4-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the jewels of Colombia! Our 4-week itinerary in Colombia will take you to discover the great classics of this fascinating country. From majestic Bogotá to the enchanting old town of Cartagena, via the breathtaking landscapes of the coffee region to the heavenly beaches of Tayrona Park, prepare yourself for an unrivalled adventure.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Bogotá, let the nature of the Andes and tropical jungles envelop you, and explore the colorful streets of Medellín. Meet indigenous communities, taste authentic Colombian coffee and soak up the vibrant culture of this South American country. Whether you’re a traveler looking for adventure, culture or relaxation, this 4-week itinerary in Colombia promises a memorable experience. Prepare to be amazed by Colombia, a country where every corner tells a unique story.

Course

4-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Duration: 4 weeks. Entering Colombia from Bogotá and leaving the country from Cartagena

When to go (climate): December to February – June to August

Stages: 7 stages (Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Coffee Region, Medellín, Santa Marta & PNN Tayrona, Ciudad Perdida, Cartagena & San Bernardo Archipelago)

Travel: bus, cab, plane (1 internal flight)

Activities: visits to colonial towns & villages, mountain & jungle trekking, snorkeling / diving, coffee finca visits, beaches

Physical level required: medium/high

Estimated on-site budget (per person): 6,145,000 COP (frugal budget), 11,380,000 COP (medium budget), 26,660,000 COP (high budget)

Welcome to Bogotá, officially known as Bogotá Distrito Capital, the vibrant capital of Colombia. Situated at an altitude of over 2,600 metres in the heart of the majestic Andes mountains, this dynamic metropolis combines tradition and modernity in fascinating ways. Founded in 1538, Bogotá is the country’s largest city, with a diverse and welcoming population.

The city’s vibrant energy is evident in its lively neighborhoods, colorful markets and bustling artistic scene. The streets of the old town, La Candelaria, are lined with colonial houses with colorful facades, bearing witness to the city’s rich historical heritage.

Bogotá also plays a central role on the cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, theaters and concert halls. The local cuisine is a veritable explosion of Colombian flavors, offering a variety of regional dishes to sample. The city offers a striking contrast between its past and its future, creating a captivating experience for travelers seeking authenticity and contemporary discoveries.

Day 1: Bogotá – Arrival

Your journey in Colombia begins as soon as you land at Bogotá‘s El Dorado international airport on your first day. Once you’ve cleared immigration and customs, you can take a cab to your accommodation. The evening will be free, allowing you to relax after the flight and get used to life in the Colombian capital. Take advantage of this first evening to relax and get ready to explore Colombia over the next few days.

Day 2: Bogotá – Visit to Candelaria (including Museo del Oro) and Monserrate
_{Day can be done on your own or with a guide}

Explore Bogotá’s history and culture during this phase of your trip. Explore the city center, with its cobblestone streets, centuries-old churches and museums that tell the story of Spanish colonization and Colombian independence. Don’t forget to visit the Museo del Oro, where a remarkable collection of gold and emerald objects traces pre-Columbian history. In the afternoon, climb to the top of Mount Monserrate, over 3,000 metres above sea level, for a breathtaking panoramic view of Bogotá, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Day 3: Bogotá – Laguna de Guatavita and Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
_{Tour with a guide – It’s not possible to do it on your own (public transport takes too long).}

Discover two emblematic sites near Bogotá on this excursion. Start by exploring the Laguna de Guatavita, a legendary place closely linked to the myth of El Dorado, of immense cultural importance to the indigenous Muisca peoples. Then on to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, a breathtaking underground site carved out of the depths of the salt mines. A true masterpiece of architecture and engineering, it’s sure to fascinate you. After a busy day, return to Bogotá for an evening of rest and relaxation.

Welcome to Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s authentic historical nuggets! Nestled in the heart of the majestic Andes mountains, this small colonial town is an unspoilt treasure trove of Colombian history. Founded in 1572, Villa de Leyva boasts one of the largest town squares on the continent, entirely paved with pebbles and lined with white houses, all at the foot of the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary in the Andes, one of the country’s paramos.

