5 Day Highlights of Colombia (Special Air from Select Cities)
From
$1059*
Air & Land
Based on airfare from
Departure City
Choose your airport and select a date.
Featured Hotels
| 5 Day Highlights of Colombia (Special Air from Select Cities) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hotel El Dorado | Bogota | |
| Hotel Caribe | Cartagena | |
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities (unless otherwise specified).
Passengers traveling abroad require a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates. All travelers are responsible to check if a visa is required for all countries on their itinerary. For visa information, check our Visas page.
Is This Trip Right for You?
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights [FlightRouting]
Special Airfare pricing also available from Washington, Los Angeles, and New York. Click on date of departure for selection and prices. - 4 nights accommodations
- 2 nights Bogota
- 2 nights Cartagena
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers
- 5 meals: 4 breakfasts, 1 dinner
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of English-speaking local guides
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Tips for porters, wait staff & local guides on included services
Special Features
- Walking tour of the Colonial district of La Candelaria, one of Bogota’s oldest neighborhoods
- Visit the Gold Museum in Bogota, with more than 55,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold and artifacts
- Visit the Botero Museum in Bogota, housing many of the paintings and sculptures of this world-famous artist
- Admire the rich architecture of magical Cartagena, the queen of the Caribbean coast
Not Included:
Optional tours gratuities. (unless otherwise specified).
Is This Trip Right for You?
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▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Colombian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare . |
Gate 1 Travel itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently.
This superior tourist class hotel is situated in the middle of the bay in the Bocagrande neighborhood of Cartagena, and is a ten minute taxi ride away from the old city.
Hotel Details- Tours purchased while travelling may cost an extra 10% or more
- Tours often sell out. Avoid disappointment
- Save your cash. Credit card processing may not be possible locally
- Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure
- Book Online or call to book these tours up to 1 week before your departure
- The day the optionals operate varies by the day of the week
Board the Funicular Train that takes you up to Monserrate Mountain. After a short hike, reach the top of Monserrate. At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, see outstanding views of downtown Bogota. Visit the 17th century church and the "El Señor Caído" shrine that welcomes pilgrims all year long.
Note, this tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, fear of confined space or heights, or who have heart conditions.
Approximate tour duration is 2 hours.
| Day #2 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $29.00 |
Enjoy a tour of the mangrove swamps of La Boquilla, a fishing village located twenty minutes north of Cartagena. Take a ride on an original wooden canoe that glides through the dense growth of mangroves, providing a close up view of this rich and diverse ecosystem; you will observe different birds. Your guide will provide facts about the surroundings and talk about the flora and fauna that you will encounter. Afterwards, return to the hotel.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $46.00 |
Depart Cartagena and travel south for about an hour through the picturesque countryside to the Colombia National Aviary, which houses more than 1,750 birds, representing 135 species. It's the second biggest aviary in Latin America, and sixth in the world. This fascinating place, with its unique flora and fauna, aims to educate and create awareness about the diversity of birds found in Colombia. Take a walking tour through the three ecosystems, tropical rainforest, seaboard, and desert. At the end of the tour, enjoy a typical Colombian coffee before returning to Cartagena.
This tour includes interactions with animals. Passengers may choose not to participate. Please note that no substitute or refund is available.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2026 - 31 Dec 2026 | $76.00 |
| Know Before You Go | |
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. |
| Getting Ready to Go |
| Passports and Visas |
| It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the dates of travel and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. IMPORTANT: Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passengers who enter, leave and then re-enter the same country on their itinerary should check if they require a double-entry visa. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies. Passengers requiring visas, whether obtained in advance or locally upon arrival, should ensure that their passport has blank pages.
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| Requirement for Exemption from Value Added Tax (VAT) - Visitors to Colombia are exempt from certain taxes including the 19% hotel Value Added Tax (VAT) if a Tourist Stamp is obtained upon arrival and entered in your passport. Failure to obtain this Stamp will subject you to payment of this tax upon departure from the hotel. If you are traveling with a Colombian passport, you may be considered a resident and subject to this tax unless the Stamp is obtained as proof of non-resident status. |
| Traveling with Friends or Family? |
| If you are traveling with friends or family who are booked on another reservation, please make sure that we are aware. On occasion, we may operate more than one vehicle on your tour departure in which case we will ensure that guests will be assigned together. This is achieved by connecting your reservations before your departure. Once you arrive in your destination, it may not be possible to make assignment changes. To check that your reservations are linked, log into https://www.gate1travel.com/reservations with your email and password, select your reservation number, and check to see that your reservations are indicated as "Traveling With" at the top right side of the display. |
| Trip Preparation |
| A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas, driver's license) are in order. Make sure also that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip and carry them with you in case your luggage is delayed. Bring a change of clothes in your carry-on bag in the event that your luggage is delayed or lost. Lost luggage is common. We strongly urge you to consider carry-ons instead of checked bags when possible, and when checking a bag is necessary, choose a bag color and identification that stands out. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, personal ID and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. You may also make a digital copy of your passport to keep a clear picture with the important details in your cell phone or digital camera photos. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. You may consider bringing a small supply of over the counter medications for headaches and/or anti-diarrhea pills (especially when traveling outside of the USA and Western Europe). We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock. Due to security reasons, many museums have restrictions on the size of bags that can be taken inside and backpacks, carry-on bags or large purses may not be permitted. It is recommended to bring a small shoulder bag or purse to use in these situations instead. Avoid placing valuables such as cameras in your checked luggage. Airplane pressure can cause similar pressure in your body, most notably in ears, as well as liquid tubes and bottles. Your physician can suggest medication for decongestion. We suggest that you place liquid containers into Ziploc bags to catch any leaks. |
