Colombia & Ecuador: Bogotá, Cartagena, and Andean Adventures

Duration: 13 Days
Price: From $6,595
Activity Level: Active

Colombia & Ecuador: Bogotá, Cartagena, and Andean Adventures

Duration: 13 Days
Price: From $6,595
Activity Level: Active

Overview

From dazzling Andean peaks and sweeping valleys to the timeless charm of colonial cities, and from Indigenous artisan communities to world-renowned coffee, roses, and chocolate, discover extraordinary Colombia and Ecuador. Follow cobblestone marveling at the architectural splendor, wander through lively markets and crayon-colored neighborhoods, and visit a museum where all that glitters really is gold. Then trade your urban pace for peaceful hikes, enjoying flowing grasslands and the world’s tallest palms. Travel by Jeep through Colombia’s fabled Coffee Triangle, and stop to smell the roses of the Ecuadorian highlands. Create with a women’s co-op, prepare traditional treats with local chefs, and, of course, surrender to the rhythm of salsa.

Main Attractions

Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Explore Cartagena’s exquisite walled center; crisscross the stunning landscapes of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle; stroll through Quito’s ancient plaza; marvel at the pre-Colombian ruins of Ingapirca; and admire the architectural masterpieces of Cuenca.

Women-To-Women Experiences

Gather with a women’s co-op and create charming crafts; prepare traditional foods with locally grown ingredients; join coffee producers for a bean to brew tour; and take a fun lesson in salsa dancing.

National Parks Exploration

Hike to a volcano’s stunning crater lake; explore the unique landscape of Cotopaxi National Park; learn about rose cultivation at an Andean flower plantation; and traverse a mountain trail among the world’s tallest palm trees.

Map of Colombia highlighting transportation options: airplane, car, and ship, with proximity to Venezuela, Brazil, and oceans. Major cities include Bogota and Cartagena.
People browsing colorful bags at an outdoor market. Paintings are displayed in the background, and people are sitting and talking on steps. Trees and greenery are visible in the distance.
A woman in a floral dress and hat smiles while standing on a narrow street lined with colorful buildings and greenery.
A llama wearing a colorful scarf stands in front of a historic stone cathedral, with people and pigeons in the plaza.
A burlap sack labeled "Café de Colombia," featuring a red and blue stripe, stands against a corrugated metal background.
People browsing colorful bags at an outdoor market. Paintings are displayed in the background, and people are sitting and talking on steps. Trees and greenery are visible in the distance.
A woman in a floral dress and hat smiles while standing on a narrow street lined with colorful buildings and greenery.
A llama wearing a colorful scarf stands in front of a historic stone cathedral, with people and pigeons in the plaza.
A burlap sack labeled "Café de Colombia," featuring a red and blue stripe, stands against a corrugated metal background.

Itinerary

Aerial view of a bustling cityscape featuring modern skyscrapers and colorful buildings under a cloudy sky.

Welcome to Colombia!

Welcome to Colombia!
Arrive in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital, sitting at 8,660 feet and embraced by the peaks of the Andes. Its rich history, reaching back to 1558, beautiful colonial architecture, bold and colorful street art, and celebrated gastronomy await your discovery. Transfer to your hotel and settle in. This evening, join your guide and fellow AdventureWomen travelers for lively introductions, and a delicious welcome dinner.

Meals dinner
Statue of Simón Bolívar on a pedestal with pigeons. People sit and gather in front of the large neoclassical building, adorned with a Colombian flag under a cloudy sky.

Discover Bogota

Set out for Bogotá’s La Concordia Market which abounds with fresh produce, seafood, and coffee. Enjoy local fruits and snacks, and perhaps even take home a traditional kitchen souvenir. Continue to the famous Gold Museum, with its 55,000 pieces of gold and pre-Hispanic artifacts. Follow cobblestone streets through the historic quarter of La Candelaria to Plaza de Bolivar. Enjoy a tasting-menu lunch at a local avant-garde restaurant, and end your day at the Botero Museum, showcasing Colombia’s famous painter and his unique oversized figures.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Three people in hats work among green bushes in a field.

