Colombia's Cartagena, Medellín, and the Amazing Amazon in 11 Days
Discover Colombia’s wild beauty and culture on an 11-day journey as you meet Ticuna communities, spot pink river dolphins, and snorkel coral reefs off Cartagena’s islands.
Your trip at a glance
Top Activities
Exploring the intoxicating and varied cities of Medellin and Cartagena like a local
Meeting the indigenous Ticuna people of the Colombian Amazon
Marveling at tiny pygmy marmosets: adorable Amazon natives that rank among Earth’s smallest primates
Seeing freshwater pink river dolphins finning alongside your boat while cruising Amazon lagoons
Snorkeling on the Caribbean coral reefs of Islas del Rosario during an island-hopping boat excursion
Bienvenidos a Bogotá!
Off to the Amazon: Leticia and Mocagua
Animal Adventures With Pygmy Marmosets and Squirrel Monkeys
Pink and Gray River Dolphins By Boat
Butterfly Gardens and the Search for the Ever-Elusive Monk Saki
Show All 11 days
The Early Bird Gets the Birdwatching
A Deep Dive Into Magical Medellín
Day Trip to the Village and Dam of Guatapé — and Onward to Cartagena!
Sea Breezes and Breezy Neighborhoods of Cool Cartagena
Snorkeling and Fresh Seafood in Islas del Rosario
Hasta Luego, Colombia!
Animal Adventures With Pygmy Marmosets and Squirrel Monkeys
Overview
Get ready to see one-of-a-kind wildlife that only exists in this part of the world! Rise and shine early this morning to embark on a sunrise boat trip to Mocagua, where you’ll learn about an important project run by the local Ticuna community. You’ll visit Fundacion Maikuchiga, a wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to the welfare of primates rescued from the illegal animal trade or raised in captivity. Before arriving at the center, you’ll quietly observe one of the area’s rare species, the pygmy marmoset, in the jungle trails surrounding the building. After your guided tour of the foundation, stroll through the surrounding forest to witness other native animals, including squirrel monkeys, the yellow-handed Titi monkey, and the Spix’s night monkey, known for its noisy calls. You’ll then make your way back to Calanao on foot, looking for more birds and wildlife, such as the tree-dwelling rat. En route, you’ll stop in Mocagua village to see murals painted by the Ticuna people, with an opportunity to connect with them during your visit. In the afternoon, you can choose from optional birding and wildlife tours. One will take you to a local Peruvian village on Mocagua Island, where you can look for the Pink River Dolphin, while another will take you fishing or jungle trekking in Amacayacu National Natural Park. You’ll arrive back at the lodge in time to enjoy the sunset over the Amazon River and a hearty Colombian dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Highlights
Endemic Primates and Pygmy Marmoses at Fundacion Maikuchiga
As one of the world’s smallest primates of just 100 grams, pygmy marmosets dwell along the river in bamboo groves and other dense foliage, and are absolutely amazing to see in the wild. At home in the Amazon forests of South America, they use their sharp teeth to bite into tree trunks to extract sap to eat. During your visit to the Ticuna-run Fundacion Maikuchiga, you’ll have the chance to see these adorable creatures, as well as other animals being nursed back to health. Look forward to up close encounters with red howler monkeys, Humboldt’s wooly monkeys, white-fronted capuchins, and more.
Ticuna Culture and Connections in Mocagua
During a visit to the village of Mocagua, you’ll get to meet members of the indigenous Ticuna tribe, who speak both the Cocama and Yagua dialects. Admire a community mural art project run by the Calanao Foundation and learn how the lodge works together with the local community to reclaim and preserve ancestral knowledge through the painting of these beautiful murals.
Guided Birding or Wildlife Tour (optional)
Choose your own adventure in the Colombian Amazon during an optional afternoon tour focused on the area’s vast array of wildlife. Whether you’re interested in seeing some 500 different species of birds in Amacayacu National Natural Park, fishing in the nearby rivers, or glimpsing other forms of local wildlife — from pink river dolphins to manatees, toads, and jaguars — half-day tours abound that maximize your time in this special area.
Accommodations
Calanoa Amazonas (or similar)
With just a few cabins, this remote lodge set back from the Amazon River is Colombia's finest jungle oasis. Design details are everywhere, and each cabin boasts unique inspiration and decor that connects it to the surrounding wilderness while offering a serene and protected place to sleep. Many cabins feel like tree houses and connect by winding pathways through the jungle and the surrounding 40-hectare reserve. Do note that there's no hot water or air conditioning here, but mosquito nets and excellent food and hospitality provide all the comforts you may need.
Location:
Rio Amazonas- Km 60, Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia
Phone:
+573118424392
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What's included
Included in the final price
- Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
- 24/7 on-the-ground support
- On-trip concierge service
- Personalized trip crafting
- Entry and exit information and assistance
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Ten nights of accommodation in unique guest houses across Colombia, with daily breakfasts
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Amazon hotel
- Domestic flights from Bogota to Leticia, Leticia to Medellin, and Medellin to Cartagena
- Bilingual English/Spanish-speaking certified local guides, where mentioned
- All meals, activities, tickets, and entrances fees mentioned in the itinerary
- Private and semi-private tours, with refreshments and snacks, as mentioned in the itinerary
Not included in the final price
- International flights tickets
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything listed as optional in the itinerary