The influence of Spanish colonial architecture is omnipresent, giving the town a timeless atmosphere. The main square is the lively heart of the town, surrounded by restaurants, craft stores and open-air cafés that invite you to relax and enjoy the serenity of this enchanting place. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking panoramas, from mountains to spectacular rock formations.

Villa de Leyva is a must-see destination for lovers of history, culture and tranquility, offering a true journey back in time to the heart of colonial Colombia. It is proud to be one of 17 colonial villages designated as cultural heritage.

Day 4: Villa de Leyva – Transfer and visit to the historic center

We suggest you get to Bogotá’s Salitre terminal around 09:00 to catch a bus to Villa de Leyva, a journey of around 3.5 hours. Once there, spend the afternoon exploring this charming colonial village. Start at the main square, one of the largest in South America, then wander through the town’s typical, soothing streets. Take the opportunity to discover other emblematic sites such as the Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña or the Convent del Santo Ecce Homo. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of this timeless village, ideal for strolling around and immersing yourself in its fascinating history.

Day 5: Villa de Leyva – Mirador El Santo, Casa Terracota, Museo El Fossil

Start your day with a challenging, uphill hike to the Mirador El Santo, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Villa de Leyva and the surrounding area. Next, discover Casa Terracota, an absolutely unique house built entirely of terracotta, a true work of architectural art that’s sure to amaze you, especially inside. You can also visit the Museo El Fossil (located outside town, accessible by cab or about 1 hour’s walk), a museum renowned for its fossils of prehistoric marine reptiles. Yes, in the distant past, the sea was present here! This region is famous for its many fossil finds. Alternatively, you can continue your stroll through the village streets and why not buy some woollen clothing, such as ruanas, traditional ponchos.

Alternative: visit the village of Ráquira (half-day) OR hike in Iguaque National Park (approx. 7h) OR hike to Pozos Azules (1-2h).

The Eje Cafetero, known in Colombia as the country’s coffee region, is also nicknamed the “Coffee Triangle”, representing one of the main coffee-producing areas in Colombia and the world (the department of Huila is the leading coffee producer). This region is located in the heart of the Colombian Andes, encompassing the departments of Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, as well as a portion of the departments of Tolima, Valle del Cauca and Antioquia.

Geographically, it nestles mainly within the majestic Colombian Andes, benefiting from a mountain climate and altitudes perfect for growing coffee. Coffee culture is omnipresent in all aspects of daily life in this region, from the welcoming fincas that open their doors to visitors for tours and tastings, to the local dance, music and cuisine that reflect the very essence of coffee.

Finally, the landscapes of the coffee region are simply breathtaking, with lush green hills covered in coffee trees as far as the eye can see, picturesque waterfalls and lush valleys. Coffee plantations clinging to steep slopes create a unique topography. A visit to this region is much more than just a tourist getaway; it’s a total immersion in Colombia’s history, culture and natural beauty.

Day 6 / TRANSFER / : Salento
_{If you’re not up to it, you can also take a night bus (on the 3rd night) to save a day.}

The bus journey takes place in two stages, generally lasting 10 hours, sometimes longer due to roadworks. For the first stage, you’ll need to leave early from Bogotá’s Salitre bus terminal for Armenia or Pereira, with companies such as Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia, or Berlinas. The second step is to take another bus from the Armenia or Pereira bus terminal to Salento, a journey of around 1 hour, or opt for a cab, although this option is more expensive. You should arrive in Salento in the evening.

Day 7: Salento – Cocora Valley
_{A day to do on your own – Taking a tour is not only useless, it’s very expensive.}

The Cocora Valley is surrounded by green mountains and hills, creating a picturesque landscape. Well-maintained hiking trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the valley, cross suspension bridges and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. Here you can admire impressive palm trees (Ceroxylon quindiuense, Colombia’s national tree) that can reach heights of up to 60 metres – the tallest palms in the world. As far as hiking is concerned, the loop that passes by the Hummingbird House is a pleasant option, lasting around 5 hours (more or less depending on physical condition). An excellent opportunity to enjoy a walk in the great outdoors!

