Colombia Multisport - Activexpedition

Overview

Join this multi-activity expedition in some of the most beautiful places of Colombia, hike, bike and raft through canyons and forests, taste local flavors and enjoy amazing organic coffee.

Accommodation is provided at charming eco-lodges and boutique hotels.

Highlights

Explore Bogota
Hike to Guatavita Lagoon
Hike in Villa de Leyva
Bike to Barichara
Biking the Canyon of Suarez
Raft the Chicamocha River
Rappel down waterfalls in the forest
Explore some of the most charming small villages

Activities

Biking
Hiking
Swimming
Rafting
Culture
Rappel
Wildlife

Activity level

Easy To Moderated

Skill Ratings

Skill Level 3 – Moderate

Skill Ratings Information

SKILL LEVEL 1 – NEWBIE

You’ve never ridden a mountain bike before.

SKILL LEVEL 2 – BEGINNER

You have limited experience with off-road trail riding.

SKILL LEVEL 3 – NOVICE

You’re hooked on riding off-road and wide dirt trails (atv trails or doubletrack), but still lack the skills and confidence to consistently ride terrain with roots, rocks, tight corners, tight trees and steeps. Singletrack – what is singletrack?

SKILL LEVEL 4 – STRONG NOVICE

Your dedication to mountain biking has led you to your first handful of rides on real singletrack. You enjoy smooth mellow singletrack, although often the trees feel too tight, the climbs come too quick to shift and have you walking, and the obstacles have you a bit surprised as you did not even know people ride right over logs!

SKILL LEVEL 5 – INTERMEDIATE

At a controlled speed and on mellow singletrack terrain, you are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand. You are comfortable and confident rolling over small obstacles (a couple inches high) like roots, rocks and small rollable drops (a couple inches high). On rare occasions you take your wheels off the ground intentionally. You are now becoming comfortable in anticipating terrain and shift gears accordingly and you are comfortable using both front and rear brakes when required.

SKILL LEVEL 6 – STRONG INTERMEDIATE

You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on more challenging terrain. You are comfortable and confident with a front wheel lift and rear wheel lift to get up and over larger obstacles (up to 6 inches) such as roots and rocks that are not rollable. When climbing you shift your bodyweight forward in efforts to keep traction on your front wheel. Climbing is typically successful, unless technical roots, rocks or corners have you walking a short section. You are comfortable with speed and letting go of your brakes as long as you can see the

exit or end of the descent. You are also now grasping effective cornering techniques although still need to work on your timing and coordination.

SKILL LEVEL 7 – ADVANCED

You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on aggressive terrain with little braking. You can hop over obstacles such as small roots and rocks that less advanced riders may wheel lift over. You use the brakes sparingly, and are open to taking some air off little rocks and roots. Your timing and coordination on all types of berms is solid. You are comfortable leaning your bike through the corner and exit with acceleration.

SKILL LEVEL 8 – EXPERT

You are comfortable riding a variety of singletrack which may include tight trees, mud, loose rocks and sand and are comfortable doing so on aggressive terrain with little braking. You rarely, if ever, walk. Small drops are no issue for you and you are comfortable with having both wheels leave the ground. Climbing technical roots, rocks and switchbacks are no issue for you. You use the brakes sparingly and air off of every rock, root and drop you can find. Your timing and coordination on all types of berms, switchbacks and corners is solid. You are comfortable leaning your bike through fast corners and exit with acceleration.

SKILL LEVEL 9 – PRO

You are a mountain bike god/goddess. You can handle the most technical terrain imaginable, eat up steeps for breakfast and can hit all the gaps, drops and jumps any trail throws at you.

Fitness Rating

Fitness Level 6

Fitness Ratings Information

FITNESS LEVEL 1

You are a couch potato.

You cannot ride for more than half an hour on flat terrain at a time, and the thought of climbing on a bike is daunting.

You exercise less than 1 hour per week.

FITNESS LEVEL 2

You live a fairly inactive life with little physical activity other than walking.

You can handle a 1-hour bike ride on flat terrain at a relaxed pace.

Small, short hills are challenging to climb, but are sometimes manageable.

You exercise on average 1 hour per week (including riding a mountain bike).

FITNESS LEVEL 3

You are capable of 2 hours of pedal time in a day at a relaxed pace, as long as there are several breaks.

You can handle one or two easy climbs of up to 330 vertical feet (150 m) total.

You exercise on average 2 hours per week (including riding a mountain bike).

FITNESS LEVEL 4

You are capable of climbing up to 650 vertical feet (200 m) in a day.

You exercise on average 3 hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

FITNESS LEVEL 5

You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 2-3 hours of pedal time each day.

You are confident climbing up to a total of 1,000 vertical feet (300 m) in a day.

You exercise on average 4 hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

FITNESS LEVEL 6

You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.

