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 the enchanting city of Cartagena and quaint Coffee Triangle. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes and colours of the the Colombian Caribbean and the Andes Region, You will wander the desolate beaches of Tayrona National Park, where palm trees sway in the breeze and turquoise waters lap the golden Caribbean shores. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - June 24. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel where you can prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2 - June 25. 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 3 - June 26. Bogota - Free Day. Bike Tour (optional - not included)
Free day to enjoy the city. Enjoy Colombia’s dynamic, vibrant capital. Wander the colonial streets of La Candelaria and discover the fantastic museums housed there, rub shoulders with Bogotanos in the bars of Zona T and sample some of the finest Colombian and international cuisine in Zona G. As an optional activity, take this alternative bike tour around Bogotá which simply doesn’t follow the formula, and that’s what makes it special. Sure, you could stick to the main sights in La Candelaria and become familiar with all of the standard tourist draws, but this tour aims to show you a different side to Bogotá, a local’s perspective. On your 25km ride, you’ll get the chance to visit Bogotá’s culinary heartland, the Zona G, jam-packed with exquisite, international dining options. From here, get to know the trendy, bohemian area of Chapinero, with its street artists, art galleries and numerous students. You’ll also cycle along one of the city’s commercial arteries, Calle 53, where you’ll see the city’s real beating heart in full flow.
Visit the Campin stadium, home to Bogotá’s two most popular football teams, before taking in some fresh air at the city’s largest park, Parque Simon Bolivar, a social, cultural and artistic hub. What’s more, you’ll get detailed information about the history of the park from the son of the architect who designed it. For a tour that really takes you into the fascinating world of Bogotá and its intriguing culture, be sure to hop on your bike and discover the lesser-visited areas of the city. Meals: B.
Day 4 - June 27. Bogota -Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva
Departure towards Villa de Leyva. On the way you 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 5 - June 28. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
The visit begins through the Ricaurte Square, also known as San Agustin Square and continues to the house of Antonio Nariño, who was a journalist, politician, and militant. He played an important role in the independence of the country. The visit continues through the Main Square. Covering over 14000m², it is the biggest square in Colombia. There you will see the notorious Cathedral, and the facade of what used to be the house of Luis Alberto Acuña, a painter, sculptor, and Colombian historian who transformed it into a museum. The tour ends with a visit to the church of El Carmen and its surrounding park. Rest of the day is free to get lost in any of Villa de Leyva’s enchanted cobble stone streets or to join any of the optional activities available. Meals: B.
Day 6 - June 29. Villa de Leyva – San Gil - Barichara
At the chosen time, land transfer to San Gil, Barichara and your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 7 - June 30. Barichara - Guane
Today you´ll be taken for a hike through the Camino Real between Barichara and Guane. This road that dates back to the time of the Guane – local indigenous people – was rebuilt by the German George von Lenguerke in 1864. This 9.5 k coble stone path once used as the only road between Giron and the Magdalena River is now an historical hidden secret full of magic and amazing scenery. At the chosen time return to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the amazing weather, taste some of the local cuisine or just read a book on a hammock. Meals: B.
Day 8 - July 1. Barichara - Bucaramanga - Santa Marta - Palomino
At the chosen time, we keep heading north towards Bucaramanga and the airport for your flight to Santa Marta, once there land transfer to Palomino (aprox 1.5 hrs). Meals: B.
Day 9 - July 2 . Playa La Roca EcoHotel - Tayrona
During the next few days enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches.
Today, at the chosen time land transfer to the Tayrona National park (entrance included). During your time here you have the option of walking through Tayrona National Park’s most unforgettable beaches and unmissable sites.
As an optional activity, you’ll be taken for a beautiful hike to a waterfall in the morning. Then, after lunch, you could take a trail to the mouth of the Palomino River or just relax into a hammock with a good book.
Optionally, you will have the wonderful opportunity to go visit a village of the Kogi, descendants of the Tayrona. Here you will have the chance to see how the traditions of the Tayrona people are still present in the everyday lives of the Kogi. Meals: B on all days.
Day 10 - July 3. Tayrona Park - Cartagena
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Cartagena (about 6 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 11 - July 4. Cartagena. Free Day
Free day to enjoy the city. Get lost in the many plazas, meander through the cobble stone streets and be enchanted by Cartagena’s rich architecture and overwhelming history. As the sunsets, have a drink on top of the old wall watching the sun go down on the Caribbean. Meals: B.
Day 12 - July 5. Cartagena - 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.