International Flower Festival 

Before you know it the heat of summer will be upon us! Perk up the doldrums of August with a refreshing change of temperature and another TREE “once in a lifetime” trip!

A VIP 6-day land package for Colombia’s International Flower Festival, plus your choice of
a 4-day UNESCO Coffee Triangle adventure  with Dr. Marc Minno

or

a 4-day Orchid and Hummingbird Andes Hiking Adventure with Dr. Saul Hoyos Gomez

The International Flower Festival, August 5 to 10,2026, hosts people from around the world as Colombia shows off its number one export: flowers.
Medellin is the center of it all, with flower displays, concerts, markets, and shows, culminating in a huge parade that rivals the Rose Bowl. Visit a working flower farm and get a “behind the scenes” experience of how the displays are made. TREE will have a huge VIP surprise for the parade. Medellin is known as the “Eternal Spring” due to its wonderful weather, with highs of 80 during the day and 60 at night! Your escorts and guides will be TREE advisory board members who are English-speaking Colombian scientists who have worked with TREE for many years!

Relax in suite Accommodations with panoramic balconies. The land package includes: guide, transportation, hotels, most meals, entry fees & more.

THEN... 

The Coffee Triangle with Dr. Marc Minno, August 10 to 14, 2026, is an internationally recognized UNESCO biosphere for its beauty, natural wonders, and unique places.

Birding abounds! (And yes, experience a hummingbird or two). Sip authentic Colombian coffee at a plantation with over 240
species of birds and butterflies. Then soak in world-renowned pure hot springs.

See the tallest palms in the world while savoring
some of Colombia’s best cuisine. Stroll the sweet town of Salento.

OR... 

The Orchid and Hummingbird Andes Hiking Adventure with Dr. Saul Hoyos Gomez, August 10 to 14, 2026,

Takes place at a private research station open to just a few organizations. The research has modern rooms and conveniences and the best Colombian cooks. Hike to see hundreds of hummingbirds with experienced guides and see the world's newest-discovered orchid. New species of flora and  fauna are being discovered in this area all the time.

 

This 10-day, 9-night VIP experience can be yours for just $2900.00 (pp double). Add $750.00 for a single supplemental.

Join us for this fabulous trip!!!

Limited,
If you just want to come to the Flower Festival, pay just $1600 pp dbl (add $400 for single) for the land package.

International Flower Festival

with Dr. Marc Minno

Itinerary

August 5 to 10, 2026

Every year during the Feria de Las Flores or International Flower Festival, the city of Medellin hosts a week-long schedule of events and festivities, including the world-famous parade of silleteros. During the month of August, La Feria de Los Flores (The Flower Festival) attracts people from all around Colombia to Medellin. In fact, tourists arrive in the city from all parts of the world, including the USA, Australia, and Europe, just to witness the special attractions that include a trail ride through town on horses, orchid competition, music festivals, and a parade of silleteros. Steeped in rich tradition and botanical excellence, the city of Medellin truly comes alive as it displays its proud heritage in the brilliant colors of its flowers that grow in and around the countryside. In fact, you might say this flower festival is as much a part of Medellin’s cultural identity as the 4th of July is for the USA.

Also included in the week-long schedule of events at the Feria de Las Flores is a fireworks show to begin and end the festival, dog and mascots walk, National Trova Festival, Classic & Antique car parade, Sanalejo Market, Orchids/Flowers & Birds Expo, National Equestrian Fair, Humor City, orchestra festival, horse ride through town (cabalgata), caravan of chivas, popular/folk music concerts, various displays, and more.

The International Flower Festival is packed with options for visitors from around the world.

Day 1 - August 5:

Arrive at the Rionegro International Airport of Medellin, where we will pick you up and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2 - August 6:

After breakfast, we will learn about the City of Medellin and have a guided tour. The afternoon will be spent having lunch and a visit to the XXI Annual Orchid Show &; Exposition, which is located at the exquisite Medellin Botanic Garden & the Orquideorama. We will gather for an evening dinner and then get ready to party at one of the local musical events.
(B,L,D)

Day 3 - August 7:

After breakfast, we will visit a local markets and hunt for handicrafts. Enjoy the day's festivities, including the antique car parade, where hundreds of vehicles will take part. After some siesta time, we will attend one of the many concerts and have dinner. Surprise. (B, D)

Day 4 - August 8:

After breakfast, we will head to the town of Santa Elena, where we will watch the making of the fabulous “silletas” or flower decorations for the Flower parade. Visit a working flower farm.
More fun abounds as the festival musical concerts continue all over the city (B,L)

Day 5 - August 9:

