Colombia Coffee Triangle & Cocora Valley and Tatacoa Desert Tour
A 14-day journey through Medellín, Guatapé, Colombia's Coffee Triangle, Cali, Popayán, San Agustín, Tierradentro, and the Tatacoa Desert.
This journey crosses Colombia from Medellín and Guatapé through the coffee country around Salento, Cali, Popayán, San Agustín, Tierradentro, and the Tatacoa Desert.
The route combines city walks, local food, coffee landscapes, archaeology, and optional walks and evening experiences, with exact properties, providers, inclusions, timings, and pricing to be confirmed.
Why Visit Colombia
Colombia has a great variety of ecosystems represented worldwide, ranging from mangroves, savannas, Andean and tropical forests and moorlands to snow-capped mountains. This eco-systemic diversity allows for a variety of fauna and flora in each region, making this a biodiverse country with unique species worldwide.
Colombia has 3,208 km of coastline (1,760 km in the Caribbean Sea and 1,448 km in the Pacific Ocean), 483,164 km2 of Amazon rainforest and three monumental mountain ranges that cross the country. This coastal, Andean, tropical and equatorial condition gives it the privilege of having the greatest biodiversity in the world per square kilometer and all types of climates.
The country offers multiple destinations with varied offers that combine history, culture, gastronomy, adventure, sun and beach, bird watching, golf, diving, congresses and landscapes.
The time is now
Far from being the most touristic, Colombia is doing very well. Travelers confirm it, “it’s a well-kept secret, and now is the time to seize the opportunity to visit it! The famous “Rough Guide” & *Lonely planet recently selected it as the second best country to visit.
Break the stereotypes
After many years of suffering due to conflicts, the country is reborn. After the Escobar years, Colombia can be visited safely and its priceless treasures can be enjoyed. Daring to venture to Colombia means taking the risk of falling in love with…
Expedition Highlights
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Seasonality
The journey at a glance
Following the route
The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.
Route shown schematically for orientation.
Detailed itinerary
Arrival in Medellín
Arrival in Medellín begins with an airport transfer and hotel check-in before an orientation walk through El Poblado and Parque Lleras, offering a first look at the city’s cafés, restaurants and springlike feel. Visit Pueblito Paisa for hilltop views and an introduction to Antioquian identity, then Parque San Antonio for public art and everyday life. A guided historic and contemporary Medellín visit links Plaza Botero, Parque de las Luces, Palacio Nacional and Junín, connecting the city’s identity with its difficult past. Overnight in Medellín.
Key activities
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El Poblado and Parque Lleras Orientation Walk (Self Guided)
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Pueblito Paisa Visit
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Parque San Antonio Visit
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Guided Historic and Contemporary Medellín Visit
Medellín by Metro and Metrocable
Explore Medellín by Metro and Metrocable, travelling through the city as residents do and connecting the valley floor with the mountain slopes. Ride the Metrocable above the steep comunas, watching the Andes rise and hillside neighborhoods link to the wider network. At the upper stations, walk colorful mountainside streets with a local refreshment stop for juice, coffee, beer, or street food, keeping an unhurried pace. The afternoon stays free for resting or revisiting a favorite café, with an overnight stay in Medellín.
Key activities
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Medellín Metrocable Ride to the Mountainside Comunas
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Comuna Neighborhood Walk with Local Refreshment Stop
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Free Afternoon in Medellín
Guatapé and El Peñol
Travel by private transfer from Medellín to Guatapé and El Peñol for a full excursion. Walk Guatapé’s colorful streets on a zócalos and murals walking tour, then join a Guatapé Dam and lake history walk covering the landscape’s deeper past. Continue to El Peñón de Guatapé, where entrance arrangements are made and the optional 740-step summit climb rewards those who wish with broad views over the lake and countryside. Return to Medellín by private transfer, leaving the evening free.
