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. 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 - February 2014. 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 - February 2014. Bogota. City Tour
This is a four-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. Return to your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 3 - February 2014. Bird watching. La Florida Park and Enchanted Gardens
5:00am hotel pick up. During the morning we will visit La Florida Park, a wetland located in the western edge of Bogota. Here you will have the chance to see the highly restricted endemics Bogota Rail, Apolinar´s Marsh Wren and Silver-throated Spinetail amongst others. At around 12pm we continue our journey to the town of San Francisco and to our next stop,The Enchanted Gardens where you can find 30 hummingbird feeders with more that 23 recorded species and the possibility of seeing 10 to 15 in a visit. Key species are: Ruby Topaz, Short-tailes Emerald, Gorgeted and White-bellied Woodstar, Lazuline Sabrewing. After lunch (not included) return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 4 - February 2014. Bogota -Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva
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. Meals: B.
Day 5 - February 2014. Bogota – Armenia
Transfer to airport for your journey across Colombia. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your specially chosen finca where you can relax in a unique way for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B.
Day 6 - February 2014. Cocora Valley
At the prearranged time the expedition begins, heading to Salento and the Cocora Valley. It holds within it a colonial and historic past, as you will see as you walk amongst the unique landscapes, observing the flowing clear water of the Quindio River, and the unique palm of wax the national tree.
Salento and in general the Coffee Triangle, has one of the richest coffee cultures and most scenic coffee crops. It has preserved its colonial architecture and the customs of the local country people. Furthermore, it’s an ideal site for hiking or horseback rides followed by a meal of exquisite trout, the prized local dish. As an optional activity, we’ll take you to Santa Rosa, home of the famous hotsprings for a relaxing end of day. Meals: B.
Day 7 - February 2014. Bird watching. Rio Blanco
Today you will visit the Rio Blanco reserve operated by Fundacion Ecologica Gabriel Arango Restrepo (FUNDEGAR) and owned by Aguas de Manizales the reserve is one of the best in Colombia for antpittas. There are several good trails which provide access to forest across a wide attitudinal range, while hummingbird feeders at the cabins are very well-attended. A large variety of endemics and specialties representative of the Cordillera Central can be found in the forest. Return to hotel. Meals: B.
Day 8 - February 2014. Armenia - Santa Marta
At the chosen time transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Santa Marta 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 9 - February 2014. Santa Marta. Free day
Free day to enjoy all that Santa Marta has to offer, whether its spending some time on the beach or walking around in the plaza on the waterfront. Meals: B.
Day 10 - February 2014. Santa Marta - Minca. Bird watching
After breakfast 30 minute transfer to Minca where you´ll spend the night. Spend the morning walking around the reserve and you might also see several species of raptors, Sooty-headed and Brown-capped Tyrannulet, Pale-eyed Pygmy-Tyrant and Pearly-vented Tody-Tyrant, Golden-fronted and Scrub Greenlet, Black-chested Jay, the delightful songsters Rufous-breasted and Rufous-and-white Wrens, Swallow and Black-headed Tanagers, Yellow-tailed Oriole and more. Meals: B.
Day 11 - February 2014. Minca - Santa Marta - Cartagena.
Transfer from Minca to Santa Marta and Cartagena (aprox 7 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel where you can relax so you are well rested for your adventures tomorrow. Meals: B.
Day 12 - February 2014. 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 13 - February 2014. Cartagena. Free Day
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 14 - February 2014. Cartagena - Bogota
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Bogota. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel where you will spend one last night in Colombia. Meals: B.
Day 15 - February 2014. 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 15 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.