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 the enchanting city of Cartagena, 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.
Day 1 - February 20. Armenia
Upon arrival, you will transfer to your specially chosen finca where you can relax in a unique way for your upcoming adventures.
Day 2 - February 21. 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 hotsprings for a relaxing end of day. Meals: B.
Day 3 - February 22. Horeseback riding
Set in a picturesque location in the hills of Risaralda, 15 minutes from Pereira, the Hacienda el Palomar is home to perhaps some of the best views that Colombia’s Coffee Triangle has to offer. You will be accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide, who will transfer you to the Hacienda. Once in the Hacienda, you will be left in the capable hands of an experienced cowboy and introduced to your well-behaved horses. Your horse-riding experience will take you through the Risaralda valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whilst on your trip, you will be able to see the regions of Valle del Cauca, Quindio and numerous small towns and villages. The scenery naturally lends itself to a relaxed horse-ride at your own leisure, with the opportunity to stop to relax or take photos. At the agreed time, you will be picked up and taken back to your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 4 - February 23. Free day. Coffee experience tour (optional - not included)
As an optional activity you can take 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 5 - February 24. Armenia - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer to the airport in Armenia. 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 6 - February 25. Cartagena - La Virgen Mangrove
You’ll be transferred to La Boquilla where you’ll pass through the stunning mangroves in the area on a traditional canoe, seeing nature close up as you pass slowly. Once you arrive, you’ll visit the fascinating pre-columbian Archeological Park. After you’ve wandered around, you’ll enjoy a delicious typical lunch on the beach in Manzanillo del Mar, before heading back to Cartagena by land. Meals: B.
Day 7 - February 26. Cartagena. Rosario 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 Majagua. Meals: B, L.
Day 8 - February 27. 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 9 - February 28. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Tayrona - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Palomino (about 6 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B, D.
Day 10, 11 & 12 - March 1, 2 & 3. 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.
You will spend your first whole day in on of the many beaches at the Tayrona National Park (entrance fee included).
The next 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. Meals: B, L, D on all days.
Day 13 - March 4. Palomino - Santa Marta - Bogota - Leticia
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Bogota and onward flight to Leticia. Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed at the Airport Vásquez Cobo in the city of Leticia. You’ll transfer to the town pier to board the boat that will lead to the the floating house where you´ll spend the night. Meals: D.
Day 14 & 15 - March 5 & 6. Leticia - Natural Reserve
Today we continue on our way to Heliconia Natural Reserve. The journey is approximately three hours, during which you’ll sail on the majestic Amazon River and then by one of its biggest and most important tributaries in the area, the Javari River, which borders Peru and Brazil. During our tour, in addition to tasting the coastal landscape, you’ll pass by the authentic and unique Amazonian populations that still retain the vestiges of the period of colonization and the great rubber boom, combined with views of exotic animal species such as the famous Amazonian freshwater dolphins (Pink or Grey), colorful macaws, herons, kingfishers, eagles, butterflies and many other surprises that can only be believed by visiting this magical world. Finally, arrive at the reserve Ecohotel Heliconia and sample a delicious local meal. Meals: B, L, D.
Amazon
During your stay in the Lodge you have a choice of activities and tours at your disposable. We’re keen to ensure you have the Amazonian tour that suits all your needs and, therefore, we think it’s important that you get to make the final decision on exactly what it is you do in this fascinating region. Of course, if you want recommendations or advice, don’t hesitate to ask. We recommend you plan for two activities per day in order to enjoy them fully. Activities can be repeated. What follows is a list of possible activities for you to indulge yourself in during your time here in Colombia: (Meals: B, L, D)
ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN THE RESERVATION:
* Observe the pink dolphins.
* Visits to indigenous communities.
* Paddle boats in the flooded forest.
* Fishing and traditional craftsmanship.
* Observation of exotic birds.
* Walks in the forest with native guides.
* Walking to the lakes that surround the reservation.
* Night out watching alligators.
* Swimming in natural pools.
* Sightings of fauna and flora of the area.
* Indian Tattoos.
* Canopy.
Day 16 - March 16. Bogota - Home.
Enjoy breakfast in the Amazon and one last activity before returning to Leticia, at the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 6 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.