Colombia, Guatemala, and Panama

0
  • 14 Days
  • 13 Nights
  • 1/16/27
  • Thessaloniki
Information
• 🌍 Country: Guatemala - Colombia - Panama
• 🎫 Tour Code: ATH-023-06_12-26-001

Some trips are best taken with friends. If you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, then join us on a journey to three destinations that will give you plenty of thrills. Let’s start with Guatemala. You probably have a list in your head of countries you want to visit—as is the case with all travel addicts. But that list might be missing destinations that haven’t even crossed your mind. Yet these “underrated” destinations hide experiences that many are unaware of and beauties just waiting to be discovered. There, we’ll hike up the Acatenango volcano (3,976 m). A challenging but enchanting climb literally above the clouds, which—if we’re lucky—will treat us to the best view… The active Fuego volcano spewing lava into the night! We continue on to Colombia, the most populous country in South America after Brazil. Despite its reputation, it remains an authentic destination, far removed from the mass tourism industry of other countries. There are many places worth visiting, the people are cheerful and friendly, ready to teach you everything about their homeland, and the activities are perfect for making your trip unforgettable. Last stop: a tropical paradise nestled between two oceans that combines jungle, beaches, and modern vibes… Panama. Known for its canal connecting the Atlantic to the Pacific and its majestic skyscrapers, but above all for the San Blas Islands. With their turquoise waters and picture-perfect scenery, they’re the ideal way to wrap up your adventure!

Departure & Arrival Location

Thessaloniki "Macedonia" Airport (Google Maps)

The price includes

  • Luggage1 piece of checked baggage weighing up to 20 kg per person and one piece of carry-on baggage weighing up to 7 kg (55 cm x 40 cm x 25 cm)
  • ToursAirfare Total taxes Flight from Guatemala City to Medellín Domestic flight from Medellín to Cartagena Flight from Cartagena - Panama Transfers for the itinerary All guided tours with local guides, as listed in the itinerary Team leader from our team Travel insurance and liability insurance. Applies only to departures from Greece and does not apply to “no-flight” bookings.
  • NutritionBreakfast is served daily. On days when departure is very early in the morning, a breakfast box is included. If you choose the optional excursion to San Blas, breakfast or a breakfast box is not included.

The price does not include

  • EntertainmentAdmission fees to attractions Optional activities
  • Accommodation TaxesTips for local tour guides: 35 euros per person in total for all days
Additional Information
  • Optional activities must be booked at the time of reservation and paid to the team leader on the first day of the tour. Volcano Hiking 120€ (+40$ on site if you wish to continue on to Fuego) San Blas Islands 120€ Salsa workshop 50€
  • Guided tour of a coffee plantation with pigs: 50€
Book early to get the best price!
Prices are dynamic and may increase.
Field Trip Itinerary

DAY 1January 16 | Departure for Guatemala

We don’t know if you managed to get any sleep last night because of all the excitement and anticipation, but the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here! The countdown is over, and the adventure of a lifetime begins. Early in the morning, our group gathers at the Athens airport. The first “good mornings,” that essential coffee in hand, and getting to know your fellow travelers are just the beginning. As we leave Athens behind and fly over Europe toward Madrid, the feeling that “we’re leaving” begins to take hold. Next, we board our transatlantic flight. Hours over the Atlantic Ocean await us—perfect for relaxing, watching movies, but above all for mentally preparing for what lies ahead.

DAY 2January 17 | Arrival in Guatemala City - Departure for Antigua

As soon as we arrive at the airport—since the capital has nothing to offer us—we board our bus and head toward Antigua. Antigua is not only beautiful, but it’s also closer to the places we want to visit—specifically, the Acatenango volcano. Where to even begin with this city—it’s no exaggeration to say you’ll fall in love with it at first sight! Its distinctive colorful buildings, surrounded by volcanoes, its charming cafes, the locals in traditional attire, and the hospitable people who are eager to welcome you—these are just a few of the reasons we fell in love with Guatemala.

