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, the enchanting city of Cartagena and the colonial Villa de Leyva. 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 - January 16. 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 - January 17. 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 - January 18. 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.
Day 4 - January 19. Bogota - Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
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 - January 20. 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 - January 21. Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Medellin
After breakfast start heading back to Bogota and to the airport for your flight 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 7 - January 22. 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 8 - January 23. 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 9 - January 24. 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 10 - January 25. 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 11 - January 26. 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 - January 27. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park (about 5 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 13, 14 & 15 - January 28, 29 & 30. 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 16 - January 31. Palomino - Santa Marta - Bogota
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bogota and back home.
Of course, if 16 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.