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. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - September 16. 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 - September 17. Bogota - Hop on -off bus
This tour allows you to discover the colorful history and culture of la Candelaria neighborhood, located in the historic center of Bogota and various other highlights through the city such as the Botanical Gardens, Parque 93 and Parque Central . As part of the tour you will have the option to enjoy La Candelaria on foot passing by the Plaza del Chorro, the Botero museum, the National Museum, Plaza Bolivar and many other interest sites. It is very flexible and you’ll have 24 hour to decide where to go (Monserrate entrance not included but discounted).
Day 3 - September 18. 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.
Day 4 - September 19. Bogota - Villa de Leyva
Transfer to the bus terminal for yout journey to Villa de Leyva. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel (bus fare not included not included).
Day 5 - September 20. 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 - September 21. Villa de Leyva - Bogota
After breakfast start heading back to Bogota (transfers not included). Meals: B.
Day 7 - September 22. 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.
Day 8 - September 23. 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 (not included). As an optional activity, we’ll take you to Santa Rosa, home of the famous hot springs for a relaxing end of day. Meals: B.
Day 9 - September 24. Free day. Coffee Experience and Tasting (optional not included)
During the Cultural Coffee Experience tour, where 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 of Antioquia. From the coffee corps we will continue to the Joyful Harvest, where you can wear traditional outfits and harvest, pulp, dry, roast and ground your own coffee as the locals have done since colonial times. Then, after a great day at work you can sit down and enjoy a fantastic cup of the best Colombia Coffee, specially processed and made by you, for you! Meals: B.
Day 10 - September 25. Armenia - 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 where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us. Meals: B.
Day 11 - September 26. Cartagena. City Tour
Today you will take the Hop On, Hop Off bus around Cartagena, visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and 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. You will visit the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. A walking tour of the Walled City is included and begins at 3:45 pm. Later you can 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 tickets for the bus are valid all day long, so you can see the city at your leisure. Meals: B.
Day 12 - September 27. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Cocoliso is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and tropical Caribbean climate, and a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine, mostly consisting of fish and rice flavored with coconut. This boat journey takes you to discover this paradise, far from the bustling city, crossing the bay and docking at the coast of Cocoliso. Meals: B, L.
Day 13 - September 28. 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 - September 29. 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 14 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.