Key activities
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Self Guided Guatapé Village and Zócalos Visit
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Guatapé Dam and Lake History Walk
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Optional El Peñol 649-Step Climb
Armenia, Salento, and the coffee estate
Transfer from your Medellín hotel to the airport, then fly south to Armenia, the gateway to Colombia’s Coffee Triangle. A roughly one-hour road transfer leads into Salento’s green hills and coffee estates. After checking in and settling at the coffee estate near Salento, take an easy orientation walk through cobbled streets, the central plaza, painted façades, cafés and handicraft stalls, with time to pause for music, a snack or coffee. Breakfast is included; lunch and dinner are listed separately. The evening ends overnight at the coffee estate.
Key activities
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Salento First Orientation walk (Self guided)
Valle de Cocora
Start with breakfast before a 4WD transfer from Salento to the Valle de Cocora entrance, where green hills rise around the Quindío wax palms. Choose the optional long loop hike through forest, suspension bridges and steep hillside tracks to viewpoints, or the shorter walk for a lighter introduction to the landscape. Return by 4WD to Salento, with a free afternoon, then dinner and an overnight stay at a coffee estate near Salento.
Key activities
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Optional Valle de Cocora Long Loop Hike
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Valle de Cocora Short Walk
Salento and the Zona Cafetera
Explore Salento on a guided history and architecture walk through cobbled streets lined with whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs and wooden balconies. Then drive through the fertile Zona Cafetera, stopping at working fincas along the route. A coffee field walk offers a closer look at the landscape shaping this region before a strong Colombian café. The day favors short movements and time on the ground, ending with an overnight stay at a coffee estate near Salento.
Key activities
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Salento Village Visit
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Coffee Field Walk at a Zona Cafetera Finca
Cali and salsa
Travel from Salento to Cali, watching the Coffee Triangle give way to the Valle del Cauca. After check-in and a break, join a salsa 101 class where a local teacher introduces the rhythm behind Cali’s evenings, welcoming beginners. Later, dinner is followed by an optional salsoteca and live-dancing evening around Parque Bolívar, which can also end quietly at the hotel. Overnight in Cali.
Key activities
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Cali Salsa 101 Class
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Optional Cali Salsoteca and Live-Dancing Evening
Popayán, the White City
Travel south from Cali to Popayán, the White City, where a carefully preserved colonial center awaits. After hotel check-in and a break, visit Popayán Cathedral, with roots reaching back to 1546, then explore the Colonial Religious Art Museum and its devotional history. The Museum of Natural History adds a different perspective with insects, butterflies, and regional animal life. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner frame the day, and you overnight in Popayán before continuing toward the Magdalena River Valley.
Key activities
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Popayán Cathedral Visit
San Agustín and the Magdalena Valley
Travel from Popayán into the green forests of the Magdalena River Valley, reaching San Agustín, gateway to Colombia’s important archaeological landscapes. After breakfast and the road transfer, check in to your hotel and settle in. The afternoon stays free for a quiet walk or rest near the hotel, keeping the day light before exploring the archaeological sites. Dinner and an overnight stay in San Agustín complete the day.
Key activities
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Free Afternoon in San Agustín
San Agustín Archaeological Park
Explore the Parque Arqueológico de San Agustín, a UNESCO World Heritage site set among fields and paths. Walk the sculpture and petroglyph circuit, observing megalithic figures and rock carvings linked to ancient Magdalena and Cauca cultures. Breakfast is included, with lunch and dinner available nearby. After the visit, a return transfer brings you back to your San Agustín hotel, leaving the afternoon free to rest, followed by an overnight stay in San Agustín.
Key activities
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San Agustín Archaeological Park Sculpture and Petroglyph Circuit
Tierradentro and optional Inzá
After breakfast, travel roughly five hours by road from San Agustín into the remote highlands of Tierradentro, a UNESCO archaeological landscape in the Andes. Check in on arrival and rest before an optional transfer toward Inzá, where a short panorama walk offers broad views over the region. Those who continue can take the optional short hike toward the ancient stone Pirámide, with its stepped sides, hidden tunnels and carvings, subject to access. Lunch and dinner are included as generic meals, followed by an overnight stay in Tierradentro.
