Expedition Colombia — Local services in Medellín

Overall - Horrible customer service, agency service only (poor value). Save yourself the hassle - BOOK DIRECTLY WITH TEYUNA TOURS.

We booked the Lost City hike through Expedition Colombia as it was one of the few Colombian owned businesses that offered the hike. This was a mistake.

We were connected with Camila 3 days before the hike to organise the details of hotel pick-up, equipment rentals etc. After sending queries for 3 days via WhatsApp and email, we were told that she would get back to us - she never did but fortunately we didn't end up needing the sleeping bag liners, waterproof bags or headlamps we enquired about.

The night before the hike, we had to ask again for the pick up time - to which we were informed at 9:40PM that we needed to meet at a location 30mins away, instead of the guaranteed hotel pick-up. We immediately questioned the lack of a hotel pick-up, to which we were told "...it’s for logistics reasons". After rejecting the request to cater for logistical reasons and requesting a pick up, Camila said she would message at 6:30AM with an update.

At 7:00AM, with no reply from Camila, we ordered our own cabs to the meeting point. At 7:07AM, whilst we were on our way, Camila kindly informed us that a pick up was not possible - a bit late. A little while later and unfortunately for Camila, she realised had also made a mistake with the location of the meeting point and once we arrived at the initial location, she sent through another address - 30 mins in the direction we had just come from. The cab driver was reasonably frustrated at this point and so were we. We eventually arrived at the meeting point, 5 mins from our hotel and were met by the friendly Teyuna Tours team, who paid for the cab and apologised profusely. Even more frustratingly, the team confirmed they had more than enough room to pick us up.

We submitted a complaint to Expedition Colombia and the CEO of Marketing for Expedition Colombia then attempted to contact us in the days after the hike, however due to unreliable Minca reception could not align with a call 2 times. After this they did not...

INCREDIBLE! GREAT VALUE! BUT the Verde Trip is NOT for the beginner. You must be fit! Beginners and families would be better on the Calderas trip. The administration team at Colombian Expeditions was professional and helpful. The day starts early but you are rewarded with a beautiful view of the mountains and valleys. After a long drive there is a traditional breakfast on a cliff side restaurant. Another long drive through the countryside before a 1-2hr walk downhill through the jungle. This is treacherous so wear good shoes with grip. Finally the beautiful green river Verde (true to its name). Stopping off at a waterfall for a traditional lunch wrapped in ecofriendly banana leaves. The 4hr rafting experience is exhilarating with multiple rapids of class 2 to 4. Watch out for “Mike Tyson” it was a knockout for me!!! Didi and Steven were incredible guides who focused on safety and proved it when the raft flipped and I got carried with the current (fast) away from the raft. A flawless rescue thanks to their safety drills, calmness and expertise! Heros!!! And now I have earned the name “sexy koala” - you’ll understand if you fall in!🤣 Rafting is not for the faint hearted and chances are the raft will flip in the stronger rapids so knowing you are in good hands is essential! We finished with a beer in a local hacienda in the middle of nowhere (so bring some cash as cards don’t exist here) We got back to Medellin at 8pm! I wanted a challenge and I got it mentally and physically! And I’m fit! If this sounds like you too - then the Rio Verde trip is for you! Thank you everyone involved including my team of Americans...

My first 1-star review.

The rafting itself was super fun, and the nature was incredible.

However, working with this company when things did not go to plan was not so fun.

We had originally booked a Sunday group tour for three but arrived twenty minutes late to an empty booth. Turned out the group (with 3 other guests) had already left.

When trying to reschedule, they wanted to charge us the same price again, but with a 10% discount. In the end, for 3 people, we paid $293 + $266.

They charged us again by citing their 24-hour notice cancellation fee, and how they had already booked the transport/food/guide, etc.

I understand we were late, and paying a late fee would be understandable, but to pay effectively a 90% late fee for being twenty minutes late was absolutely shocking.

They made zero attempts to contact us to see if we were en route. They never mentioned how strict they were on time. They didn't even bother telling us they were leaving. Zero communication or effort on their end, considering they knew we were about to lose $300.

Ultimately, we were at fault for being late, but to charge your guests 90% to reschedule for being late seems a bit greedy.

During the rafting, they kept saying 'Don't forget to smile'. I'm certainly...