The Coffee Triangle

Fly westward to Pereira for an exploration of The Coffee Triangle, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a Jeep ride along scenic trails, stopping at a traditional Hacienda and coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation process and taste the rich brews. Help prepare a favorite Latin American snack, patacones, twice-fried green plantains, and enjoy them as you drive to the city of Armenia. Check into your resort hotel with dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A lush green valley with hills and tall, scattered palm trees under a cloudy sky.

Los Nevados National Natural Park

Drive through the lush landscapes of the Cocora Valley on the way to an ecological trailhead. Savor a welcome canelazo drink, made with sugar cane aguardiente and cinnamon, before setting out on a valley hike to view the world’s tallest palm tree, rising to 200 feet. Continue to charming Salento, then on to traditional Filandia with its boldly painted houses and thriving café culture. Participate in a basketry workshop, then return to your hotel with dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A person with curly hair in a red dress stands smiling while holding a phone, with colorful buildings in the background.

Fly to Cartagena

Fly from Armenia to beautiful Cartagena. Drive to the nearby fishing village of La Boquilla for a catch-of-the-day lunch. Local women from the Madres—Cabeza de Familia y sus Cocos (“Mothers—Head of the family and their Coconuts”) welcome you to their everything-coconut-workshop and craft your own coconut souvenir. Join a unique Bullerengue, a traditional Caribbean music and dance celebration in praise of the sea, earth, and moon.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A woman in a white shirt sets a table outdoors, while two people work in the kitchen in the background.

Bazurto Market and Cooking Class; Salsa Lesson

Mingle with the locals at Bazurto Market to shop for seasonal ingredients for today’s cooking class, then join a local chef and help prepare a traditional meal for your lunch. Bicycle along the turquoise shores of modern Bocagrande, then explore Cartagena’s historic center with its hidden plazas, colonial architecture, and overhanging balconies. Trade your cycling helmet for dancing shoes and practice the intricate rhythms of salsa led by a professional instructor. End the day at a local restaurant with your group.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Ecuadorian flag next to a historic monument with a mountainous background and lush greenery in the foreground.

Fly to Quito

Set in a valley surrounded by snow-capped Andean mountains, Quito’s historic center is a stunning architectural collage of Spanish, Moorish, and Flemish influences and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fly to this capital city today, settle into your hotel and spend the afternoon and evening at leisure. Your overnight here is the segway to exploring Ecuador’s natural wonderlands, the art center towns of the Highlands, and it’s fascinating Pacific port of Guayaquil.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Snow-capped mountain rising behind green rolling hills and scattered trees under a clear blue sky.

Cotopaxi National Park

Enjoy a scenic drive to spectacular Cotopaxi National Park whose 19,347-foot volcano is among the highest in the world. Explore this high-altitude grassland carpeted in the distinctive páramo vegetation as you walk around the shallow lake, Laguna Limpiopungo. Continue to a rose plantation for insights into one of Ecuador’s important exports, learn about cultivation and harvest, and how the high elevation creates the famous big and hardy blooms. Lunch and dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast
A turquoise crater lake surrounded by green hills and mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Laguna Quilotoa Walk, Traditional Art of Tigua

Drive through the Central Highlands toward historic Riobamba. En route, stop at Quilotoa volcano for a hidden-gem hike into its sunken caldera. The views of the impossibly blue-green crater lake and its surrounding Andean landscape are breathtaking. Continue to the indigenous agricultural communities of the Tigua area to meet the artists renowned for their unique art. Learn about ancient traditions and daily life in the mountains and enjoy lunch together. Continue to your hotel with dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Hands holding a heart-shaped pile of quinoa with more quinoa scattered on a burlap surface.

Quinoa Cooking Class, Ruins of Ingapirca

Drive southward toward Cuenca, through the heart of quinoa cultivation country. Visit the Inti Sisa Foundation whose work supports local indigenous communities with a focus on education. Join the native team of the local guesthouse for a quinoa cooking workshop. Learn how this superfood is produced and have fun making quinoa croquettes together. Continue to the remarkable archaeological site of Ingapirca, Ecuador’s largest Inca ruins, then continue to Cuenca, with dinner on your own.

