Book

Colombia

Departure: 27th October 2025

Depart

Itinerary Options

Let's go

Looking for something more flexible? Get in touch and we'll chat through options more suited to you.

Join our Colombian Road Trip

Culture, contribution and calm

Having shaken off its "bad-boy" reputation, Colombia is now a must-visit destination for those looking for a vibrant, thrillingly un-commercialised country which delivers unique culture, a hefty mix of adventures and inspiring community development opportunities, enabling us to curate another inspirational Midlifer to spark and satisfy our adventurous spirit and send home rejuvinated.

This volunteering adventure has a strong 'road trip' vibe as it starts amongst the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada, before dipping down into the wild jungle of Tyrona National park and ending on a pristine Caribbean island. Together we will hike along ancient Spanish paths that link up the prettiest of villages tucked away in glorious canyon landscape, canoe along the meandering jungle rivers, explore the colourful streets of Cartagena before resting up on a Caribbean island. A strong contribution element will be interwoven into the itinerary supporting reforestation and community projects which are spearheaded by our partners - Brendan and Josi Topp, who through their contacts enable to head off grid and experience real Colombia.

So, if you are looking for an intrepid adventure centred around fabulous Latino Caribbean culture, big landscapes, community support and delicious food (yes the food is delicious), then dust down your rucksack, let's go.


For a quick overview:

Download brochure


Adventure Itinerary

Our Colombian road trip will take us from the central highlands, to the lowland jungle, to the Caribbean - exploring and contributing throughout.

This is the plan...

Days 1- 4

Barichara Yoga + Hiking + Community Volunteering

Our adventure starts in the central highlands, famous for its dramatic canyon landscape, roaring rivers, waterfalls, and a relaxed pace of life. Our base will be in the pretty town of Barichara, which is a UNESCO world heritage site – a town full of charm and a strong community spirit which we will be become part of through our host Brendan and lovely wife Josie.

Our days here will combine restorative yoga and scenic hikes to explore the 300-year-old colonial footpaths known as ‘el camino real’, to find the prettiest of villages, before rolling up our sleeves to help the community with their reforestation and social housing projects.

The evenings we will be spent sampling the most delicious local food in one of the uber cool restaurants, visiting a coffee farm and haggling for a chic trilby or two.

As with all our Midlife adventures – they are put together by our in-country partners who spearhead the sustainable community and conservation projects we support. Brendan Topp is our man in Colombia, he lives in Barichara with his family, running Jakera Colombia, a volunteering and adventure NGO. Through Brendan we will contribute to two ongoing community projects.

1. Family in need
For every Leap team that arrives in Barichara, a family in need gets identified for ‘Leap support’ by the community. This support comes in many different disguises but what we do know is it involves rolling up one's sleeves to get stuck in. Previous teams have painted, levelled out floors, shopped, washed, gardened and sorted various homes. These simple social work projects make a profound difference for everyone involved.

2. Reforestation
This project is led by the Barichara fire brigade who are in charge of reforesting the community land. Again, every Leap team helps out at the tree nursery and over the last few years we have made a huge

Accommodation

Barichara: (or similar) https://casabari.com.co/nuestras-casas/casa-bari-la-antigua/

Food

Breakfast and lunch included.
Supper will extra out in town.

Days 5 - 7

Santa Marta and Tyrona National Park Exploring + Beaches + Jungle

The next phase takes us by a short flight north to the historical coastal town of Santa Marta, the second oldest city in all of Latin America and the entry point to the famous Tyrona National park. This stunning park is located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and incorporates contrasting and breath-taking landscapes as it descends from snow-capped mountains, into wild jungle and down to peachy perfect Caribbean beaches. It is home to the ancestral territories of the Kankuamo, Kogui, Wiwa and Arhuaco indigenous communities and famous for the Lost City which was built in 800CE but rediscovered in 1975.

Our plan is to stay one night in Santa Marta to explore the old quarters before entering the park for 2 days to explore by foot and motorised canoes along the meandering rivers. Along the way we will experience stunning sunsets, jungle vista, indigenous culture and magical birdlife.

