Sustainable Tourism Bogotá
What can I expect from my time with Andes Ecotours?
We are a company motivated by impact more than profit. We have spent a significant number of years building relationships with rural communities and local providers to offer you the most authentic experience possible. We are not a luxury travel company and prefer to support local farming families and small businesses, which often means simple lodging, home-cooked meals and a glimpse into the lives and hearts of the people you will encounter along the way.
How do I know if a tour is available for my travel dates?
The best way to find out about availability is to send us an email or WhatsApp message with your travel dates, the number of people in your party and the tours you are most interested in.
Why is your price listed in US dollars?
The majority of our customers prefer to pay with a credit card. In order to ensure the prices on our website match those listed on the payment platform, we list our prices in US dollars. This also helps international visitors to work out conversion rates and decide which tour is better suited for them.
Can I pay for my tour in cash on the day of the tour?
All tours need to be payed for ahead of the tour date. Without payment we are unable to make the arrangements for guiding, transportation and activities or park visits. It is for this reason that we recommend using a credit card via our booking platform.
What is included in the price?
All of our tours include private transport, entrances, guiding costs and (where available) a taste of a local snack or drink. Lunch is NOT included in the price unless the tour description specifically states so.
Should I tip the guide?
While all of our guides receive a fair wage for their services, tips are greatly appreciated. This lets your guide know that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated a job well done. If you prefer not to give money, feel free to buy them a drink or snack along the way.
I am traveling alone. What is your price for 1 person?
Prices listed on our website reflect a 2 person minimum. If you are a solo traveler your best option is to join a tour that is already scheduled. For more information on availability you can send us an email or message on WhatsApp.
How far ahead do I need to make a reservation?
Our tours are scheduled on a first-come first-serve basis, so we recommend you reserve your choice ahead of time. We will do our best to accommodate last minute requests but they are not always possible to arrange. For bookings within 24 hours of departure, please send us a message on WhatsApp.
I'm ready to book a tour. How do I make a reservation?
If you already know which tour you want to do, send us an email with the requested date and we will reply with a payment link if the date is available. Day trips are required to be paid in full, but payment plans can be arranged for multi-day excursions. Please do not pay for any tour without having a confirmed space ahead of time.
What are my payment options?
Payments can be done via bank deposit or online using any major credit card.
What kind of transport can I expect?
Due to the nature and difficulty of the roads we primarily use 4x4 SUVs as shown below. For larger groups we have vans available that can reach the locations with easier access. Keep this in mind when packing for your trip since space in our vehicles is limited. Oversized luggage should be stored in Bogotá prior to departure.
How many people can I expect to join me on the tour?
All of our tours are group tours unless you specifically pay for a private tour and you have a written confirmation from us that you are booking a private tour. We run small group tours that allow for a more personal, authentic experience. Our average group size ranges from 2-6 participants. On rare occasions and during high season, we might accommodate up to 10 participants. Due to last minute bookings we are unable to provide you with an exact number of participants for your tour.
What should I bring on the tour?
We recommend that you bring sun protection, a copy of your passport/ID and a re-usable water bottle. We do not recommend wearing shorts or open-toed shoes on any of our day trips.
Is it safe to drink the water where we are going?
The tap water in Bogotá is perfectly safe to drink. Most of the other destinations we visit have potable water. If you are out hiking, your guide will let you know whether the mountain water is safe to drink.
What is the accommodation like for overnight tours?
Rural Accommodation means that you will be staying with a local farming host family in a homestay experience. No two families are alike, but we try very hard to guarantee a clean and comfortable stay, absent of luxuries. This is NOT a hotel-like experience but rather an opportunity to share real life with locals. We are usually able to provide warm showers.
Park Lodges give you the benefit of being close to nature, but it also means giving up a few of your comforts from home. While the available accommodation in park lodges varies from one location to the next, most often they include dormitory-style rooms with bunkbeds that you may, on some occasions, have to share with other guests. Bathrooms are shared and most often have warm water.
Rural Hotels that you will find in small towns have clean rooms without luxuries. Showers usually have warm water.
City hotels can be of 3 or 4 stars and are able to offer more luxuries including private bathrooms and hot water.
Should I be concerned about safety?
The destinations we have chosen for our tours are considered to be safe for international visitors. We do not venture into high risk zones or conflict areas. We do ask, however, that you to carefully read our policies and procedures before the start of your tour and follow the general safety guidelines that have been put into place.
Most of the incidents you might have heard about Colombia in the news have occurred in isolated pockets of the country, far from regular tourist routes. The region surrounding Bogotá, and the places we visit during our tours, are considered to be safe and welcoming to visitors. Andes EcoTours is not a newcomer to the area, with the majority of our guides having been born and raised in the regions where we work. We have invested a significant amount of time building relationships with local communities and in researching the trails. As long as you closely follow the guidelines that we have put into place for our tours, we will have a pleasant and safe experience.
Do I need to get vaccinated before participating in any of the tours?
Vaccinations are not required for any of the destinations we visit. The high altitudes at which we operate mean that your chance of contracting any sort of tropical disease is extremely low. Ultimately it is up to you to make the decision considering your own risk. None of our guides have any special vaccinations.