Colombia is a country of dizzying variety. This tour will introduce you to the fascinating blend of adventures offered within Colombia’s borders. You’ll see some of Colombia’s most important cites, such as bustling Bogotá, the enchanting city of Cartagena, the colonial Villa de Leyva and quaint Coffee Triangle. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes and colours of the the Colombian Caribbean and the Coffee Region, home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm. You can learn how Colombian coffee is made, from picking the very first beans to pouring the perfect cup. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - October 7. Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Cartagena 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 - October 8. 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. Meals: B.
Day 3 - October 9. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Cocoliso is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. 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 Cocoliso. Meals: B, L.
Day 4 to 6 - October 10 to 12. Cartagena. Free Days
Free days to enjoy the city; to get lost in one of the many plazas and coble stone streets and have a drink watching the sunset on top of the city wall. Meals: B.
Day 7 - October 13. Cartagena - Medellin
At the chosen time transfer to tha airport for your flight to Medellin. 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. Meals: B.
Day 8 - October 14. Medellin. City Tour
A 5 hour trip, that uncovers the roots of Medellín and its most iconic symbols, such as the “Pueblito Paisa”, the Intelligent Building, the Plaza Mayor, the Administrative Center of La Alpujarra and Carabobo street. We will travel in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, and visit of the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure. Meals: B.
Day 9 - October 15. Medellin – Oriente & Guatape
This tour will begin with a visit to Peñol Rock, which is one of the most interesting natural attractions in Colombia. Then we will visit the village of Guatape, famous for the details of the homes and the Peñol-Guatape reservoir. As an optional activity, take a little tour of the reservoir in a boat, go to the top of Peñol Rock, take the cable car or simply enjoy the artisan craft stalls and the life next to the water (optional activites not included). Around noon we will visit Rionegro. Here we will eat lunch (not included) and then visit San Antonio de Pereira, which is famous for its desserts. The tour continues on the street of trees and onward to the entrance to Tutucán. After leaving Tutucán, we will stop at the touristic inn called El Tequendamita. Afterward, we will visit Retiro to learn about the traditional production of timber. We will end our tour admiring the beautiful scenery surrounding the Dam of Faith. Meals: B.
Day 10 & 11 - October 16 & 17. Leticia - Natural Reserve
You’ll be welcomed at the Airport Vásquez Cobo in the city of Leticia. You’ll transfer to the town pier to board the boat that will lead to the the floating house where you´ll spend the night. Meals: D.
The following morning we continue on our way to Heliconia Natural Reserve. The journey is approximately three hours, during which you’ll sail on the majestic Amazon River and then by one of its biggest and most important tributaries in the area, the Javari River, which borders Peru and Brazil. During our tour, in addition to tasting the coastal landscape, you’ll pass by the authentic and unique Amazonian populations that still retain the vestiges of the period of colonization and the great rubber boom, combined with views of exotic animal species such as the famous Amazonian freshwater dolphins (Pink or Grey), colorful macaws, herons, kingfishers, eagles, butterflies and many other surprises that can only be believed by visiting this magical world. Finally, arrive at the reserve Ecohotel Heliconia and sample a delicious local meal. Meals: B, L, D.
Amazon
During your stay in the Lodge you have a choice of activities and tours at your disposable. We’re keen to ensure you have the Amazonian tour that suits all your needs and, therefore, we think it’s important that you get to make the final decision on exactly what it is you do in this fascinating region. Of course, if you want recommendations or advice, don’t hesitate to ask. We recommend you plan for two activities per day in order to enjoy them fully. Activities can be repeated. What follows is a list of possible activities for you to indulge yourself in during your time here in Colombia: (Meals: B, L, D)
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE RESERVATION:
* Observe the pink dolphins.
* Visits to indigenous communities.
* Paddle boats in the flooded forest.
* Fishing and traditional craftsmanship.
* Observation of exotic birds.
* Walks in the forest with native guides.
* Walking to the lakes that surround the reservation.
* Night out watching alligators.
* Swimming in natural pools.
* Sightings of fauna and flora of the area.
* Indian Tattoos.
* Canopy.
Day 12 - October 18. Leticia - Bogota
Enjoy breakfast in the Amazon and one last activity before returning to Leticia, at the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport. Upon arrival in Bogota, transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 13 - October 19. Bogota - City Tour
This is a six-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 (closed on Mondays), 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. Finally, we will take a cable car to visit Monserrate for a fantastic view of the city. Meals: B.
Day 14 - October 20. Bogota - Zipaquira
Today 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. Meals: B.
Day 15 - October 21. Bogota - Home.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 12 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. Meals: B.
THESE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME AND VALID FOR 2013 EXCEPT DURING HIGH SEASON AND BANK HOLIDAY WEEKENDS AS FOLLOWS:
- January 1 and 9; March 19; April 5 and 6; May 1 and 21; June 11 and 18; July 2 and 20; August 7 and 20; October 15; November 5 and 12; December 8 and 25
- High season: November 15 to January 15; Easter week, June 1 to August 1 and October 7 to 11.
- Please note that the Gold Museum of Bogota, the Quinta de Bolivar Museum and the Sacred Lake of Guatavita are closed every Monday. They are also closed on Tuesdays followed by a bank holiday Monday.