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.
- US$4.830 – PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON ONE PASSENGER TRAVELING
- US$2.996 – PRICE PER PERSON BASED ON TWO PASSENGERS TRAVELING
Day 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. 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. Bogota. Free day - Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (optional - not included)
Today, as an optional activity tou 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 4. Bogota – Medellin
Transfer to airport for your journey across Colombia. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 5. Medellin. City Tour
A 4 hour trip, that uncovers the roots of Medellín and its most iconic symbols, such as the “Pueblito Paisa”, the Intelligent Building, the Plaza Mayor, the Administrative Center of La Alpujarra and Carabobo street. We will travel in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, and visit of the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure. Meals: B.
Day 6. Medellin. Free day – Santa Fe de Antioquia (optional - not included)
As an optional activity, after breakfast we leave Medellín for Santa Fe de Antioquia municipality, declared Humanity´s Heritage. Its small cobbled streets and its beautiful houses with balconies recall the colonial period. The access road goes through a 4km tunnel and by the “Puente Colgante de Occidente”, a masterpiece of engineering from the 19 century. As an optional activity you could go horse riding in the surrounding mountains. Meals: B.
Day 7. Medellin - Santa Marta
At the chosen time transfer from your hostel to the airport for your flight. Upon arrival in Santa Marta transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the lost city trek. Meals: B.
Day 8 to 12. 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.
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.
Day 13 & 14. 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.
On the first 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.
On day two, you will spend the whole day in on of the many beaches at the Tayrona National Park (entrance fee included). Meals: B, L, D on all days.
Day 15. Palomino - Santa Marta - Cartagena
After breakfast, land transfer to Cartagena (about 6 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 16. 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 17. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Majagua 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 Majagua. Meals: B, L.
Day 18. 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 19. 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 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.