Accommodation

Tyrona National Park.
El Viajero hostal: https://www.viajerohostels.com/es/destinos-colombia/tayrona/

Food

Breakfast and lunch included.
Supper extra - out and about.

Days 8 - 11

Rosario Islands and Cartagena Rejuvenation and Explore

Our last phase will take us west along the coat to find the hip and arty city of Cartagena and the oh so chilled vibe of Rosario Island – for our cilled, rejuvenating phase.

We will travel from Santa Marta to The Rosario Islands – known as Las Islas del Rosario in Spanish. They are a group of 27 islands located about an hour or so away from Cartagena by boat. These stunning Caribbean islands are home to clear water, white sand and a very chilled vibe. Here we will stay in a peaceful eco-lodge to do just that – chill, swim and snorkel.

Our last 2 nights will be spent back in Cartagena de Indias which is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a historic city of superbly preserved beauty lying within 13km of centuries-old stone walls. It is the epitome of boho chic with the arty café, cocktail bars and amazing shopping. We will stay here in a groovy town house, our base for celebrating all we have achieved before exploring the winding streets and haggling in the markets.

Accommodation

Cartagena townhouse in the historical centre - similar to: https://abnb.me/M14JPH2r3Fb

Islas del Rosario: or similar: https://coralinaisland.com/


Food

Breakfast and lunch included.
Supper extra - out and about.

Day 12

Return home Travel home

We will fly home from Cartagena airport via Bogota.

Food

Breakfast and lunch included.
Supper will extra.

Program Details & Costs

We can only take 12, so I am afraid it will be on a first come, first served basis...so book away...see the big book button.

Any questions email me at: milly@theleap.co.uk

27th October 2025

Costs

11 nights/12 days
Caribbean + Canyons + Community
2025: £3050

Canyons and Caribbean

Experience 2 spectacular environments.

Social Life

A team of 10 midlifers - guaranteed to be like minded, so give it ago.

Adventure

Explore vast canyons, jungle and islands.

Contrast

Experience adventure, contribution and relaxation.

Midlifer favourities:

  • Whitewater rafting in San Gill
  • Massages
  • Nights out to experience Latino music

Brendan and Josie Topp

Our Colombia programme is run by our great friend Brendan Topp, and his wife Josie.

They live in Barichara and organise all volunteering adventures across Colombia. They are passionate about development and will get us contributing to two of their favourite community projects.

The Colombian team are great fun...

Leaper's Highlights

Painting signs, recycling and turtles Lucy Dickens

Turtle hatcheries, surfing, yoga and more Emily Dinovo

Tyre garden, hot springs and reforestation Maya Sanden

"An extraordinary and memorable trip"

If you are feeling motivated to make a difference and looking for an off grid adventure, have a look at The Leap’s website.

If you enjoy a challenge and want to feel intrepid, you can join a group of like minded individuals for an extraordinary and memorable trip, organised for you by experts. I cannot recommend The Leap more highly.

- Penny Mountbatten

"We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot"

We have wanted to visit Jordan for a long time, but weren’t quite sure how to go about organising the right type of trip. One taking into account the culture, the temperatures, terrain and distances between places. So when we came upon this trip we knew it covered all we needed and more. It had just the right mix of history, sightseeing, adventure, new experiences and rest and relaxation at the end.

We took in the breathtaking sights of Petra arriving on horseback and foot. Our group had split to take into account differing abilities, giving everyone in the group the support they needed. From walking in wadis to a night in the desert, the thrills and adventure continued. The Jordan based team that the Leap have, meant that we were supported at all times and given information that we would not have been party to had we been travelling alone. The trip was rounded off with some rest and relaxation in a Dead Sea resort. Time to reflect on what had been an amazing adventure. Memories made to last a lifetime.

We would highly recommend this trip and the services of Midlife Leap.