You can handle moderately steep climbs of up to a total of 1,650 vertical feet (500 m) in a day.

You exercise on average 5 hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

FITNESS LEVEL 7

You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.

You can handle moderate climbs up to 2,450 vertical feet (750 m) total in a day.

You exercise on average 6 hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

FITNESS LEVEL 8

You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.

You have little trouble climbing 3,280 vertical feet (1,000 m) in a day on moderate to steep terrain..

You exercise on average 6-10 hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

FITNESS LEVEL 9

You are capable of riding at a moderate pace for an average of 3-4 hours of pedal time each day.

You can handle steep, sustained climbs of up to 4,920 vertical feet (1,500 m) in a day.

You exercise over 10-hours per week.

Your exercise regime includes a combination of endurance training like riding a bike and strength training.

Season

Year around

Minimum age

12 years old

Full Itinerary

Day 1

BEAUTIFUL BOGOTA

Hit the streets of the city where the past meets the present. Bogota, the capital of Colombia is a dazzling city located high in the Andes mountains. Founded in 1538, this bustling metropolis is the intersection of Carribean and Andean cultures. Music can be heard from the street corners as the cities 8 million inhabitants make transit to work, to chat with neighbors, or to sip on a cup of the countries world-renowned coffee.

Although there are no planned activities for your first day, we recommend taking a stroll through the city’s historic downtown and visit one of the many museums or beautiful colonial churches. If you prefer to get away a bit, you can go up in the cable car to Monserrate, one of the cities miradors (viewpoints) to take in the spectacular vista of the city. For a more local experience, a trip to one of the colorful markets where you can stroll the aisles of delicately stacked layers of fruits is a must.

If you would prefer a guided tour on your first day we would be happy to help arrange one for you at extra cost depending on your interests!

There is a mandatory meeting at 18:00 to meet your guide and the rest of the group and to talk to you about the upcoming days’ expedition.

Overnight: Hotel de la Opera or Similar
Meals Included: none

Day 2

HIKE GUATAVITA AND TRAVEL TO VILLA DE LEYVA

This morning after breakfast we will travel to Guatavita, there we will go hiking to acclimatize while enjoying the view of the beautiful laggon, you will also learn from your guides about the Legend of El Dorado.

In the afternoon we will continue our road trip to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful charming small village where we will spend the next two nights.

Overnight: Casa Boutique Villa de Leyva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3

HIKING TO CARCAVAS

This day we will start hiking form our hotel door, up to the highlands of Villa de Leyva, we will start ascending into a beautiful forest, these rocky trails are hundreds of years old, once we reach the top of the trail we will explore the Carvavas, these amazing formations are product of erosion. We will also have some of the best views of the surrounding valleys. Later we continue back to town to enjoy a delicious dinner and the fun nightlife.

Overnight: Casa Boutique Villa de Leyva or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4

BIKING TO BARICHARA

Our adventure continues traveling to the city of San Hill, from there we will start riding our bikes and enjoying the views of this beautiful region, our ride goas to Barichara, a small village known for its cobblestone streets, its old churches and colorful plazas, our guides will take you to the most representative and historic places, and later we will continue to the hotel.

Overnight: Casa Barichara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 5

BIKING CANYON SUAREZ & RAFTING THE CHICAMOCHA RIVER

After breakfast we will start our cross country biking ride down into the Canyon Suarez, the ride will be mostly downhill into nature with a mix of dirt roads with very light traffic and single track, we will go across a bridge and the ride to Jordan town, there we will have some delicious lunch prepared by a local family, and after a quick rest we will drive for few minutes to the Chicamocha river, one of the most fun for rafting in this region, once we arrive at the river we will have a safety talk from the guides, and then we will start paddling the class III and IV rapids, down the river we will see beautiful scenery of the dry forest and amazing rock formations that are unique in the whole world, after a couple of hours we will stop on the riverside to have an snacks and drinks picnic and then travel back to the hotel.

Overnight: Casa Barichara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6

TREK CAMINO REAL AND FREE AFTERNOON TO EXPLORE BARICHARA

This historical trail winds along the hillsides and along a beautiful canyon; a cobblestone path bordered by stone walls and lush green countryside. Originally built by the indigenous Guane people, it was most recently restored in 1864, The trail is mostly downhill, but although it's not particularly strenuous, we will be starting early to avoid the heat of midday. In the Afternoon we return to Barichara by car and have the rest of the day to explore the local workshops and restaurants.

Overnight: Casa Barichara or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7

WATERFALLS AND TRAVEL TO BUCARAMANGA

In the morning we will go by car to San Gil, and then to Juan Curi Waterfalls, we will walk for hike for about one hour and have some time to refresh ourselves at this sacred waters, later we set up all our ropes gear and the rappel down the waterfalls.