Key activities
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Optional Inzá Panorama Walk
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Optional Pirámide Short Hike near Inzá
Tierradentro's underground tombs
Explore Tierradentro Archaeological Park, reaching its remote highland areas by 4WD before entering the volcanic-rock landscapes. At the heart of the visit are the hypogea, underground burial chambers carved around 700 CE, where geometric designs and depictions of animals, people and deities introduce the cosmology and artistic traditions of the region’s Indigenous cultures. Breakfast is included, with a return transfer to your Tierradentro accommodation afterwards, leaving the afternoon quiet. Lunch, dinner and the overnight stay are arranged separately, and road and access conditions are confirmed before travel.
Key activities
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Tierradentro Hypogea Archaeological Experience
Neiva and the Tatacoa Desert
Travel from the cool highlands of Tierradentro to Neiva, capital of Huila, then continue into the Tatacoa Desert, where red and gray earth, eroded canyons and rock formations replace the green valleys. A hike reveals the arid, fossil-rich landscape, with an optional horseback ride for those wanting more. Return to Neiva to check in at the hotel. In the evening, optional choices include a thermal pool, desert sunset and stargazing, or the Cuzco Observatory. Overnight in Neiva.
Key activities
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Tatacoa Desert Red and Gray Landscape Hike
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Optional Tatacoa Desert Horseback Ride
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Optional Thermal Pool, Sunset, Stargazing, or Cuzco Observatory Visit
Bogotá connection and departure
A transfer from the Neiva hotel to the airport leads to a short flight to Bogotá for the onward connection home. The journey begins with breakfast included in the package before leaving Neiva. The pickup time is set against the confirmed ticket and airport requirements, and the source notes the flight is quick. Airline, schedule, baggage and connection time must be confirmed. This is the final leg of the tour, moving from Neiva to Bogotá.
Key activities
Gallery
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 2 people: 9.295 USD (664 USD / day)
- Price for 3 to 4 people: 8.095 USD (578 USD / day)
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 6.495 USD (464 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.595 USD (400 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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Hotels mentioned in the program- Overnight at Hotel in Medellín (TBD) — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Coffee Estate near Salento (TBD) — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel in Cali (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel in Popayán (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel in San Agustín (TBD) — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Accommodation in Tierradentro (TBD) — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Overnight at Hotel in Neiva (TBD) — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van, 4x4), as well as Train
- Meals indicated in the program: 13 breakfasts, 13 lunchs, 13 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Lunch on Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (1.949 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
Services to Expect
Meals overview
Colombian cuisine is hearty, colorful, and generally mild, with staples such as rice, beans, plantains, arepas, fresh meats, and an incredible variety of tropical fruits and juices. At midday, we typically eat at authentic local restaurants, enjoying simple regional dishes and traditional flavors. In the evening, we allow a more comfortable dining budget to explore Colombia’s more refined and gastronomic cuisine. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are readily available in larger cities but can be more limited in rural areas. Please let us know in advance about any dietary restrictions or allergies so we can make the necessary arrangements.
Transportation Overview
Road travel in Colombia is part of the adventure, with routes ranging from modern highways to winding mountain roads and remote rural tracks. Private SUVs are generally used for two travelers, while groups of three or more travel by comfortable minivan. Many of Colombia’s most interesting rural areas are reached by tertiary roads, where conditions can be rough and a 4×4 vehicle is required. Vehicles are selected according to the route, group size, and local conditions to ensure the best balance of comfort and accessibility.
Practical Information
Safety in Colombia
Is Colombia safe for travelers?
Yes, Colombia is a vibrant and welcoming destination. While the country’s past still lingers in popular media, the modern reality is vastly different, with millions of international tourists visiting safely each year. Like any major global destination, safety here is about awareness. Traveling on a curated tour adds an exceptional layer of security, making it easy for you to relax and enjoy the experience.
