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. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - December 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 - December 17. Bogota - City Tour - Zipaquira
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 - December 18. Bogota - Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
After the city tour departure towards 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. Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 4 - December 19. Bogota - Free Days
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. Perfect days to visit La Macarena and Bosque Izquierdo architectural jewels. Meals: B.
Day 5 -December 20. Bogota - Armenia
At the chosen time, start heading back to Bogota and to the airport for your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 6 - December 21. 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. 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 7 & 8 - December 22 & 23. Free day
Enjoy a free day relaxing by the pool or reading a book in a hammock. Meals: B.
Day 9 - December 24. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time land transfer through the colorful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee Motorway) to Medellin and your chosen hotel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us. Meals: B.
Day 10 - December 25. Medellin – Santa Fe de Antioquia
After breakfast we leave Medellín for Santa Fe de Antioquia municipality, declared Humanity´s Heritage. Its small cobbled streets and its beautiful houses with balconies recall the colonial period. The access road goes through a 4km tunnel and by the “Puente Colgante de Occidente”, a masterpiece of engineering from the 19 century. As an optional activity you could go horse riding in the surrounding mountains. Meals: B.
Day 11 & 12 - December 26 & 27. 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. Meals: B.
Day 13 - December 28. 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 14 - December 29. 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 15, 16 & 17 - December 30, 31 & January 1. Cartagena. Free Days
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 18 - January 2. Cartagena - 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.