| Travel Safety Advice: The safety of our guests is Gate 1’s #1 concern. Before making the decision to reserve your vacation, we want you to be aware of potential situations which may impact your holiday. While most of the time our programs run precisely according to plans, on rare occasion force majeure events including weather, transportation mechanical issues, or uninhabitable accommodation, civil unrest and even criminal or terrorist activities will present themselves unexpectedly and with little or no notice. Gate 1 will make the decision to cancel a tour only after receiving verifiable government issued information. We are otherwise obliged to comply with contractual airline and vendor agreements and carry out the tour until or unless we are advised otherwise. In the event of such an occurrence anytime after your date of departure, Gate 1 and the local destination ground staff, in coordination with government advisories, airlines, hotels, cruise ships and other vendors, will make decisions with regard to your safety first. We strongly recommend that tour participants review the destination country's specific information at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html. |
| Travel Protection |
| Even the best-planned trips can be impacted by the unexpected. And that is why we recommend that you help protect yourself and your investment by purchasing Travel Protection for your Gate 1 trip. Travel Protection can help with medical coverage for illness or injury, trip cancellation and/or interruption, baggage loss, medical evacuation, and more. At any time before you complete Final Payment, you may choose to purchase Travel Protection. The protection plan premium is non-refundable after a 10-day review period. In addition, you must be medically able to travel at the time the premium is paid. For a summary of the plan details on coverages, benefits, limitations and exclusions, please refer to the Description of Coverage by visiting www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit (CFAR) is a non-insurance feature that allows you to cancel up to 72 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason not otherwise covered in the Travel Protection Plan. CFAR must be purchased at the same time as the Travel Protection Plan as well as within 21 days of the original booking date. Independent or escorted tour reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to the full cost of your trip, less the cost of initial deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. Sea or river cruise reservations will be eligible for a future travel credit equal to 50% of the cost of your trip, less the cost of initial trip deposit, airline-assessed fees, amendment fees, and insurance premium. All CFAR credits are valid for a period of two years from the original date of travel. CFAR Credits have no cash value and are not transferrable. Airline-assessed fees are generally $300 per person, but may be as much as fully non-refundable. Some non-refundable airline tickets may retain value, less airline-assessed fees. Your future air credit must be used to book with the same airline. Deadlines to rebook and complete travel vary by airline and may be as early as 12 months from when the tickets were originally issued (not the date of travel). For details, www.gate1travel.com/insurance/. This program does not apply to custom groups and Antarctica cruises. Residents of New York, Missouri & Minnesota may purchase this Cancel for Any Reason Waiver Benefit separate from Travel Protection. Call to speak with a reservation agent for details. This Cancel for any Reason Wavier Benefit is not insurance and is provided by Gate 1 Travel. |
| Mobile Phones |
| Mobile networks differ from country to country. We recommend you check with your provider to see if your wireless plan will work in the destination(s) you are visiting. To avoid possible roaming charges, you may want to consider purchasing an international plan. With most major phone companies, for a modest fee, you will be able to use your domestic plan's talk, text, and data allowances just like you do at home. If you can access the internet while you travel, you can also take advantage of services such as WhatsApp or Skype. |
| Making Telephone Calls from One Country to Another |
| When dialing a number from one country to another, you should proceed as follows: dial your country's Exit Code (often indicated with a “+” sign), then the destination Country Code, then the Phone Number. For most countries, the exit code is 00. Exceptions include the USA and Canada (011), Hong Kong and Cambodia (001), Australia (0011), and Russia (8 Pause 10*). For Brazil, please consult with the local telephone company. If you are dialing from a mobile phone, you can enter a “+” instead of the international Exit Code (011, 001, 0011 or 00) by pressing and holding the 0 key. For most countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America and South Pacific, if you are calling from a local phone to a number within the same country, you should drop both the exit and country codes and then add a leading 0 (zero). Exceptions include Spain, Italy, Hungary and Malta (no additional zero needed to dial locally). Example: To dial the following number in Germany (as listed on your voucher): +(49) 0555-555 From USA or your US cell phone: 011-49-555-555 From another country in Europe: 00-49-555-555 From a German phone within Germany: 0555-555 |
| WiFi Access |
| WiFi is available in most airports, hotels, and cruise lines, as well as on some flights, trains, and buses. There may be a fee for access and service quality and speed may vary greatly especially while on moving vehicles. Availability on cruises is also dependent upon its location while sailing through multiple countries. Please note that WiFi can be extremely slow, unreliable, and sometimes nonexistent in developing countries. |
| Staying Healthy While Traveling |
| Please consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date requirements. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. Any required inoculations must be documented by clients' healthcare provider on a valid vaccination certificate, which must be carried as proof where necessary. Individuals with heart disease, chronic illness, physical handicap, advanced pregnancy, or mental illness should not participate in these rigorous travel programs. While traveling, illnesses can sometimes be unavoidable. If a traveler arrives feeling ill or becomes sick during the tour, they will be separated from the group and directed to either a local or virtual medical facility for diagnosis. This precaution is necessary to ensure the well-being of all travelers. The traveler may only rejoin the group after receiving written clearance from an accredited medical facility confirming they are fit to continue. All costs associated with medical treatment and related expenses such as additional hotel nights or transportation not included in the original itinerary will be the responsibility of the passenger. Travel protection plans will only consider coverage with service receipts provided by legally qualified health care facilities, and in accordance with policy terms. There are several easy steps you can take to stay healthy while traveling which may help prevent contracting an illness while away from home.
