who can bring the location to life. 

National Geographic Expedition’s new Signature Land trip, Colombia Connections to the Land and the Past is a 9-day, 8-night itinerary brimming with exciting activities and learning opportunities.  With National Geographic you’ll also gain fascinating behind-the-scenes insight from the experts including photographers, naturalists, and local experts! 

Let’s Begin in Bogota

The National Geographic Experience to Colombia kicks off at the country’s capital: Bogota.  You’ll visit Paloquemao Market, one of the largest food markets in Bogota.  You’ll be able to explore aisles and aisles of fresh fruits on this private guided tour.  Then, it’s off on a walking tour of the city’s historic plazas and landmarks. 

During your afternoon in Bogota, you’ll visit Museo del Oro where you’ll find a collection of pre-Colombian gold relics from the indigenous Muisca people.  

At the end of a busy day in Colombia, National Geographic Expeditions participants will head back to the comfort of your hotel for an interesting talk from a National Geographic Expert. 

Get Caffeinated in the Coffee Region

Coffee-lover? On the Colombia tour, you’ll learn about coffee production first-hand with a fourth-generation, family-owned coffee farm located in the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You’ll learn all about the process of making coffee from growing beans to roasting! 

Explore Biodiverse and Beautiful Surroundings

During your visit, you’ll also have opportunities to leave the bustling cities behind and explore breathtaking natural areas including the Cocora Valley.  This area of Colombia is home to 125-foot wax palms (which is the national tree of Colombia.)  You’ll also visit Tayrona National park with a naturalist who will educate you bout the surrounding environment including the cotton-top tamarins and the more than 280 species of birds that call this area home.  

The tour also includes a visit to Taironaka Village where you’ll see the ruins of this incredible indigenous community.  You’ll also meet members of the Kogi community who are descendants of the Tairona culture. 

Embrace Unique Cultural Experiences

That’s not all! On the National Geographic Expeditions tour to Colombia you’ll visiting the Carnaval Museum in Barranquilla.  Here travels will learn all about the celebration.  You’ll also take a closer look at history, architecture, and local cuisine during a visit to Cartagena. 

You’ll be completely immersed in the sights and sounds of this incredible Walled City as you follow in the footsteps of writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez. 

Rounding out your tour is a visit to San Basilio de Palenque which is known as the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas.  While there you’ll learn about its African roots and music and sample the regional cuisine!  You’ll even step into the ring of a local boxing studio! 

Ready to Book the Trip of a Lifetime? 

Simply fill out our form below to get your FREE, no-obligation quote from MickeyTravels and we’ll reach out to you with information about the 2024 tour to Colombia! You can also visit nationalgeographicexpeditions.com ,

Readers are encouraged to keep following along with MickeyBlog for further Walt Disney World news and updates. We’ll be coming to you LIVE! from the theme parks each and every week. 

Photo: MickeyTravels

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Tags: Colombia National Geographic Expeditions

Melissa Roden

As an agent with MickeyTravels and a Blogger with MickeyBlog I enjoy sharing, tips, tricks and advice to help readers and clients get the most out of your time with Disney. When I'm not helping clients plan their perfect holidays or nab those hard-to-get discounts you can find me enjoying a Dole Whip at Disney World with my daughter! Reach out for a FREE, no obligation quote at 1.800.801.4025 or find me on Facebook !

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Where sprawling jungle meets Caribbean coastline

Ripe with diversity, Colombia is a country that has a little bit of everything: vibrant cities, lush rainforests, golden beaches backed by snow-capped mountains. Setting foot onto this magical land, you’ll be swept up in the contagious energy and welcoming nature of the Colombian people. Where the cities are bursting with art, culture, and culinary gems, their rural counterparts are overflowing with epic wildlife, leafy green coffee plantations, and endless national parks begging for exploration. When you’re ready to let yourself in on one of South America’s best-kept secrets, Colombia will be waiting for you with open arms.

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Recommended tours, colombia tour photos from our travellers, featured blog posts.

Six unmissable moments in magical Colombia

From sprawling jungle to Caribbean coastlines, this South American gem deserves more exploration

Written by: Casandra Rotunno , 13 April 2023 07:09 p.m.

Ten dramatic coastal views and where to find them on tour

Crashing waves, rock formations, seaside villages — here’s our gathering of bucket list-worthy coastal scenes from around the globe

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These 2024 Expedition Trips Offer Total Immersion in Once-in-a-lifetime Destinations

National Geographic Expeditions expands into coveted adventure destinations like Bhutan and Colombia.