DAY 3January 18 | Guided tour of Antigua - Visit to a coffee plantation with “pigs”

Today is your chance to explore the city’s hidden corners, walk under the famous Santa Catalina Arch, and lose yourself in the colorful local markets. Antigua is a city best discovered on foot, so take your time to soak up its atmosphere. Here, you might just have the best cup of coffee of your life, as the volcanic soil and climate of the region are ideal for growing coffee. That’s why we’d like to suggest an optional ATV tour. We’ll hop on the ATVs and, following a local guide, head to a local coffee plantation. There, we’ll learn everything about the production process—from harvesting to processing and packaging—while sampling freshly roasted varieties straight from the source. If you don’t want to participate in this activity, you’ll have free time to spend as you wish. In the afternoon, since you’ll be taking the optional volcano hike tomorrow, we’ll meet at our local partner’s office for the necessary briefing. We’ll go over all the details of the route, the equipment, and what you need to keep in mind to make the most of the experience.

DAY 4January 19 | Ascent of Acatenango - Fuego Volcano - Overnight stay on Acatenango

Today, a tiring day awaits you, but it will reward you with an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Early in the morning, we’ll meet up with our guides, pack a few last items for our overnight stay there, and head out for coffee and breakfast. The Acatenango Overnight Hike is challenging. One of the biggest challenges is the altitude, which can make the hike much more difficult. The fact that we’ll be at an altitude of 1,500 meters before the ascent will give our bodies enough time to acclimate, making the climb significantly easier. Our hike will take about 5–6 hours until we reach an altitude of 3,400 meters at our campsite on Acatenango. Here, anyone who wants to can rest for the rest of the day, unless you choose to continue on to Fuego (for an additional fee of $40), a hike that will take about 3 hours. Although this is a very tiring activity, trust us—the views you’ll see, depending on the weather and clouds of course, are unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. We’ll spend the evening around the campfire, eating and sipping our wine.

DAY 5January 20 | Descent from the volcano - Free day in Antigua

If you feel up to it, you can go for a hike for about 1–2 hours to enjoy the sunrise and the breathtaking view. After breakfast, we’ll head back to Antigua. Of course, the rest of the day is yours to relax—you’ll definitely need it. Late in the afternoon, we’ll leave the charm of Antigua behind and head to Guatemala City. We’ll spend the night there so we’ll be ready and well-rested for our early morning flight tomorrow.

DAY 6January 21 | Departure for Medellín

Your first day in Medellín begins with a dive into the city’s culture and history, starting at the iconic Plaza Botero in the city center. There, you’ll have the chance to stroll among the famous “chubby” bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, which are the hallmark of Colombian art and provide the perfect backdrop for your first photos. Next, our exploration takes to the skies as we board the Metrocable. This innovative cable car, which is fully integrated into the metro network, will treat us to a unique panoramic view of the city as we ascend toward Parque Arvi. It’s a vast natural oasis above Medellín, where the cool air and lush vegetation offer the ultimate escape into nature. Our day concludes with a visit to Pueblito Paisa, located at the top of Cerro Nutibara. It is a faithful replica of a traditional village in the region, whose architecture will transport you back in time.

DAY 7January 22 | Comuna 13

In the early 1990s, this city was named the most dangerous in the world, but a quarter of a century later, it gained a reputation for something completely different. Innovation. The city features cable cars connecting neighborhoods to the hills, a green belt of lush “ecological parks,” impressive libraries, and community centers in some of the poorest neighborhoods. And since we’ve mentioned poor neighborhoods, we’ll visit a favela, Comuna 13. It used to be the most dangerous place in Medellín, and our local friend will share stories with us from the city’s darkest days. Just like the lawless favelas of Rio de Janeiro, which continue to operate under the control of gangs, Comuna 13 was also a stronghold of the cartels and a place where the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar operated. Unwittingly placed at the center of the Colombian drug trade, Comuna 13 found itself caught in an ongoing war between the Medellín Cartel, gangs, rebels such as the FARC, extremist paramilitary forces, and the government. The bullet holes are now covered by vibrant murals on the streets; you might hear a musician rapping, while you’ll see street vendors selling local delicacies and other souvenirs. You’re sure to admire and take photos in front of some of the graffiti.

DAY 8January 23 | El Peñon de Guatapé

After breakfast, we’ll head to one of the most beautiful areas near the city of Medellín. We’re heading to El Peñon de Guatapé, a 200-meter-high granite monolith that rises near the edge of the Guatapé Reservoir. A brick staircase with 659 steps winds up the side of the rock. If you’re up for the challenge, take a deep breath and start climbing the steps. From the top, there’s a breathtaking view of the area, with the lake stretching out amid a vast expanse of lush green mountains. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore the narrow streets of Guatape.

