Geography trip: Colombia’s Andes

Overview

Enhance your students’ understanding of new environments as they learn how to protect some of the Andes’ most remarkable yet fragile ecosystems.

As one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Colombia boasts astounding nature and enthralling geography – your students will explore its Andean mountains alongside experts in the field.

This Geography trip in Colombia’s Andes includes a visit to an award-winning native forest conservation project, expert-led workshops, and a journey into Andean ecosystems known as páramos.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Your experiences

Multi-day hikes

Hike National Parks

Guided by mountaineers

Reach Andean peaks

Camp under the stars

Witness glacial peaks

Discover new ecosystems

Help preserve forests

See wax palm trees

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Manizales)

Our team will meet you at the arrivals gate before a private transfer from Manizales or Pereira airport to our beautiful mid-mountain lodge nestled in the majestic Andes. There will then be an intro to your geography program, dinner, and a bonfire under the stars.

Day 2: Hiking unique ecosystems

Today, students will experience a páramo ecosystem with a spectacular hike to Lake Otún. After the hike, they’ll discover unique flora and fauna in this one-of-a-kind environment. Watch out for Andean condors!

Altitude: 3,950m

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 3: Hiking unique ecosystems

The students’ next hike heads up one of the three volcanoes in Los Nevados – the towering Santa Isabel. They’ll reach the misty glacial peak, passing otherworldly ecosystems like mysterious cloud forests and bizarre vegetation like frailejones.

Altitude: 4,700m

Walking Time: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Coffee farm visit in Salento

Students will travel to the region’s most popular and beautiful colonial town, Salento. They’ll enjoy a coffee farm visit and discover a sustainable form of coffee production. They’ll enjoy a free evening exploring the beautiful town’s cobbled streets and bustling markets.

Day 5: Award-winning forest conservation

You’ll visit an innovative and award-winning nature reserve that is helping to protect the surrounding tropical forest. Students will tour the site alongside a local expert and take part in a memorable reforestation activity. The expert team will hold an evening workshop, giving students the chance to learn conservation methods.

Day 6: Hiking in Los Nevados National Park

Students will head into the Valle de Cocora, hiking under one of the tallest palm tree species in the world. They’ll hike through cloud forests to a beautiful hummingbird sanctuary. The day will end with a memorable overnight camping experience.

Altitude: 3,800m

Walking Time: 6 hours

Day 7: Hiking in Los Nevados National Park

Students set off early, ascending an alternative route in the Cocora Valley and entering a different ecosystem. They’ll return to Salento for a farewell dinner in the town center.

Altitude: 2,400m

Walking Time: 6 hours

Day 8: Departures

Private airport transfer to either Pereira or Manizales airport.

Essential information

Locations visited: Salento, Pereira, Los Nevados National Park

Cost: From 599 USD p/p (not including international flights, travel insurance)

Teachers: Teachers travel for free

Language: Spanish or English

Accommodation: Traditional farmhouse in Los Nevados National Park and camping under the stars in Cocora Valley. The group stays in hotels and eco-lodges in Pereira and Salento

Alternative destinations: Peru, Mexico & Ecuador

  • Free teacher places (contact us to find out more)
  • Overnight stays in hotels, mountain lodges and campsites
  • Internal transfers
  • Risk assessment and vital safety protocols
  • Health insurance
  • Full liability
  • Private and public transport
  • All meals (we’ve chosen varied dishes to give a real taste of Colombia)
  • ​Local biologist guides
  • Expert Kagumu local guides

Your students will:

  • Develop a greater understanding of new and unique ecosystems (like the amazing páramos!).
  • Take part in a forest conservation project and learn about its global impact.
  • Discover new organisms in their Andean environments.
  • Explore how local communities interact with Andean ecosystems.

We have worked out that this trip generates an average of 61kg of CO₂e per person. This includes all the carbon equivalent emissions (CO₂e) from your trip including accommodation, food, transport, guides, and staff operations.

Extra potential CO₂e emissions from your journey to and from Colombia
New York – Bogota; Bogota – Pereira: 531 kg (round trip)
Panama – Medellin; Medellin – Pereira: 183 kg (round trip)

You can read more about how we measure our carbon emissions by reading our climate action policy here.

Book this itinerary or tailor one to suit your curriculum by contacting us.

Fully Customizable

Remember we customize every itinerary to your curriculum. If you have a specifc academic focus in mind, allow us to tailor a trip for you.

Contact Us