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| Notice on Aircraft Cabin Insecticide Treatment - Please note that some countries may require aircraft cabin insecticide treatment for in-bound foreign flights. A list of such countries is available at:
http://www.dot.gov/office-policy/aviation-policy/aircraft-disinsection-requirements. |
| Colombia - While no inoculations are required, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended, especially if traveling outside of major cities like Cartagena. For the latest health requirements and recommendations, please visit Centers for Disease Control and also consult with your personal healthcare provider. You may encounter mosquitoes in both urban and rural areas, especially during wet seasons. Travelers are encouraged to bring insect repellent and consider wearing clothing that adequately covers arms and legs. Bogota, situated at an altitude of 8,600 feet above sea level, may cause in some travelers temporary altitude discomfort. Those affected should avoid over-exertion, drink extra water, and eat lightly. We suggest you consult with your health care provider, who may recommend prophylaxis with acetazolamide. |
| About the Zika Virus - The Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus mostly found in areas of Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America. According to the CDC, most cases of Zika are mild. However, there is a potential link between this virus and a brain defect called microcephaly which affects unborn babies and may pose a potential risk to pregnant women. If you are pregnant or believe you could be at the time of travel, the CDC cautions against traveling to these destinations. For information, please visit www.cdc.gov/zika/. |
| Consideration for Tour Participants (Escorted Tours) |
For the benefit of all tour participants, we ask tour members to be considerate of their fellow travelers in the following ways:
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| Climate & Clothing |
| Colombia - Bring comfortable shoes, lightweight clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts. Colombia Average Temperatures: Fahrenheit | Celsius |
| About Drones |
| Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or "drone" technology has quickly become affordable and is increasingly popular with recreational users. While some countries have clear, established drone laws, others do not, or existing regulations are undergoing review and change. Travelers who wish to bring a drone on their trip are responsible to research and abide by the laws and regulations of the countries they are visiting, as well as to check with their airline(s) regarding their rules for transporting drones. Please note that tours are unable to extend the length of scheduled visits and stops to accommodate use of drones. |
| Preparing for Your Trip |
| Seat Assignments |
| As a courtesy service, complimentary airline seat assignments are requested on your behalf and, when available, are displayed in order of Passenger #1, #2 and so on. Assignments reflect the best available seats at the time of booking. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only; in which case the display shows “N/A”. Seats are subject to change by your airline(s) including, for example, when there is a schedule change or equipment change after your initial booking; this may cause seat assignments to be changed or even cancelled. Some airlines offer preferred seating for an additional fee; these seats may only be purchased directly from the airline. You will need your family name and the 6-digit airline “Record Locator” which is displayed with the flight details on your reservation. In the event that you change seat assignments directly with your airline, changes will not be reflected on your invoice or documents. At the time that Gate 1 travel documents are issued, the currently assigned seats will be listed based on the assignments stored in your airline reservation at that time. Should you have questions regarding your assignments, please write to us at www.gate1travel.com/contactus. |
| Luggage & Packing |
| Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62"), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23kg). Smart Bags with a USB charging port, GPS tracking device and other high-tech features are prohibited as checked or carry-on baggage unless the bag is made with removable batteries and the batteries are removed and stored separately. Many airlines charge for checked bags including flights which begin and end within the USA. The most inexpensive airfare options commonly known as Basic Economy airfares do not include any checked bags nor seat assignments before the day of departure. However, for some airlines, other airfare categories also do not include checked baggage. This will be clearly displayed in our airfare selection and on your invoice. Where available, we highly recommend selecting airfares which include at least 1 piece of checked baggage. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for checked bag fees, excess luggage or weight charges levied by an airline. Checked baggage allowances displayed on reservation details and invoices reflect the applicable allowance at the time of booking but are subject to change by your airline(s). For your airline's requirements and fees, visit www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. For important baggage information, visit www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx. Avoid placing valuables in your checked luggage. Federal law forbids the carriage of hazardous materials aboard the aircraft in your luggage, your carry-on or on your person. A violation can result in five years' imprisonment and penalties of $250,000 or more (49 U.S.C. 5124). Hazardous materials include explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers, poisons, corrosives and radioactive materials. Examples: Paints, lighter fluid, fireworks, tear gases, oxygen bottles, and radio-pharmaceuticals. There are special exceptions for small quantities (up to 70 ounces total) of medicinal and toilet articles carried in your luggage and certain smoking materials carried on your person. Check the Transportation and Safety Administration (TSA) website www.tsa.gov to find out the current list of acceptable items you may bring on a plane before packing. We recommend that you use brightly colored luggage tags, straps or other identifiers to help you locate your luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| Intra-Flights |
| All intra-flights included in your package are booked in Economy Class. Checked bags are typically limited to a total dimension of 62 inches (157 cm) by adding length + width + height (example: 26"+26"+10" = 62" / 66cm+66cm+25cm = 157cm), and a maximum weight of 50 lbs (23 kg). Exceptions are listed below and may differ from international flight luggage limits. More detailed baggage restrictions for your airline can be found at www.gate1travel.com/baggagefees.aspx. |
| Colombia - Most domestic flights in Colombia have a weight restriction 44 lbs. per piece of luggage with a limit of one piece of checked luggage per person. This differs from international flight luggage limits and should be taken into account when preparing for your trip. |
| Day of Departure |
| Flight Services |
| What to do if You Need Assistance |
Whether you purchased your airfare from Gate 1 Travel or from the airline directly, please bear in mind that Gate 1 Travel does not own nor operate the airline(s), nor the airport facilities where they operate. At times, flying can be a frustrating experience, especially when things do not go exactly as planned, and airline explanations can be confusing or even misleading. Should you face a problem, remain calm and seek assistance either from the airline directly or from Gate 1. Please be aware that in most cases, on the day of your flight(s), airlines pass responsibility for your reservation to their staff at the airport and it is not always possible for Gate 1 Travel to intervene on your behalf, either through our reservations system or directly with your airline. |
| Arrival & Departure |
| Arrival Procedures |
| Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities if necessary and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after collecting your luggage or passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher. If you are delayed due to lost luggage, phone the number on the voucher or have a companion exit the Customs Area to advise the transfer representative. Be wary of airport scammers who offer unwanted assistance. If you are arriving without a pre-arranged transfer, we strongly recommend going to the Tourist Information Desk to ask for a licensed taxi or transfer service. You may be asked to pay for the transfer at the desk prior to the trip, this will ensure you are not charged extra during the trip. |
| Colombia - While safety has improved in Colombia, there are still strict screening procedures regarding narcotics for passengers arriving and departing the country. Travelers may be questioned, searched, fingerprinted, and/or asked to submit to an abdominal x-ray upon arrival or departure. Note that most airport inspectors do not speak English. |
| What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed |
| Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, the better we can respond. Please refer to the Emergency Assistance instructions on this same document. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon you return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services. |
| Departure Procedures |
| If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally. |
| Transfers |
| Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date. The cost of a transfer is more expensive than hiring a taxi, as a Gate 1 transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or 'dead-leg'. Often the places of call (airports, seaports, hotels) demand entrance and parking fees, where drivers may have to wait for up to an hour. Passengers comfortable hiring a taxi on their own and do not require assistance will save money. |
| About Your Accommodations |
| Hotels |
| Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard twin-bedded (two single beds) rooms with private facilities. Special requests such as bed types, smoking preference and connecting rooms are subject to availability. Room selection in all cases, unless otherwise reserved, is strictly at the discretion of the hotel's management on a run-of-house basis. Triple rooms consist of standard twin beds or one double bed plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for third person except in the U.S. and Canada, where triple rooms often consist of two double/queen beds for three persons; where available, a fee may be charged by the hotel for the addition of a cot/rollaway. The number of persons accommodated does not dictate the room size. While air conditioning is available in most hotels, we recommend checking the room amenities listed under the "Featured Hotels" tab of your package to confirm. Please note that many international hotels were built before central air conditioning was introduced. In those that do offer air conditioning, usage may be restricted, often due to government regulations aimed at promoting energy conservation. It's typical for air conditioning to be used only during the summer months, to follow a set schedule (sometimes turned off at night), and to operate at lower settings than what many Americans are accustomed to. Some lodges and accommodations in remote regions may not have all of the amenities, such as hairdryer, alarm clock and room service, that you might find in a larger hotel located in a city center. |
| Hotel Check-in/ Check-out |
| Hotel check-in time is generally not before 4:00 p.m. and check-out time is prior to noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| At Your Destination |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism |
| We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs. |
| Staggered Arrival & Departure |
| Many tours are offered with multiple duration options, allowing travelers to choose one or more destinations in a single trip. As a result, the number of participants on your tour may vary, as we accommodate travelers arriving and departing at different points in the itinerary. |
| About Your Sightseeing |
| To ensure a pleasant and fair experience for passengers on our escorted tours, there is a mandatory seat rotation policy on our motor coaches which will be organized by your Tour Manager. On river cruises, color-coded group splits may be used for shoreside included and Optional tours. Some buses are equipped with toilet facility, however they are strictly intended for emergency use only and often require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons before use. When travel dates coincide with religious holidays and national celebrations, some monuments and sites may be closed, sometimes without prior notice. On these occasions, escorted touring itineraries may be amended to reflect these closures. Occasionally, during holidays and certain periods, and/or due to other unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions, there may be last-minute changes, sometimes after arrival, which may affect the sequence of the tour and locations visited. National monuments and tourist sites regularly undergo renovations, which can obscure the monument's view. No tour will be canceled due to renovations, however Gate 1 will decide based on the conditions whether to amend an itinerary. To respect the privacy of all tour participants, your tour manager will not organize a group photo or collect passenger email addresses for a group list. |
| Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) |
| Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for check-in. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents. |
| Purchasing Tours Locally |
| On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. https://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional |
| Colombia - Optional Tours purchased locally in Colombia can only be paid in cash with Colombian Pesos (COP) or USD. |
| Independent Activities - Gate 1 itineraries may contain suggestions for activities for your leisure time; these suggestions do not constitute a recommendation nor an endorsement of any specific service provider and the decision to participate in any such activities should be made independently and with due consideration. Gate 1 is not responsible for any activities not expressly included in its programs. Caution should be exercised when selecting certain activities that may require physical strength, coordination or exertion. Particular care should be taken when considering animal rides, such as on camels, mules or horses |
| Colombia - The Colombian Peso is the currency of Colombia. |
| Shopping |
| Most people enjoy bringing home at least one souvenir from the countries they visit. However, some find any amount of shopping to be too much while others never find enough opportunities. We have built into our Escorted itineraries a few shopping stops at recommended spots. These stops are designed to enhance your experience by providing an opportunity to see first-hand quality locally crafted merchandise which you may not be able to find on your own. Shops are checked to ensure the quality and authenticity of the products they offer, and we limit guides from visiting other locations. In some cases, we plan these stops to provide an opportunity to use clean bathrooms and to stretch your legs. All shops want your satisfaction, and therefore in case of any misunderstanding they ask that you kindly submit your claim to us within one week of the item's receipt. Claims submitted later will be subject to each store's policies. While shopping independently, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is! About Tax-Free Shopping Tax-Free Shopping allows shoppers to reclaim the VAT (Value-Added Tax) or GST (Goods and Services Tax) they have paid on their purchases in some foreign countries in accordance with restrictions and procedures as dictated by each country. Refund eligibility varies by country, but may require presenting a scanned copy of your passport at the time of purchase, a minimum amount spent, or providing original store receipts. For more details, check the respective country's online website, with the shop salesperson, with your tour manager or at www.globalblue.com for specific country regulations and airport operation hours. Please keep in mind that you must apply for VAT refund in the airport of the country the items were purchased and allow enough time prior to your flight for the application. U.S. Customs & Shipping Charges You may carry items with a fair retail value totaling $800 into the U.S. Taxes may be applied to the next $1,000 worth of merchandise. U.S. Customs determines the value of your items, often honoring a genuine sales receipt. Items which are shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. (in addition to shipping charges). Some shops may offer to include shipping and duties in the price but this typically means shipping only to the customs facility closest to you and payment only of the export duties; you would still need to collect the item and pay U.S. import duties. Please be aware that it is illegal to import products made from endangered animal species. U.S. Customs & Border Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. |
| Colombia - Some of Colombia's finest products are emeralds and other precious stones. |
| Your Safety is Very Important |
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Prior to your trip, if you are traveling overseas, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the U.S. Department of State at www.travel.state.gov, specifically the section which addresses International Travel. You should read the tips for foreign travel and travel warnings for the country or countries that you plan to visit. It is also important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while on your trip. Here are several tips which, if followed, will save much potential hardship:
If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities. |
| Colombia - While we recommend that you apply reasonable caution and common sense when traveling in any country, please be aware that in Colombia, there are significant issues with theft against tourists in public places. Always keep valuables in a safe place and avoid walking alone. It is advised that travelers avoid contact with children, including taking photographs, especially in rural areas. Passengers should not travel alone after dark. Do not take public transportation on buses as these vehicles are targets for robbery. We recommend that taxis be reserved via the hotel concierge desk, and that you do not ride alone when possible. When not possible, we recommend that a hotel, restaurant, or shop call a taxi. When using ATM machines, be on the lookout for anyone watching or following you. As in most parts of the world, be aware of your surroundings and keep to well-lit and populated areas. Travel outside of major cities is not recommended, especially by bus. |
| Tourist Street Scams |
Pickpockets and thieves can destroy an otherwise wonderful holiday. Be mindful of these precautions to help avoid being scammed or robbed:
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| Local Emergency Phone Numbers |
Colombia
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| Languages |
| Colombia - Spanish is the local language. |
| Electricity |
| Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances. |
| Colombia - The voltage used is 110 volts. |
| Code of Conduct |
| Colombia - Visitors should observe normal courtesies. The atmosphere is generally informal and casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is allowed unless otherwise indicated. |
| Meals & Dietary Requests |
| Included meals are based on the restaurant's set menu or buffet and usually represent local cuisine. Vegetarian meals are available in most locations, while vegan, protein-rich or gluten-free menus are rare. Special dietary requests, which must be selected in the passenger details section of your reservation, cannot be guaranteed. We are unable to provide meals in accordance with strict religious requirements, such as Kosher or Halal, nor can we accommodate specifically salt-free, high-protein or low-carb meals.