Day 8: Salento – Village walk + Coffee finca + Transfer to Manizales
_{A day to do on your own – No need to take a tour}

Salento is a charming village in the heart of Colombia’s coffee-growing region, in the department of Quindío to be precise. It’s one of Colombia’s most picturesque spots, renowned for its colorful cobbled streets, beautifully preserved colonial architecture and warm atmosphere. Coffee fincas, farms dedicated to growing coffee, play a central role in local culture. Visitors to Salento often have the opportunity to visit these fincas, such as Las Acacias or Don Elias, to get an up-close look at the Colombian coffee production process, from picking the beans to tasting them. The fincas offer guided tours that take visitors through every stage of coffee growing, from harvesting to roasting. In the late afternoon, it’s time to leave Salento for Manizales (approx. 2 hours by bus, with a possible stop in Pereira).

Day 9: Manizales – Nevado del Ruiz + Termales del Otoño
_{Tour with a guide}

Nevado del Ruiz is a volcano in Colombia’s Andes mountain range. It is recognized as one of the country’s most active volcanoes. Despite its volcanic activity, its 5,321-meter-high summit is constantly covered in ice and snow, creating a striking contrast. The trip starts from Manizales at 6:00 am, with a stopover for breakfast. The itinerary then includes entry into Los Nevados National Nature Park, with several stops planned, including Aguacerales, Arenales, Valle Lunar, and Valle de las Tumbas, where the guide will provide detailed explanations. After a traditional lunch, the journey continues to the Otoño thermal baths, before returning to Manizales.

Alternative: If Los Nevados National Park is closed due to volcanic activity, there are other alternatives to keep you busy from Manizales: theOtún Quimbaya wildlife sanctuary, birdwatching, rafting on the La Vieja river.

Day 10: Manizales – City tour
_{A day to do on your own – No need to take a tour}

Nestled in the majestic Andes mountains, Manizales is the capital of Colombia’s Caldas department. Founded in 1849, Manizales is affectionately known as the “City of Open Doors” due to the hospitality of its inhabitants. Manizales enjoys a pleasant climate, characterized by eternal spring, and is surrounded by mountains offering spectacular panoramic views. Manizales plays a major economic role, based on pillars such as agriculture, industry and commerce, especially coffee growing, which is an essential part of its identity. As you stroll through the city, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the majestic Basilica Cathedral of Our Lady of Rosario, explore the picturesque streets of the historic center, visit the Caldas Art Museum, and even recharge your batteries at the Recinto del Pensamiento Reserve (where you can see hummingbirds!). In addition, the Mirador de Chipre is an excellent place to contemplate the whole city and its surroundings.

Antioquia, Colombia’s dynamic, mountainous region, is a veritable nugget for travelers in search of diversity. Its capital, Medellín, is a city in the throes of transformation, having made a considerable leap from its dark days to become a vibrant metropolis, nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its pleasant year-round climate. The evolution of Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city, is a remarkable story of urban transformation. Once associated with violence and drug trafficking, the city has undergone an extraordinary renaissance in recent decades to become a model of successful urban development, also becoming the only city in Colombia to have a metro.

Close to Medellín lies Guatapé, a picturesque village renowned for its famous“Piedra del Peñol“, an impressive rock formation that visitors can climb to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the lakeside landscape. The streets of Guatapé are a veritable explosion of color, with facades adorned with unique geometric frescoes.

Day 11 / TRANSFER / : Medellín

As usual, we recommend that you get to the Manizales bus terminal early in the morning to catch a bus to Medellín. Journey times generally vary from 7 to 10 hours, depending on conditions. The Empresa Arauca bus company runs between the two cities.

Day 12: Medellín – Comuna 13 & Historic Centre
_{Day can be done on your own or with a guide}

During your visit to Medellín, make sure you don’t miss exploring Comuna 13, a neighborhood that was once marked by violence, but has now become a symbol of urban regeneration. It’s famous for its escalators and vibrant murals. Then dive into the charm of Medellín’s historic center, where Spanish colonial architecture coexists harmoniously with a lively contemporary atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit landmarks such as the Plaza Botero, adorned with oversized sculptures, as well as the Museo de Antioquia, the Museo de la Memoria, and many others. For the evening, you can head to the lively El Poblado or Laureles districts to enjoy the nightlife.