- Mark and Tina Foster

"An unqualified success"

I booked the midlife trip to Peru to fulfil an ambition to see Machu Picchu, to set myself a physical challenge by completing a high altitude trek and to have fun with like-minded people. Well the trip was an unqualified success. Owing to The Leap's association with AASD, we learnt about sustainability and farming in Peru, we worked on their farms and visited indigenous communities that we would not otherwise have had access to. During the first week in Peru, we stayed with Peruvian families while acclimatising to the altitude. These families were incredibly hospitable and the food was delicious. Week 2 meant the high Andes trek - thank goodness I packed everything on the kit list as we certainly needed it - this was undoubtedly the toughest trek I have ever done but also the most rewarding - we did not see any other tourists, we were superbly looked after by our Guide, Ruben and chef, Edgar. We spend 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hostel and we thought that was it but the icing on the cake of our trip was the short Inca trail - another demanding hike but with the reward of the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu at the top - this was truly incredible and a momentous moment of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process.

At first I was so excited after I booked my mid-life trip to Peru with The Leap. Then the trepidation set in as the trip was so outside my normal comfort zone. Due to these nerves, I took all the preparatory advice offered by The Leap and got everything on the kit list.

- Annie Redmayne

"The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with buy also to travel with."

Having just returned from the mid-lifer trip to Peru ( Nov 22) at the age of 55, I genuinely didn't think I would get the opportunity to backpack again and feel like an intrepid teenager. We were able to stay, visit and get involved with local NGO projects in areas not usually accessible to the average traveller. Meeting, walking and talking with the locals we met (using my basic O’level Spanish) gave me a deeper understanding of the history and beauty of Peru and just how fascinating a country it is. The trip was beautifully organised by the NGO team in Peru, the homestay experience although very basic was a delight with wonderful food at every meal. The value for money was incredible and The Leap is plainly a great company – not only to deal with but also to travel with.

Thank you Milly and your team!

Sign me up for the next one....

- Lucy Schoonhoven

"Their passion and committment was infectious."

Being at Oana really was one of the happiest and best experiences of my life and I am going back in 2020.

The hands on conservation work included removing old fencing to enable wildlife migration, building a wildlife hide, putting out hay mangers and setting camera traps for wildlife monitoring - all of which was great fun. On our last day we visited the local village where we had a soup kitchen and had 90 children come along. The children were unforgettable, singing and dancing with huge smiles on their faces.

- Elaine Mackensie Yates

"Extraordinary and inspiring"

On arrival the trepidation and pre-match nerves soon disappeared and I realised it was the best decision I had ever made. The photos are amazing, but to be there is even better. Having never had a gap year, been camping, been away without family, been to Africa or known anyone on the trip beforehand I was taking a big Leap into the unknown…..and I LOVED every minute. It was a wonderful and unique experience.

I now miss waking up in camp every morning, chatting and laughing with a very special group of now lifelong friends, being inspired by the amazing Dre and Red, looking at the beautiful stars, trekking to the top of mountains to admire the never ending breathtaking views.

The white water rafting and camping on the side of the Orange River towards the end of the 9 days enhanced what had already become the most phenomenal trip. I feel everyone should now make that Midlife Leap and then truly understand why it is so extraordinary and inspiring….

- Alice Fisher

"Incredible camaraderie and kindness"

During our time we slept in dorms, washed out of a bucket, painted a school, planted shrubs and trees for nesting turtles, swam with whale sharks and manta ray. What struck me through all of our incredible experiences was the camaraderie and kindness of everyone. No-one thought of themselves first. Mosquito spray was given to your pal before you used it yourself. And we're tough old birds! No whingeing at all which was quite something for a bunch of mums who have got used to a comfortable way of live back at home.

The Leap's people on the ground are vital to the smooth-running of anything so off-grid and they found the dream team who were largely locals and knew exactly how the islands ticked and what would work. I think it's brilliant to 'take the leap', venturing outside your comfort zone and realising that at 40/50/60 you've still got what it takes.

- Emma Cripwell

"How we laughed .. I felt reinvigorated"

It was all I had hoped for and with much more. I felt I had a glimpse of a gap year which was exactly what I had wanted. I loved staying in the hostel at Monteverde, testing my nerve on the zip wires and finding I could do it. A great mix of fun and learning.

