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 - July 30. 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 & 3 - July 31 & August 1. Bogota - City Tour & Free Day
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. The following day is free to explore the city. Meals: B.
Day 4 - August 2. 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 & 6 - August 3 & 4. Villa de Leyva. Desert Tour
The visit begins through the desert and the blue pools, the Fossil museum, the archeological park of Moniquira “Little Hell”.
On the way back we´ll drive pass the Terracota’s clay house. Rest of the day and tomorrow are free to get lost in any of Villa de Leyva’s enchanted cobble stone streets or to join any of the optional activities available.
Day 7 - August 5. Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Armenia
After breakfast 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.
Day 8 - August 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 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 9 & 10 - August 7 & 8. Coffee Experience and Tasting & Free day
During the 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 corps we will 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! The following day enjoy a free day by the pool, relaxing on a hammock or visiting one of the local parks available (Kids upto 0.90 cm are free if over, they pay US$12 – not included). Meals: B.
Day 11 - August 9. 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 12 - August 10. 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. Return to Medellin. Meals: B.
Day 13 & 14 - August 11 & 12. Medellin – Santa Fe de Antioquia & Free Day
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. Tomorrow enjoy a free day in the city of the “Eternal Spring”. Meals: B.
Day 15 - August 13. 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 16 - August 14. Cartagena - Hop on -off Bus
After arrival you can take the Hop On, Hop Off bus around Cartagena, visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and 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. You will visit the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. A walking tour of the Walled City is included and begins at 3:45 pm. Later you can 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 tickets for the bus are valid all day long, so you can see the city at your leisure. Meals: B.
Day 17 - August 15. Cartagena. Totumo Mud Volcano
Today you’ll have the unique opportunity to take a mud bath in a volcano. Just an hour away from Cartagena is the Totumo Mud Volcano, where people go to enjoy the cleansing qualities, and enjoyment, of bathing in mud. After the trip you’ll have the option of enjoying a delicious lunch and a visit to beautiful Manzanillo Beach, where you can wash off any remaining, hard-to-reach mud (lunch not included – USD$20 pp). Meals: B.
Day 18 - August 16. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Palomino
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Palomino (about 5 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 19, 20 & 21 - August 17, 18 & 19. Palomino
During the next few 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 22 & 23 - August 20 & 21. Palomino - Santa Marta - Bogota
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back to Bogota. Upon arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel where you will spend the last two nights in Colombia.The following day is free to relax, rest and prepare for the journey back home. Meals: B.
Day 24 - August 22. 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 24 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.