Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota and Zipaquira, home to salt mines and the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle; 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 and Santa Marta, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - September 1. 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 - September 2. Bogota - Bike Tour
This four-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 have the option to go to the Gold Museum (optional – closed on Mondays), 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, take a cable car to visit Monserrate (optional) for a fantastic view of the city. Meals: B.
Day 3 - September 3. Bogota – Zipaquira – Guatavita. 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.
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. Meals: B.
Day 4 - September 4. Bogota - Armenia
At the prearrange time transfer to Bogota’s airport for your flight to Armenia. 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. Meals: B.
Day 5 - September 5. 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!. Meals: B.
Day 6 - September 6. 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 7 - September 7. Armenia - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel 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. Meals: B.
Day 8 - September 8. 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 9:45am. 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.
Day 9 - September 9. 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.
Day 10 - September 10. 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 enjoy a delicious lunch and a visit to beautiful Manzanillo Beach, where you can wash off any remaining, hard-to-reach mud. Meals: B.
Day 11 - September 11. Cartagena - Santa Marta
Transfer to the bus station for your bus ride to Santa Marta. Meals: B.
Santa Marta City tour Day 12 – September 12.
Day 13 - September 13. Santa Marta
Free day to enjoy all that Santa Marta has to offer, whether its another beach or walking around in the plaza on the waterfront. Meals: B.
Day 14 - September 14. Santa Marta - HOME.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Bogota and home. 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.