11-Day Colombia Eco-Adventure: Amazon, Indigenous Communities, and Colonial History

We will land in Bogotá, Colombia's capital, set high in the Andes at 8,660 feet. After a private transfer to our hotel, the afternoon is ours to settle in and adjust to the altitude before the journey ahead. Overnight in Bogotá.

We will spend a full day exploring Bogotá with a local guide. We begin at Monserrate, the mountaintop sanctuary that looks out over the whole city, then head into La Candelaria, the colonial old town known for its cobblestone streets and brightly painted houses. From there we visit the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum, home to the world's most important collection of pre-Hispanic goldwork, and finish the day at Bolívar Plaza and the handicraft market in Santander Park. Overnight in Bogotá.

We fly from Bogotá to Leticia, the gateway to the Colombian Amazon, sitting at the tri-border where Colombia, Brazil, and Peru meet. After a welcome lunch, we cross the unmarked border into Tabatinga, Brazil, where Amazonian life runs to the rhythm of the river. We end the day at Santander Park for one of the region's small wonders, the sunset arrival of thousands of parrots. Dinner included. Overnight in an authentic Amazonian setting.

We sail to the Marasha Natural Reserve, a quiet pocket of forest tucked between the water and the jungle. A guided walk introduces us to the giants of the rainforest, including the sacred Ceiba tree and the Victoria amazonica, the world's largest water lily. From there we try traditional canoeing, kayak across calm water, and learn the local way of artisanal fishing. After a buffet lunch, we transfer to Biohotel Arara, an eco-lodge set in the heart of the jungle. Dinner included. Overnight at Biohotel Arara.

We travel along the Amazon River to Macedonia, an indigenous community where we learn the ancestral craft of sangre de grado wood carving and join the locals for a traditional dance. We continue to Puerto Nariño, often called Colombia's natural manger, for lunch and a walk through its car-free streets. In the afternoon we visit the Natutama Foundation to learn about the pink river dolphins and the role they play in this ecosystem, with a chance to spot them in the wild on the way back. Dinner included. Overnight at Biohotel Arara.

We say goodbye to the Amazon and fly to Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, set in a valley in the Andes. After arriving and transferring to our hotel, the afternoon is ours to rest or start exploring this resilient city at our own pace. Overnight in Medellín.

We spend about four hours on a guided tour that tells Medellín's story. We begin downtown at Plaza Botero, lined with the unmistakable sculptures of Fernando Botero, then ride the MetroCable up to Comuna 1 (Santo Domingo), a hillside neighborhood that has gone through one of the most striking social transformations of any modern city. From up high we take in the views while our guide explains how Medellín moved from its years of conflict toward becoming a center of innovation. Overnight in Medellín.

We fly to Cartagena de Indias, where colonial history meets Caribbean energy. After settling into our hotel, we have free time to start exploring the Walled City, a maze of cobblestone streets, flower-draped balconies, and lively plazas. We can catch the sunset from the old walls or try the local food at one of the city's restaurants. Overnight in Cartagena.

We begin at San Felipe Castle, the great Spanish fortress built to hold off pirate attacks. From there we walk through the Historic Center, taking in the Clock Tower, the Customs Plaza, the Church of San Pedro Claver, and Bolívar Plaza. We pause at Centenario Park, where sloths, titi monkeys, and iguanas live freely right in the middle of the city, and finish in Getsemaní, a lively neighborhood full of color, street art, and music. Overnight in Cartagena.

We spend the day in the Rosario Islands, a marine protected area of white sand, clear water, and coral reefs. The island setting we visit is run by the local community, with tourism that supports both their culture and the conservation of the reef. We can relax on the beach, snorkel, kayak, or simply take in the Caribbean breeze. Overnight in Cartagena.

At the scheduled time, we transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena for our departure flight, bringing the journey to a close. End of trip.