Throughout we were looked after with kindness and thought. Gently pushing us out of our comfort zones from where I feel we all flew away from our cosy safe nests! In all this I think the Midlife Leap is very clever. We were able to experience a country, get under the skin of it and see it properly, feel comfortable without it seeming we were on a ‘holiday’. Which we weren’t . Volunteering and meeting locals and having Chris guiding us through it all made the ordinary extraordinary . Milly you are brilliant and cajoled and encouraged us keeping up any flagging spirit.

- Nicola Hussey

"Reflect and Reset"

Although I had been promised true wilderness, it wasn’t until we finally arrived in camp that I properly understood that this was exactly what we were getting. Completely off grid, in beautiful surroundings, we were made incredibly welcome by Red and Dre, who then proceeded to put us to work!

What was so extraordinary about the trip was that not only did we feel that what we were doing, along with all the other volunteers, really would make a difference in helping to transform and rewild the landscape in this remote corner of Namibia, but also that by being there as individuals, with no other halves or children to worry about or manage, it was a chance to reflect and to reset. I came home a changed person and cannot recommend the experience highly enough. If you can, just do it!

- Lucy Walsh-Waring

"It turns out I can do more and be more than I had realised"

Five Stars to Milly and her team for organising a wholly wholesome and wonderfully colourful time on the paradise island of Sri Lanka for our mid-life trip. The well-managed blend of work and play suited me very well.

Each bit of volunteering taught me a great deal about myself and my own strengths: it turns out I can do more and be more than I had realised. Thank you.

- Emily Peart

"A real sense of adventure but without any associated hassle"

I absolutely loved the Leap Mid-Life Sri Lanka Trip. It was such a tonic! There was a real sense of adventure but without any associated hassle. Milly and the Sri Lankan team couldn’t have been more helpful or accommodating; nothing was a problem and they were also excellent company. Our mornings were spent volunteering at the inspiring Tekanda Foundation and afternoons offered further activities or an option to chill by the pool. The balance was perfect.

We were delighted to arrive at the Amba Tea Estate in the central highlands. It’s an incredibly special place with fabulous hiking and stunning views. Yet again, we were made to feel so welcome and treated to delicious food, memorable sundowners and a fascinating Tea Plantation Tour.

I felt bereft when the trip came to an end and I’m so delighted to have done it. I would definitely book with The Leap again.

- Emma Peart

"Soul and mind rebooted and the most amazing group of new friends"

I wasn’t sure how I was going to cope with the sleeping arrangements and roughing it, especially as I’m a contact user and need clean hands and a mirror to get them in, but it wasn’t a problem and all the things I worried about before I left were forgotten once I was there.

I had to pinch myself that we actually swam with manta rays and whale sharks and saw the most perfect beaches and yet balanced this with making other peoples lives better on ‘work days’, when we painted a school and health clinic and made bricks for a school build project.

- Emma O'Grady

"It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration"

‘There were a thousand reasons why I absolutely couldn’t or shouldn’t take my ‘Leap' to Namibia. The most pressing and logistical reasons were my two boys at day school (one only 8) and my husband being half way across the world for work at the same time. However I just couldn’t let it go. There would always be reasons why not. I HAD to make it work. I had wanted to go to Namibia for years and was just really desperate for adventure. Needless to say it was worth every second of the UN-like logistics to get myself out of the door. It was a strike out of my comfort zone (in many layers not perhaps immediately obvious), it was switching off into proper wilderness (no phone reception or WIFI here, just miles and miles of echoing desert), it was back to brilliant basics in our sleeping bags and tents, it was physical work and walking and climbing and rafting, and it was with a group of people, some I knew, most I didn’t with whom we laughed and laughed, nattered and confided, supported and explored with.

It was freedom, stillness, exhilaration. What can I say? DO IT, DO IT, DO IT! Strike out, press your reset button, be BOLD. For all us it was life-affirming, for some a game changer.’

