5 Day Highlights of Colombia
From
$599
Land Only
$1039*
Air & Land
Featured Hotels
| 5 Day Highlights of Colombia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hotel El Dorado | Bogota | |
| Hotel Caribe | Cartagena | |
Click a Date to Book Online
Click a Date to Book Online
| 2024 Dates & Prices Single Supplement: $200 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel | Dates | Embark | Tour Starts | Ship | Land Only | Air & Land |
| $649 | $1259* | |||||
| $649 | $1069* | |||||
| $649 | $1069* | |||||
| $649 | $1119* | |||||
| $629 | $1039* | |||||
| $629 | $1039* | |||||
| $629 | $1129* | |||||
| $599 | $1169* | |||||
| $599 | $1319* | |||||
| $629 | $1249* | |||||
| $679 | $1259* | |||||
| $679 | $1139* | |||||
| $679 | $1139* | |||||
| $649 | $1109* | |||||
| $649 | $1109* | |||||
| $699 | $1099* | |||||
| $679 | $1429* | |||||
Not Included:
Optional tours and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land Only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flight Bogota-Cartagena.
The route and program may vary according to weather conditions, seasonal changes, and local events.
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 Miami-Bogota, Cartagena-Miami
Some departure dates may be offered from an alternate nearby airport. Check flight itinerary options when booking.
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- Intra-flight Bogota-Cartagena
- 4 nights First Class accommodations
- 2 nights Bogota
- 2 nights Cartagena
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 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
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
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
Is This Trip Right for You?
This moderately active trip covers a fair amount of ground each day. Expect from three to four hours walking every touring day. The pace is moderate, however you will encounter some uneven surfaces, stairs, steps and significant slopes. 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 provider. Some hotels in Bogota are built in the traditional local style and have no air-conditioning. During heat waves, these hotels can become uncomfortable, even at higher elevations. This is an Express program. For more information, click here.
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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 provider. |
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 first 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.
*This Optional 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 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | $29.00 |
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.
Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.
| Day #4 | 01 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | $76.00 |
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 2024 - 31 Dec 2024 | $46.00 |
| 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/res 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 |
| All travelers should familiarize themselves with local conditions, such as high altitude or required immunizations, which could affect their health. We recommend you consult with your personal healthcare provider, the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov) and/or the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for their recommendations. 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 - In the highlands: Spring: 45°F-65°F; Summer: 50°F-70°F; Autumn: 45°F-65°F; Winter: 40°F-65°F. Along the coast: 55°F-85°F year round. 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: https://www.gate1travel.com/weather/americas/default.aspx#colombia-weather |
| 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 you luggage upon arrival or to describe it in the event that it is lost. |
| 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, food, 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. Although available at most 4 and 5 star hotels, the use of air-conditioning abroad differs greatly from the United States, and is often shut down at night and from the end until the start of the summer months. 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. |
| Gratuities |
| Tipping is always a matter of personal discretion. For your convenience, please use the summary below as a guideline for recommended gratuity amounts. Gratuities may be paid in local currency or US dollar equivalent where accepted. Please be aware that tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour manager or phone our local office. Numbers are provided in your documents for your convenience. |
| Suggested Tipping: Escorted Tours |
Tour Manager (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide): US $10 per person per day Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage): US $5 per person per day, US $3 per half day Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program): US $5 per person per day of sightseeing, US $3 per half day Hotel porters and wait staff: Included |
| Colombia - It is customary to tip 10% in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. |
