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, quaint Armenia and the enchanting city of Cartagena. You will visit charming colonial towns such as Villa de Leyva, where time seems to have stood still. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes of the Coffee Region, home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm. You can learn how Colombian coffee is made, from picking the very first beans to pouring the perfect cup. 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. Bogota. City Tour
This is a six-hour excursion that visits the colonial area of La Candelaria, the historical center of the city where you’ll find museums, restaurants and many cultural institutions. Afterwards we will visit the Bolívar Square, surrounded by historic buildings 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 will 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. Accommodation: Casona del Patio Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 2. Bogota – Zipaquira – Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and El Dorado’s Sacred Lake
Departure towards Zipaquirá to visit the salt mines, from where the monumental Salt Cathedral was excavated. This unique structure is almost 400ft deep and it occupies an area of around 8000m². It is a feat of human endeavor and and unforgettable destination on your trip.
After visiting the salt mines, 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. The day concludes with a return to Bogota. Accommodation: Casona del Patio Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 3. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
Departure towards Villa de Leyva.The visit begins through the Ricaurte Square, also known as San Agustin Square and continues to the house of Antonio Nariño, who was a journalist, politician, and militant. He played an important role in the independence of the country. The visit continues through the Main Square. Covering over 14000m², it is the biggest square in Colombia. There you will see the notorious Cathedral, and the facade of what used to be the house of Luis Alberto Acuña, a painter, sculptor, and Colombian historian who transformed it into a museum. The tour ends with a visit to the church of El Carmen and its surrounding park. Rest of the day is free to get lost in any of Villa de Leyva’s enchanted cobble stone streets or to join any of the optional activities available. Accommodation: Aceitunos Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 4. Villa de Leyva
Free day to do some shopping or to take some of our optional activities, such as an easy trek to la Periquera, the set of waterfalls in a fantastic environment, horseback riding or rapelling. Accommodation: Aceitunos Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 5. Villa de Leyva – Raquira – Bogota
After breakfast we start heading back to Bogota. On the way we cross the Candelaria Desert and Convento: the first Agustinian monastery in America, founded in 1604. In the first floor of the convent there is a small museum displaying a mixture of antiques and canvases dating back to 1600.
Leaving the monastery behind we make a short stop in Raquira. A colorful town, which in Chibcha means “the town of pots”, that is known as the handicrafts center of Colombia, and has also been named one of the prettiest towns in Boyaca thanks to the unique decorations of its many facades. After lunch we continue our journey back to Bogota. Accommodation: Casona del Patio Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 6. Bogota – Armenia - Finca
After breakfast one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to the bus terminal for your transfer to Armenia. Once there, you will transfer to your chosen finca. 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. Accommodation: Finca Malaga, Meals: B, D.
Day 7. 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. Todays lunch is included at a traditional local restaurant. Accommodation: Finca Malaga, Meals: B, L, D.
Day 8. Armenia - Santa Marta
Transfer to airport. Upon arrival in Santa Marta transfer to the chosen hotel to relax and do the final preparations for your trip to Tayrona National Park. Accommodation: Palmanera Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 9. Tayrona National Park– Pueblito Chairama
A full day with a great guided walk through mountains, tropical forests, archaeological site of Chairama and beaches: Calabazo – Pueblito – Cape San Juan – natural swimming pools – Arrecifes – Cañaveral. Accommodation: Tayrona Hammocks.
Day 10. Tayrona National Park
Enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia´s most beautiful beaches. Accommodation: Tayrona Hammocks.
Day 11. Tayrona National Park – Cartagena
After breakfast, transfer to for your journey through Colombia Atlantic coast. Upon arrival in beautiful Cartagena transfer to your specially chosen hotel to relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure. Accommodation: Casa de las Palmas Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 12. Cartagena. City Tour
Our optional 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 neighbourhood. 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 famous Cartagena mall, Pierino Gallo, for some shopping. Your afternoon will be free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Casa de las Palmas Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 13. Cartagena - Baru Peninsula
Located on the Baru´s peninsula about 1 hour from Cartagena, Playa Blanca is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. It derives its name from the whiteness of its sand, washed by the turquoise-colored water with coral reefs. 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. The tour takes you to discover this paradise, far from the bustling city. The journey is by boat from Cartagena, crossing the bay and docking at the coast of Playa Blanca. Casa de las Palmas Hotel, Meals: B.
Day 14. Cartagena
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 14 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..