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| Colombia - While it is generally safe to eat fully cooked meats and vegetables, care should be taken to avoid undercooked meat and uncooked fruits and vegetables. It is advised to stick to food from reputable vendors. Because tap water is not potable, visitors should only drink bottled water or water that has been boiled and filtered. Avoid ice, as it is usually made from tap water. |
| Holidays |
| On public holidays, there may be reduced public transportation, as well as limited hours or closures of attractions, shops and restaurants. |
| Holidays - Colombia |
Holidays 2026 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany / Three Kings Day Mar 19: Saint Joseph's Day Apr 2: Maundy Thursday Apr 3: Good Friday Apr 5: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day May 18: Ascension Day Jun 4: Corpus Christi Jun 15: Sacred Heart Jun 29: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul Jul 20: Independence Day Aug 7: Battle of Boyacá Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 12: Columbus Day Nov 1: All Saint's Day (observed) Nov 11: Independence of Cartagena Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2027 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany Mar 19: Saint Joseph's Day Mar 21: Palm Sunday Mar 25: Maundy Thursday Mar 26: Good Friday Mar 28: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day May 10: Ascension Day May 27: Corpus Christi Jun 7: Sacred Heart Jun 29: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul (observed) Jul 5: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul (holiday) Jul 20: Independence Day Aug 7: Battle of Boyacá Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 12: Columbus Day (observed) Oct 18: Columbus Day (holiday) Nov 1: All Saints' Day (observed) Nov 3: All Saints' Day Nov 15: Independence of Cartagena Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve |
| Suggested Tipping |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always at your personal discretion. For your convenience, please refer to the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or in the U.S. dollar equivalent where accepted, and we recommend keeping small bills on hand for tipping. Please note that in many destinations, tipping is considered a customary part of local compensation. While you may occasionally be approached for additional tips, you should never feel pressured to do so. If at any time you feel uncomfortable or uncertain about a situation, please speak with your Tour Manager or contact our office using the phone numbers provided in your travel documents. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager: US $10 per person per day Driver: US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Note: Tips for local guides, hotel porters, wait staff, and any other services listed in your itinerary are included, unless otherwise specified above. Drivers provide chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage, and on some itineraries, you may encounter multiple drivers. |
| Colombia - For activities on your own, it is customary to tip 10% in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the excellent job GATE 1 did during our 11-day Colombia trip. Your professionalism, organization, and dedication made the entire experience smooth, enjoyable, and truly memorable. Everything was handled with great care and attention to detail, and your support throughout the trip made a big difference for all of us. It was a pleasure collaborating with you, and we truly felt well taken care of from start to finish. Thank you once again for your outstanding work. I would highly recommend Gate 1 to anyone looking for a well-organized and unforgettable travel experience.
Ashwinkumar A.
I just wanted to express my admiration for our tour guide Carlos, he made our trip a wonderful, interesting and unforgettable experience. His attitude, his love for his country that he is trying to share with us, and amazing organizational skills made it one of the best trips we had anywhere. I also would like to extend the same appreciation to the local guides Byron in Bogota and Yohani who were with us for most of the rest of the tour.
Vadim R.
Special kudos to our tour guide Carlos and his team of guides, drivers and helpers, made us all feel like one family, amazing job and totally professional. Overall a amazing trip and a lot of fun.
Fleming V.
I recently completed my trip to Colombia and wished to express my sincere and substantial gratitude to Paulo our tour director as well as Pablo and Luis the city guides in Medellin and Bogota. Each of these individuals were exceptional in their commitment to providing us a great experience and went well beyond what was required to provide an outstanding experience to us and learn more about Colombia and each of the destinations. Paulo was knowledgeable, helpful, outstanding in his commitment to our trip and the fellow travelers in our group. He was always available to assist us, including in suggesting restaurants to visit, and solving problems and requests. He, individually, made our trip the best it could possibly be.
Martin K.
It was a great trip. It was so much better than we had expected! Edgar our tour guide was awesome. Great personality, all on time, organized. People were so friendly. The country is beautiful. So glad we got the opportunity to do this trip.
Nancy S.
Alejandro was an excellent tour manager and deserves a big shut out! We loved the chemistry between Alejo, Pablo & Ernesto. They made driving time so fun, and we laughed. Pablo, Cassavo & Ernesto/Edger were very informative and friendly. We as group were very impressed with Alejo guarding us through all crowded area while local guide would teach us about Colombia, specifically during the tour with Ernesto in the super crowded squares of Bogota we all noticed how Alejo was guarding us like a parent looking after their children. Another great trip accomplished by the excellent crews of gate 1, thank you to all of you!
Heidi N.
They were the best guides I have had on any tour at Gate 1. Every eventuality was predicted and planned for, and great lengths were taken to make sure everyone was constantly comfortable. Guides were warm, responsive and always available. It was truly a broadminded survey of a country's many aspects from crime and poverty to its triumphs of art and music and architecture. I highly recommended this tour to anyone. I especially loved the visit to the coffee plantation of Carlos' family. This was an up close and personal visit to a working plantation by a family who fled from violence to make a better life. The food was authentic and delicious! Much prefer it to a big industrial type place. It was so special to meet Carlos's family! Just a lovely day, especially the jeep ride up the mountain! Furthermore, I think Carlos is an exceptional human being - and an extremely talented guide.
Madeline D.
This was my first time traveling with Gate1, and I want to share what an extraordinary experience I had with your company. Our Tour Manger and local guides were all exceptional, and they are the main reason this trip exceeded my expectations. I can't say enough about Paolo, Ernesto, and David - their knowledge, attentiveness, and professionalism are unmatched. They brought Colombia to life through its culture, history, and personal stories, while going above and beyond to ensure that everyone in our group had an amazing experience. Their passion, humor, patience, organization, and genuine caring for group members was evident every step of our journey, and I am very grateful to have shared this time with them. Their exemplary work is the reason I will be traveling with Gate1 again, and am more than happy to recommend your tours to others.
Jordan B.