| 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 buffet or set menu. Beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although special diets like Vegetarian and Vegan are relatively commonplace in the USA, much of the world's menu options are more provincial. Please do not expect to find the variety of food selection outside of the local norm. Every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests selected no later than 5 days prior to departure in the passenger details section of your reservation. In addition, we recommend that you make preferences known to your tour manager upon arrival, and at each hotel/restaurant. Special requests are subject to local conditions and availability and cannot be guaranteed. |
| 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 2023 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 6: Epiphany / Three Kings Day Jan 9: Epiphany / Three Kings Day (observed) Mar 20: Saint Joseph's Day Apr 2: Palm Sunday Apr 6: Maundy Thursday Apr 7: Good Friday Apr 9: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day May 22: Ascension Day Jun 12: Corpus Christi Jun 19: Sacred Heart Jun 29: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul Jul 3: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul (observed) Jul 20: Independence Day Aug 7: Battle of Boyacá Aug 15: Assumption of Mary Oct 16: Columbus Day Nov 1: All Saints' Day Nov 6: All Saints' Day (observed) Nov 11: Independence of Cartagena Nov 13: Independence of Cartagena (observed) Dec 8: Immaculate Conception Dec 24: Christmas Eve Dec 25: Christmas Day Dec 31: New Year's Eve Holidays 2024 Jan 1: New Year's Day Jan 8: Epiphany / Three Kings Day Mar 25: Saint Joseph's Day Mar 28: Maundy Thursday Mar 29: Good Friday Mar 31: Easter Sunday May 1: Labor Day May 13: Ascension Day Jun 3: Corpus Christi Jun 10: Sacred Heart Jul 1: Feast of Saints Peter & Paul Jul 20: Independence Day Aug 7: Battle of Boyacá Aug 19: Assumption of Mary (observed) Oct 14: Columbus Day Nov 4: 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 |
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
My trip could not have been better. The local guides were terrific. Zero complaints about the accommodations and activities. We even had a group that got along the whole trip. I would especially like to single out my tour manager, Alejandra. I can't say enough good things about her. She is an absolute gem. Kept everything moving. Was great with everyone. And was genuinely fun to be around. I would tour South America with her anytime. Can't wait for our next Gate 1 trip in December.
Donald R. Mount Vernon, OH
It was a great trip. Our guides Victoria & Leon were absolutely the best!!! Our hotels were wonderful and the trip was full of activity. The airline was very good. Can't say enough about this trip ...
Doris H. Lehigh Acres, FL
A very enjoyable and memorable trip. My wife and I had a great time, made many new friends that I'm sure will see on future Gate 1 tours. Karin was funny, knowledgeable and very accommodating to everyone which makes it easy to plan another trip.
Raymond C. San Ramón, CR
My first adventure internationally was a big success. I loved Colombia. And our tour guide, Patricia was knowledgeable, patient and super fun. So glad for this experience. I look forward to another Gate 1 trip in the future.
Alice B. Decatur, GA
My trip to Colombia was fantastic! The group was terrific and the tour manager Leon was simply fabulous and just went above and beyond! Can’t wait to go on my next trip with Gate 1 in April to Croatia + Slovenia!
Christine E. Lansdale, PA
Our trip was GREAT!!! It was so much more than what we expected. Our trip director Juan deserves a 10+++ rating. His attention to detail was beyond amazing. Gate 1’s travel itinerary for this tour was great as well. We learned so much about Columbia and had so much fun. We plan to take other trips with Gate 1, but I have to say this one will be a hard act to follow.
Carmen V. Ocala, FL
My Gate 1 trip to Colombia was amazing. It far exceeded my expectations for the tour and for the country and I was already expecting a pretty great experience. You all did a very nice job. John the tour guide was exceptional, competent and very accommodating. I have no complaints and would HIGHLY recommend the tour to anyone asking. Thank you for such a nice travel experience.
Bruce R. Denver, CO
The trip was amazing. Loved every minute of it. Karen Zuniga, our Gate1 tour guide was excellent. She took great care of us from start to finish. Julian ... was also an excellent local guide in Medellin as well as Leon in Bogota and best of all was Vicky in Cartegena. The entire group exchanged information and we are sharing our pictures with one another. We all became one big family during the trip. We are already looking for other great deals from Gate1 for our next vacation.
Javier A. Coral Gables, FL
Hi Caitlin, Thanks for reaching out. My family really enjoyed our time in Colombia, and we'd like to send our special thanks to Andie for her excellent tourguiding, friendliness, and care for all members in our group. The tour itself was well organized and not too packed. Overall we are very satisfied.
Linh P. Saint Paul, MN
My trip was absolutely superb. My first time with Gate 1 and I came away duly impressed. Guides, hotels, transportation, food was all superb. I have previously traveled with Tauck and Overseas Adventures. You will be seeing a lot more of me in the future. I especially want to commend you on the caliber of the tour leader and the various local city guides. All your personnel were extraordinary - competent and knowledgeable. Kudos for a job well done.
Richard W. Sherman Oak, CA
It was wonderful! Our tour manager Vicky was the best!! Knowledgeable, upbeat and always going above and beyond to make everyone happy and engaged. She’s a real asset for Gate 1.
