Bogotá’s revival has propelled the city rapidly into becoming one of the most exciting cities in South America. It now stands toe to toe with cities such as Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro in terms of its museums, gastronomy, fashion and nightlife. From the bohemian La Candelaria area of Bogotá that brims with arty museums, cafes, shops and restaurants to the more wealthy regions of the north that boast fine dining, high-end fashion and many English-inspired pubs, Bogotá can seem like many disparate towns all merged into one fascinating city. On our Bogotá short break you’ll also have the opportunity to visit nearby attractions such as Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and El Dorado Lake. Even as you become accustomed to the city’s altitude, Bogotá continues to take your breath away. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer the group to the chosen hotel.
Bogota - City Tour
At the chosen time, we continue to visit 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. Finally, we will take a cable car to visit Monserrate for a fantastic view of the city and a welcome dinner. Return to the hotel. Meals: B, D.
Day 2. Bogota - Fusagasuga. Coffee Experience and Tasting.
You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to a coffee farm just outside of Bogotá in a town called Fusagasuga. During the Cultural Coffee Experience tour you will gain a unique insight into the real lives of the coffee workers. This tour allows us to learn the fantastic and mystical history of the coffee growing culture and the colonization. Return to the hotel. Meals. B, L.
Day 3. Bogota – Zipaquira - Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and El Dorado Sacred Lake
Departure towards Zipaquirá to visit to the salt mines from where the monumental Cathedral 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.
El Dorado Sacred Lake
After lunch, 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 the hotel. Meals: B, L.
Day 4. Bogota.
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your onward flight .
All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 4 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.
PRICES
- US$598 PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF 10 TO 15 PAX
- US$552 PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF 16 TO 21 PAX
- US$522 PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON A GROUP OF 22 TO 26 PAX
- US$222 SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
THESE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE 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.