National Geographic Expeditions

If Bhutan, Colombia, or the Baltic countries are on your travel list , it's time for you to book your trip. National Geographic Expeditions just announced new Signature Land expeditions to all three destinations. Each of the itineraries will have multiple departures throughout 2024.

The Bhutan expedition is an 11-day trip through the mountainous kingdom, diving into its history, cultural traditions, and architecture. Highlights from the program include a private guided hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest monastery, archery lessons (it's Bhutan's national sport), and dinner with prominent Bhutanese dignitaries. Some of the departures will be led by medical anthropologist Caroll Dunham, who specializes in environmental conservation in sacred sites across Southeast Asia.

In Colombia , travelers will spend nine days traveling from Bogota to Cartagena , visiting such destinations as the Cocora Valley, Tayrona National Park, and Barranquilla. Activities include coffee tastings, birdwatching, and visiting San Basilio de Palenque, the first free town for enslaved people in the Americas. National Geographic explorer and conservationist Rosa Vasquez Espinoza will be leading some of the departures.

The Baltic expedition is an 11-day journey across Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Stops include the three countries' respective capital cities, as well as Gauja National Park and the Curonian Spit. Along the way, travelers will visit historic sites like a medieval castle, a 19th-century palace, and a 20th-century fortress, as well as natural sites like the Gusmanas Caves. This trip will be of particular interest to photographers; some departures will be led by photographer and naturalist Jeff Mauritzen, who has been published numerous times in National Geographic publications.

Bookings for these new expeditions open on June 13 and can be reserved at nationalgeographicexpeditions.com . The Bhutan trip starts at $10,995 per person; the Colombia trip at $5,995 per person; and the Baltics trip at $7,795 per person.

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Colombia Luxury Tours & Trips

Searching for a top-class touring experience? Look no further, as our luxury adventures of Colombia will allow you to discover exceptional destinations such as Bogota and Cartagena. Explore and discover new cultures while enjoying top tier services and facilities.

28 luxury Colombia tour packages with 130 reviews

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Colombia Express

Fantastic tour and a great way to see some of the highlights of Colombia in an express way. Our tour guide Marco was amazing, always going out of his way to ensure everything ran smoothly and was very knowledgeable and passionate about Colombia. Would definitely recommend this tour! The accommodation was surprisingly better than most tours I've ever even been on, always in great locations, spacious and very comfortable.

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Cafe Colombia

Columbia is just incredible and so varied. From big cities, to hiking mountains, to colonial seaside towns we saw it all. And our leader was amazing!

Caribbean Colombia Express

The trip was good. I enjoyed Minca, Tayrona National Park, Villa Margareta and Cartagena city tour. Freddy was a great guide - friendly, helpful and attentive. His way of sharing information about Colombia and the places we went was very good. I found the hotels not good at times and there was a lot of time wihout any activities which made me doubtful about the financial value of the trip. It was not cheap and I felt that I could have done more on my own for less money, expect perhaps visiting Minca. That was unique.

Colombia Journey National Geographic Journeys

The G Adventures/National Geographic Colombia Journey was all that I expected and more. It's a great mix of urban and rural touring, with a wide variety of activities. We saw a number of different areas of the country, meeting with local people to get a better understanding of the country. Our main Guide was enthusiastic and supportive.

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16 Day Luxury Colombia Expedition: Amazon, Andes, and Pacific | Kayaking & Trekking | November 15, 2024 | Private Options Available

What I loved about my GoWild trip to Colombia was that I felt as if caring, fun friends were taking me to their favorite spots in this beautiful diverse country. The local guides they arranged gave us insights plus a homey feel we wouldn't have likely had otherwise. The group was small (and companionable!) and there was great attention to detail, seamless logistics and a much appreciated flexibility when dealing with diverse needs and unexpected events! (I sprained my ankle and without requesting it was offered a nights stay in a local hotel rather than making the attempt to climb our treehouse abodes in the Amazon! I gladly accepted!) I am definitely looking forward to my next GoWild adventure!

