HBS Trek to Colombia 2019

      VS
      VAOVA SAS
      • Email address verified
      56 reviews
      Mar 18 - 24, 2019
      Group size: 1 - 350
      HBS Trek to Colombia 2019
      Colombia

      VAOVA SAS
      • Email address verified
      56 reviews

      Mar 18 - 24, 2019
      Group size: 1 - 350

      About this trip



      OUR COMPANY 


      We are a tourism consulting company that offers advice and travel planning to Asia, Africa and Colombia; all of them to which we have personally traveled. Each trip is designed to suit your tastes and aspirations. Using our services, you can organize your ideal trip from home. Based on dates, routes and destinations chosen by you, we’ll put in motion our resources to take care of the logistics necessary to make your dream trip a reality. 

      Vaova Welcome Video 


      COLOMBIA 

      Colombian warmth and charisma resonate across the many traditional festivals that are held throughout the year, because here in Colombia, we never run out of excuses to celebrate. This is true all over the country: from Barranquilla’s Carnival –a four-day, flamboyant street party– all the way down to the massive, year-end Cali Fair, when Caleños spend three days dancing to the heat of Afro-Caribbean rhythms in the World’s Salsa Capital. Or even in Bogota or Medellin, Colombia’s business and entrepreneurial hubs, where you can dive into their vibrant nightlife to the beat of salsa, alternative music or reggaeton. Rest assure that you’ll be saying fiesta way before you learn how to pronounce hola. 


      Security has improved significantly over the last 5 years. A historic peace treaty was signed by the previous government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) –one of the oldest guerrillas in the planet– putting an end to the world’s longest armed conflict. 


       Do we need to say more?
      Welcome to Colombia,
      You’ve signed in for a South-American hidden treasure! 


      Vaova Group Experience 

        This is a video of our experiences with HBS in Spring Break 2018 


      BUILD YOUR TRIP


      FIRST STEP (CHOOSE YOUR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS )

      For this trip we are offering two itineraries from the  15th until the 23rd of March


      Each itinerary has different flight options from and to the US for you to choose. You must purchase the  international flight option that suits you better. 

      If you prefer to purchase your international flights on your own you can select the option "Basic Package without flights" or "Crimson package without flights".

      Have in mind that the deadline to book international flights is the 31st of October.


      SECOND STEP (THE MADATORY PACKAGES)

      Everyone must purchase a package.

      If you choose an international flight, you must scroll down to the add ons and select the mandatory package you prefer. (Basic or Crimson)


      Both the Basic package and the Crimson package include: 

      -Flight BOG-MDE / MDE- CTG 

      -2 nights at Hilton Bogota / NH teleport 

      -3 nights at Estelar Milla de Oro / Estelar Square 

      -3 nights Estelar Cartagena de Indias 

      -Medical Insurance: CLICK HERE TO CHECK WHAT IT INCLUDES

       -Professional video and a package of 100 photos 

      -One doctor for every 100 people 

      -Transfers between the airports and the hotels for the flights purchased through VAOVA. 

      -Beer, water and snacks for all the bus rides 

      -One staff member for every 20 people, during the whole trip

      Activities:

      - Dinner & party at Andrés

      -Sunset by the bay in private catamaran + Dinner at Marea

      - Academic Experience


      The crimson package:

      The crimson package includes the following additional activities: 

      -Guatape (rock climbing + visit to town + party boat) 

      -City + graffiti tour Medellin 

      -Rooftop party at the Charlee 

      -Party on the island 

      -Party at la Movida


      THIRD STEP (CHOOSE YOUR OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES)

      You have the option of signing up for various cultural, party and gastronomic activities in Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin. Choose the package option you prefer (Basic package or Crimson package), and scroll down to purchase optional activities. 

      If you wish to see the complete description of each activity, please refer to the Official Presentation below. 

       

      Official Presentation



      NEXT STEPS AFTER YOU COMPLETE THE PAYMENT OF THE DEPOSIT 

      1. You will receive a booking confirmation email from We Travel 

      2. You have until the 11th of January to pay the balance due and to purchase your add ons and optional activities. 

      2.  One month before the trek we will send a google doc where you can sign up (with your roommate) for the hotels in the different cities.

      3.  Three weeks before Domestic and international tickets will be issued and send to your email addresses.

      4.  15 days before the trip we will send a PDF which includes the final agenda of the trek, some tips about the country, the final rooming list for the hotels in the three cities and the release of liability that you must sign once you check in with our team in Medellin. 

      Accommodation

       Accommodation:

      For our mandatory packages hotel rooms will be for two people. Accomodation can be either in two twin bedrooms or one queen bedroom. 

      One month before the trip, when we know the final list of attendees, we will send a google doc where you will sign up for a room in the three destinations (Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena)

       If you prefer a single room, you may purchase an upgrade for $390 USD, which is available for every city under the Add-Ons. 

