Our Team
Our Tour Experts
Heroes and Heroines
Sip Colombian Coffee
Ride on a WWII Willys Jeep and learn about the Colombian coffee making process.
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![Amy Waters snow biking]()
Our Team
Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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![William Dalrymple]()
Our Tour Experts
We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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![Liz Bonnin]()
Heroes and Heroines
The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
Highlights of Colombia & Sail Rosario Islands
This journey through Colombia takes in a host of the nation’s highlights, from the grand colonial churches and street art of Bogota to the UNESCO World Heritage city and coffee-growing regions of Cartagena.
With just a sprinkling of internal flights and some indulgent nights spent aboard a privately chartered yacht exploring the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands, this is a beyond the ordinary way to experience the “gateway to South America“.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
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Old Town Cartagena
Wander the charming avenues and colourful cobbled streets of Old Town Cartagena.
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Sail Rosario Islands
Sail on a privately chartered yacht, navigating the white sandy beaches of the Rosario Islands.
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Whitewashed Town
Visit whitewashed colonial Villa de Leyva, which appears to be frozen in time.
Why we like it
Suited to culture and coffee enthusiasts and those who relish the thought of sailing on a private super yacht around the lesser visited Rosario Islands, Colombia is a country of contrasts. In a place that contains timeworn walled cities, maintains a rich coffee culture and hosts a plethora of marine creatures in its Caribbean waters, this journey takes in some of the extremes of the nation’s north-west regions. Combining the effortlessness that comes with travelling with private guides and drivers with a custom-made itinerary that connects the highlights of Colombia, the route unveils some of the hugely varying landscapes that make up this expansive region. Throw in a unique cooking workshop with a local chef, a careful balancing of valleys with a graffiti-clad city and coffee tours in a WWII Willys Jeep, and this journey through the “gateway to South America” becomes truly extraordinary.
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Days 1-2
Bogota
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Day 3
Bogota - Villa de Leyva
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Day 4
Villa de Leyva
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Day 5
Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Armenia
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Day 6
Armenia
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Day 7
Armenia - Cartagena
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Days 8-9
Cartagena
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Days 10-12
Rosarios Islands & Isla Baru
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Day 13
Cartagena - Bogota
Days 1-2
Bogota
Day 3
Bogota - Villa de Leyva
Day 4
Villa de Leyva
Visit whitewashed colonial Villa de Leyva, which appears to be frozen in time, and people-watch in the plaza.
Day 5
Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Armenia
Day 6
Armenia
Ride on a WWII Willys Jeep and learn about the Colombian coffee making process from plantation to cup.
Day 7
Armenia - Cartagena
Days 8-9
Cartagena
Wander the charming avenues and colourful cobbled streets of Old Town Cartagena and pick up souvenirs.
Days 10-12
Rosarios Islands & Isla Baru
Stay on-board on a privately chartered yacht, navigating around the white sandy beaches of the Rosario Islands.
Day 13
Cartagena - Bogota
More details
WWII Willys Jeep Tour
Colombia is known for producing some of the finest coffee in the world, so time spent in the fertile valleys of Armenia will appeal to even the pickiest cafelier. Explore the region on foot, by horseback and in a former US Army vehicle otherwise known as a WWII Willys Jeep. In the company of an expert local guide, move through the stunning Cocora Valley and the foothills of the Los Nevados Mountains, traversing cattle pastures and temperate rainforests and discovering the complexities of coffee bean growing en route. When not learning how to prepare a good espresso, macchiato or mocaccino from a professional barista, journey to Pereira to amble “the city without doors” where no one is treated as an outsider.
Private Super Yacht Charter in the Rosario Islands
For a supremely indulgent end to a journey through the mainland of Colombia, charter a private super yacht and set sail to explore the Rosario Islands. Made up of over 40 islands located some 20 miles off the coast of Cartagena, the sparkling archipelago is overflowing with sandy beaches and vibrant coral reefs. Take to the warm and clear Caribbean waters to kayak, paddle board and swim amongst stunning marine life. Accommodating up to seven people in three rooms, the Ocean Phoenix is an exclusive-use super yacht with indulgent al fresco dining and timeless styling throughout. We have based our pricing suggestion on just two people chartering the vessel, but a full boat charter would reduce the price by approximately a third.
Bicycle Tour of Bogota
The sprawling metropolis of Bogota, still fringed with shanty towns to the south, merges enchanting churches, vibrant cultural events, engaging museums and a plethora of gastronomic experiences. The Baroque and Spanish colonial architecture and plazas of historic La Candelaria are some of the city’s biggest draws, while the modern uptown zone is packed with restaurants and cafes abuzz with a new generation of “rolos” revelling in an era of peace and stability. Hop on a privately guided bicycle tour of historic central Bogota, the canvas for highly imaginative and colourful graffiti and murals, to learn about the strong social and political messages of current and past injustices conveyed by the artists. Afterwards, sample traditional Colombian cuisine at one of our favourite eateries.
Cartagena & Villa de Leyva
In the company of a professional chef, meander through the labyrinth of lively streets and plazas that make up Old Town Cartagena, the port city encased within several miles of thick, fortified walls. Arriving at the colourful Bazurto Market, sift through fresh vegetables, fruits, spices and grains before returning to the chef’s own home to prepare and cook lunch together. Perhaps also travel to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, the photogenic whitewashed village that is almost untouched by time. Set in a peaceful mountain valley, the national monument village is brimming with convents and churches and neighboured by the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Infiernito. Visit its traditional farmers market with a private guide, tasting some of the dishes and perhaps purchasing a bottle of the town’s famous chilli sauce.
Start planning your trip
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £12,135 Per person
When to travel
Colombia in January
December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes. December and January, in particular, is a busy time both for locals and tourists holidaying, so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Colombia in February
December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes.
Colombia in March
December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes.
Colombia in April
April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.
Colombia in May
April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.
Colombia in June
April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.
Colombia in July
July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.
Colombia in August
July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.
Colombia in September
July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.
Colombia in October
October and November are the wettest months in much of the country, so visitor numbers are low. Road travel can become tricky, but periods of bright sunshine can still be enjoyed.
Colombia in November
October and November are the wettest months in much of the country, so visitor numbers are low. Road travel can become tricky, but periods of bright sunshine can still be enjoyed.
Colombia in December
December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes. December and January, in particular, is a busy time both for locals and tourists holidaying, so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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