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.

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.

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.

The visit begins with a morning journey through the desert. In the afternoon we take a walking tour  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.

After breakfast, we will star heading north on our way to San Gil and Barichara. In the afternoon we visit the famous Juan Curi waterfall. Meals: B.

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. Return to the hotel. At the chosen time transfer to San Gil bus terminal for your night bus to Santa Marta. Meals: B.

Upon arrival transfer to Taganga  and your chosen hotel where you can relax prepare for the Lost City trek.

Day 1. Santa Marta – El Mamey.  First camp site (4 hour walk).
We leave at 9 am from our meeting point in Santa Marta. Three hours later we will reach the local village of El Mamey, from where we’ll begin our ascend to the first camp site. Upon arrival you’ll have the chance to go for a swim at a natural spring. Tonight we’ll sleep in hammocks.

Day 2. Second Camp Site (4 hour walk).
After an early breakfast, we start today’s walk through the forest descending to into a small valley formed by the Buritaca riverwhere you’ll have your first encounter with the local indigenous communities in the Mutanyi village. We have 3 more hours walk before we reach the cabin where we will spend the night. Upon arrival we can cool off in the natural pools formed by the Buritaca river.

DAY 3.  Third Camp Site (5 hour walk).
Today, we start our walk at 7am going through the Kogui- Arsario indigenous reserve and the Sierra Nevada Natural Reserve passing by several indigenous houses and some ancient roads built hundreds of years ago by the inhabitants of the area. During  our journey we will take a break to refresh ourselves in one of the many natural swimming pools formed by the Buritaca river. Tonight we’ll spend the night at the Mamo’s (chief) house.

Day 4. Lost City (1.5 hour walk) and trek back to campsite.
Today, we cross the Buritaca river to finally arrive to the long awaited Lost City (sacred site for the current local communities of theSierra Nevada). At 9am we begin our adventure into the park, learning about the different ways the pre-Hispanic Tayronas adapted to their environment, we will also have an opportunity to see the ceremonial houses of the present day Tayronas and the vegetation that form a unique backdrop to the prehistoric legacy. Along the route it is also possible to take a bath in the pool of youth, which according to the legend works wonderfully well. At the end of the tour, some notes about the archaeological sites of the mountain range are available to read, and a short informative chat about the site can be arranged with the guide. Next day, you’ll have an early Breakfast at 6.30 a.m as we’ll depart at 7 a.m.  in order to take advantage of the morning hours so the journey is less arduous and also because the constantly changing atmospheric conditions of the region. At Mutanyi cabin we will have lunch. We walk for approximately 3 more hours towards our last campsite (7 hrs in total).

Day 5. Return to Santa Marta and Taganga.
After breakfast, we reach the Machete town and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river continuing afterwards to Santa Marta where we will arrive at approximately 4pm. Transfer to chosen hotel in Taganga.

At the chosen time land transfer to Cartagena in regular service (about 7 hours). Meals: B.

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.  This tour can be exchangesd for a Segway tour of the city. Meals: B.

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.

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.

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  (included) followed by a meal of exquisite trout, the prized local dish. Meals: B.

At the chosen time, land transfer to Bogota and chosen hotel for your last nigh in Colombia. Meals: B.

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 19 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.