Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle; and the laid-back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site). Leaving Bogota, you will have the opportunity to see Colombia’s famous Coffee Triangle, where the scenery is every bit as good as the coffee and, together, form an unforgettable experience. And if relaxing with a coffee in the charming main square gets too much for you, the following destination is Cartagena, where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1- June 26. 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- June 27. Bogota. City Tour
Today we take an 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. Later we take a cable car upto Monserrate for amazing views of the city and to enjoy the beautiful sunset. Return to your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 3 - June 28. Bogota – Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and El Dorado’s Sacred Lake
Departure towards Zipaquirá to visit to the salt mines from where the monumental Cathedral 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.
Bogota - Armenia
At the prearrange 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 finca where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us. During your time at the Coffee Triangle you’ll stay in a traditional coffee farm (finca) which features colourful, traditional balconies, mud ceiling tiles and a fresh cup coffee (tinto) always available. Meals: B.
Day 4 - June 29. Finca – Cocora Valley
At a 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 waters of the Quindio River, and the impressive plantations of wax palm- 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. Meals: B.
Day 5 - June 30. Coffee Experience and Tasting
During the Cultural Coffee Experience tour 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!.
Santa Marta - Tayrona
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival in Santa Marta from Armenia, you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour: the Tayrona area where the jungle meets the Caribbean. In the afternoon, feel free to indulge yourselves in a spa treatment. Meals: B.
Day 6 & 7 - July 1 & 2. Playa La Roca EcoHotel
During the next two days enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches.
As an optional activities you can:
- Spend your first whole day in on of the many beaches at the Tayrona National Park.
- The next day you could go for a beautiful hike to a waterfall in the morning. Then, after lunch, you could take a trail to the mouth of the Palomino River or just relax into a hammock with a good book.
- For your free time at the Eco-Hotel you have option to relax in a hammock with a book, visit the Valencia River, relax at the beach, or indulge in one of their many spa treatments (including chocotherapy!). Meals: B, L, D on all days.
Day 8 - July 3. Tayrona - Santa Marta - Cartagena.
At the chosen time you will be transferred by land to Cartagena (approximately 6 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen hotel where you can relax in the Caribbean breeze. Meals: B.
Day 9 - July 4. Cartagena. City Tour
Our Cartagena City Tour will take approximately four hours. We begin the tour with a visit to Cerro de la Popa, a cloister built on top of a hill that dominates the entire urban complex. Following this we will see the oldest church in the city, San Pedro Claver. Finding ourselves in the famous Old City, we will visit Plaza Bolivar, Bobedas and the Bocagrande Panoramic. The Old City retains all the charm of the colonial days, its narrow, cobbled streets flanked by charming balconies and traditional wooden doors. We will finish in the commercial centre of Cartagena, Pierino Gallo, for some shopping. Your afternoon will be free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Includes entrances to La Popa Monastery, San Pedro Claver Church and San Felipe Fort. Meals: B.
Day 10 - july 5. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Cocoliso is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This is the perfect place to enjoy the beach and tropical Caribbean climate, and a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine, mostly consisting of fish and rice flavored with coconut. This boat journey takes you to discover this paradise, far from the bustling city, crossing the bay and docking at the coast of Cocoliso. Meals: B, L.
Day 11 - July 6. Cartagena. Free Day
Free day to enjoy the city. Get lost in the many plazas, meander through the cobble stone streets and be enchanted by Cartagena’s rich architecture and overwhelming history. As the sunsets, have a drink on top of the old wall watching the sun go down on the Caribbean. Meals: B.
Day 12 - July 7. Bogota - Home
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 12 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.