Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota; Zipaquira, home to salt mines and the stunning Salt Cathedral; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle; the city of “Eternal Spring”, Medellin; the laid-back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site); and the unique Tayrona National Park. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - August 18. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hostel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2 - August 19. Bogota - Bike Tour
This tour allows you to discover the colorful history and culture of la Candelaria neighborhood, located in the historic center of Bogota. The tour is adjustable to suit various weather conditions and preferences. It enables you to visit the city in a more fun way, allowing a closer interaction between the visitor and Bogota. The tour starts at 10:30am and lasts for 3 to 5 hours, passing by the Plaza del Chorro, the Botero museum, the National Museum, Plaza Bolivar, local market plaza, central cemetery, Egipto Neighborhood, the Colombian National University, the Gabriel Garcia Marquez cultural center, the Bullfighting Stadium, when available, and many other interest sites. It is very flexible, so if you have suggestions feel free to mention them to the guide.
Day 3 - August 20. Bogota – Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
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.
Day 4 - August 21. Bogota - Manizales
At the prearrange time transfer to Bogota’s airport for your flight to Manizales. Upon arrival to Armenia, 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.
Day 5 - August 22. 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.
Day 6 - August 23. 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!.
Day 7 - August 24. Manizales - Medellin. City Tour
At a prearranged time, transfer to the aiport/bus terminal for your trip to Medellin. Upon arrival to Medellin, you will be transferred to your hostel. Time permitting, take a 4 hour city tour that uncovers the roots of Medellín and its most iconic symbols, such as the “Pueblito Paisa”, the Intelligent Building, the Plaza Mayor, the Administrative Center of La Alpujarra and Carabobo street. We will travel in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, and visit of the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure.
Day 8 - August 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.
Day 9 - August 26. Medellin. Free Day
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.
Day 10 - August 27. Medellin - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer from your hostel to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure.
Day 11 - August 28. Cartagena - La Virgen Mangrove
You’ll be transferred to La Boquilla where you’ll pass through the stunning mangroves in the area on a traditional canoe, seeing nature close up as you pass slowly. Once you arrive, you’ll visit the fascinating Precolumbian Archeological Park. After you’ve wandered around, you’ll enjoy a delicious typical lunch on the beach in Manzanillo del Mar, before heading back to Cartagena by land.
Day 12 - August 29. 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.
Day 13 - August 30. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Tayrona
Transfer to Tayrona via Santa Marta (about 5 hours). Today you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour, the Tayrona National Park ,where the jungle meets the Caribbean.
Day 14 & 15 - August 31 & September 1. Tayrona National Park
Free days to enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia´s most beautiful beaches or, as an optional activity, visit the beaches in Neguaje and Playa Cristal, where you’ll enjoy pristine waters, white sand, coral reefs, and beautiful views of bays.
Day 16 - September 2. Tayrona - Santa Marta.
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 16 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.