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 - December 31. 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 1. 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 2. 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 3. Bogota- 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 5 - January 4. 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 (does not include entrances). Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city. Meals: B.
Day 6 - January 5. 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.
itinerary-item title=”Day 7 – January 6. Cartagena – Santa Marta” img=”https://seecolombia.travel/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/tour-d-cartagena-travel-package.jpg”]Transfer to Santa Marta where you’ll spend the night and prepare for the Lost City trek.[/itinerary-item]
Day 8 to 11 - January 7 to 10. Lost City Trek
Day 1. Santa Marta – El Mamey. First camp site (4 hour walk).
We leave at 9 am from our meeting point in Santa Marta. Three hours later we will reach the local village of El Mamey, from where we’ll begin our ascend to the first camp site. Upon arrival you’ll have the chance to go for a swim at a natural spring. Tonight we’ll sleep in hammocks.
Day 2. Second Camp Site (4 hour walk).
After an early breakfast, we start today’s walk through the forest descending to into a small valley formed by the Buritaca riverwhere you’ll have your first encounter with the local indigenous communities in the Mutanyi village. We have 3 more hours walk before we reach the cabin where we will spend the night. Upon arrival we can cool off in the natural pools formed by the Buritaca river.
DAY 3. Third Camp Site (5 hour walk).
Today, we start our walk at 7am going through the Kogui- Arsario indigenous reserve and the Sierra Nevada Natural Reserve passing by several indigenous houses and some ancient roads built hundreds of years ago by the inhabitants of the area. During our journey we will take a break to refresh ourselves in one of the many natural swimming pools formed by the Buritaca river. Tonight we’ll spend the night at the Mamo’s (chief) house.
Day 4. Lost City (1.5 hour walk) and trek back to campsite.
Today, we cross the Buritaca river to finally arrive to the long awaited Lost City (sacred site for the current local communities of theSierra Nevada). At 9am we begin our adventure into the park, learning about the different ways the pre-Hispanic Tayronas adapted to their environment, we will also have an opportunity to see the ceremonial houses of the present day Tayronas and the vegetation that form a unique backdrop to the prehistoric legacy. Along the route it is also possible to take a bath in the pool of youth, which according to the legend works wonderfully well. At the end of the tour, some notes about the archaeological sites of the mountain range are available to read, and a short informative chat about the site can be arranged with the guide. Next day, you’ll have an early Breakfast at 6.30 a.m as we’ll depart at 7 a.m. in order to take advantage of the morning hours so the journey is less arduous and also because the constantly changing atmospheric conditions of the region. At Mutanyi cabin we will have lunch. We walk for approximately 3 more hours towards our last campsite (7 hrs in total).
Day 12 - January 11. Santa Marta - Palomino
After breakfast, we reach the Machete town and enjoy a refreshing swim in the river continuing afterwards to Santa Marta where we will arrive at approximately 4pm. Transfer to chosen hotel in Palomino (1.5 hrs approx.). Meals: B.
Day 13 & 14 - January 12 & 13. 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 15 - January 14. 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 15 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.