Colombia

Follow the same route as Intrepid's Real Colombia tour — Bogotá, Rio Claro, Guatapé, Medellín, Cartagena, Barranquilla, Minca, and Santa Marta — entirely on your own terms. Swap private group transport for local buses and shared shuttles, replace included guides with self-bookable tours on GetYourGuide and Klook, and stay in the same quality of hostels and budget hotels. Colombia is one of the most backpacker-friendly countries in South America, and doing it independently is straightforward, safe (in tourist areas), and dramatically cheaper. All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£605

This self-launched 7-day adventure from Bogotá to Medellín follows the same route as Intrepid Travel's Essential Colombia tour — hitting Rio Claro Nature Reserve, the 'City of Bridges' Honda, the colourful town of Guatapé, and the vibrant streets of Medellín. By booking your own accommodation, using local buses and shared transport, and self-booking activities directly, you can experience all the highlights at a fraction of the group tour price. Expect lush rainforest hikes, river swims, 700 steps to breathtaking views, and salsa bars at night. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£318

This self-launched version of Intrepid's 8-day Colombia Basix tour follows the same route — Cartagena, Barranquilla, Cienaga Grande, Minca, and Santa Marta — using public buses, shared taxis, and direct-bookable tours instead of a private group vehicle and local leader. You'll stay in equivalent budget hotels and hostels, eat at local spots, and book activities independently via GetYourGuide, Klook, or directly with local operators. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.

Travel Crew

~£390