In the afternoon we will go to Bucaramanga and at night we will have a traditional farewell dinner.

Overnight: Hotel Dan Carlton or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 8

DEPARTURE

After breakfast you are free to explore or to take a flight to Bogota for your international connection.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Let's design your adventure

Included

Top Experienced Certified English-Speaking Guide
Private Transport
Accommodation for seven nights
Meals according to the Itinerary
Water and snacks at all time
Biking gear: Quality hybrid bikes, certified helmets and gloves
Rafting Gear including helmets and lifejackets
Ropes, helmets and harnesses for rappel
All fees to reserves and museums

Not Included

International flights
Airport transfers
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips for guides and drivers
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional activities

Important Information

Itinerary Disclaimer: Even though we have a detailed itinerary, changes can be made by your guides, due to weather or safety reasons. Please also note that none of the wildlife sightings mentioned on the itinerary are guaranteed.
Visas and Passports: Make sure you check your visa and passport validity and requirements per country. It is important your passport is valid for at least 6 months before your travel.
Accommodation: We strive to use small and charming places that are unique and provide stellar service.
Single Supplement Costs: Generally this fee is not incurred as we match you with another person of the same gender in a twin room, but if you prefer not to share and have your own room, then there will be an associated fee
Transportation: Driving time can take more than expected in Colombia, as it is a country with roads meandering through the Andes mountains. We assure your comfort during transit no matter the size of the group.
Gear: We always make sure our guests have top of the line gear from well-known and reputable international brands as we understand that the best gear gives extra confidence to our guests.
Level of Activity: This trip is considered as 3 out of 5. No prior experience is required, and your guides will always brief you about safety and proper use of gear on every leg of the trip. Trekking will take place on varying terrain of dirt and rock; biking on a gravel, dirt and single tracks with very light traffic and paved roads with light traffic; there will be a transport support for the majority of the activities in the case that someone wants to take a break or just wants to relax.
Weather and Elevation: The Climate of Colombia is characterized for being tropical and isothermal as a result of its geographical location near the Equator presenting variations within five natural regions and depending on the altitude, temperature, humidity, winds and rainfall. Each region maintains an average temperature throughout the year only presenting variables determined by precipitation during a rainy season caused by the Intertropical Convergence Zone. The climates in Colombia are characterized for having tropical rainforests, savannas, steppes, deserts and mountain climate, mountain climate further divided into tierra caliente (hot land) tierra templada (temperate land) tierra fría (cold land), tierra helada (frozen land) and Páramo. Sometimes the weather of Colombia is altered by the seasons in northern hemisphere, for example, from March to June, the weather is mild Spring, from June to August the weather is hot Summer, From September to December the weather is cool Autumn, and from December to March the weather is cold Winter. This happens very rarely, and it is usually a slight difference.
Sustainability: We do our best to not produce any trash; we believe that recycling is not enough, so we try to avoid using any plastic or materials that pollute our environment. Every day we work towards being a zero-waste tour operator and our staff is well trained to leave the least impact possible in our service areas. We also work with local indigenous communities in the different regions. By doing so we are able to teach our guests about the rich culture Colombia, all the while helping the people preserve their traditions and lands. By working directly with local peoples, we are able to create a sustainable touristic income for the community.
Guides: All our guides have a professional background from the Tourism University; this means they have a degree in guiding, so their knowledge and skills when leading a group are top-notch. Each guide has many years of experience and they all have taken additional courses for other outdoor activities as well as have International First-Aid certifications. On top of all of this, they are all extremely personable and strive to deliver travel experiences of a lifetime.
Heath advices: no vaccinations needed for this trip.

Packing list

We do recommend travelling light for this expedition. A duffel bag of 50 litters for your luggage and a backpack of 20 litters for daily activities should be sufficient. In Colombia, the weather can change every day.

Passport
Credit card
Two pairs of lightweight hiking pants
Two pairs of shorts
One bathing suit
Four non-cotton T-shirts
One cotton T-shirts
One water T-shirt
One rain jacket
One pair of rain pants
Two buffs
One pair of hiking shoes
One pair of tennis or trail shoes
One pair of water sandals
One- or two-night outfits
One cap or hat
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Camera
Head lamp
Optional binoculars

NOTE: Laundry is available almost at every location, this helps traveling light too.

Terms & Conditions

REGULAR SEASON PRICE BASED ON NUMBER OF GUESTS FOR SHARED DEPARTURES:

DEALS - EARLY BIRD 2024

^$2025_{/per person}

All premium features
Solo travelers are welcome on sharing room basis otherwise single supplement applies
Departures: September to December

2 - 3 guests

^$2250_{/per person}

All premium features
Every sunday

4 or more guests

^$1650_{/per person}

All premium features
Every sunday

Go private

We are ready to meet your needs and put together an unforgettable experience.

Colombia Multisport 8 days $2250