Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota and Zipaquira, home to salt mines and the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, the breathtaking Coffee Triangle and the laid-back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site). Leaving Bogota, you will have the opportunity to see Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle, where the scenery is every bit as good as the coffee and, together, form an unforgettable experience. And if relaxing with a coffee in the charming main square gets too much for you, the following destination is Cartagena and Tayrona Park, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - June 13. 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 - June 14. Bogota – Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Departure towards Zipaquirá to visit to the salt mines from where the monumental Cathedral 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 3 - June 15. Bogota - Free Day
Free day to enjoy the city. Enjoy Colombia’s dynamic, vibrant capital. Wander the colonial streets of La Candelaria and discover the fantastic museums housed there, rub shoulders with Bogotanos in the bars of Zona T and sample some of the finest Colombian and international cuisine in Zona G. Meals: B.
Day 4 June 16. Bogota - San Agustin
During the morning, enjoy the local ciclovia and see Bogota in a very unique way from your own bike. At the prearrange time transfer to Bogota’s bus terminal for your bus to Neiva and San Agustin. Upon arrival in Neiva please make your own way to San Agustin and your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 5 - June 17. 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 6 - June 18. 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. Return to San Agustin. Meals: B.
Day 7 - June 19. 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. A member of our staff will take you to the bus terminal for your journey to Popayan. Upon arrival please make your own way to the hotel. Meals: B.
Day 8 - June 20. Free day - Popayan
Enjoy a day wondering around the “Ciudad Blanca” (white city) of Colombia. Meals: B.
Day 9 - June 21. Popayan – Cali
Transfer to the bus terminal for your journey across Colombia. Upon arrival, please make your own way to your specially chosen hotel where you can relax for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B.
Day 10 - June 22. Cali - Free day
Head up to the view point for a fantastic view of the capital of “El Valle del Cauca”. Or you can relax in the Plaza Caicedo and feel the cooling breeze coming down from Los Farallones – the amazing mountain range that lead the way to the Pacific Ocean. Meals: B.
Day 11 - June 23. Cali - Armenia
Transfer to the bus terminal for your journey to Armenia. Upon arrival, a member of our staff will be waiting for you to take you to your specially chosen hotel where you can relax for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B.
Day 12 - June 24. Finca – Cocora Valley
At a 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 waters of the Quindio River, and the impressive plantations of wax palm- 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 (Horseback ride included). Meals: B.
Day 13 - June 25. Nevados National Park
At the pre arranged time, transfer to the Los Nevados Natural Reserve. On the way we will stop a few times in order to acclimatize to the altitude before arriving to the Laguna Negra (the Black Lake). There we’ll meet an expert guide that will assist us in our climb to the Nevados. On the way we’ll walk past the “Aguacerales” and The Valley of the Moon. We will take a break at the Chalet, where we’ll stop for some hot tea and a briefing of what is next. Then we will continue hiking to the second shelter, which is where we’ll start our final ascent to the glacier. During the hike you will have free time to enjoy the park and its beautiful scenery. Later, at the prearranged time, we will start heading back to our hotel. But not before stopping at the hot springs for a well deserved dip in the natural thermal pools (optional – not included). Meals: B.
Day 14 - June 26. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the bus terminal for your bus to Medellin through the colourful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee motorway). Upon arrival please make your own way to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 15 - June 27. Medellin – Hop on- of bus
Enjoy the innovative city of Medellin at your own pace on this surprising and interactive bus tour. Here you will visit all the main tourist destinations accompanied by a guide who will share the history, the culture and the most interesting and important details of this vibrant city. It is a Hop On – Hop Off service which allows you the get on and off the bus at your own leisure at any of the 7 authorised stops which include Parque del Poblado, Parque de los Deseoas, Estación del Metro, Parque de los Pies Descalzos, Cerro Nutibara, Plaza Botero and Centro Comercial Santafé. Feel free to enjoy each of the attractions at your own pace and by the end of the tour you will no doubt start to feel like a local.
Day 16 & 17 - June 28 & 29. Medellin. Free Days
Free day to enjoy the city. Go shopping in Medellin’s famous shopping centres, or wander Medellin’s streets to enjoy the beautiful weather. For the adventurous, you can head out of the city to one of the many natural attractions such as Guatape, where you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding lakes.
Day 18 - June 30. Medellin - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Cartagena - Hop on -off Bus
After arrival you can take the Hop On, Hop Off bus around Cartagena, visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and 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. You will visit the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. A walking tour of the Walled City is included and begins at 9:45am. Later you can 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 tickets for the bus are valid all day long, so you can see the city at your leisure. Meals: B.
Day 19 - July 1. Cartagena - Free day
Free day to enjoy the beautiful city of Cartagena and its coble stone streets within the walled city. Meals: B.
Day 20 - July 2. Cartagena - Tayrona
Land transfer in regular service to Santa Marta from Cartagena. Today, you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour: the Tayrona area where the jungle meets the Caribbean. In the afternoon, feel free to indulge yourselves in a spa treatment. Meals: B, D.
Day 21 - July 3. Playa La Roca EcoHotel - Tayrona
Enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches. Meals: B.
Day 22 - July 4. Santa Marta - Home
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Bogota and home. 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.