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What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
So difficult as the tour was full of different experiences. I enjoyed Villa de Leyva and Cartagena, but for sheer fun it had to be the mud volcano!
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Leon was one of the best tour guides I have come across. He was very knowledgeable about Colombia, always professional and fun to be with.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Quite a few of us had problems with ATM machines so carrying a little extra cash might be prudent.
Do you have anything else to add?
I would recommend an earlier departure from Armenia to Cartagena as we wasted most of a day doing nothing.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
The short haired black cat semi attached to our hotel in Taganga; also Villa de Leyva, our hotel and the town itself. Most of the tour we had no hot water- only in Bogota and Villa de Leyva although some were luckier.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Pretty good, although some of the group felt he could have given information more readily at, for instance, the Jungle Trip in Tayrona Nat.Park. I didn't do this so cannot speak first hand.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Take couple of towels with you, just one measly little towel even in the hot and humid part of the tour and indeed our guide asked us to make it last more than one day . Take a univeral plug also,beyond hotels budgets?
Do you have anything else to add?
Being Spanish South America I had low expetations of standards on this tour. I expected troubles with hot water but not almost all the time. Hot water Only in Bogota and Villa de Leyva- some were luckier. Take spare towels-one tiny towel each even in hot and humid weather.Taker universal plug.
Our response
Thank you for your review. We have noted your disappointment with not receiving a discount on your holiday. A regular travellers discount is applied on a booking once a customer has reached their 5th booking with us. We have looked into your tour group and have noted that there were many regular Explore travellers on your trip, who would have received the discount. However we would advise you to keep an eye out for our special deals and discounts which we have on our holidays throughout the year.
We can imagine your frustration with the lack of hot water available to you on your trip. The amount available can change on a daily basis; however our Operations Manager has noted your comments.
As you are aware due to FCO advice, we did have to change the tour slightly, but we are concerned that you felt an included excursion on your trip was changed to an optional activity, which incurred a cost. Our Operations Manager is currently checking this with our local agent and we will be in contact with you directly if this was the case.
What was the highlight or most memorable moment of your tour?
I actually enjoyed the whole tour imensely. It was much better than I had expected, considering the country's history/background.
How was your Explore Tour Leader?
Leon was an excellent leader. Knew his stuff very well. Very helpful.
What tips would you give to someone else booking this tour?
Go for it. Just be prepared for rain.
Great introduction to a beautiful country off limits for too long but now pretty safe. Apart from the stunning scenery in the Andes and valleys, there are wonderful examples of Spanish colonial architecture (Villa de Leyva and Cartegena) and of tropical beaches (Tayrona National Park). But there were unexpected delights too: the tranquil area around Manizales and Armenia where the coffee is grown and the La Cueva in Baranquilla where Gabriel Garcia Marquez partied with his literary cronies in the 1950s, and two great museums in Bogota (the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum) where you get a real feel for a creative past and present.
The itinerary, taking in so many different parts of the country, is well planned and active without being hectic. Our guide was fully briefed on all aspects of his country and found the wit and enthusiasm to entertain us throughout. For once, the tourist strap line - "Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay" - is spot on! (BCO -30th July 2011)
