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. 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 - 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 - Zipaquira - Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of 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.
Guatavita. 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Guatavita
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 3 - December 23. Bogota - Santa Marta - Palomino. 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.
Bogota - Santa Marta - Palomino
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival, land transfer to Palomino and your chosen hotel where you will spend one last night in Colombia. Meals: B, D.
Day 4 & 5 - December 24 & 25. 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 6 - December 26. Palomino - Santa Marta - Cartagena
After breakfast, land transfer to Cartagena (about 6 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 7 - December 27. Cartagena. Segway City Tour
Take an exciting look at this historical city from your own personal segway. You’ll have the chance to scoot around visiting the many beautiful sites of this colourful colonial city such as the gold museum, Las Bovedas, PLaza de la Proclamacion, the Cartagena cathedral and many more (entrances not included). Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city. Meals: B (only if staying at hotels).
Day 8 - December 28. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Cocoliso is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and the tropical Caribbean climate, and also 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 unique place, far from the bustling city, crossing the bay and docking at the coast of Cocoliso. Meals: B, L.
Day 9 - December 29. 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 10 - December 30. 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 17 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.