Flower Festival Parade (DESFILE DE SILLETEROS) is the big highlight of the day. Street fairs and displays abound. Enjoy this fabulous parade in a private VIP booth with food and libations. The evening culminates with a big fireworks
show, music and dancing. (B, L)

Day 6 - August 10:

Those leaving the flower festival will be shuttled to the airport (B) or continue to Coffee Triangle Adventure or to Orchid and Hummingbird Adventure

The Coffee Triangle Adventure 

With Dr. Marc Minno

Itinerary

August 10 to 14, 2026

(encompasses Manizales Perreria & Armenia. )

The Coffee Triangle is an internationally recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site for its beauty, nature, and unique places. Birding
abounds! (And yes, experience a hummingbird or two). Sip authentic Colombian coffee at a plantation with over 240
species of birds and butterflies. Then soak in world-renowned pure hot springs. See the tallest palms in the world while savoring some of Colombia’s best cuisine. Stroll the sweet town of Salento.

Day 6 – August 10: 

After Breakfast, take the scenic drive to Manizales, one of the cities known as the Coffee Triangle. At the Halfway point: stop for lunch at The Cauca Lookout, located in La Pintada, Antioquia. It is a tourist lodge and restaurant distinguished by its unique architecture, featuring a famous & "Upside-Down House" and a panoramic view of the Cauca River. Located on the road between Medellín and the Coffee Region, it is a must-stop for photos, rest, and food, offering family- friendly environments. The place is frequented for its innovative design and is considered a must-see for those seeking a photographic and tourist experience in the area. Arrive at the hotel located in the center of a botanical garden and nature area.
Dinner on your own at the hotel (B, L)

Day 7 - August 11: Manizales
Venture very early to the magnificent preserve of Rio Blanco and meet the incredible “Bird Shaman”. Follow him into the
cloud forest and see some of the rarest birds in the world. There is a toucan that is known only to this region. Hundreds of
hummingbirds are easy to photograph here. Then back to the hotel for late breakfast. An aerial lift will tram you through the
gardens and nature area. Then enjoy a fun evening in the city at and enjoy an authentic Colombian dinner with local music.
(Brunch, D)

Day 8 - August 12: Perreria
After breakfast & check out, we will have a surprise and then visit a working coffee plantation Venezia that is also home to over 100 species of birds, many orchids and really is its own preserve. Then head to Pereira. After checking in, Our adventure will continue to the thermal springs of Santa Rosa where will bathe in the springs and also hike along the many waterfalls and tributaries of this beautiful area. Overnight Armenia Hotel. (B, L, D)

Day 9 - August 13: Armenia
After breakfast, we set out early for the Jardin Botanico del Quindio. We will then visit the spectacular village of Salento, set in a valley within a National Park, surrounded by the Andes. This is a photographer’s paradise. Spend time exploring the local streets lined with unique art and craft stores. Then enjoy sunset in the famous Cocoran Valley, go on to a local’s hideout for dinner. Overnight Armenia hotel. (B,L,D)
.
Day 10- August 14: Armenia
After breakfast, say Ciao for now & check out. Our team will get you to the airport for your departure flight. (B)

 

The Orchid and Hummingbird Andes Hiking Adventure

with Dr. Saul Hoyos Gomez

Itinerary

August 10 to 14, 2026

The Orchid and Hummingbird Andes Hiking adventure happens at a private research station opened to just a few organizations. The research has modern rooms and conveniences, and the best Colombian cooks. Hike to see hundreds of hummingbirds with experienced guides and see the newest discovered orchid in the world. New species of flora and fauna are being discovered in this area all the time.

Day 6 - August 10

After early breakfast and check out, journey to the beautiful town of El Jardin! Enjoy lunch a stroll through this beautiful valley town. Stop at a secret location to see a great bird, la mas bella or “Andean cock of the rock” Then you will transfer to jeeps for a 40-minute ride to the end of the road to the wonderful research station called La Messina. Instead of the donkey ride, the walk is about 6 miles. The team will be there to assist you during this wonderful experience. One of the reserve specialists will give a talk at dinner, followed by an early night listening to the sounds of the Andes jungle. (B, D)

Day 7 - August 11 

After breakfast, enjoy a full day of palm and hummingbird educational hiking throughout the reserve property. See hundreds of hummingbirds, many of which are known only to this area. If lucky, a new species might show up.(B, L, D)

Day 8 - August 12

After breakfast, enjoy full day of educational hiking throughout the reserve property or just relax and enjoy the surroundings.  Our specialists will educate you on their research work and why this area is so important. (B, L, D)

Day 9 – August 13

After a leisurely breakfast, pack up and head down the mountain. A boxed lunch will be provided for your ride to Rio Negro, and check into the hotel. (Dinner on your own.) Overnight In Rio Negro. (B, L,)

Day 10 - August 14 

After a leisurely breakfast, say ciao and head to the airport for your departure home. (B)

 

Terms, Conditions & Notes

• This 10-day, 9-night VIP experience is yours for just $ 2,900.00 (pp, double); add $750.00 for a single supplement.
• If you just want to come to the Flower Festival, pay just $1600 pp dbl (add $350 for single) for the land package.
• A deposit of $1000. secures your space.
  
