Journey Report: Adventures by Disney Colombia

Impressed by a visit report I noticed on-line and an episode of The Wonderful Race, we determined our seventh Adventures by Disney (AbD) household trip can be to Colombia. This itinerary, which debuted in 2024, is without doubt one of the latest AbD holidays. Due to college and work schedules, we selected the journey operating from December twenty seventh by January third.

Whereas I wasn’t positive what to anticipate in Colombia, I left with a particular fondness for this stunning nation and its folks. I might extremely advocate a trip there, and this itinerary is ideal for households with older/grownup youngsters. In contrast to a few of the different AbD journeys I’ve taken, this specific agenda drew inspiration from Disney’s Encanto, with numerous mentions of the film all through our journey.

Disclosure: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks, and a purchase order by considered one of these hyperlinks might end in a fee paid to us at no extra value to you. We did attend a 2-night complimentary NYC AbD in 2018 however paid full worth for our seven longer journeys to Europe and Latin America.

Journey Report: Adventures by Disney Colombia

We started our journey with two lengthy flights to Bogotá, with a connection at DFW. This wasn’t the unique flight I booked; nonetheless, a couple of months earlier than our journey, we have been rebooked on this less-than-optimal route. After a quick delay (the second flight requiring extra servicing), we arrived in Bogotá after midnight.

Immigration took about 45 minutes, however our luggage have been already on the carousel after we arrived. After retrieving our luggage, we needed to move by a safety screening earlier than exiting the airport and assembly our AbD driver.

Our resort, Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia, was a couple of thirty-minute drive from the airport. We checked in, rapidly retrieved our toothbrushes and pajamas (we had packed them in our carry-on for comfort after arrival), and went to mattress.

Day 1: Bogota

We began our subsequent morning with a scrumptious buffet breakfast on the resort. Whereas I did take pleasure in breakfast at every resort, the one on the Sofitel was our favourite. Then we met up with our guides, Austin and Daniel, earlier than strolling across the space close to the resort (the Chapinero neighborhood).

Bogota, particularly the realm across the resort, shocked me. It was far more cosmopolitan than I anticipated. Daniel and Austin offered us with a map displaying key areas, and we chosen a lunch restaurant from that listing: Central Cevicheria. The meals there was so good – it ended up being considered one of our favourite meals on the holiday.

After a brief nap, we acquired prepared for the primary official Adventures by Disney occasion – the Welcome Dinner. We started in a resort convention room, the place we obtained an summary of the journey and met all of the households on our journey. This was the most important AbD Colombia journey to this point, with 37 company.

Then we took the bus to dinner at Harry Sasson in Bogotá. Throughout the convention room debrief, we got an summary of the prix fixe menu and had a number of choices to select from. Appetizers, facet dishes, and desserts have been served family-style, so we may attempt a number of. The meals was nice, and it was good to fulfill our fellow vacationers for the week.

Day 2: Bogota

Day 2 formally began after a buffet breakfast on the resort. We met our native information, Luchito, and boarded our bus for a drive into downtown Bogotá. As a result of the primary street is closed to cyclists on Sundays, we had a little bit of a roundabout journey to succeed in the Plaza de Mercado 12 de Octubre, a meals market providing fruit, cheeses, flowers, handmade wares, and far more.

As soon as we arrived, we discovered from the distributors and sampled native specialties, together with recent fruits and cheeses. It was a good way to expertise Bogota immediately. Subsequent, we drove to a different central hub to start our strolling tour of the historic metropolis heart. There, we noticed stunning buildings, murals, graffiti, and extra.

Subsequent, we had a quick break from the strolling tour to discover the Botero Museum, which options principally works by Colombian artist Fernando Botero. As well as, it consists of artwork from his private assortment, together with works by Monet. After our time there, we headed to El Tailer de Cocina.

At El Tailer de Cocina, we participated in an arepa-making lesson, then sat down for a conventional Colombian dinner of rooster stew, arepas, and dessert. This was a few of my favourite meals throughout our whole journey.

Subsequent, we walked to the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), a contemporary museum situated in central Bogota. We began with a quick strolling tour with our native information, after which had free time. As a result of we have been drained, we determined to go to the museum’s cafe to attempt some espresso and pastries.

After a stroll again to our bus, we had the remainder of the afternoon/night for dinner. We additionally wanted to pack, as a result of this was our final night in Bogota. As a result of we liked the Central Cevicheria a lot, we returned for dinner.

Day 3: Espresso Area

After an early bag pickup, we drove to the Bogota airport for our quick flight to Armenia, within the Espresso Area. The flight was about 45 minutes, after which we needed to wait at baggage declare for our suitcases. From the airport, we drove on to the Hacienda Combia resort, restaurant, and occasional plantation. We additionally met our Espresso Area native information, Omar.

We began with lunch, which we had preordered the day earlier than. Then we had a espresso tasting, making an attempt each recent espresso from the plantation and grocery store espresso to see if we may inform the distinction by odor and style.

