This tour takes you to two of Colombia’s metropolitan highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota and the laid back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site). In Bogota you’ll have the opportunity to see all the must-see parts of the city, including Bolívar Square and the fascinating Gold Museum. Near Bogota is Zipaquira, home to salt mines and the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. In Cartagena you’ll not only tour the city, visiting the colorful old colonial streets and the famous Walled City, but you’ll also get to relax on one of Colombia’s best beaches, just an hour away from Cartagena. For the adventurous there’s an option to add rock climbing to the itinerary, and it’s also possible to visit La Chorrera Waterfall – the tallest in Colombia – or the “El Dorado” Sacred Lake of Guatavita.
Day 1. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2. Bogota, City Tour
This is a three-hour excursion that visits the colonial area of La Candelaria, the historical center of the city. It is in the oldest part of the capital, where you’ll find museums, restaurants and cultural institutions. Afterwards we visit the Bolívar Square at the heart of the city and surrounded by buildings of various styles and from various periods, such as the Cathedral, the Chapel of El Sagrario, the Cardinal’s Palace and the Capitolio or Congress Building. Behind the latter is the Nariño Palace, home of the president. We continue to the Quinta de Bolívar. Once a colonial mansion of great architectural value, it is now converted into a museum that houses documents and objects that belonged to Simón Bolívar. Afterwards we will go to the Gold Museum, where we will find a collection of more than 36,000 pieces of pre-Columbian manufacture; being the only display of its kind in the world.
Day 3. Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
Departure towards Villa de Leyva. On the way we will visit the salt mines of Zipaquira, from where the monumental Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira was excavated. This unique structure is almost 400ft deep and it occupies an area of around 8000m², with four sections, each one 300ft long and 42ft wide. It presents 12, 30ft high impressive salt columns that support the structure. In the first tract of the underground journey, you will find the XIV Stations of the Via Cruxis, each designed by a local artist. Subsequently, a 175 meter long ramp descending to the last 13 meters towards the balconies on the cameras and the church choir. The final tract leads to the center of the Cathedral where we find the three monumental cameras and the 16m tall cross.
After visiting the salt mines, we’ll continue to the Lake of Guatavita, where the legend of El Dorado originates. According to this legend, in the pre-Columbian days the Indians held special religious ceremonies in which the Chief (Cacique), with his body totally covered with gold dust, was submerged in the lake as an offering to their gods, while the natives threw precious stones and gold pieces into the lake. In 1967 the area, including the old village, was flooded, forcing the construction of a new town in a style that resembles the old Spanish colonial architecture.
Return to Bogota.
Day 4. Bogota – Cartagena
Transfer to the Airport, assisted by See Colombia Travel staff, for your upcoming journey across Colombia. Upon arrival in Cartagena, you will transfer to one of our specially chosen hotels.
Day 5. Cartagena. City Tour
We take approximately four hours visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and, later, the Walled City. The Old City maintains all the charm of the colonial days, with its narrow, cobbled streets flanked by charming balconies and heavy, characteristic doors. Our entry is through the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. We visit the church of San Pedro Claver, the oldest church in the city before seeing the Castle of San Felipe – an imposing stone structure regarded as the masterpiece of the Spanish military engineering in the Americas. Finally, the Convent of La Popa is a cloister built on top of a hill that dominates the entire urban complex. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city.
Day 6. Cartagena. Day on the Islands
Located on the Baru´s peninsula about 1 hour from Cartagena, Playa Blanca is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It derives its name from the whiteness of its sand, washed by the turquoise-colored water with coral reefs. This is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and tropical Caribbean climate, and a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine, mostly consisting of fish and rice flavored with coconut. This boat journey takes you to discover this paradise, far from the bustling city, crossing the bay and docking at the coast of Playa Blanca.
Day 7. Cartagena
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 7 days just isn´t enough time in Colombia, our tours are 100% customizable and we´d be happy to extend your stay with us Just ask for more details.
Destinations
- Bogota
- Zipaquira
- Cartagena
- Caribbean
Highlights
- Monserrate
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
- Walled City of Cartagena
- Baru in Rosario Islands
Activities
- History
- Cultural
- Beach
What's Included
- All transfers to and from the airport/bus terminal
- 6 nights accommodation at chosen hotel
- All activities described in the itinerary
- All entrances to national parks
- Meals when described in the itinerary
- English guides
- A percentage of your booking will go to Rio Urbano
What's not Included
- International or domestic flights
- Taxes and tips
- Personal expenses
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Extra Options
- Monserrate
- Guatavita El Dorado Sacred Lake
- Rock climbing in Suesca
- La Correra waterfall, the tallest in Colombia
- Bicycle tour of Bogota
- Totumo Mud Volcano
Colombia Hotels
- Hotel Los Héroes
- Casa de La Botica
- Hotel Centro Internacional
- Hotel El Diamante Internacional
- Hotel Andes Plaza
- Hotel Bacata
- Hotel María Isabel
- Tres Banderas
- Hotel Arsenal
- Astra
- Cartagena Plaza / All Inclusive
- Pietro
- Capilla del Mar
- Las Américas
