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 city of ‘eternal spring’ Medellin, the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, and the enchanting city of Cartagena. 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 - August 20. 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 - August 21. 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 - August 22. Bogota - Villavicencio - La Macarena
After breakfast we start our land transfer to Villavicencio (3-4 hrs aprox). Upon arrival we’ll be taken to the airport for our flight to La Macarena (15 min aprox.). Time permiting we will take a short visit to Cristalito river before heading to our campsite only 2 kilometers away from La Macarena where we’ll spend the night . Meals: B, D.
Day 4 & 5 - August 23 & 24. La Macarena - Cano Cristales
We start today’s adventure taking a short boat ride (aprox 15min) on Guayavero river before the start of a 2 hour walk towards Cano Cristales (8 k). Upon arrival free time to rest, swim, walk on the river banks, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and take amazing photos. Return to La Macarena. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 6 - August 25. La Macarena - Bogota
At the prearranged time we start our way back to Bogota via Villavicencio (5hrs in total). Meals: B.
Day 7 - August 26. Bogota - Zipaquira – Guatavita - 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 8 & 9 - August 27 & 28. Villa de Leyva. Half day walking tour and Free Day
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 and tomorrow are 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 10 - August 29. Villa de Leyva – San Gil - Barichara
After breakfast, we will star heading north on our way to San Gil and Barichara. Meals: B.
Day 11 - August 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. Meals: B.
Day 12 - August 31. Barichara - Panachi - Bucaramanga
At the chosen time, we keep heading north towards Bucaramanga. On the way we´ll stop at Panachi Park where you´ll have a unique option of seeing the breathtaking Chicamocha Valley from the top of the Andes. Upon arrival transfer to Bucaramanga´s airport for your flight to Cartagena, once there transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 13 - September 1. 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 14 - September 2. Cartagena - La Virgen Mangrove
You’ll be transferred to La Boquilla where you’ll pass through the stunning mangroves in the area on a traditional canoe, seeing nature close up as you pass slowly. Once you arrive, you’ll visit the fascinating Precolumbian Archeological Park. After you’ve wandered around, you’ll enjoy a delicious typical lunch on the beach in Manzanillo del Mar, before heading back to Cartagena by land. Meals: B.
Day 15 - September 3. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Tayrona - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Palomino (about 6 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B, D.
Day 16 & 17 - September 4 & 5. Playa La Roca EcoHotel - Tayrona
During the next two days enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches.
You will spend your first whole day in on of the many beaches at the Tayrona National Park (entrance fee included).
The next day, 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, L, D on all days.
Day 18 - September 6. Playa La Roca - Riohacha
5am departure towards La Guajira where the Caribbean meets the desert. During the afternoon we will visit the Santuario de Flora y Fauna. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 19 - September 7. La Guajira
During your stay in La Guajira we will visit the Cabo de La vela going through the towns of Uribia y Manuare. You´ll also get the chance to see the Ojo de Agua beach and Pilón de Azúcar hill. Your accommodation will be at one of the Rancherias of the local tribe Wayuu. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 20 - September 8. Riohacha - Playa La Roca
Enjoy the morning at Riohacha. At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 21 - September 9. Bogota
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight back home.
All good things must come to an end. Of course, if 21 days just isn’t enough time, our tours are 100% customizable and we´d be happy to extend your stay with us. Just ask for more details. Meals: B