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 and the enchanting city of Cartagena. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes and colours of the the Colombian Caribbean and Andes. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - February 22. Cartagena
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.
Day 2 - February 23. 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 3 - February 24. Cartagena. Day on the 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 4 & 5 - February 25 & 26. Cartagena. Free Days
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 6 - February 27. Bogota
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogota. Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel.
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 7 - February 28. Bogota -Zipaquira - Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Departure towards Zipaquira where you will visit the salt mines, 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.
Guatavita. 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
Later we’ll continue to the Lake of Guatavita, where the legend of El Dorado originates. According to this legend, in the pre-Columbian days the Indians held special religious ceremonies in which the Chief (Cacique), with his body totally covered with gold dust, was submerged in the lake as an offering to their gods, while the natives threw precious stones and gold pieces into the lake. In 1967 the area, including the old village, was flooded, forcing the construction of a new town in a style that resembles the old Spanish colonial architecture. Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 8 - March 1. Bogota - Home.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 8 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.