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, all this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - December 21. 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 - December 22. Bogota - City Tour
This is a four-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. Meals: B.
Day 3 - December 23. Bogota - Zipaquira
Today 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 4 - December 24. Bogota – Cali
At the chosen time ransfer to airport for your journey across the Andes. Upon arrival in Cali, transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 5 - December 25. Cali. City Tour
Today you will see the heart and soulf of the salsa capital of Colombia, Cali. This 3 hour tour will take you from the famous “Cat”monument to the architectural complex “La Merced”, first construction of the City. You’ll also have the chance to stop at Plaza de Caicedo, Cali’s main square, La Tertulia museum, Municipal Theater, the San Antonio churchand the Sebastián de Belalcazar viewpoint among others important attractions. In the evening, get ready for your private salsa lesson with a fabulous and local dancer. Meals: B.
Day 6 - December 26. Cali. Free day. Haciendas tour (Optional - not included)
After breakfast as an optional activity, you’ll be picked up form your hotel for a day out on the countryside. We’ll visit the famous haciendas of “Pie de Chincha”, now also known as the Sugar Cane Museum and “El Paraiso”, icon of this Colombian region and known worldwide as the stage for the epitome of the Latin American romantic novel:María, by Jorge Isaacs. Meals: B.
Day 7 - December 27. Cali - Armenia
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your specially chosen finca where you can relax in a unique way for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B, L.
Day 8 - December 28. 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. 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 - December 29. Coffee Experience and Tasting
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!
Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time transfer transfer to the airport for your flight to Medellin where on 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 10 - December 30. Medellin. City Tour
A 5 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 11 - December 31. Medellin. Free day. Oriente & Guatape (Optional - not included)
This optional tour will begin with a visit to Peñol Rock, which is one of the most interesting natural attractions in Colombia. Then we will visit the village of Guatape, famous for the details of the homes and the Peñol-Guatape reservoir. As an optional activity, take a little tour of the reservoir in a boat, go to the top of Peñol Rock, take the cable car or simply enjoy the artisan craft stalls and the life next to the water (optional activites not included). Around noon we will visit Rionegro. Here we will eat lunch (not included) and then visit San Antonio de Pereira, which is famous for its desserts. The tour continues on the street of trees and onward to the entrance to Tutucán. After leaving Tutucán, we will stop at the touristic inn called El Tequendamita. Afterward, we will visit Retiro to learn about the traditional production of timber. We will end our tour admiring the beautiful scenery surrounding the Dam of Faith. Meals: B.
Day 12 - January 1. 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 13 - January 2. 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 14 - January 3. 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 15 - January 4. 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 16 - January 5. Cartagena - 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 16 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.