- Sacha Kent

" I would highy recommend this trip"

This was the first time either of us had been to a Middle Eastern and/or desert country. The Leap prepared us very well both culturally and practically - we were advised what kit we would need, what the temperatures and terrain would be like and consequently we had everything we needed.

From the moment we landed in Amman we were swept up in the special Leap cocoon - totally safe and supported but with a sense of adventure and wonder. We had the ease of being part of a group but the luxury of our individual needs being met - at one point, the group split due to fitness differences and both groups enjoyed and experienced the wonder of Petra. Owing to the Leap's Jordan-based contacts, we were able to change and adapt our itinerary on the go and never was this too much trouble. After Petra and Wadi Rum, we ended our trip in indulgence at the Dead Sea having had a fabulous adventure. I would not hesitate to recommend this trip to anyone.

- Charlie and Annie Redmayne

"Quality time with girlfriends, old and new. "

Having not been backpacking at the traditional backpacking age this MidLife Leapers' trip was an opportunity too good to pass up. It was a chance to leave the husband and kids behind, to experience a little bit of what kids do while travelling and to spend quality time with girlfriends, old and new.

I was initially attracted by the opportunity to help conserve the turtles and, despite being there in the turtle ‘low season’, we were exceptionally lucky to be involved in locating and moving a nest of recently laid eggs and to watch newly hatched turtles being released into the ocean. A totally unforgettable experience. At Cirenas we met some inspiring young Ticos and I would love to go back in a year or two to see where their vision and hard work has got them.

Thank you Milly, and Chris on the ground, for organising such a fabulous trip for us. We loved it all - the zip wire, the cloud forest, the baby sloths and the anteater, the turtles, the absolutely delicious food wherever we went, and the scary light aircraft to get us home. An amazing trip.

- LIza Curtis

"Exceeded my expectations"

The accommodation at Tekanda Lodge was top notch as was the delicious food. The charity aspect was very rewarding and enjoyed the activities especially yoga before breakfast. Great to see the work assisting artisan tea plantations in the central highlands after jungle and beaches. Just fabulous!

- Marianne Vaern

"Meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience"

Going on The Leap MidLife was a great decision for me: spending time with a very entertaining and engaging group of people in the amazing and ancient landscape of Namibia on a meaningful adventure has been a wonderful experience.

Oana is a very special conservation reserve, and the passion, vision and determination of the camp managers has inspired a long term make-a-difference approach in us all. Although I have left Namibia and am now back in England, the memories of a fantastic and happy community thrown together for a purpose under the African skies will stay with me for ever.

- Carrie Watson

"It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun."

Dear gorgeous Milly,

Just wanted to drop you a note and say from the bottom of my heart how fabulous our trip to Peru was. It was the perfect combination of challenge and fun, mixed together with a group of amazing women and life- affirming experiences. It was a privilege to be part of the group and I am so grateful that Claire asked me to join you all on the adventure, but more importantly the planning that you (very specifically) and your team put into the trip made it so special. Your dedication and hard work, together with your amazing team - Kerri, Reuben, Jo-Lyn (to name but a few) made the trip most memorable.

So grateful for all of it and still remembering the laughs….when’s the next adventure?

Lots of love

- Tash

"Jordan was more than I expected in so many ways"

The Jordanians we met were friendly, polite and cheerful and helped us at every stage of the journey. After a whistle stop tour of Amman where we visited roman temples and markets with a huge variety of spices and the largest radishes I have ever seen (the size of apples), we headed down to the desert and at one point below sea level.

This was our first encounter with the Bedouin tribe as we were led on a trek by a Bedouin tribesman who taught us how to make soap from a rubbing a natural plant with water on a rock. As we headed further to Wadi Rum we went past a re enactment of the famous railway attack from the Lawrence of Arabia film, complete with Bedouin horseman attacking the train.

After a night in Petra we left early and started our 15 kms trek from Little Petra to Petra through the desert and along the rock cliff tracks which were stunning due to the scenery and the peace of being alone with a small group and our lovely guide Annas. Petra and the various temples is incredible, justifying the 40 years it took for the workers to build it.

