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 the country’s most important cites, such as bustling Bogotá, the enchanting city of Cartagena and quaint Armenia. 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 3. 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 - February 4. 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.
Bogota - Zipaquira – Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and El Dorado’s Sacred Lake
We continue on our way 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.
Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 3 - February 5. Bogota – Armenia
Transfer to the bus terminal or airport for your journey across Colombia. Upon arrival in Armenia, you will transfer to your specially-chosen finca where you can relax with a cup of tinto that is always readily available.
Coffee Experience and Tasting
Today you will enjoy the Recorrido de la Cultura Cafetera (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 crops we will then 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 4 - February 6. 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 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, as an optional activity, you can go horseback riding in the valley and have lunch enjoying the prized local dish – a meal of exquisite trout. Meals: B.
Day 5 - February 7. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time land transfer through the colorful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee Motorway) to Medellin where on 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 (4-5 hrs approx.). Meals: B.
Day 6 - February 8. Medellin. City Tour
A 4 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 7 - February 9. 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 8 - February 10. Medellin - Cartagena
Transfer to the airport. 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 9 - February 11. 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. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city and to visit San Felipe´s fort and La Popa Monastery. Meals: B.
Day 10 - February 12. Cartagena. Day on the Islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Pirate Island 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 Isla del Pirata. Meals: B,L.
Day 11 - February 13. 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 12 - February 14. Cartagena - Barranquilla.
After breakfast land transfer to Barranquilla (aprox 4 to 5 hrs). Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel. The rest of the day is free to see the best of the city: Viejo Prado republican neighbourhood, Amira de la Rosa Theater, La Aduana square, The Caribbean Museum, Parque de los Fundadores, Carnaval de Barranquilla’s head quarters, and Metropolitan Cathedral. Meals: B.
Day 13 & 14 - February 15 & 16 . Barranquilla. Carnaval
During the he next two days you have the chance to witness the second biggest Carnival in South America, the famous Barranquilla Carnival. At the pre arrange time you´ll get picked up fro your hotel and taken to your box seats. On Sunday you´ll get to see the Gran Parada de Tradicion and on Monday the Gran Parada de Comparsas. Meals: B, Lunch Box, Snack, Juice.
Day 15 - February 17. Barranquilla - Santa Marta - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park (about 4 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 16 & 17 - February 18 & 19. Palomino
During the next two days you have the option to walk through Tayrona National Park’s most unforgettable beaches and unmissable sites. Tayrona National Park 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 - February 20. Palomino - Santa Marta - Home
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bogota and back home.
Of course, if 18 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.