Discover Colombia Without the Crowds: Alternative Activities for Our Clients

We know that during peak season, Colombia’s most iconic destinations can become overcrowded, affecting our clients' experience. However, we have the opportunity to offer options that allow them to enjoy the country without the crowds, discovering authentic and lesser-known places. Below, we present less crowded alternatives to design unique itineraries that ensure a more peaceful, personalized, and memorable experience for our clients.

Tayrona National Park → Taironaka Natural Reserve

Ancient stone paths and terraces, nestled in lush jungle, overlook the endless rainforest of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a dense paradise in all shades of green. Here howler monkeys roam the treetops, toucans and other exotic bird species hide in the branches, tropical flowers frame the paths and butterflies flutter about. Taironaka is a natural paradise that bears witness to the extinct indigenous settlement of the Tayrona civilization, much of whose "infrastructure" can still be seen and whose descendants, the "Kogis", still live in the area. Located on the banks of the Don Diego River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Taironaka enchants its visitors with its lush flora and fauna and the palpable ghosts of its indigenous history. We drive from Santa Marta along the coast to the Don Diego riverbank (90 minutes). In the small Tayrona Museum we get an introduction to the indigenous culture and history of the region. After a short introduction we visit a typical Kogi house, a so-called "Bohío", the prehispanic terraces of the Tayrona and hike to a viewpoint (approx. 1.5 hours). We then enter the forest and walk along a path along the Don Diego River until we reach the mouth of the Don Dieguito River. We go down the river in floats until we reach the mouth in the sea. Here we have time to relax, enjoy the surroundings and the beautiful scenery.

Included: transfer by vehicle, tour in the Taironaka Reserve (1 hour approx.), hike to Don Dieguito (1 hour approx.), descent of the Don Diego river by tubing or kayak (90 min approx.), bathing in the river or the sea.

Important: It is not always possible to have contact or see the indigenous people of the community when visiting this destination.

Cocora Valley and Salento → Salento and La Carbonera 

La Carbonera is a picturesque and beautiful landscape in the central Andes Mountains of Colombia, 23 kilometres from the village of Salento in Quindío. It is a reserve of Colombia's national tree, the wax palm, thousands of which can be admired here. This spectacular mountain landscape is home to endemic birds as well as various mammals and can only be reached by unpaved roads, which is why it offers a unique natural landscape far away from mass tourism. We are picked up quite early by our tour guide, who introduces us to the details of the tour. Afterwards we start our journey to La Carbonera. During the drive we stop to take photos of the breathtaking landscape. Arrival at La Carbonera. We enter the private grounds and enjoy the majestic sight of the wax palms. During a relaxing walk we enjoy the landscape. Picnic (included) with fruits, juices, sandwiches, snacks and water. We continue to the Casa de la Carbonera, where we taste the typical hot drink made from sugar cane "agua panela" with cheese, get to know the inhabitants of the house and observe the colourful activity of the hummingbirds. Towards afternoon we return to Salento, where we can stroll through the colonial streets and visit handicraft workshops. At the end of our tour, we enjoy an artistic barista show at Jesús Martin's shop, where we see how sophisticated figures are created in the milk foam of a cappuccino, which we then get to taste, of course.​

Comuna 13 → Urban Constellations - Art and Transformation in Manrique

​Today, on a half-day tour, we will experience the vibrant world of urban art, which has the power to transform neighborhoods that were once dangerous. "Constelaciones" is a massive artwork that the Medellín City Council completed in 2024 in the Manrique neighborhood. It was made possible by the painting and transformation of more than 500 houses, as well as 30 artistic murals created by four artist collectives. During the tour, we will not only get to know the expression of the various artist collectives but also the process of transforming this neighborhood. This project is closely linked to the fascinating stories of modern entrepreneurship in Medellín. In addition, we will see how art projects can revitalize entire neighborhoods and drastically improve the quality of life of their residents.
Includes: private transportation and hotel pick-up, snack and hydration.

In addition to these options, there are several alternatives for your clients to enjoy Colombia without the crowds. Instead of the busy Salt Cathedral, they can explore the lesser-visited Nemocón salt mine. If they are looking for a spectacular view without the crowds of Monserrate, Cerro de Guadalupe is an excellent alternative. For those planning to visit Guatapé, Santa Fe de Antioquia offers unique colonial charm, and instead of Salento, Filandia provides an authentic and peaceful experience in the Coffee Region. Contact your Incoming Manager for more information about the alternatives available for your clients to discover Colombia in a more authentic, tranquil, and crowd-free way.