Day 13: Medellín – Guatapé village
_{A day to do on your own – No need to take a tour}

A visit to Guatapé from Medellín is a memorable getaway. This charming town is famous for its colorful streets and picturesque atmosphere. Its main attraction is the Piedra del Peñol, an imposing rock formation that can be climbed to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding lakeside landscape, an unmissable experience for nature and photography lovers. To get there, many buses leave from Medellín’s Terminal Norte, accessible by metro from Caribe station, and the journey generally takes between 1 and 1? hours.

Santa Marta, located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a vibrant port city popular with tourists and the ideal base for exploring Tayrona National Park. The city’s historic center retains well-preserved Spanish colonial architecture, while the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta offers mountain adventures. Visitors can revel in the rich cultural scene, festivals and seafood-based culinary delights.

Tayrona National Nature Park, nestled on Colombia’s stunning Caribbean coast, is a veritable natural and historical treasure. Once the territory of the Tayrona indigenous people, this park, created in 1964, encompasses an incredibly diverse ecosystem, home to a multitude of plant and animal species. It’s a place where history and nature blend harmoniously, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with the raw beauty of Colombia.

We strongly recommend that you stay inside the park, as the park entrance ticket is not valid for multiple entries and exits. In other words, if you decide to leave the park one day and plan to return the next, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee twice!

Please note: Tayrona closes several times a year, and exact dates vary from year to year. Remember to check when planning your trip.

Warning 2: it’s not possible to swim everywhere in the park due to dangerous currents. Be sure to follow the signs on each beach. Finally, we’d like to warn you: this may be the Caribbean, but don’t expect to see the paradise beaches of the islands (although they’re not bad!).

Day 14 / TRANSFER / : Santa Marta

It’s time to leave Medellín and catch a flight to Santa Marta. It’s important to note that there are two airports in Medellín, and for this transfer, the right airport is José-María-Córdova International Airport (MDE), which is located outside the city. We recommend you book a flight with Avianca or Latam for this leg. The flight takes about 1 hour.

Day 15: Santa Marta (diving/snorkeling)
_{Tour with a guide}

During your stay in Santa Marta, you’ll have an exceptional opportunity: scuba diving, whether you’re a novice or an expert, in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea. This region offers a range of dive sites suitable for all levels, from beginners to experienced divers. You’ll have the opportunity to explore colorful coral reefs, observe a diverse marine fauna, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even sharks. If scuba diving makes you a little nervous, you can also take part in a day of snorkeling instead.

Day 16 / TRANSFER / : Tayrona National Park – Playa Los Naranjos

To get to Tayrona Park, with the El Zaino entrance along this route, you can regularly take a bus from the Mercado Publico in Santa Marta. The journey takes around 1 hour (although taking a cab is an option, although it can be quite expensive). Once you arrive at the park entrance, you’ll have to pay the entrance fee in cash (around 60,000 COP). Afterwards, you can take a shuttle bus (for an additional fee) to your accommodation. It’s important to note that only a small part of the park is accessible to vehicles; the rest of the park must be explored on foot. Then you can head for Los Naranjos beach, which is around 1? to 2 hours’ walk away. This beach is much less crowded than Cabo San Juan, as is the access road. You’ll feel like you’re all alone in the world. What’s more, we were lucky enough to see more animals in this part of the park.

Day 17: Tayrona National Park – Cabo San Juan + Return to Santa Marta

On this day, the aim is to get to the famous Cabo San Juan beach, one of the most photographed and popular with tourists. The hike to get there takes around 2.5 to 3 hours one way. Along the way, you’ll pass through lush jungle and along the coast. If you’re lucky, you might even spot one of the four species of monkey found in the park, as well as exotic birds, lizards and even poisonous frogs (which you shouldn’t touch), among other wonders of the local fauna. The route is punctuated by several beaches where you can relax by soaking your feet and taking well-deserved breaks. With the round trip, your day will be well spent, and you can then return to your accommodation to rest before catching a bus on the main road back to Santa Marta.