Classic Colombia

Very happy with the content and activities on the tour our tour guide was exceptional and constantly came up with things to surprise us eg a lovely ride in cart and horse in Cartagena to go to dinner one night However there were a few things I wasn't happy with I presumed I had booked on a 16 day tour and the same people would be there for the entire tour but I was actually on two separate tours the Columbia express and then the Caribbean experience that meant a changeover half way which definitely affected the group travel experience I am not sure as aresult if I would go with g adventures again also the written itinerary that I downloaded was so badly laid out with no dates on it and a lot of repition that it ended up being totally confusing also the intinerary had changed considerably particularly at the Bogota part in fact if you didn't arrive early you would have seen nothing of Bogota a couple of the hotels were not up to scratch particularly the one in Taganga shower didn't work, room not cleaned terrible breakfast

Luxury Colombia Tours & Trips Reviews

Excellent. Thanks ☺️

This was an amazing itinerary! I was a single female traveler and felt safe at all times. I had the best group guide Martin, who was super friendly, knowledgeable & went above and beyond to show us a great time. I have a lot of dietary restrictions & Martin really tried his best to accommodate me, I am so grateful. Unfortunately I had an emergency & had to leave on day 4 so my trip was disrupted. I would love to return to Columbia in the future. This was an action packed itinerary. I highly recommend this tour & tour guide Martin to anyone who is active & loves to explore.

Not much in the way of wildlife, but plenty of beaches.

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National Geographic Traveler: Colombia, 2nd Edition Paperback – January 3, 2017

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• Part of series National Geographic Traveler
• Print length 320 pages
• Language English
• Publisher National Geographic
• Publication date January 3, 2017
• Dimensions 5.3 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
• ISBN-10 1426217021
• ISBN-13 978-1426217029
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ National Geographic; 2nd edition (January 3, 2017)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1426217021
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1426217029
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.22 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.3 x 0.7 x 8.4 inches
• #13 in Colombia Travel Guides
• #56 in General South America Travel Guides
• #747 in Tourist Destinations & Museums Guides

About the author

Christopher p. baker.

Christopher P. Baker (1955-) was born and educated in Yorkshire, England, studied at universities in London and Liverpool, and has lived in California since 1980. He has since established himself as one of the world's leading travel writers & photographers and is considered the world's foremost authority on travel and tourism to Cuba and Costa Rica. He has authored and illustrated more than 30 books for such publishers as Dorling Kindersley, Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Moon, and National Geographic, etc., including guidebooks, literary books, and his acclaimed coffee-table books "Cuba Classics: A Celebration of Vintage American Automobiles" and "Harley-Davidson: Engines & Evolution." His writing & photography have appeared in more than 200 international publications, from National Geographic to Newsweek. His literary travelog "Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling Through Castro's Cuba," won both the Lowell Thomas Award as 'Travel Book of the Year,' and the North American Travel Journalist Association Grand Prize. In 2008, he won the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award 'Travel Journalist of the Year,' and has also been named 'Travel Journalist of the Year' by the Caribbean Tourism Organization (2005) and Jamaica Tourist Board (1998). He is a National Geographic resident expert on Colombia, Costa Rica, and Cuba, and leads trips to those countries for National Geographic Expeditions and other tour companies. He has been profiled in USA Today, and has appeared on numerous TV and radio shows, including Al Jazeera, ABC, CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, and PBS. He promotes himself through his website: www.christopherbaker.com

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6 alternative and arty ways to discover Mexico City culture

Amid art deco architecture and Frida Kahlo’s creations, find Mexico City’s pre-Hispanic traditions and an Indigenous crafts scene.

Mexico’s sprawling capital is a gateway to the country’s Maya ruins, miles of beaches, rocky canyons and traditional Indigenous villages. But many travellers find the metropolis has an allure all of its own, and a handful of days can be well spent touring its neighbourhoods and historic centre. Mexico’s best museums are here, and its many galleries and markets help facilitate one of the strongest creative scenes in Latin America. Dig a little deeper to find the city’s pre-Hispanic roots, and discover how many customs are linked to the ancient Aztec and Maya civilisations.

1. Kayak the ancient canals of Xochimilco

Before the Spanish conquest in 1521, Mexico City, then called Tenochtitlán, was built on two small islands inside Lake Texcoco. The Aztecs built canals and floating farms called chinampas to feed its growing population. Today, all that remains of these ancient waterways are in Tláhuac and Xochimilco, a neighbourhood 15 miles south of Mexico City’s Centro Histórico. Flat-bottomed party boats called trajineras cruise Xochimilco’s canals daily, but a guided kayaking trip provides a more tranquil — and environmentally friendly — visit. Tours offer the chance to spot Xochimilco’s wildlife, including the critically endangered axolotl salamander and more than 200 bird species, while learning about the history and science behind chinampas, which still provide food for Mexico City residents.

