Geography Trip: Colombia’s Andes

Overview

Enhance your students’ understanding of new environments as they gain knowledge of 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 and 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 paramos.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Impacted

Example Itinerary

Day 1: Arrivals (Manizales)

Our team meets you at the airport arrivals gate before a private transfer from Manizales or Pereira airport to our beautiful mid-mountain lodge located in the majestic Andes. Intro to your Geography program, dinner, and a bonfire under the stars.

Day 2: Hiking unique ecosystems

Today, students experience a páramo ecosystem with a hike to Laguna del Otún. As well as a spectacular hike, they discover unique flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem that only exists in this part of the world. 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 three volcanoes in Los Nevados – Santa Isabel. They reach the misty glacial peak, passing otherworldly ecosystems like mysterious cloud forests and bizarre vegetation like frailejones.

Altitude: 4,700m

Time: 5-6 hours

Day 4: Coffee farm visit in Salento

Transfer to the region’s most popular and beautiful colonial town, Salento. Coffee farm visit, discovering a sustainable way of production. Free evening exploring the beautiful town, its cobbled streets and bustling markets.

Day 5: Award-winning forest conservation

Visit to an innovative and award-winning natural reserve that is helping to protect the surrounding tropical forest. 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 head into the Valle de Cocora, hiking under one of the tallest palm tree species in the world, through cloud forests, and to a beautiful hummingbird sanctuary. 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. 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 499 USD p/p (not including international flights)

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 paramos!).
Take part in a forest conservation project and learn about its global impact,
Discover new organisms and their Andean environments.
Explore how local communities interact with Andean ecocystems.

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: 531kg (round trip)
Panama – Medellin; Medellin – Pereira: 183kg (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.