Ciudad Perdida, also known as Teyuna, is one of Colombia’s most captivating archaeological treasures. Buried deep in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this ancient pre-Columbian city was built by the Tayrona civilization over 1,000 years ago, long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors.

The existence of this lost city was revealed to the world in 1972. To reach it, visitors embark on a demanding multi-day trek through dense jungle, crossing rivers and waterfalls. Once there, they are greeted by stone terraces, wooden structures, and a fascinating history that offers a glimpse into the ancient life of this region. La Ciudad Perdida is a sacred site for the indigenous people of the Sierra Nevada, adding to its mystery and charm. It’s a breathtaking adventure, perfectly suited to history and nature lovers.

Leave your large suitcase at your hotel (most hotels will keep your belongings for a few days for a few pesos). Leave only with a backpack and the essentials. This adventure is definitely not for taking everything with you.

A point to remember: the Ciudad Perdida trek is sublime for its jungle and mountain passages, but requires certain physical abilities. Non-sports enthusiasts may find it difficult (heat, humidity, altitude difference). Similarly, food and accommodation (nights in hammocks) will be basic. You’ll need to be able to temporarily give up your own comforts for a unique experience.

Day 18: Santa Marta – Ciudad Perdida trek
_{Trek with compulsory guide}

The Lost City trek in Colombia around 9:00am from the Wiwa Tours main office, where travellers meet their native guide. After logistical organization, a 4×4 vehicle or pick-up takes the group to Mamey, in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, in around 2 hours. The trek really begins here, with lunch followed by instructions from the local guide. The first day’s hike covers around 7.6 km along country trails, with an overnight stay in a cabin at 450 meters altitude. Duration varies from 3 to 5 hours, depending on physical condition and weather conditions. The route offers magnificent scenery and rich biodiversity.

Day 19: Santa Marta – Ciudad Perdida trek
_{Trek with compulsory guide}

The second day of the Lost City trek in Colombia begins early with breakfast and instructions from the local guide. A demanding 14.7 km hike (approx. 10 hours) leads from the Vista Hermosa camp to the Paso Lorenzo hut, situated at an altitude of 830 metres, close to the Lost City, sacred to the indigenous peoples. Along the way, you’ll pass by the Kogui Mutanzhi indigenous community, discovering their harmony with nature. You can also relax in the Buritaca River and listen to native stories and customs at night.

Day 20: Santa – Marta – Ciudad Perdida Trek
_{Trek with compulsory guide}

The day’s visit to Colombia’s Lost City begins with a 1 km climb up 1,200 stone steps built by the ancient Tayronas. At an altitude of 1,200 metres, the indigenous guide accompanies you on a guided tour of the Teyuna archaeological ruins, including terraces and sacred sites. After lunch at the Paso Lorenzo camp, the 9.6 km trek (approx. 5 hours) returns to the Wiwa hut, a native camp where you’ll spend the night.

Day 21: Santa Marta – Ciudad Perdida trek
_{Trek with compulsory guide}

The last day of the Sierra Nevada trek begins with breakfast, followed by a 12.7 km descent to the starting point. This day offers even more photo opportunities, quick dips in the rivers and unseen scenery. The trip ends in Mamey, where you have lunch before taking a 4×4 van or pick-up back to Santa Marta around 4:30 p.m., bringing to a close an enriching experience in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.

Day 22: Santa Marta – Rest day

After nearly 3 weeks of travelling in Colombia, including a trek in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta over the past few days, a day of rest and relaxation is in order.

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias, a Colombian city with a rich history and exceptional beauty. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, Cartagena’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a maze of cobbled streets and charming squares, lined with brightly-colored colonial houses. These narrow streets bear the tales of a tumultuous past, from pirate attacks to struggles for independence.