Subsequent, we took a guided stroll by the plantation, the place we discovered concerning the components important to rising nice espresso. Remember to deliver your bug repellent and sunscreen on this tour. Though we might gone proper from our flight to the espresso farm, liquids are allowed on home flights in Colombia.

After the tour, we break up into two teams due to our journey group’s measurement, and all of us met as much as paint little espresso cups. Then, we drove to the resort, the Lodge Mocawa. This transformed hacienda affords two swimming pools, a recreation room, a health heart, a restaurant, and colourful buildings providing vibrant, cheerful rooms.

Sometimes, that is Junior Adventurer Night time (the place the youthful youngsters eat dinner with the guides and watch a film whereas the adults dine collectively), however we had just one youthful child in our group. As a substitute, we had a option to both eat and watch Encanto exterior or dine within the restaurant. Our entire group determined to observe the film, so we had a enjoyable, informal film night time on the resort’s garden.

Day #4: Espresso Area

The following day started early as we headed 90 minutes into the Cocora Valley for our first hike of the journey. We had a restroom cease about midway, at a restaurant the place company may additionally order espresso or different drinks to go. As a result of this week (proper after Christmas) is a well-liked trip week for Colombians, the Cocora Valley was particularly busy.

We stopped to attempt a scrumptious Colombian sizzling beverage (most of us thought it tasted a bit like spiced sizzling apple cider) and to make use of the restroom earlier than embarking on our hike. This hike was on a path however was very uphill, so I might advocate bringing good climbing sneakers.

The Cocora Valley is crammed with towering wax palm bushes and mountains, and served as a significant inspiration for the panorama of Encanto. Whereas the Espresso Area is at a decrease elevation than Bogota, it is nonetheless effectively above sea degree. We have been glad to be ready with sunscreen and bug repellent.

General, we spent a couple of hours within the Cocora Valley earlier than heading right down to get again on the motorcoach. Anybody who did not wish to do the complete stroll (it was fairly steep) may keep on the backside or stroll at their very own tempo.

After our hike, we headed to lunch at a close-by restaurant (Donde Laurita en Salento). Sadly, there was a automotive accident on the very slim street that led to us being delayed by a bit. Fortunately, we had preordered lunch, and it was prepared for us shortly after arrival.

After lunch, we regrouped for a shock exercise earlier than getting again on the bus. We have been led on a brief stroll by the forest to a spot the place every household was capable of plant their very personal palm tree. It was a really particular expertise for each household.

Subsequent, we drove to the small, colourful city of Salento for a while on our personal. Friends may both spend the time exploring the small city or be a part of Omar to study the normal Colombian recreation, Tejo. We had wished to do some buying, so we opted to spend our time exploring the city.

From there, we went again to our resort to indicate and alter for our night asado. This conventional out of doors barbecue featured Colombian culinary specialties similar to rooster, arepas, sausage, and steak. After dinner, we discovered we might need to get up very early the following morning (December thirty first, New 12 months’s Eve). We needed to depart our luggage exterior at 4 am and meet the group at 4:30 am for our departure from the resort.

Day 5: Cartegena

Day 5 was the longest day ever, with an early wakeup and a late bedtime (as a result of New 12 months’s Eve). As a result of we departed earlier than breakfast was open, we got field lunches on the resort to eat on the coach. We drove about 90 minutes to the Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña airport in Pereira. This wasn’t the airport we arrived at (that was the Armenia Airport), which is why the drive was for much longer.

Upon our arrival in Pereira, we checked our luggage and had some free time to seize espresso and any additional breakfast. The airport was clear and fashionable, with numerous simple meals choices. Our first flight was a fast journey again to Bogota, and we had about 90 minutes to seize any extra meals and drinks there. Then, we flew to Cartagena.

After getting our baggage, we loaded it onto separate shuttles sure for the resort, then boarded small Sprinter vans to the middle of Cartagena. There, we met our subsequent native information, Felipe. He gave us a fast tour as we walked in the direction of our subsequent exercise – a strolling meals tour.

Throughout our Encanto-themed meals tour, we tasted a number of Colombian delicacies, together with fruit, sweet, savory cookies, stuffed arepas, coconut water. Then, we walked to our final cease of the afternoon for a rum tasting.

On the rum tasting, company may both pattern the rum or head downstairs for a chocolate tasting. The rum tasting additionally included meals, together with chocolate. There have been numerous rum samples, and everybody loved discovering their favorites.

Our vans picked us up there, and we headed to the resort for a brief break to prepare for New 12 months’s Eve. Sometimes, this may have been an on-your-own night time, however as an alternative AbD purchased us tickets to the resort’s New 12 months’s Eve occasion. Due to this, we stayed at a special resort than what’s typical for this agenda – the Bastion Luxurious Lodge.