DAY 9January 24 | Departure for Cartagena

Today, after breakfast, we’ll set off for Cartagena. This city is the jewel of the Caribbean coast and one of the best-preserved colonial destinations in the Americas. We’ll take a stroll through the historic walled city, which will make you feel as if you’ve stepped back in time to a different era. Perhaps it’s the 13 kilometers of walls or the colorful colonial architecture—much of which has now been beautifully restored into restaurants and luxury hotels— or perhaps it’s the bougainvillea-covered balconies along the winding streets or the tall Catholic churches towering over every square that will charm you in this city. Of course, in the evening we’ll go out to enjoy the city’s nightlife.

DAY 10January 25 | Free day in Cartagena - Salsa workshop

Today is dedicated to the city that has surely already captivated you. Quaint, atmospheric cafés, colorful alleyways, and smiling people are there to welcome you. We’ll visit its most important sights, and then the rest of the day will be yours to enjoy however you like. You could even take part in a salsa workshop to get you moving to the beat. However you choose to spend your day, you’re sure not to be disappointed.

DAY 11January 26 | Flight to Panama

Early in the morning, we head to the airport to catch our flight to Panama. We arrive in Panama City in the evening. Immediately after landing, we head to the hotel, where we can finally relax. We need to recharge, as starting tomorrow our itinerary will be packed with new experiences and exciting moments.

DAY 12January 27 | San Blas Islands

If you're the type of person who wants to see and experience as much as possible in a short amount of time, get ready to wake up very early. This means that if you choose this optional activity, you won’t have breakfast today. A chain of 378 tiny islands scattered along Panama’s northwestern coast, the San Blas Islands offer everything you’d expect from a Caribbean paradise: coconut palms, white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a complete absence of electricity, tourist resorts, and stress. To reach the port, where we’ll begin our island hopping, it will take about 2.5 hours each way. Keep in mind that the route has quite a few twists and turns. Weather permitting, you’ll have the chance to go snorkeling and take some amazing photos in this exotic setting. And yes, we’ll have lunch here on the deserted island. If you don’t choose this activity, you’ll have a free day in the city.

DAY 13January 28 | Panama Canal - Day off

Perhaps the only thing you’ve heard about Panama so far is its canal. Therefore, we simply must visit it. The Isthmus of Panama is the narrowest stretch of land between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Construction of the canal was completed in 1914, and it is estimated that over 80,000 people worked on this project. It connects the Gulf of Panama on the Pacific Ocean with the Gulf of Limon on the Atlantic Ocean and is 81,300 meters long. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city, enjoy a cocktail, or buy souvenirs—and perhaps the famous Panama hat.

DAY 14January 29 | Return to Greece

After days filled with adventures, unique experiences, and unforgettable moments in Guatemala, Colombia, and Panama, it was time to head home. Unfortunately, every wonderful adventure must eventually come to an end, but this trip will remain etched in our memories and inspire us to embark on new adventures. Filled with images of colorful cities, enchanting landscapes, and fascinating cultural discoveries, we return having gained not only memories but also new friendships. We’re certain that these three countries exceeded all your expectations and that you’ll look back on the moments you experienced there for a long time to come. Don’t forget, though, that the world is full of surprises, and your next Dream Trip is waiting for you!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund?

The possibility of a refund and/or any deductions depends on the terms of the specific package, the time of cancellation, and the respective suppliers. For your specific case, please review the General Terms and Conditions or contact us.

Is there travel insurance?

Some packages include travel insurance, or optional coverage may be available, depending on the destination and itinerary. For available options and coverage terms, please contact us or refer to the General Terms and Conditions.

Can I change the date of the field trip?

A date change may be possible subject to availability and provided that the terms of the package/suppliers allow it. There may be an additional charge and/or a price difference. Please contact us to verify and for details.

How do I make a reservation, and when is it confirmed?

The reservation is finalized in accordance with the procedure set forth in the General Terms and Conditions (e.g., confirmation and payment of the amount/deposit, where required). For specific steps and deadlines applicable to this particular package, please contact us.

Could the program, schedule, or benefits change?

The itinerary is based on available routes and services; however, changes or adjustments may occur before and/or during the trip for operational reasons and/or due to unforeseen circumstances. In any case, the General Terms and Conditions of Participation apply, and relevant information will be provided.

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