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 quaint Armenia. Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to Colombia’s best kept secrets. San Agustin, named by UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, holds wthin its breathtaking scenery more than 300 statues and barrows from pre-columbian times. You’ll have the chance – not only to see an amazing display of statues but also burial chambers, ritual buildings and unique petroglyphs spread throughout the valley. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes and colours of 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. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
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 relax and 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, 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. Guatavita. 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
Today 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 4. Bogota - Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva
Departure towards Villa de Leyva. On the way 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 5. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
The visit begins through the Ricaurte Square, also known as San Agustin Square and continues to the house of Antonio Nariño, who was a journalist, politician, and militant. He played an important role in the independence of the country. The visit continues through the Main Square. Covering over 14000m², it is the biggest square in Colombia. There you will see the notorious Cathedral, and the facade of what used to be the house of Luis Alberto Acuña, a painter, sculptor, and Colombian historian who transformed it into a museum. The tour ends with a visit to the church of El Carmen and its surrounding park. Rest of the day is free to get lost in any of Villa de Leyva’s enchanted cobble stone streets or to join any of the optional activities available. Meals: B.
Day 6. Villa de Leyva - Bogota
After breakfast start heading back to Bogota via Raquira. Meals: B.
Day 7. Bogota - Neiva - San Agustin
At the chosen time, transfer to the airport. Upon arrival at Neiva’s airportone of See Colombia Travel’s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel in San Agustin (4 hours). Meals: B.
Day 8. San Agustin
At the prearranged time transfer to San Agustin Archaeological Park named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. During your time at the park we’ll have the chance to visit the archaeological museum, the ceremonial fountain “Lavapatas” and sites (mesitas) A, B, C and D. After lunch we’ll visit the sites of “El Tablon” y “La Chaquira” horseback riding through the spectacular Andean countryside. Meals: B.
Day 9. Isnos
After breakfast we will head toward the town of Isnos to see the strait of the Magdalena River and the second most important archaeological site in the area – the Alto de Los Idolos Archaeological Park, home to the second largest statue around San Agustin. We’ll then visit the tombs located in Alto de Las Piedras. Afterwards we will appreciate the natural beauty of this region by visiting two spectacular waterfalls. Meals: B.
Day 10. San Agustin - Popayan
Today you’ll start heading north of Colombia. Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Andes as you leave San Agustin behind on the way to Popayan where our staff will take you to your chosen hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon wondering around the “Ciudad Blanca” (white city) of Colombia. Meals: B.
Day 11. Popayan – Pereira
Land transfer across Colombia towards the land of Coffee. Upon arrival, you will transfer to your specially chosen finca where you can relax in a unique way for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B.
Day 12. 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 (not included). 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 13. Pereira - Medellin
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the bus terminal for your journey to Medellin. Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 14. 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 15. Medellin. Oriente & Guatape
This 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 16. Medellin - Santa Marta - Tayrona - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Palomino (about 5 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 17. Tayrona Area
You will have the option to walk through Tayrona National Park’s most unforgettable beaches and unmissable sites. Tayrona area is where the Colombian jungle meets the Caribbean, and is a great place for nature-lovers and beach-lovers alike. Important archaeological sites and beaches we’ll see include: Calabazo, Pueblito, Cape San Juan, La Piscina (natural swimming pool), Arrecifes and Cañaveral. Meals: B.
Day 18. Palomino - Santa Marta - Mompox
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the magical town of Mompox. Meals: B.
Day 19 & 20. Mompox - Cartagena
Enjoy a free day to discover this unique hidden gem of Colombia. Next day, after breakfast, land transfer to Cartagena where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 21. 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 22. Cartagena. Day on the Rosario 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.
Day 23. Cartagena - Home
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chile. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 22 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.