The New 12 months’s Eve occasion included a Mediterranean-themed buffet and one alcoholic drink. Every part else was at our personal value. There was a incredible DJ, and the rooftop location made it the proper spot to ring within the New 12 months. We additionally liked experiencing the New 12 months’s Eve Twelve Grapes custom. However proper after the clock chimed midnight, we headed to mattress, as a result of we had an early morning wake-up the following day to go to Proyecto Titi.

Day 6: Cartegena

I will admit I used to be very, very tempted to sleep in and skip our early-morning go to to Proyecto Titi. Actually, ten members of our group did simply that. However I wakened when my husband did, and determined to drink numerous espresso and go. And I am so glad I did, as a result of it was one of many main highlights of the journey.

Whereas the trip to Proyecto Titi was anticipated to take 90 minutes to 2 hours, it took us solely an hour. As a result of it was New 12 months’s Day, there was no visitors in any respect. We headed into the muse’s predominant constructing, the place we have been fitted for boots and discovered the morning schedule.

Sometimes, company should put on boots, long-sleeved shorts, lengthy pants, and lengthy socks. Nonetheless, as a result of this was the dry season, the boots have been non-obligatory. I selected to put on my climbing sneakers, however the remainder of my household opted for the offered boots. We have been additionally given the choice to hold a conveyable stool for the hike, and I might extremely advocate it. We sat regularly.

Proyecto Titi works to preserve the Cotton-Prime Tamarins (Titis), among the many most endangered primates on the planet. The Disney Conservation Fund offers funding to Proyecto Titi.

Shortly after setting out on our hike, we noticed a bunch of Titi monkeys taking part in within the bushes. These lovable monkeys are so tiny, and we have been thrilled to see them instantly. Whereas I acquired some footage on my cellphone, a correct digicam with a zoom lens would have been useful.

After sitting for some time, we headed out on the hike. General, we have been gone for 2 hours, nevertheless it was a straight stroll with no actual hills. Throughout the stroll, we noticed bats, varied birds, Titis, and howler monkeys. It was sizzling and muggy, and the moveable fan I introduced was very helpful!

On the finish of the stroll, we met with a farmer who talked about how Proyecto Titi helped his household enterprise, after which had the chance to plant one other tree (one per household). Then we acquired again within the vans and headed to the primary constructing to study one other neighborhood program inside Proyecto Titi.

Eco-Mochilas is a program through which native girls create conventional Mochila luggage from recycled plastic luggage. A number of of the crafters joined our group and confirmed us how the create the stitches proper from the baggage. After a conventional Colombian lunch, we had some buying time to buy luggage, t-shirts, and stuffed Titis earlier than heading again to the resort.

After arriving again from Proyecto Titi, we got a while to vary garments earlier than the following a part of our journey – a strolling tour of the Fort and the Getsemane neighborhood. That is, nonetheless, the place our lack of sleep caught up with us so we opted to nap as an alternative of becoming a member of the tour.

The remainder of the day was scheduled by yourself time, so we explored the native space. Finally, we dined at Verona, an Italian restaurant situated a block from our resort. The meals was incredible, and I’d positively advocate it.

Day 7: Cartegena

The following day, we wakened for our closing full day in Colombia. This was one of many days we have been most eagerly anticipating – a visit to the Rosario Islands off the coast of Cartagena.

We began with a drive (in a full-size bus this time) to a waterfront resort (Lodge Las Islas) the place we met our boat. We have been additionally fitted for flippers for the snorkeling a part of the tour.

The boat itself was like a speedboat, but it match all of us. The seats have been a decent match, nonetheless. As soon as we arrived at our snorkeling spot and picked up our masks, everybody jumped off the boat and adopted our guides. Snorkeling was non-obligatory, and a few company selected to remain aboard.

After about 45 minutes of snorkeling, everybody acquired on the boat, and we headed to the island for our pre-ordered lunch. First, we modified out of our swimsuits. Luggage have been offered for us to retailer our moist garments. The views from this resort have been gorgeous, with stunning turquoise waters. I might like to return to spend extra time there.

After lunch, it was a fast boat trip again to the resort to catch our bus again to the resort. As soon as we have been there, we had a little bit time to pack our suitcases and bathe/get modified for our farewell dinner.

We met within the foyer and have been then guided by Cartegena to the restaurant for our farewell dinner. It was a ravishing restaurant, with actually scrumptious meals. Whereas sometimes our farewell dinners have been in a non-public room, this one was at separate tables within the restaurant. Then we have been guided again to the resort to a non-public room for a dessert buffet and our closing farewells.

Day 8: Flight House

Our flight again to Boston (by way of Miami) wasn’t till 2:30 pm, so we had some free time on the morning of our departure. We ate a leisurely buffet breakfast on the resort, after which walked by city to get some closing pictures. Then we took our van to Cartagena Airport and stated goodbye to Colombia. We left with incredible reminiscences of this stunning nation, and hopes to return once more sooner or later.