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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
Back to topThose passengers travelling on our group carrier (Iberia and Avianca) from London have departure tax from Colombia included, however passengers travelling on other carriers may have to pay 30 US$ departure tax when leaving Colombia (please check with your airline or travel agent when booking or ask your tour leader on arrival). All domestic departure taxes are included in the price of your holiday.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Local Staff: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. In restaurants and hotels a ‘voluntary’ 15% tax for service is included on bills (which, of course, is not voluntary at all!). On top of this, it is common to leave no more than a further 5% for good service. Also, some local staff look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. Accordingly you should allow approx. US $30 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).
Recommended Currency: The US dollar is generally the best currency to take. Bills should be new, clean and without marks or tears.
Where to Exchange: Available at airport. Your Tour Leader can also advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs can be found in almost every bank in all large towns and cities and are probably one of the most convenient ways to obtain Colombian pesos. Using a debit card from a bank that doesn’t charge for cash withdrawals abroad is best.
Credit Card Acceptance: Most major hotels, restaurants and stores accept credit cards.
Travellers Cheques: Not all banks will change travellers cheques and the charges can vary from between 2-5%. American Express travellers cheques are generally easier to exchange.
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| UK | Colombia | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | $0.75 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | $0.60 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | $0.60 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | $2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | $7.50 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | $15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | $12.00 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
Back to topVisas are not required by UK, AUS, NZ, USA, or CAN citizens.
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Please note: Please note that flights on the tour may transit through the USA. According to US law, passengers will have to disembark, collect luggage and clear immigration before re-boarding for the onward flight.
Holders of the UK, AUS, NZ, CAN and several EU country passports can enter the United States without a visa under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if they hold a machine readable passport. They must also be entering the country by sea or air on a carrier participating in the visa waiver scheme, holding a return/onward ticket. As well as being machine readable, if your passport was issued on or after 26 October 2005, it must contain both a digital photograph of the holder and also an integrated circuit chip that stores biographic information.
All passengers travelling to the USA under the Visa Waiver Programme must provide their details online no later than 72 hours prior to travel. British travellers who have not registered before their trip are likely to be detained and sent home. In addition to passport information, you must also supply the full address of your first night’s accommodation in the USA. This information can be obtained from your joining instructions which are sent out approximately 3 weeks before travel.
Anyone applying for ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) to travel under the Visa Waiver system will be charged a fee of 14USD (9GBP).
For more information, and to apply online, please visit the following website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Once obtained, the application will be valid for a period of two years, or for the validity of your passport (whichever is shorter).
For more information about who is eligible for the VWP, or any other questions you may have regarding your eligibility, or machine readable passports, please contact your local consular office, or visit www.usembassy.org.uk
Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, Infectious hepatitis, typhoid and polio. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria (eg. Paludrine, Chloroquine, Mefloquine etc.). We recommend passengers have protection against Yellow Fever and carry their certificate with them. Dengue Fever is endemic in Latin America and across the Caribbean; no vaccine against Dengue Fever currently exists. The best protection is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topParts of this trip are undertaken at high altitude - the realm of thin, cold, dry air. Whilst this is unlikely to be a problem it is wise to be aware of how it may affect you. On the trip up to the Glacier del Ruiz in Los Nevados NP, the bus takes us up to an altitude of 4800m and there is an option to take a walk (3 hrs) up to 5000m if you feel fit enough.
Back to topThe dry season in Colombia roughly runs from December to March/April and also a slightly ‘dryer’ period from July to September. These are among the best times to travel, although visits outside of these months are very manageable. The Caribbean coast is very hot and humid all year round (always around or above 30ºC), although the offshore breeze between December and March makes this a more popular time to visit. Due to the high altitude locations of places like Bogota, Manizales and Armenia temperatures here can be quite cool during ‘winter’ months (Nov to Mar/Apr) and the nights are cool to cold at anytime of the year. The coffee harvest seasons are March to May and September to November; it is during these periods that it is possible to see the red coffee beans and watch the whole process of coffee production.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topLightweight clothing is essential for the Caribbean coast with long sleeve shirts and trousers ideal to provide protection from the sun and insect bites. Warm clothing is essential the Andean section of the tour, especially in the evenings - the temperature can drop at night and it has been known to snow on the high ground. A waterproof is essential as it can rain at any time of year.
Back to topComfortable hiking boots/trekking shoes, shoes and/or sandals.
Back to topA torch, water bottle, good quality sunglasses, sun hat, insect repellent and high factor sunscreen are all essential. Don’t forget your swimming things and a small towel.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topMost of the roads on this tour are in a good condition, however slow-moving trucks and occasional army checkpoints can make even the short journeys we have planned take a bit longer than the distances suggest.
Safety: Colombia has taken big strides forward in recent years and key to this there has been the improved security situation. We strictly adhere to foreign office advice and constantly monitor local events and development through our network of contacts and our ground supplier.
Back to topArea: 1,141,748 sq km (similar to France, Spain and Portugal together).
Population: 43 million.
Language: Spanish.
Religion: 90% Roman Catholic.
Local Time: GMT -5.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 110v 60Hz. Two pin flat blade plugs.
Recharging Batteries: Possible in all the hotels.
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