Starting in Bogota, this tour gives you the opportunity to sample city life in Colombia, as well as the Coffee Triangle, where Colombia has placed its thriving coffee industry for years. Bogota is the capital and heart of Colombia and is an essential destination on any itinerary. We will show you all the most popular places in the city, as well as some more intimate, unknown areas.
From Bogota you will visit the salt mines in Zipaquira, where you will see the spectacular salt cathedral housed there. From there you will visit Armenia and the Coffee Triangle, where you’ll be able to learn more about Colombia’s coffee-making history, as well as seeing the remarkable scenery of this area. The tour ends in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Colombia’s Caribbean and one of the most distinctive and beautiful cities in Colombia.
Day 1 - March 29. 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 - March 30. Bogota - City Tour
This excursion 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. The afternoon is free to visit the Gold Museum and take a cable car to visit Monserrate for a fantastic view of the city. Meals: B.
Day 3 - March 31. Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
Today 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.
Guatavita. 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
We’ll continue to the Lake of Guatavita, where the legend of El Dorado originates. According to this legend, in the pre-Columbian days the Indians held special religious ceremonies in which the Chief (Cacique), with his body totally covered with gold dust, was submerged in the lake as an offering to their gods, while the natives threw precious stones and gold pieces into the lake. In 1967 the area, including the old village, was flooded, forcing the construction of a new town in a style that resembles the old Spanish colonial architecture. Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 4 - April 1. Bogota - Armenia
At the chosen time transfer 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 5 - April 2. 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 (included) followed by a meal of exquisite trout, the prized local dish (lunch and horse back riding included) Meals: B, L.
Day 6 - April 3. Armenia - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 7 - April 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. We continue with a visit to Cerro de la Popa, a cloister built on top of a hill that dominates the entire city and San Felipe´s Fort. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city. Meals: B.
Day 8 - April 54. Bogota - Home.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 8 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.