      Cancellation Policy

       Cancellation policy for the mandatory packages:

      Cancellation fees will be charged in event of booking cancellations:

      a) Between 120 and 30 days before the trip: 60% of the initial deposit will be charged.

      b) Between 29 and 07 days before the trip: 50% of the total payment will be charged.

      c) between 6 days and the day of the trip: 100% of the total payment will be charged.

      Cancellation policy for airfares:

      Any changes or cancellations related with flights must be done directly with the Airline. Each airline has a different policy. 

      Payment Deadline

       Payment deadlines:

      a. International flights can be booked paying a 500 USD deposit no later than the 31st of October. The balance must be paid before the 11th of January.

      b. The  deposit for the mandatory package must be purchased no later than the 31st of October. The balance due must be paid before the 11th of January

      c. Activities are available until the 11th of January

      Contact Information

       If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us:


      Maria Alejandra Pombo: mapombo@vaovatravel.com Cel: +57 312 4249629

      BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

      BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

      1. Check your visa requirement. Many countries do not need a visa, but some do.  

      Visa Requirements

      2. Check the coverage of the medical insurance included in the mandatory package. 

      Medical Insurance

      Available Packages

      Flight Option 1

      Flying out of Boston in a direct flight with Avianca the 15th of March

      March  15: Boston-Bogota

      Avianca AV209 departing from Boston at 11:50pm  and arriving to Bogota at 5:20am (+1).

      March 23: Cartagena-Bogotá- Boston

      Avianca flight AV9541 departing from Cartagena at 9:29am  arriving to Bogotá at 10:58AM.   Avianca flight AV208 departing from Bogotá at 1:17pm  arriving to Boston at 8:21PM.

      $598
      Deposit: $500
      Flight Option 2

      Flying out of Boston with a layover in Miami the 15th of March

      March 15: Boston-Miami - Bogotá

      American airlines AA1170 departing from Boston at 6:10pm  and arriving to Miami at 9:49pm (+1).  Avianca flight AV005 departing from Miami at 2:49am  arriving to Bogotá at 5:25AM. 

      March 24: Cartagena- Bogotá - Boston

      Avianca flight AV8557 departing from Cartagena at 10:07am  arriving to Bogotá at 11:37AM.   Avianca flight AV208 departing from Bogotá at 1:17pm  arriving to Boston at 8:21PM.

       * ThIs flight option includes one extra night in Cartagena from the 23rd to the 24th of March. 

      $855
      Deposit: $500
      Flight Option 3

      Flying out of Boston with a layover in Atlanta the 15th of March

      March 15: Boston-Atlanta- Bogotá

      Delta DL981 departing from Boston at 1:35pm  and arriving to Atlanta at 4:34pm.  Delta flight DL 981 departing from Atlanta at 5:58pm  arriving to Bogotá at 9:50pm

      March 23: Cartagena- Atlanta - Boston

      Delta flight DL 984 departing from Cartagena at 1:50pm  arriving to Atlanta at 6:57pm. Delta flight DL1523 departing from Atlanta at 10:20pm  arriving to Boston at 12:57 (+1)

       * ThIs flight option includes one extra night in Bogota from the 15th to the 16th of March. 

      $1,025
      Deposit: $500
      Flight option 4

      Flying out of JFK  in a direct flight with Avianca the 16th of March

      March  16: New York-Bogota

      Avianca AV245 departing from JFK at 1:10am and arriving to Bogota at 4:58am (+1).

      March 23: Cartagena-New York

      Avianca flight AV206 departing from Cartagena at 11:51pm arriving to JFK at 5:45am (+1).

      $760
      Deposit: $500
      Flight Option 5

      Flying out of Boston with a layover in Panama the 15th of March

      March 15: Boston-Panama- Bogotá

      Copa airlines CM733 departing from Boston at 3:39pm  and arriving to Panama at 8:31pm and  Copa airlines CM659 departing from Panama at 9:17pm  arriving to Bogotá at 10:55pm

      March 23: Cartagena- Panama- Boston

      Copa Airlines flight CM160 departing from Cartagena at 09:29am  arriving to Panama at 10:50am.  and Copa Airline flight CM311 departing from Panama at 12:34pm arriving to Boston at 7:19pm

       * ThIs flight option includes one extra night in Bogota from the 15th to the 16th of March. 

      $905
      Deposit: $500
      Basic Package without Flights

      The deposit will be used to pay part of the Basic Package. If you choose this option you do not need to pay the mandatory package in the extra options

      $1,100
      Crimson package without flights

      The deposit will be used to pay part of the Crimson Package. If you choose this option you do not need to pay the mandatory package in the extra options.