• A 3% convenience fee will be added to all credit card payments.
• Balance due June 15.
• Nonrefundable as of May 25, 2026.

What's Included

• All lodging at the hotels and indicated in the program, double or single occupancy.
• All Excursions and Tours in Private Services
• All transfers and transportation in a private air-conditioned van
  with a professional driver.
• All entrance tickets to all the attractions mentioned in the program.
• Meals as indicated in the program each day (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• A toll-free conference call briefing four weeks before the trip departure.
• English-speaking guide during your entire trip, starting with the airport welcome
• Luggage handling
• Bottled water daily

Not Included

• INTERNATIONAL airfare and baggage fees
• Travel Insurance
• Meals & drinks not indicated on the itinerary
• Extras at the hotel, personal tips
• Gratuities for guides & drivers
   

Travel Insurance

• TREE requires you to purchase Travel Insurance (Different from flight insurance offered by the airlines) before starting your tour in Colombia. It is usually best to purchase travel insurance before any deposits become non-refundable. This reimburses you for any loss you might incur during your trip, for the cancellation of a service due to reasons beyond our control, and for medical emergencies, accidents, or evacuations before or after the trip.
• Two companies we recommend are Travel Guard and Allianz. Allianz has an affordable annual policy that covers ALL of your travel for one year.
• TREE's contact at Allianz is Amy Galineau.                                         
  Travel Sales, USA 9950 Mayland Drive, Richmond, VA 23233
  O: 866.884.3556 Ext 28327| www.allianztravelinsurance.com
  amy.galineau@allianz.com Tell her TREE or Carolann sent you!

 

Hotels

• Medellin Flower Festival - Blues Suites
• Coffee Triangle - Manizales: Estelar Recinto del Pensamiento
  
• Armenia: Tukki Ecolodge
  
• Orchid and Hummingbird - Messenia Research Lodge
• Rio Negro: Movich Las Lomas 

Notes

• All passports MUST be valid six months past the return date of this trip. Now is a good time to double-check the expiration date of your passport.
• This trip is limited to just 20 participants
• The itinerary is subject to change.
• For questions, please call 866-355-8733 or email treeinstitutetravel@gmail.com

 

Registration

EACH participant must complete the registration form and make the deposit.

Insurance & Participation agreement

Payment

Each participant must make the deposit payment

 

 

 Travel operated by TREE Institute International 

Have questions? Please call 866-355-8733 or email treeinstitutetravel@gmail.com TREE Institute International

1075 Duval Street, Suite C-11, Key West, Florida 33040

866-355-8733

treeinstitutetravel@gmail.com

www.TREEinstitute.ORG

www.cubajourneys.org 

Who we are

TREE Institute International is a volunteer-operated, non-profit, charitable organization (501-c-3) that organizes and showcases adventure, cultural, education, and conference trips to places where TREE conducts the work of its mission, including Cuba, Colombia and Argentina. TREE has been taking group trips to Cuba for over 20 years. The TREE Institute holds an OFAC license issued by the US Treasury Department, allowing the organization to offer and oversee trips to Cuba legally. Upcoming trips are licensed and fully compliant with the new OFAC Regulations and meet all current travel requirements.

What we do

The funds from our trips support projects in countries that US foundations do not fund. TREE is currently working with the Medellin Botanical Garden and the University of Antioquia in Medellin, Colombia, to study, propagate and create educational exhibits on the new plant species discovered in the Andes region. There is also medicinal research in Bogota with Colombian scientists on Burgmansia or Angel's tAngel's The species Brugmansia arborea, golden angel's tangel's (B. aurea), B. insignis, red angel's tangel's (B. sanguinea), B. versicolor, and B. vulcanicola were variously distributed in the Andes region of South America, ranging from Colombia to northern  Chile.
For more information on our projects, visit https://treeinstitute. org/our-projects/

We are all volunteers, and TREE spends no money on marketing or advertising our journeys. Most trips are filled with repeat participants, word of mouth, and referrals! 

We appreciate your support! Without you, these projects would not be possible. 

YOU are helping to make a difference!