How this tour protects you
This itinerary is designed from the ground up with your security and comfort in mind. We minimize typical travel risks through careful planning:
- Safe Neighborhoods: We select hotels located exclusively in secure, well-lit, and highly monitored districts.
- Private Transport: All group transfers are conducted in private, vetted vehicles with professional drivers, completely bypassing unregulated public transit.
- Local Expert Guides: Our bilingual guides live in the areas you will visit. They know the local dynamics intimately and ensure you navigate every stop safely.
What to expect on the ground
The most common safety concern in Colombia’s urban areas is opportunistic petty theft, such as pickpocketing. You can easily mitigate this by practicing basic street smarts:
- Keep a low profile: Leave expensive jewelry, high-end watches, and flashier valuables at home.
- Secure your devices: Avoid walking down the street with your phone in your hand, and keep your bag zipped and in front of you in crowded markets or plazas.
- No dar papaya: Colombians have a famous local expression, “don’t give papaya,” which simply means don’t put your valuables on display or invite unnecessary attention.
Booking requirements
To ensure peace of mind for everyone on the trip, we require all participants to purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip interruption before departure.
Visa
Summary: For most US or European or citizens, visiting Colombia as a tourist is a straightforward, visa-free process for short stays.
- Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of the European Union and Schengen Area countries can enter Colombia without a visa for tourism, business, or cultural activities for a period of up to 90 days.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Colombia.
- Proof of Onward Travel: You may be asked by immigration officials to show proof of an onward or return ticket out of Colombia.
- Check-Mig Form: All travelers must complete the online “Check-Mig” form within 72 hours before their flight to Colombia.
- Extension: It is possible to apply for an extension of your stay for another 90 days, for a total of 180 days in a calendar year. This must be done in Colombia before your initial 90-day permit expires.
- Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change. Always verify the latest requirements with the nearest Colombian Embassy or Consulate before your trip.
Vaccines
Yellow Fever Vaccination
The most important vaccine to consider for Colombia is Yellow Fever. While it is not always required for entry into the country if you are arriving directly from North America or Europe, it is highly recommended—and often mandatory—if your itinerary includes coastal national parks (such as Tayrona), the Amazon, or other low-altitude regions under 2,300 meters. If this applies to your tour, you must receive the vaccine at least 10 days prior to arrival and carry your physical International Certificate of Vaccination (the yellow card) with you.
Routine and Recommended Immunizations
To ensure a safe and comfortable trip, health authorities generally recommend being up-to-date on standard childhood vaccines, along with a few travel-specific boosters:
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid: Highly recommended for all travelers to Colombia to protect against food and water-borne illnesses.
- Tetanus: Ensure your booster is up to date (within the last 10 years) before departure.
- Malaria: Depending on the specific destinations on your tour (especially low-lying rural or jungle areas), malaria preventative medication may be advised.
When to Consult a Professional
Because vaccine requirements can change and depend heavily on your personal medical history, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a travel clinic or your doctor at least 4 to 6 weeks before your departure. This ensures you have plenty of time to get any required doses and that they are fully effective by the time you land.
Power and connectivity
Keeping Your Devices Charged
Colombia uses Type A and Type B electrical outlets with a standard voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. This is the exact same system used in the United States and Canada, meaning North American travelers will not need any adapters or voltage converters.
If you are traveling from Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, or Asia, you will need to bring a standard travel adapter. Additionally, please check that your devices (especially hair dryers or curling irons) are dual-voltage (110V-240V) before plugging them in.
Internet & Mobile Coverage
While you will have complimentary Wi-Fi access at all our major tour hotels, connection speeds and reliability can vary, particularly when we travel into more remote or mountainous regions. To ensure you stay connected throughout the journey, we recommend preparing your mobile setup before departure.
- Local SIMs & eSIMs: Purchasing an eSIM online before you fly, or buying a local physical SIM card (from providers like Claro or Movistar) upon arrival, is the most cost-effective way to secure reliable 4G data.