Meals breakfast, lunch
Red arched corridor with decorative yellow designs overlooks historic buildings and a cathedral in a European city under a clear blue sky.

Cuenca City Tour

Explore the delights of Cuenca today, the city of straw Panama hats, roses, and one of Ecuador’s finest preserved colonial centers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Plaza Mayor, defined by its two impressive cathedrals, inhale the fragrances of the flower market, and admire the exquisitely painted ceiling of Todos los Santos church.

Meals breakfast
Cacao pods and ripe bananas on display, with a lattice background and wooden surface.

Guided Cacao Project Tour, Farewell Dinner

Head northward today to Guayquil, Ecuador’s largest city. Enjoy the glorious views and changing local flora, from grassland to coastal lowlands rich with rice, banana, and cacao plantations. Stop to tour a cacao project, and learn all about Ecuador’s “other” bean. Check into your Guayquil hotel and enjoy a special Farewell Dinner. Raise a glass to your extraordinary experiences in Colombia and Ecuador and to sharing them with your AdventureWomen friends

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Three women are smiling and embracing each other. One wears a hat and denim jacket, another has curly hair and a yellow coat, and the third has short gray hair and a beige jacket.

Depart Guayaquil

Enjoy your last day in Ecuador before bidding farewell to this enchanting land. Say goodbye to the incredible guides and fellow travelers who have shared this memorable journey with you.

Meals breakfast
A serene landscape of lush green hills and valleys with a mountain range in the background under a cloudy sky.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Aerial view of a multi-story building with a rooftop pool, surrounded by trees and adjacent to a road with light traffic.

Cité Hotel

Cité Hotel, perfectly situated near Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93, serves as an ideal gateway to the vibrant heart of Bogotá, Colombia. Our 56 elegantly designed rooms are filled with natural light, courtesy of expansive windows offering stunning views of the Bogotá skyline and Parque El Virrey. Guests can unwind, network, or socialize in this property’s inviting spaces, including a breathtaking heated rooftop pool with panoramic city views.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, coffee/tea maker, minibar, refrigerator, flatscreen TV, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

A building facade features two floors with yellow and magenta doors and railings. Green plants with orange flowers are in front.

Hotel Mocawa Resort

Nestled in the heart of Quindío, Mocawa Resort Hotel invites you to immerse yourself in a travel experience surrounded by the enchanting valleys and mountains of this picturesque region. Be inspired by this property’s vibrant colonial architecture, breathe in the fresh air amidst lush fauna and flora, and discover the unique charms of the coffee culture. All the while, enjoy the exceptional services and amenities the resort has to offer.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, minibar, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Rooftop infinity pool with striped lounge chairs overlooking a city skyline and waterway under a partly cloudy sky.

GHL Collection Arsenal Hotel

Conveniently situated in the Getsemaní neighborhood, directly across from the Cartagena de Indias Convention Center, the GHL Collection Arsenal Hotel features 71 comfortable rooms and an outdoor pool with stunning city views.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, minibar, flatscreen TV, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

Hotel lobby with modern decor, including green armchairs, a blue sofa with pillows, a glass coffee table, and hanging light fixtures. Plants and wall art add decorative elements.

Wyndham Garden Quito

The recently renovated Wyndham Garden hotel offers an unbeatable location. Within walking distance to El Jardin Shopping Mall, adjacent to La Carolina Central Park, and near Metropolitano Guanguiltagua Park, it’s ideally situated in the heart of Quito’s bustling downtown. This award-winning hotel features a restaurant serving healthy breakfasts, à la carte lunch and dinner daily.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, minibar, cable / satellite TV, safe, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi

A large, historic white building with multiple balconies and surrounded by tall trees under a cloudy sky.

