New: Republic of the Congo Holidays

Garcia Marquez: One Hundred Years of Solitude Trip

Duration
11 days
Price
£3,449 pp.
Location
Colombia Holidays, South America Holidays
Colourful balconies in Cartagena Colombia

Trip Highlights

  • Visit the town that inspired Garcia Marquez to create Macondo
  • See iconic locations from Gabo's life
  • Witness the beauty of Tayrona

What's Included

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • Flights within Colombia
  • Transfers and park fees where specified

A customisable trip to visit Gabo's inspirations

Explore the magical places that inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez to write One Hundred Years of Solitude 

Start in Bogotá, where García Márquez’s career began, visiting historic cafés, libraries, and cultural hubs. Then, venture to Armenia to explore lush botanical gardens and the iconic Cocora Valley, home to towering wax palms.

In Santa Marta, delve into the "Macondo" of García Márquez’s imagination, visiting towns like Aracataca, his birthplace, and the setting for many magical realist elements in his novels. Enjoy a day of natural beauty at Tayrona National Park, known for pristine beaches, tropical forests, and the magnificent Sierra Nevada backdrop.

Your journey continues to Cartagena, where you can try all of the Caribbean dishes featured in the author’s works, alongside iconic landmarks like the San Felipe Fortress and historic plazas. Experience García Márquez’s Colombia— witness first hand how its history, culture, and landscapes are brought to life through his storytelling. This trip combines breathtaking sights with deep cultural insights, perfect for literature lovers and fans of the new Netflix series, offering a profound connection to one of the world’s most beloved literary worlds.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Bogotá

Staying at Hotel Bioxury

Arrive at El Dorado airport in Bogotá, the exciting capital city of Colombia. Upon arrival, transfer to Hotel Bioxury where you will stay for two nights. After check-in, settle in to begin your journey through the landscapes that inspired Gabriel Garcia Marquez to write One Hundred Years of Solitude.

Day 2 Bogotá Literary Tour

Explore Bogotá through the lens of Gabo's life and legacy while experiencing the city’s vibrant cultural landmarks. Begin at Parque de los Periodistas Gabriel García Márquez, where Gabo worked nearby at El Espectador, honing his skills as a journalist and storyteller. Stop at Café Pasaje, a historic meeting spot in La Candelaria where he and other intellectuals debated literature and art. Visit Carrera 7 to see the monument to Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, whose assassination in 1948 and the ensuing “Bogotazo” riots left a profound mark on Gabo’s worldview and writing.

After exploring these key influences, discover Bogotá’s rich heritage. Visit Plaza de Bolívar, home to historic colonial buildings and a statue of Simón Bolívar, then admire masterpieces at the Botero Museum. Conclude at the Gold Museum, where pre-Hispanic artefacts illuminate Colombia’s indigenous history, tying together this culturally immersive journey.

Day 3 Quindío Botanical Gardens

Day 4 Cocora Valley and Salento

Day 5 Coffee Experience and transfer to Santa Marta

Day 6 Gabriel Garcia Marquez's birthplace

Day 7 Tayrona National Park

Day 8 Cartagena

Day 9 Cartagena city tour

Day 10 Free day in Cartagena

Day 11 Departure

Colombia trip ideas

Type

Location

Price

Speak to a Colombia expert today.

Start planning your literary adventure.

Amanda

Amanda

Latin America Specialist

Call an expert on

01768 603 715

When to go to Colombia

A month-by-month guide of when to visit Colombia

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is part of Colombia's dry season, offering pleasant temperatures and less rainfall. The country's diverse geography ensures a variety of climates.

Coastal regions, like Cartagena and Santa Marta, enjoy balmy temperatures around 30°C (86°F), perfect for sunbathing and exploring pristine beaches. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience milder temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), ideal for city sightseeing and hiking in the surrounding mountains.

Expand

February

February continues to offer favourable weather conditions for exploring Colombia. The dry season persists, ensuring pleasant temperatures and minimal rainfall across the country.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta maintain their inviting climate, with temperatures hovering around 30°C (86°F), making it an excellent time for beach activities and water sports. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín experience slightly warmer temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), allowing visitors to enjoy outdoor excursions comfortably.

Expand

March

March marks the transition from the dry season to the beginning of the rainy season in Colombia. While the weather remains generally pleasant, there may be occasional showers and increased humidity later in the month.

Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience temperatures around 30°C (86°F) but may also see some rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín continue to enjoy mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) but may also encounter intermittent rain showers.

Expand

April

April is the beginning of the shoulder season in Colombia. During this time, the weather can be more unpredictable, with increased rainfall in various regions.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta may experience higher humidity and occasional showers, while inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín can also see increased precipitation. It's advisable to pack rain gear and plan outdoor activities accordingly.

Expand

May

In May, Colombia experiences varied weather and climate conditions depending on the region.

Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta enjoy warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 74°F).

Expand

June

June continues the rainy season and brings varied weather conditions across the country.

Coastal regions like Cartagena and Santa Marta experience warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with increased rainfall. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see occasional rain showers.

Expand

July

In July, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see rain showers.

July presents fantastic opportunities to explore Colombia's natural beauty. Discover the stunning landscapes of Tayrona National Park, hike through the Cocora Valley, or go whale watching along the Pacific Coast.

Expand

August

In August, Colombia experiences diverse weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also experience rain showers.

Expand

September

In September, Colombia experiences varied weather conditions depending on the region. Coastal areas like Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures around 30°C (86°F) with a chance of occasional showers. Inland cities such as Bogotá and Medellín provide milder temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and can also see some rainfall.

Expand

October

October is the start of the rainy season or the Low season in Colombia.

Rainfall is heaviest inland in the cities like Bogota and Cali, however, it is perfectly navigable and manageable to visit these places despite heavy downpours. There are plenty of indoor activities like museums, restaurants, and art galleries.

Expand

November

The rainy season eases up slightly as it transitions to the dry season at the end of November.

Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta continue to offer warm temperatures, ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F), with lots of showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín start to cool down with temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F). If you prefer warmer and drier weather, stick to the Caribbean side of Colombia. The coastal region, notably Cartagena, has a plethora of colourful attractions.

Expand

December

December is the beginning of the dry season, or High Season, and marks the start of the best conditions in which to visit Colombia.

Coastal areas such as Cartagena and Santa Marta offer warm temperatures ranging from 28°C to 32°C (82°F to 90°F). These regions tend to have a mix of sunny days and occasional showers. Inland cities like Bogotá and Medellín have milder temperatures ranging from 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F).

Expand

Plan with an expert Plan with an expert

Have a look at our original holiday experiences and then contact us with your brief, or call 01768 603 715

A tailor-made itinerary just for you A tailor-made itinerary just for you

Our experts will send you a detailed holiday itinerary specified to your desires. It's our service promise to you.

Value guarantee Value guarantee

Tailor-made doesn't mean expensive! Ask about our price promise and book with financial security.