2. Browse the Museo de Arte Popular

In the historic centre of Mexico City is the Museo de Arte Popular , a beautifully designed handicraft museum housed inside a 1920s art deco building. The museum, which once served as Mexico City’s fire department headquarters, celebrates traditional Mexican craft in all its forms, from textiles and pottery to children’s toys, furniture and giant alebrijes — mythical creatures made from wood or papier-mache. High-quality crafts from almost every Mexican state are displayed thematically over several floors, including ceramics from Jalisco, piñatas from Puebla and ceremonial masks from Chiapas. Particularly striking are the small but impressive Day of the Dead craft collection and the á rbol de la vida (tree of life) pieces – colourful, intricate clay sculptures depicting the creation of life.

3. Sip on pulque, the drink of the Aztec gods

Pulque is a drink made from the fermented sap of agave, the same plant used to make tequila and mezcal. It has been drunk for more than 2,000 years, making it Mexico’s oldest alcoholic beverage. During the Aztec empire, pulque was considered a sacred drink, reserved for gods, emperors and ceremonial events. The introduction of beer and distilled spirits by the Spanish in the 16th century marked the beginning of the end for pulque, with many of Mexico City’s pulquerias — taverns specialising in the drink — closing between the early 20th and 21st centuries. But a recent resurgence has seen several reopen across the city, making it one of the best places in Mexico to try the tipple. La Canica — a pulqueria in the Tabacalera neighbourhood run by a family that has been in the pulque business for five generations — takes a modern approach to the ancient drink, infusing freshly made pulque with dozens of seasonal flavours, from guava and mandarin to marzipan and toasted oats.

4. Try Mexico City’s ancient caviar

Ahuautle — which loosely translates to ‘seeds of joy’ in the ancient Nahuatl language and are also known as ‘water fly eggs’ — were sacred to the Aztecs. During the rainy season, a type of water fly called axayácatl would lay its eggs in Lake Texcoco. These were harvested for Aztec emperors and used as offerings to the gods. Montezuma, one of the last emperors of the Aztec empire, is said to have eaten them every morning to improve his strength. Hard to get hold of and up to four times more expensive a kilogram than beef, the eggs have been dubbed ahuautle , the ‘caviar’ of Mexico, by the capital’s chefs. Only a handful of restaurants in the capital still serve ahuautle, one of which is Ayluardo’s — in the Iztapalapa neighbourhood, in the east of Mexico City. It serves the water fly eggs — which taste intensely fishy, similar to dried shrimp — in pancakes with tomatillo (a bright green, acidic fruit native to Mexico) and serrano chilli sauce.

5. Support indigenous crafts at Mercado de Artesanías de la Ciudadela

Just a few minutes’ walk from Museo de Arte Popular is this hub for artisans, Mexico City’s largest and best arts and crafts market. It is home to 350 stands selling a huge variety of crafts, or artesanias in Spanish, from all over Mexico, including handblown glass from Jalisco, silver jewellery from Guerrero and patterned chaquira beadwork from Jalisco, crafted by the indigenous Huichol people. For beautiful ceremonial Mayan masks made of wood and obsidian, head to stand 104, where you’ll often see the craftspeople at work. Also seek out the artisans selling amate — colourful works painted on to paper made from the pulp of fig and mulberry trees; the same type of paper was once used by the ancient Aztecs and Mayas to produce manuscripts.

6. Experience Mexican folk dance at El Ballet Folklórico de México

Founded in 1952 by choreographer and dancer Amalia Hernández, Ballet Folklórico celebrates Mexico’s diverse folklore traditions through dance, music and traditional dress. The performances take audiences from Mexico’s ancient past up to the revolution in 1910, travelling through the states of Oaxaca, Jalisco, Sonora, Zacatecas, Guerrero and more. Many of the dances take inspiration from Mexico’s Indigenous cultures, such as the Deer Dance (a contemporary piece that depicts a pre-hunting ritual practised by the Indigenous people of Sonora and Sinaloa) and the Guelaguetza, a folkloric ballet inspired by the ceremonial dances of the Mixtec and Zapotec people of Oaxaca. Performances are held at the Palacio de Bellas Artes — a white-marbled, art nouveau palace commissioned by President Porfirio Díaz in 1905 — on Wednesdays at 8.30pm and Sundays at 9.30am and 8.30pm.

Related Topics

• CULTURAL CONSERVATION
• ART HISTORY
• MODERN HISTORY

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