Colombia Whale Watching & Nature Tour
10 Days
Colombia Whale Watching Nature Tour
Travel across three extraordinary regions of Colombia on a small-group journey combining Andean culture, coffee country, Pacific rainforest, humpback whales and the tropical landscapes of the Caribbean.
Beginning in Bogotá, the route crosses the Coffee Region and Medellín before flying into the remote forests and beaches of Bahía Solano. The journey concludes beside the Caribbean Sea, with a full day exploring Tayrona National Natural Park.
Pacific, Andes & Caribbean: One Journey Across Colombia
Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá
Arrive at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, where our local representative will meet the group and arrange the transfer into the city. At approximately 2,600 metres above sea level, Bogotá requires a gentle first afternoon. Settle in, rest after the international journey and begin acclimatising before the adventure starts the following morning. Overnight in Bogotá at a standard hotel. (–)
Day 2 | Bogotá City Tour – Flight to Pereira – Salento
After breakfast, explore La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic centre, walking at a comfortable pace through colonial streets towards Plaza Bolívar. Depending on opening hours and the domestic flight schedule, visit the Gold Museum or ascend Monserrate for broad views across the Andes. Later, fly to Pereira and continue by local transport to Salento. Overnight in Salento at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 3 | Cocora Valley and Colombian Coffee Country
Walk through the Cocora Valley beneath the immense Quindío wax palms, Colombia’s national trees. The surrounding cloud forest is also habitat for hummingbirds, yellow-eared parrots and the rarely observed Andean condor. Later, visit a working coffee farm and learn how Colombian coffee is traditionally grown, harvested, processed, roasted and prepared. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Overnight in Salento at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 4 | Salento – Journey Across the Andes – Medellín
Leave Salento early and travel towards Medellín using scheduled local transport. The road crosses Colombia’s mountainous interior, passing coffee plantations, steep valleys, roadside settlements and agricultural landscapes. Journey times vary with traffic, roadworks and mountain weather, so this is a flexible travel day with stops whenever local conditions and timing permit.
Overnight in Medellín at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 5 | Medellín – A City Reinvented
Explore Medellín with a local guide, beginning around Plaza Botero and the traditional city centre. Continue to Comuna 13, where hillside neighbourhoods, outdoor escalators, music and street art reveal a powerful story of community-led change. The day focuses on Medellín’s people, recent history and the transport systems connecting communities across the valley.
Overnight in Medellín at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 6 | Medellín – Bahía Solano – El Valle
Fly from Medellín across the western Andes and dense tropical forest to Bahía Solano. Continue by local transport to El Valle and the Pacific coast, where the jungle reaches the beach. Around sunset, there may be an opportunity to observe a conservation-led release of olive ridley sea turtles when natural hatching activity and local conservation work permit.
Overnight in El Valle at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 7 | Humpback Whales, Chocó Rainforest and Tundó River
Set out by local motorboat in search of humpback whales, watching responsibly for blows, powerful backs, tails and possible breaching behaviour. Later, explore the Tundó River and Chocó rainforest by trail and canoe. Possible encounters include spectacled caimans, tropical birds, Bahía Solano dart frogs and yellow-banded poison frogs. All wildlife sightings depend entirely on nature.
Overnight in El Valle at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 8 | Bahía Solano – Medellín – Santa Marta
After breakfast, transfer to Bahía Solano Airport for the weather-dependent flight back to Medellín. Cross the city between Olaya Herrera and José María Córdova airports, then continue by air to Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Pacific rain, visibility and domestic schedules may require patience or operational adjustments during this important travel day.
Overnight in Santa Marta at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 9 | Tayrona National Park and Cabo San Juan
Travel by local bus to Tayrona National Natural Park and walk through tropical forest towards Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan. Along the trail, watch for green iguanas, white-fronted capuchins, red howler monkeys and the distinctive cotton-top tamarin. Swimming is possible only in designated areas when Caribbean Sea conditions are considered safe. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
Overnight in Santa Marta at a standard hotel. (B)
Day 10 | Santa Marta – End of the Tour
After breakfast, check out and conclude the journey in Santa Marta. Continue independently or extend the adventure with the four-day Lost City Trek, birdwatching in Minca, nearby Caribbean beaches, Cartagena or La Guajira and Punta Gallinas. Connections can also be arranged to Bogotá, Medellín or Cartagena for your international flight.
End of the tour after breakfast and hotel check-out. (B)
Tour info
What’s Included
Nine nights of accommodation
Breakfast from Day 2 to Day 10
Bogotá airport arrival transfer
Domestic flight from Bogotá to Pereira
Local transportation from Pereira to Salento
Scheduled local transportation from Salento to Medellín
Domestic flight Medellín Bahía Solano Medellín
Domestic flight from Medellín to Santa Marta
Scheduled transfers and local transportation described in the itinerary
Services of an English-speaking Osprey Expeditions host guide
Local specialist guides where required
Guided Bogotá and Medellín city tour
Cocora Valley walking excursion
Guided visit to a Colombian coffee farm
Visit to Comuna 13
Whale-watching excursion by local motorboat
Guided Chocó rainforest and Tundó River experience
Tayrona National Natural Park excursion
Entrance fees for the scheduled visits described in the confirmed itinerary
Pre-departure assistance
Local operational support throughout the journey
Meals
Breakfast is included from Day 2 until the end of the tour on Day 10.
Lunches and dinners are not included. This gives travellers the freedom to choose local restaurants, try regional food and adapt meals to individual preferences and dietary requirements.
Food choices may be more limited in El Valle and other remote areas. Travellers with allergies or specific dietary requirements should advise Osprey Expeditions before departure.