Our trip to Colombia was Excellent exceeded our expectation due in most part to TM Poalo, and the two guides Ernesto in Bogota and then Yovany in Medellin and Manizales. So knowledgeable, friendly and always looking out for the group.
Monica S.
Our morning tour guide (Oscar) was excellent. He clearly has a deep appreciation and understanding of Colombia's history which made for an unforgettable tour in the walled city. Not only was the tour excellent, our ride to the mangroves was great as well. Oscar was an exceptional tour guide and really made our trip.
Julia B.
We had a great trip. Our tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful. Edgar, our tour manager, went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and made sure we had an awesome experience.
Yira G.
We were totally impressed with our general tour manager/guide, Edgar/Ernesto on our recent 8 excursion to Columbia, 5/23-5/30/25. Is attention to safety, detail was beyond expectations. He gave us just enough. History of each of the cities gave us little snacks representative of each area that we visited. He really tried to save time and accommodate us every which way possible I've never seen a tour guide go to the airport before our flights to get the boarding passes and luggage tags. He made us laugh all the time and really created a very cohesive environment for all of the passengers. He also dispelled a lot of the fear at many of us had about the drug cartels from years past. I would highly recommend a tour of Columbia to all of my friends, neighbors, and family.
Jordan H.
I want to take the time to comment on our wonderful tour manager, Edwardo/Edgar. Our recent trip to Colombia was exceptional because of him. The manager made everything look so effortless when I know it took time, patience, and a great deal of effort on his part to make this trip enjoyable. Not only was he the most organized person I have ever seen, but he had such a nice demeanor and a great sense of humor. His knowledge of his country was remarkable. The tour guides were first-class as well. This is one of the best trips we have had with Gate One because of him. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for an enjoyable, knowledgeable time.
Sonia S.
My husband and I have completed 50+ gate 1 trips. Our first was to Egypt in 2004 and the one thing that resulted in our continued travel and loyalty was the exceptional tour manager who made our trip easy, pleasurable and informative. We have subsequently had many other good guides. But none better than Paola on our recent Columbine trip. I do not have enough words to explain how attentive, caring and able to make each and every traveler satisfied feeling like all their needs and wishes were accommodated. He went above and beyond. For example, after we left a small van needed for a short trip, he checked seats to make sure nothing was left behind. He was available 24/7 insisting that we were his priority. We were 30 very diverse travelers of varied travel experiences and had two domestic flights. He smoothly had tickets, luggage and seats so that we felt no airport anxiety. I hope Gate 1 knows how Paolo represents them in the best way possible appreciating his outstanding leadership.
Pauline W.
The trip was wonderful. Great country, amazing food, fantastic history and very beautiful. It was humid but not unbearable and there was a nice breeze. The tour guide, Jorge, was incredible. He was personable and patient, and incredibly knowledgeable. Overall a very enjoyable experience and an absolutely unbeatable value.
Kimberly G.
The best tour group I have ever had and I have visited 52 countries! I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a well organized, exciting and fun tour. I cannot say enough good things about Leon and the entire Gate 1 staff.
Ann R.
It was a very pleasant trip. And the school visit was one of the highlights. The local guide joining us in Pereira did an excellent job. Thank you to him.
Rita J.
Thank you, Gate 1, for such a great experience with the Colombia trip. This was our first Gate 1 trip and we loved it. We just wanted to express our deepest gratitude for all the help and support that your wonderful team in Colombia provided to us when we recently visited the beautiful Colombia. You guys (all at Gate 1) have such a high level of positive and can-do attitude team that it made the entire trip so memorable, so nice and relaxing and most of all friendly. I LOVE GATE 1 TOURS! We already booked a second trip to Peru (Machu Picchu). In addition, I wanted to thank and recognize Daniel and Julianna, the tour guides, who made the entire trip so fun and interesting with their AMAZING personality. Thank you, Daniel and Julianna, for such a great service, dedication and support. All of the Gate 1 people work so hard, you are so friendly and communicate extremely well. Thank you for a lovely experience.
Arie C.
My trip to Colombia was fantastic. Before my trip I was apprehensive about going to Colombia, but I found the country to be very safe, beautiful and much more than I expected. The different regions that we visited highlighted the diversity and beauty of the country. The people of Colombia were very warm and welcoming and the natural beauty of the country was amazing. Our tour manager, Carlos, became a friend to all. He made sure that everyone was involved and enjoying their time. His pride and love for his country was very evident. The local guides were also some of the best that we have ever had. I highly recommend this trip to all and thank Gate 1 for giving me the opportunity to visit.
Penny H.
Just returned from 11-day Colombia trip with Juan, Tour Director. Wow! Good food, good sites, good hotels, Good optional tours, good history & Good information on my first trip to Colombia! I want to applaud Juan for a job well done! His additional assistants, Alejandro and Victoria, enhanced his operation tremendously with their lively personality & jovial pride of their country! The teamwork amongst them was impeccable & it made the loading/unloading of the bus for the many "latrine stops" bearable! The pride, the enthusiasm, the knowledge, & the experience each demonstrated was an asset to this trip because they all came from a different walk of life & shared their perspective so eloquently! Gate1 Travel should be proud of the AMBASSADORSHIP that is exhibited in these "hospitality employees" who portray Gate1 Travel in a positive light by their work habits, customer service, attention to detail, & making memories for all their guests! This is why I truly enjoy Gate1 Travel & am a continued customer. One highlight I would like to share is the local Colombian cheese bread, local Colombian candy, local Colombian cookies, local Colombian fruit, local Colombian juices, local Colombian ice cream & more that was shared by Juan & his assistants to make this trip memorable & educational! When I mentioned to colleagues & friends that I was visiting Colombia....the response was negative due to the past drug cartels & immigration history.... education is power & I was educated on how untrue "hearsay" can be & how powerful knowledge supersedes! Hats off to Juan who broke paradigms! You are the best Juan! Keep up the fabulous work & the pride you demonstrate in your country! Yes, Colombia has the most aviary birds in the world! He also is a newly acclimated father!
Ana D.
I had a wonderful time in Colombia. What a beautiful country. Our Tour Manager, Leon, (based in Bogota), was absolutely incredible! Leon is extraordinarily kind, patient, welcoming, friendly, reliable, trustworthy, organized, and very knowledgeable! Leon made our trip the memory of a lifetime. And Leon was accommodating, flexible, and attentive to all 25 people on our tour of Bogota and Cartagena.
