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 and enchanting city of Cartagena. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - March 1. 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 - March 2. 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 and a traditional lunch. Meals: B. L.
Day 3 - March 3. 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. Here a guide will take you on a tour of the finca where you will learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy and freshly brewed cup of coffee. Meals. B, L.
Day 4 - March 4. Bogota - Zipaquira
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.
Zipaquira - Guatavita. 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
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 Bogota. Meals: B, L.
Day 5 - March 5. Bogota - 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. Meals: B.
Day 6 - March 6. 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 7 & 8 - March 7 & 8. 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. Please see optional activities below. Meals: B.
Day 9 - March 9. 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 9 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.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR DAYS 7 AND 8
Cartagena. Day on the Majagua Islands
Cartagena. Segway City Tour
Take an exciting look at this historical city from your own personal segway. You’ll have the chance to scoot around visiting the many beautiful sites of this colourful colonial city such as the gold museum, Las Bovedas, PLaza de la Proclamacion, the Cartagena cathedral and many more (entrances not included). Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city.
Cartagena. Boat ride at Club de Pesca
Tonight you will have the option of seeing Cartagena from the ocean. You will board the Club de Pesca boat and sail through this picturesque area for an hour. Take in the beautiful scenery whilst enjoying dinner (dinner not included) before making your way back to your hotel. Includes transfers from and to hotel.
Cartagena. Cartagena Carriage Tour
At the chosen time you´ll be picked up from your hotel is style. After a wonderful and relaxing ride around the old city (approx 1hr), your carriage will take you to your chosen restaurant. After dinner your ride will be waiting at the door to take you back to the hotel (dinner not included).
PRICES
- US$2,082 PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON 2 PAX TRAVELING
- US$115 PRICE PER PERSON MAJAGUA – ROSARIO ISLANDS DAY TOUR (INCL LUNCH)
- US$45 PRICE PER PERSON SEGWAY TOUR
- US$145 PRICE PER PERSON AQUABUS/CLUB DE PESCA PRIVATE BOAT RIDE CARTAGENA BAY (INCLUDES TRANSFERS, DOES NOT INCLUDE DINNER)
- US$56 PRICE PER PERSON CARRIAGE TOUR (DOES NOT INCLUDE DINNER)
- US$99 PRICE PER PERSON CARRIAGE TOUR INCLUDING DINNER
- US$55 PRICE PER PERSON BOAT TOUR CARTAGENA BAY IN REGULAR SERVICE (DOES NOT INCLUDE TRANSFERS – ONLY OPERATES FROM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY FROM 6 TO 8 PM)
THESE PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME AND VALID FOR 2014 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.