The imposing walls that encircle the old town are a reminder of the need to protect against incessant threats. Baroque churches, such as the Cathedral of San Pedro Claver, reflect the religious influence of the Spanish colonial era.

Cartagena is also a cultural melting pot, where African, European and indigenous traditions meet harmoniously, creating a unique atmosphere. Whether you’re strolling along the city walls, relaxing on the beaches or exploring the fascinating museums, every corner of Cartagena tells a captivating story. Enjoy this immersion in Colombian culture and let yourself be bewitched by the magic of this extraordinary city.

One thing to remember: Cartagena is Colombia’s most popular and therefore most expensive destination. To make the most of your stay in Cartagena, we recommend you plan your visit during the week to avoid the weekend crowds.

Day 23 / TRANSFER / : Cartagena

To take the bus from Santa Marta to Cartagena, you can board a Berlinastur bus or van, located at the Mamatoco traffic circle and heading towards Cartagena. Alternatively, you can go to the Santa Marta bus terminal. Estimated journey time is around 4-5 hours, although this may vary according to road conditions. On arrival at the Cartagena terminal, simply take a cab to your accommodation.

Day 24: Cartagena – Visit to the historic center and Castillo San Felipe
_{Day can be done on your own or with a guide}

Spend a full day exploring Cartagena‘s magnificent historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the cobbled streets, lined with colorful houses embellished with flowering balconies, and discover architectural treasures such as Santa Catalina Cathedral, the churches of San Pedro Claver and San Domingo, and lively squares like Plaza de Bolívar. Don’t forget to visit Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress built in the 17th century to protect the town from pirate attacks. For museum fans, there are two must-sees: the Palace of the Inquisition, a fascinating museum retracing the history of the Inquisition in Colombia, and the Cartagena Gold Museum, where you can admire impressive collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. And if you have enough time, why not take a trip to the Bazurto market for a taste of the city’s bustling daily life?

Day 25: San Bernardo Archipelago (Islas Mucura and Tintipan)
_{Don’t take a day trip to Isla Tintipan. It’s very expensive and you don’t get much out of it.}

The program on this archipelago: relaxing on paradise beaches. Isla Tintipan and Isla Tintipan, in Colombia’s San Bernardo archipelago, are an isolated tropical paradise. Their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters and underwater biodiversity make them an ideal destination for relaxation and diving. To get to these islands, a boat leaves every morning at 8:30 a.m. from Bodeguita de Cartagena, for a journey of around 2.5 hours. Please indicate which island you are going to when you buy your ticket. On-site activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, bioluminescent planton watching, kayaking and, of course, lounging.

Day 26: San Bernardo Archipelago (Islas Mucura and Tintipan) + Return to Cartagena
_{A day to do on your own – Taking a tour is not only useless, it’s very expensive.}

This day is also all about relaxing in incredible surroundings. Take a siesta, sunbathe, cool off in the sea, or go scuba diving, kayaking or snorkeling. The return boat to Cartagena leaves fairly early in the afternoon, around 2 – 3 p.m., as the sea is often rougher afterwards.

Day 27: Cartagena – End of trip

Oh, it’s the last day of your adventure in Colombia and time is flying! Now it’s time to head for Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport and say goodbye to this magnificent country. We hope your stay in Colombia has been as enjoyable for you as it has been for us. If you’re lucky enough to have a few hours of free time depending on your flight time, you might consider taking one last stroll around the historic district or heading to Bocagrande. For gifts and souvenirs, you can choose between Calle de la Gobernación, renowned for its street vendors, or Las Bóvedas. Take advantage of these last moments to bring a little piece of Colombia back home with you.

Budget (estimate)

4-week itinerary in Colombia: the great classics

Estimated total budget per person, on site (excluding airfare to/from Colombia) in Colombian pesos. For activities, prices are calculated including guides/tours when proposed in the itinerary.

Of course, traveling with 2 or more people, and staying in a private room instead of a dormitory, is more economical than a single person taking a room all to themselves, sometimes at the same price (or close to it). Every situation is different and, depending on your budget, you may have to make sacrifices (no incredible accommodation, basic meals, etc.).