Denise E. Biltmore Lake, NC
The trip was great! We really enjoy it! Andres was a very good tour guide director!
Francis C. Quebec, CA
Fantastic!! David and John were phenomenal. Can’t wait until my next trip
Michelle S. Dallas, TX
Good trip! Fast, educational, good guide - Paulo, good hotels, good food, good flights! A real travel bargain! Nice group of travelers. I'll travel on Gate 1 again. Already looking for another trip.
Karyn S. Ponte Vedra, FL
My trip was great! I really enjoyed my time in Colombia. It's a country that I would recommend anyone to visit. The tour guide person was very professional, informative, and sweet.
Shelly L. Philadelphia, PA
We are very pleased. It was an expectacular trip and the memories wil be with us for a long time. We will like to commend your Colombian Tour guide Diego. He was instrumental on the well-being of everyone on our tour. The only thing we can complain about, it the fact that time flew by so fast. We are looking forward to traveling again with you in the future.
Alexsandro B. Miami, FL
The trip was amazing!! Our guide Juan was EXCELLENT in every sense of the word! The other guides Pati and Vicki were amazing too! I will be using Gate 1 Travel for my future travels.
Salome G. Marietta, GA
Fantastic. Excellent. Guide staff very professional and entertaining. Well versed in the country, history and culture. Will go back again!
Margarita C. Cutler Bay, FL
The trip was great. We had an excellent guide Juan who took a very good care of everything. I would highly recommend this trip to Colombia to all my friends.
Galina O. Fair Lawn, NJ
Fantastic. We had a terrific time. The guides were very attentive and made our trip. Leon is the best!
Paulette A. Woodstock, GA
Thanks for putting such a great package together. Hoping to book the Morocco tour next.
Jennifer C. La Jolla, CA
The trip was better than what I was expecting. I thought much of the tour was on our own, but turns out, it was escorted most of the time. I got to see the highlights of Colombia and I am impressed of what I saw. I would recommend this trip to anyone looking for an experience in South America.
Rodger W. Narrows, VA
It was amazing.. I truly enjoy it... Love Gate 1 Travel. It was a small group, so we were like family. Tour manager was awesome. Thank you.
Maria R. Miami, FL
Best trip ever. Superb guide. Great fun. Nonstop entertainment.Would love to return to Columbia. Beautiful beaches, great hotel in Cartegena. A zoo on site. Just fabulous.
Dorothy D. Saint Louis, MO
Our trip was wonderful, we had a great time and our tour guide was amazing!! We loved our hotel in Cartagena, good job. We will be traveling with you guys again. Thanks for making our travel an amazing time.
Yrmaris V. Port of Spain, Trinidad
The 5 Day Classic Colombia Trip was fantastic! It was everything expected and more! The two tour guides Vicky and Juan were exceptional. I was particularly impressed with Vicky. Many thanks for a great trip and May of 2017, (Ecuador), will be my 3rd Gate 1 trip!
Kevin J. Covington, LA
Once again Gate1 provided a memorable experience. Our tour guide, Leon, the hotels, NH and Caribe, the city guides, Juan and Sam and all the Colombians we met were wonderful. They went out of their way to make our stay a treasured memory. Yo amo Colombia y Gate1!!!!
Denise F. Charlestown, RI
My trip was amazing!! I really enjoyed everything we did in Colombia. Our tour guide, Victoria, was so much fun and made such a difference in our experience. I highly recommend her for future trips to Colombia. I think it's my 4th trip with Gate 1. I've never been disappointed. I'm looking forward to Dubai next month.
Sylvia C. San Antonio, TX
Our trip was wonderful our guides Andres and Samuel were great the tours were great, Cartagena was like a sauna hot and steamy. The accommodations were great especially the Caribe in Cartagena. Food was good so all in all a great rip.
Geoffrey W. Toledo, OH
The trip was outstanding for me and my travel partner, Jeffery Stroud. The other people in this group were all friendly and outgoing personalities. I cannot applaud our in-country guide Karen, with enough accolades. She was always available, knowledgeable and cheerful. The flight home was very turbulent but we survived. Thanks also, to Gate 1 for sponsoring such a wonderful trip. Looking forward to booking the next experience.
John B. Brooklyn, NY