- Offline Maps: We suggest downloading offline Google Maps for our destinations prior to day trips, as cellular signals can dip in rural areas.
- Power Banks: Bring a portable power bank for long days of sightseeing and photography to ensure your phone lasts until we return to the hotel.
Getting in Shape
This is a bird-photography tour rather than a demanding trek, but you will walk on uneven ground, sometimes at altitude, and spend time standing with your camera.
Regular walking, gentle hiking or cycling in the weeks before departure will help. If possible, practice with the daypack and camera equipment you expect to carry.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. Check that your policy covers medical care, emergency assistance, trip interruption and the activities included in your itinerary.
Review the conditions before travelling and keep the assistance details accessible during the tour.
Packing List (General)
Prepare for Multiple Climates
Colombia is a country of remarkable geographical diversity, and your tour may take you through several climate zones in just a few days. Depending on the itinerary, you could experience cool mountain mornings in Bogotá (around 14°C / 57°F), mild spring-like temperatures in the Andes, humid cloud forests, and tropical heat exceeding 30°C (86°F) in lower elevations.
The key to packing comfortably is layering rather than bringing bulky clothing. Lightweight, breathable layers allow you to adapt quickly to changing temperatures throughout the day.
Luggage Recommendations
To make travel easier on domestic flights and during road transfers, we strongly recommend packing as lightly as possible.
- Checked luggage: Maximum 20 kg (44 lbs), as regional airlines often enforce strict baggage limits.
- Daypack: A comfortable 20–30L backpack is essential for carrying your camera, water, jacket, and personal items during daily excursions.
Clothing Essentials
A detailed packing checklist will be provided after booking, but we recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking or light hiking shoes with good grip
- Lightweight waterproof jacket or quality rain poncho
- Breathable clothing suitable for warm, humid weather
- One or two warmer layers (fleece or light insulated jacket) for high elevations
- Sun hat or cap
- Sunglasses
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin for tropical regions
- Reusable water bottle
Remember that laundry services are widely available throughout Colombia, so there’s no need to overpack.
Detailed Trip Notes, including practical tips, cultural insights, and a complete packing list will be sent to you 60 days before departure.
Booking this tour means you agree to our full Terms and Conditions. Below is a summary of the key points. As life is unpredictable, we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance.
- Deposit: A 30% deposit is required to secure your booking. This deposit is refundable for 7 days (less transaction fees), after which it becomes a non-refundable credit, transferable to a future tour offered by Remote Expeditions within 4 years of the cancellation date, less any non-recoverable costs already paid on your behalf.
- Final Payment: The remaining balance is due 90 days before the tour begins.
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: You will receive a full refund of any payments made, except for the 30% deposit. Your deposit will be converted into a travel credit valid for 4 years on a future tour Remote Expeditions.
- Cancellation within 90 days of departure: 100% of the tour price is forfeited. There are no refunds or credits.
* This is a summary only. Please read our complete
Terms and Conditions
for full details before booking.
** We strongly recommend all travelers purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unforeseen events.
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Your Tour Guide
Tristan Quevilly
Since my first transformative visit in 2005, Colombia has held a special place in my heart. I returned to build a life here for 10 years, managing and leading tours which allowed me unparalleled access and deep exploration across the country. My expertise is particularly strong in the stunning Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where I've cultivated relationships and understanding with the land and its indigenous Kogi communities. My photography tours are born from this passion and extensive insider knowledge, offering you a unique opportunity to authentically capture the vibrant spirit and hidden beauty of Colombia.
- Nationality: French
- Languages: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese
- Guiding since: 2003
- Specialties: Photography, Trekking, Indigenous Communities
Activities you might be interested in
These are suggested experiences that have not been included in the itinerary, mainly due to time constraints. If you would like more information about any of them or wish to include them in the itinerary, feel free to let me know.
Extend your journey
Optional extensions and add-ons you may consider for your trip. Each can be added to your itinerary on request — just let me know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