Becca T.
I wanted to personally comment on the dedication and care which our tour manager Edgar gave to all of us. He made each person feel extremely special during this trip. His passion for his profession and love of his country was incredible! The co- guide Yohany was a delight, as he also was so passionate about his desire to teach nature and love of his country. I can only give the two guides an A+ rating, as they gave their all to the whole group. OUTSTANDING!!
Deborah M.
Our trip to Colombia was excellent. All positives and absolutely NO negatives. I would be remiss if I did not mention our tour guild Daniel. He is an outstanding asset to the Gate 1 travel family. He is the ultimate professional. He will always be the one tour guide by which I judge my future tour guides. I could go on and on, but I think I've made my point. Also, Thanks to the behind-the-scenes personnel who make these trips unforgettable.
Terrence K.
Juan was an excellent guide from the time of meeting me at Bogota airport, throughout the tour and even at the end when he was not feeling well, he came to the hotel to make his apologies and bid us safe travels home. Also, I want to give excellent reviews of Byron, Carlos and Andres and all other employees of Gate 1. They were all friendly, helpful and knowledgeable.
Graham C.
I would like to specifically acknowledge our fantastic tour manager, Daniel. This was my 10th Gate 1 trip, and Daniel is one of the best guides I've had. In addition to being friendly, knowledgeable and helpful, he excelled at keeping a large group organized, and he kept the group energized and harmonious. His communication was proactive and clear, and he set appropriate expectations for a successful trip right at the start. He went out of his way to minimize the time we had to wait to check in to each hotel. I was very fortunate to experience Colombia with such a great team, led by Daniel.
Todd P.
It was great! I am very happy with Gate 1. Everything was very good planned and very organized. Alejandra and all the other guides did a fantastic job.
Marta C.
I do not know where to start with how happy I am with my 5-day tour of Colombia. I am 38 and my father is 100% Colombian, but I had never visited the Country in my life. As a matter of fact, while my wife and I are very seasoned travelers in North America, we have never left the continent. This trip was a very important leap for me not only to experience international travel but also to discover my roots. Gate One has thoroughly impressed me and I could not be more grateful for the team they have established and the standards they uphold. From the moment my wife and I met the first member of the team, Camilo, I felt comfortable and excited to move on with the tour. Then I met Ernesto, our Tour Manager. He was so friendly and organized and took an interest in everyone's story and their goals. I was completely floored at how he was able to keep track of Everyone and the constantly moving itinerary. Throughout the entire trip, he literally did everything in his power to make sure every individual was getting the absolute most out of the experience. It fostered a real bond between everyone in the group. All the local guides like Danny, Kathy, and George were equally as engaging and visibly proud of their Country and their work. They really promote confidence in the Gate One Brand. I cannot thank this team enough for providing me with this opportunity to discover more about myself and my heritage while vacationing with my wife. Please extend my sentiments to Ernesto and the rest of the team. Viva Colombia! I will be sure to book other trips through Gate One moving forward.
Phillip C.
The trip to Columbia was WONDERFUL and our tour guide Carlos was THE BEST!!! Kuddos to Team Gate 1 Travel for putting together a fabulous tour and to Carlos for executing it perfectly. We saw and experienced so much and learned so much about Columbia. Everything was planned out very well and all the hotel accommodations, local guides, bus drivers, etc. from Team Gate 1 were excellent. Thanks for a wonderful and memorable vacation.
Richard G.
The trip to Colombia was wonderful! Carlos is one of the best guides I have ever traveled with. He is very considerate; I came a day early and was there for my birthday. He brought me chocolates that evening. He is incredibly knowledgeable about his country. On one particularly long bus ride, he kept the group entertained by playing a few songs at a time which each person had chosen the night before, and then he would talk about Colombia. Everyone commented how much they enjoyed this activity, and how the bus ride didn't feel so long. The local guides were excellent as well. I would definitely recommend going to Colombia and taking this tour.
Hilda A.
Our Tour Manager, Leon, is a credit to Gate1. He was completely unflappable during complex flight changes during the trip, he was always positive and willing to go the extra mile to make certain we all could see and experience as much as we could, including guided free time walks. After many travels with Gate1, he is amongst the best we have ever had. Local guides Diego and especially Carlos were also super on this trip, keeping us informed and smiling the whole time. Our unscheduled trip to Communa 13 in Medellin was fantastic - it should be a keeper. The night time carriage ride in the streets of Centro Cartagena is exactly the right way to see the city - a cherry on top of a great tour. Colombia is a great place to visit because it is filled with Colombian people! Having a complete stranger make an effort to start a conversation just to thank us for visiting brought a smile and has only happened in one other country, Morocco. It is not surprising that both Morocco and Colombia are highlight tours for us. Thank you for making this tour available to us.
Linda K.
We would give it 6 stars out of the maximum 5. We would like to make a special mention of the tour manager Edgar. The guy was outstanding in his efficiency and concern for the tour group. The tour guide at Cartagena was also very good. All in all, we would chose Gate 1 for our next trip.
Vankayala G.
I have no words to describe how amazing the trip was. Paulo was attentive , knowledgeable , caring , funny and overall a wonderful guide. The local guides Danny (from Bogota ) and Victoria (Cartagena) were amazing as well. This trip set the standard for future trips with gate one. I hope every guide is as wonderful as Paulo. Traveling with gate one was seamless and organized which made the vacation fun because there was less stuff for me to worry about. We have already booked our next trip for Feb 2024.
Aida R.
It gives me great pleasure to tell all travelers who are thinking about going to Columbia, and thinking about using Gate 1 to visit Colombia that it is a fantastic experience. I traveled to Columbia February 2023 with my daughter. Our carefully plan tour exposed us to an impactful, fun filled, safe and most of all exciting overall experience. This Columbian experience was wonderful. I highly recommend Columbia, Gate 1 Tour Company and Mr. Leon. Tour Manager was exceptionally wonderful. He was the best part of the traveling experience. He was attentive to each person in our group of 28 people. He constantly was in control, but he made us feel like each person had him all to ourselves. Throughout the entire trip he continued to make sure we were having a great time. He was extremely thoughtful of our needs as he took care of every necessary detail. He is very knowledgeable in many areas, especially with Columbia history and culture. You could tell he really cared about entire group. His attention to detail was very impressive. His wonderful personality made the entire Columbia tour one of the best Gate 1 tours. Visiting Columbia was great. But, Mr. Leon was the best part of the tour. He is so great as a Tour Manager, if allowed and he is available, he should be requested as your Tour Manager.