My favourite experience however was Wadi Rum, arriving in the back of a Toyota pick-up truck driven by a 13 year old Bedouin the scenery was like nowhere else I have ever been. Desert flanked by incredible huge rocks and cliffs .. camel trains, completely magical and I wish we could have stayed longer here.

Loved it - add it to your bucket list.

- Guy Whitehead

"Never been away solo before so was very apprehensive but I thoroughly enjoyed myself."

Wow what a fantastic trip I throughly enjoyed myself. The first thing i would like to comment is Milly she did a great job of caring for us and putting this amazing adventure together, we were never bored ! loved the volunteering part of this trip, very humbling and Tekanda Lodge was just beautiful a real paradise, delicious food, the staff couldn't have looked after us better.

All in all a truly memorable experience shared with a lovely bunch of ladies. Gilly .

- Gilly Corrie Hill

" I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process."

I booked the midlife trip to Peru to fulfil an ambition to see Machu Picchu, to set myself a physical challenge by completing a high altitude trek and to have fun with like-minded people. Well the trip was an unqualified success. Owing to The Leap's association with AASD, we learnt about sustainability and farming in Peru, we worked on their farms and visited indigenous communities that we would not otherwise have had access to. During the first week in Peru, we stayed with Peruvian families while acclimatising to the altitude. These families were incredibly hospitable and the food was delicious. Week 2 meant the high Andes trek - thank goodness I packed everything on the kit list as we certainly needed it - this was undoubtedly the toughest trek I have ever done but also the most rewarding - we did not see any other tourists, we were superbly looked after by our Guide, Ruben and chef, Edgar. We spend 2 nights camping and 1 night in a hostel and we thought that was it but the icing on the cake of our trip was the short Inca trail - another demanding hike but with the reward of the Sun Gate to Machu Picchu at the top - this was truly incredible and a momentous moment of my life. I would not hesitate to recommend The Leap to any midlifer who wants to challenge themselves and make lifelong friends in the process.

- Annie

"The trip exceeded my expectations."

When I signed up I was a little apprehensive as I only knew one person and wasn’t sure how the dynamics of the group would work. As it turned out the group could not have gelled better. The trip exceeded my expectations. I felt we had the chance to give something to the local communities as well as have some fun.

I would highly recommend doing a MidLife Leap – super-duper organised, with attention to detail which meant we were all able to relax and enjoy every minute as we had nothing to think or worry about. It was the most fantastic amazing opportunity that I feel blessed to have experienced.

- Nicci Caswell

"Bespoke but not pretentious"

I think both Tekanda and Alba made us feel special. So well treated and particularly by the Pembrokes. I loved the volunteering . I treasure my shirt. Again we were made to feel so welcome. Great to feel useful. I also loved the trip to the national park. All in all, I loved our trip. You managed to make it bespoke but not pretentious. We were spoiled but not spoilt so too speak!

- Susannah O'Brien

"The most rewarding and valuable trip of my life"

My trip to Namibia will be the platform for the rest of my life. It was vitally important for me to be challenged, tested and taken far away from home. The environment in Namibia is so far removed from the privileged life I lead in England and the enormous personal strain from family illnesses and teenage demands. Namibia was so utterly dramatic in its beauty and so humbling in its simplicity. To be ‘unplugged’ from my life was incredible. It made me ‘regroup’ amongst nature that is so pure - I felt honoured to be there.

Living in tents and being part of a group was fantastic fun. Getting to know myself in that environment was valuable and liberating. So many fears were dispelled by the whole experience.

Thank you for organising a fantastic trip with love and laughter! Thank you for letting me rest when I needed to and encouraging me to ‘push on’ when it mattered. Thank you for the most fabulous memories and happy times.

- Sara Koe

Like what you see?

Want to know more or filled with panic about venturing off on a MidLifer? We're here to help.

Or give us a call on +441672 519 922

We love a chat.

Opt in below to help us keep track of your MidLife travel planning so each time you talk to us you can pick up where you left off.

Yes please, let's keep life simple.