Hotel Hosteria La Cienega (or similar)

Nestled in the fertile plains of Cotopaxi and surrounded by majestic volcanoes, this colonial-style Hacienda offers a timeless retreat. Here, in the heart of the Ecuadorian mountain range, you can experience something truly unique. Since 1981, this property has transformed into a hotel, providing visitors with an unforgettable Andean experience.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, free Wi-Fi

A rustic courtyard with blue and yellow buildings, surrounded by greenery, with a snow-capped mountain in the background under a clear blue sky.

La Hosteria La Andaluza

Perched at 11,000 feet in the province of Chimborazo, Hosteria La Andaluza graces the slopes of the most beautiful volcano in the inter-Andean valley. Explore and savor the breathtaking Andean landscapes, complemented by the colonial elegance of this property. Experience exceptional service where the warmth of the staff will make you feel truly at home.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, flatscreen TV, free Wi-Fi

Street view of a historic building with a hotel entrance. The facade features large windows and a balcony decorated with flower boxes. A Colombian flag hangs prominently.

San Juan Hotel

San Juan Hotel, conveniently located just 7 minutes from the airport in the historic town of Cuenca, is a serene retreat set in a beautifully converted historic home. Offering the charm of old colonial style, this hotel provides the perfect environment for relaxation. This boutique-style property features a blend of avant-garde and colonial touches, creating an unbeatable atmosphere with unique personality in every room.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, cable/satellite TV, free Wi-Fi

Aerial view of a city square with a central gazebo, surrounded by green trees and tall buildings in the background.

Unipark Hotel

San Juan Hotel, conveniently located just 7 minutes from the airport in the historic town of Cuenca, is a serene retreat set in a beautifully converted historic home. Offering the charm of old colonial style, this hotel provides the perfect environment for relaxation. This boutique-style property features a blend of avant-garde and colonial touches, creating an unbeatable atmosphere with unique personality in every room.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, cable/satellite TV, free Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

Just wanted to say yet again, I had a marvelous time on the trip to Ecuador… the [local] guide was one of the best I have yet to experience. I am already ready for my next adventure!

What People Are Saying

What an extraordinary experience! This is my third trip with AdventureWomen and what I love so much about traveling with them is the unique experience of traveling with a group of like-minded women. The second thing I love is how much they do to handle all the logistics for you down to the smallest details – even things outside of the actual trip (extra nights in a destination city for example). This really allows you to sit back and soak in every moment the experience itself!

What People Are Saying

Just would like to add that this trip exceeded my expectations. So wonderful to travel with like-minded women. Experiencing activities that I probably would never have an opportunity to experience. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
May 15 May 27
Space Available
$6,595*
Standard Room, Single
$7,695 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$6,595 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,100

Arrive: Bogotá International Airport [BOG] on Day 1 by 2 pm.
A group transfer to your hotel will be provided when most guests arrive. Kindly note that private transfers at other times are available for purchase. We suggest that you arrive a day early to ensure timely arrival and to account for unforeseen circumstances.

Depart: Guayaquil International Airpwhenort (GYE)
One group transfer will be provided on Day 13 when most guests depart. The exact transfer time will be determined closer to trip departure. Private transfers are available for an additional fee.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • Domestic airfare
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation, including one group transfer on arrival and departure
  • English-speaking tour leader throughout the trip
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • Drinking water to refill personal bottles

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Optional activities and items of a personal nature
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Gratuities
Trip Extensions

Medellín

Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring,” boasts a mild climate and diverse attractions. It thrives as a hub of business, culture, and nightlife. Upon arrival at Medellín International Airport (EOH), you’ll explore agro-ecological farming, enjoy a city tour of Comuna 13’s innovative art scene, and visit Moravia, a symbol of community resilience. Discover La Ceja’s flower farms and Carmen de Viboral’s pottery traditions. Conclude with a visit to a chocolate farm, learning about Colombia’s renowned “Fine Flavor” cacao. Medellín offers an unforgettable blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Aerial view of a sprawling cityscape with numerous brick and concrete buildings, surrounded by green hills and mountains in the background.

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.