      $1,470
      TRANSFERRED PACKAGE
      $0
      D.J BOYD CHANGE OF FLIGHT
      $376
      Only activities
      $0

      Available options



      Itinerary

      Day 1-2 (16-17 mar)
      Exploring Bogota

      BOGOTA

      Bogota is one of Latin America’s most vibrant capitals. With an
      area of more than 1000 square miles and a population of almost 10 million, Bogota is the fifth largest and the fourth most populated city
      in South America. Visitors will dive into the city’s history through its colonial landscapes, huge museums and libraries, which clash with the metropolis’s modern architecture, vibrant nightlife and world-class cuisine. 



      Day 1 (March 16th)

      Morning Activities (ADD ONS)

      1. Academic Experience  (09:00pm-12:00pm) 

       Includes: Transfer from and to the hotel and one staff member for every 20 people.

      Afternoon Activities (ADD ONS)

      PRICE: PENDING


      1. Downtown city tour  (2:00pm-6:00pm) 20% gastronomy 80% cultural 

      Includes:  Transport from and to the hotel, private bilingual guide for every 15 people, entrance fee to the gold Museum, fruit and other Colombian specialty tastings and one staff member for every 20 people. 

      Does Not include lunch.
      PRICE: 45 USD


      Night Activities:

      1. Dinner and party at Andres Carne de Res (07:30pm-01:00am) 40% party 40% gastronomy 20% cultural

      Min 20-Max 300 ppl.

      Includes: transport from the hotel to Andres Carne de Res in Chiva (traditional Colombian party bus), unlimited alcoholic beverages in specific spirits, complete dinner, transport back to the hotel in buses, one staff member for every 20 people.

      Included in the basic package


       
      Day 2 (March 17th) 

      Morning Activities (ADD ONS)

      1. Hike to Monserrate (09:00am-12:00pm) 50% sport, 50% sightseeing

      Includes: transport from the hotel and back, private tour guide for every 15 people, one staff member every 20 people.

      PRICE: 30 USD


      2. Brunch at Harry Sasson (10:00am-12:00pm) 100% gastronomy

      Includes: transfer from and to the hotel, complete breakfast, one staff member every 20 people. 

      PRICE: 45 USD


      Afernoon Activities

      1. Flight to Medellin



      Your Organizer


      VS
      VAOVA SAS
      56 reviews
      At VAOVA Travel we are inspired by the happenings to compose tourism and event experiences that surprise our travelers, offering unmatched activities that combine spontaneity, closeness, and originality with different forms of art expression. Because of this, we have assisted more than 5.500 travelers in living true and unforgettable happenings in Colombia and Mexico.

      Reviews

      CR
      Our Vaova trip was very poorly organized. Lots of problems in tours and activities. To name a few: - they miscalculated the number of tables in the White Party dinner, weren’t able to solve the problem, so we did not get seated at any point - buses left 45minutes later than planned from a party and they left us waiting in the rain Overall, our trip was great, but we did not see any benefit at all of having it run by this agency.
      By Clemente R for #ColombiaTrek_BOOTH_March2023 on Apr 13, 2023
      This trip was incredible and will be a highlight of my MBA experience. Mobilizing 400 people around a country is incredibly difficult, but Vaova managed to make it feel seamless. Every Vaova event was well executed and the attention paid to ensure every detail was taken care of did not go unnoticed. The Vaova staff was attentive, friendly and always available to answer our questions. The trip was unforgettable, the experiences and happenings showcased all the beauty and magic that Colombia has to offer, and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Thank you Vaova!!!
      By Natalia C for #ColombiaTrek_BOOTH_March2023 on Apr 03, 2023
      Awesome trip! Every event was above and beyond expectations and the entire team was very friendly and well-organized. Can't recommend strongly enough
      By Jakob H for #ColombiaTrek_BOOTH_March2023 on Apr 03, 2023
      I had a great time in Colombia! Great coordination by Vaova for so many people!!
      By Neha S for #ColombiaTrek_BOOTH_March2023 on Mar 29, 2023
      Ana Maria was the best! She completely made the trip!!
      By Dina G for #ColombiaTrek_BOOTH_March2023 on Mar 28, 2023
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      References

      Despite having everything to work with, an amazing country filled with amazing people, VAOVA is able to constantly disappoint. Not only on the poor organization, lack of basic skills and sub par suppliers, all things I would be able to forgive if VAOVA was not also a negligent organization who puts its customers life at risk. Do not enter a VAOVA planned boat trip and definitely do not sign the liability waiver. If you have any doubt just read the mentioned liability waiver and think why would any proper and honest company would ask you to give up your right to sue them for their own negligence.
      By João F on 15 Mar, 2024
      This is a horrible company, I was going to go on a trip to Colombia with my Cornell MBA class and couldn’t due to some unforeseen circumstances and they refused to refund my money or even allow me to transfer my spot. They don’t care about your safety (don’t even have a phone number to contact someone, just an email). If you have any concern for your own personal safety, I would really recommend booking with an actual reputed company rather than this startup. Horrible, horrible customer service.
      By on 24 Feb, 2024