Shirley S.
This trip was amazing! One of the best Gate 1 trips that I have taken. Juan is an exceptional group tour manager. I enjoyed every day of my trip, and I learned so much about Colombia. I have wanted to visit Colombia for many years. This trip exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed using public transportation, the lunch at the gentleman's house in Medellin, playing tejo, and interacting with the locals. The hotels were wonderful and the food was amazing. I would take another trip with Juan David to other parts of Colombia!
Kimberlee W.
The trip was fantastic - it was my first Gate 1 trip and I was impressed. Juan, the tour manager, was outstanding. His knowledge, care, concern, honesty, humor, enthusiasm etc made the tour a delight. All the local guides were outstanding. The hotels were really nice and very comfortable. I felt Gate 1 excelled at the logistics. I've already booked a second tour to Morocco in Feb 2023.
Carole E.
It was wonderful thanks to Leon, our Colombian tour guide. He was the very best! He went above and beyond to make it memorable for all of us. He was tireless, always available for questions or help with paperwork. He surprised us with special add on fun like a horse carriage ride in Cartagena with champagne for those of us with birthdays. For those with special interests such as birding, he provided birdwatching books and detours to see the best birds. We feel very fortunate indeed to have had Leon guide us through this spectacular country!
Denise B.
This trip was great!! It is an absolute teaser! This trip gives you a window view of what is Colombia, reason I love these short trips, looking forward to go back on longer excursions. Must say the Gate1 team in Bogota was extremely diligent including our boarding passes readily available for us, very much appreciated since check in for Avianca using mobile device was impossible. Tour guide Andrea was great in Bogota, very attentive to everyone. Medellín tour guide Francisco was so diligent and attentive!!! Congratulations!
Nilsa M.
Our words to describe the trip are greater than spectacular, super, incredible, awesome, etc. Our guides were not only knowledgeable but were extremely (one could say almost overly kind!) when it came to the care, protection, and assistance to their fellow travelers!!! Note worththy were Paulo and Carlos, and our efficient bus drivers! Patience and understanding were on display at all moments of our tour! Need to mention the surprise treats after long bus trips! They really didn't need to do that but out of the kindness of their hearts! They treated us like we were their prized "little chicks" while at busy airports! Gate 1....You truly have gems working for you! Above all that...the people of Columbia were sooooo very friendly and accommodating to our needs at cultural sites and at restaurants and gift shops! Not to speak of the amazing money exchange! We were pleasantly pleased when making purchases while on our free time! What else can we say other than AMAZING!!! Once again, special kudos to Paulo for his extreme kindness!!! Gate 1.....You hit a Grand Slam on this one! Looking forward to a trip in the very near future.
Alfredo P.
My trip to Colombia was amazing and Polo, our guide, was one of the best guides I've had in traveling to 78 countries. He is very professional, knowledgeable, kind, and very attentive to travelers needs. Wish I could have him as a guide on all my travels.
Paula D.
I would like to give recognition to our tour guide in Columbia. His name is Juan. He was amazing. He took care of us. He made sure we were safe all the time and we had lots of fun. Thanks to him we love Gate 1 and we plan to use you again in our future travels! Thanks for having such an exceptional tour guide. I loved him, great employee and very knowledgeable. Thanks again!
Odalys B.
I just want to specifically mention how outstanding of a job our tour manager, Carlos did during this trip. He was absolutely amazing. He had the best control of the group I have ever seen. He was organized, caring, fun, on time, kept everyone cohesive. He was excellent. I cannot say enough good things. The tour manager "makes or breaks" the trip, so having one so great really is a plus. He gave 110% or more to us.
Sherri I.
Tour manager Carlos was stellar! He is highly organized, personable, patient, remembered the smallest details, followed up with questions even when he was incredibly busy, and provided great background as well as suggestions. He's excellent! The local guide Julian, in Medellin, also needs to be recognized. He made history come to life in his stories that he shared. We were all so engaged in his stories and details about Medellin. All of the local guides and drivers did an outstanding job. They could not have been more kind and clearly took our enjoyment and safety as highly as their own. We had a wonderful group and were on the go a lot though got to see so much. Colombia left me so inspired!
Lee W.
Thank you Gate 1I was a little nervous about traveling because of virus. The entire trip was EXCELLENT. We can't figure out how you make a profit with all the extra goodies you throw in. Leon our Tour Guide handled the group and any issues with 100% Grace-Professional. Thank you again and again Gate 1 for another miracle.
Martha N.
Wanted to take a moment to sing praises of Juan and his support staff as guides on our Colombia trip. The experience was very wonderful, and Juan went above and beyond the necessary. He shared with us his personal experience and love of country/history. He took care of every emergency. He kept a genuine positive demeanor throughout. I would say without hesitation that Juan was the best single part of this trip. Special mention goes to Carlos, but that goes for the others as well. Their connection made us feel very comfortable and delighted to be with them.
Miguel M.
We greatly enjoyed our trip to Bogota. We were enchanted with Colombia's natural beauty, energy of the city, art, culture and cuisine. We even watched Tour of Bogota, the cycling race. We were very glad that we had the same awesome guide Luis on all our optional tours.
Joanna R. Chicago, IL
The trip was amazing! The tour guides exceeded my expectations! They were knowledgeable and so helpful!!!! I love Gate 1!
Lynn C. Philadelphia, PA
Excellent. Colombia is such a diverse and interesting place. I would go back now that I have had an introduction. Thanks for such a great deal which enabled me to go to such a wonderful place.
William G. Mashpee, MA
Wonderful! Our guide, Juan, was very professional, efficient, and friendly. All guides were! Accommodations were good to great. Thank you! Looking forward to my Greece trip booked with you!
Michelle R. Chambersburg, PA
We loved our trip to Cartagena. Highlight was the walking City tour with Vicky....she was excellent. Very informative, funny, and great at keeping the group together/moving along.
Debra W. Jupiter, FL
It was very nice, thank you. Everything went as planned, the day tour was nice and our tour guide was knowledgeable and patient with us as a group even though it was very very hot out that day. The day tour at the Rosario Islands was beautiful as well.
Daniella M. Barnegat Township