What’s Not Included
International flights
Lunches and dinners
Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks
Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
Local airport or tourist taxes payable in Bahía Solano
Travel insurance
Tips for guides, drivers, boat crews and local staff
Personal expenses
Laundry and telephone services
Early hotel check-in or late check-out
Single-room supplement
Excess baggage charges
Optional activities and excursions
Extensions after Day 10
Services not specifically described as included
Accommodation
Accommodation is based on standard hotels in Bogotá, Salento, Medellín and Santa Marta. Properties are selected for their practical location, cleanliness and suitability for a small expedition group.
In El Valle, accommodation is locally operated and simpler than in Colombia’s main cities. The Pacific section is chosen for access to the rainforest, beach and wildlife activities rather than luxury. Electricity, internet access and other services may occasionally be affected by local conditions.
Double or twin rooms are used as standard. Single rooms may be requested for an additional supplement and remain subject to availability.
Activity Level
This journey has a moderate activity level.
Participants should be comfortable walking for several hours, travelling on winding mountain roads and using small aircraft, local buses, motorboats and canoes.
The trip includes:
Walking at approximately 2,600 metres above sea level in Bogotá
Natural and occasionally muddy trails in the Cocora Valley
Heat, humidity, rain and slippery surfaces in the Chocó rainforest
Travel by small motorboat on the Pacific Ocean
A longer walking day inside Tayrona National Natural Park
Tropical heat and exposed coastal sections
Uneven trails, roots, sand, stones and muddy ground
The program does not require technical trekking experience, but reasonable mobility and general fitness are important.
Domestic Flights and Baggage
Flights to and from Colombia’s Pacific coast operate using smaller aircraft and are particularly dependent on weather and visibility.
Passengers should travel with soft-sided luggage and respect the baggage allowance confirmed before departure. Excess luggage may be refused, delayed or transported at an additional charge.
Domestic flight schedules can change. The itinerary may need to be adjusted if weather, airline operations or airport conditions affect the planned route.
Whale Watching in Bahía Solano
Humpback whales visit Colombia’s Pacific coast during their annual migration. The main observation season generally runs from July to October.
The whales travel into warmer tropical waters to mate, give birth and raise their calves. During the boat excursion, the group will look for blows, backs, tails and other natural behaviour. Breaching whales or mothers accompanied by calves may occasionally be observed.
The excursion is conducted from a local motorboat. Sea conditions can change quickly, and departure times may be adjusted according to weather, tides and local observations.
Whales are wild animals. Sightings and specific behaviours can never be guaranteed.
Chocó Rainforest and Wildlife
The Chocó is one of Colombia’s most biologically diverse and rain-soaked regions. Dense forest descends from the mountains towards rivers, mangroves, beaches and the Pacific Ocean.
During the Tundó River excursion, travellers may encounter tropical birds, frogs, reptiles, crabs and spectacled caimans. The region supports colourful amphibians such as Bahía Solano dart frogs and yellow-banded poison frogs.
Expect genuine rainforest conditions: high humidity, frequent rain, mud, slippery trails, insects and changing river levels. The order and duration of activities may be adjusted according to weather, tides and local conditions.
Responsible Wildlife Experiences
All animals are observed in their natural environment. Wildlife is never handled, attracted with food or disturbed for photographs.
The possible sea turtle release in El Valle depends entirely on nesting activity, natural hatching cycles and the work of the local conservation team. It is an opportunity and not a guaranteed part of the program.
Any participation will follow the instructions of the conservation team. Releases may be cancelled or rescheduled when conditions are unsuitable.
What to Bring
Lightweight and breathable clothing
Quick-drying shirts and trousers
Long trousers for rainforest excursions
Long-sleeved shirt for sun and insect protection
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Lightweight sandals or water shoes
Swimwear
Quick-drying towel
Small daypack
Waterproof bags or dry sacks for electronics
Hat and sunglasses
High-protection sunscreen
Insect repellent
Refillable water bottle
Personal medication
Basic personal first-aid supplies
Passport and protected copies of travel documents
Camera and binoculars
Power bank
Small amount of Colombian pesos
Soft-sided luggage suitable for small domestic aircraft
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to see whales in Colombia?
The main humpback whale season on Colombia’s Pacific coast generally runs from July to October. August and September normally fall within the central part of the season, but sightings depend on nature, weather and sea conditions.
Are whale sightings guaranteed?
No. Humpback whales are observed in a completely natural marine environment. Local teams select the route according to recent observations and conditions, but no responsible operator can guarantee a sighting.
How difficult is the tour?
This expedition has a moderate activity level. It includes city walks, mountain travel, rainforest trails, boat journeys and a longer walking day in Tayrona National Natural Park.
Is this a luxury tour?
No. This tour is a nature and adventure journey. Accommodation is comfortable and practical, but the priority is access to Colombia’s landscapes, wildlife and local experiences.
How many travellers join the group?
The maximum group size is eight travellers.
Are lunches and dinners included?
No. Breakfast is included from Day 2 to Day 10. Travellers arrange and pay for their lunches and dinners locally.
What happens if the Pacific flights are delayed?
Flights to and from Bahía Solano depend heavily on weather and visibility. If a delay affects the itinerary, the local team will make the safest and most practical operational adjustment available.
Can I swim during the tour?
Swimming may be possible on the Pacific coast and in Tayrona, but only when local conditions are safe. Participants must follow instructions from guides, park staff and local boat crews.
Where does the tour finish?
The journey finishes in Santa Marta after breakfast and hotel check-out on Day 10.