This tour gives you an opportunity to visit three of the top five Colombia destinations: Bogota, Villa de Leyva and Cartagena. In addition to this you’ll have time to explore the fascinating architecture at Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral and relax on one of Colombia’s best beaches.
There’s also plenty of things you can opt to do, such as horseback riding and trekking. Your first destination, Bogota, is a thriving metropolis with a healthy dose of culture and a buzzing nightlife. Cartagena is Colombia’s tourist destination of choice, and is a must-see in any visit to Colombia. Villa de Leyva is a prized town in Colombia, managing to retain all of its colonial character despite the rapid modernisation of surrounding cities and towns.
- OPTION 1: US$2,076.
PRIVATE TRANSFERS
- OPTION 2: US$1,749.
ASSISTED TRANSFERS
Day 1 - November 19. Cartagena
Arrival in Cartagena.
Day 2 - November 20. Cartagena. City Tour (optional - not included)
We take approximately four hours visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and, later, the Old City. The Old City of Cartagena maintains all the charm of the colonial days, with its narrow, cobbled streets flanked by charming balconies and heavy doors, typical of the area. Our entry to the old town is through the Clock Gate. We 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 afternoon is free to enjoy the city. Meals: B.
Day 3 - November 21. Cartagena – Playa Blanca (optional - not included)
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. Meals: B.
Day 4 - November 22. Cartagena - Armenia - Finca
Upon arrival in 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 - November 23. Horseback Ride in Cocora Valley and Hot Springs
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. Just before the sun sets, we’ll take you to Santa Rosa, home of the famous hotsprings for a relaxing end of day. Meals: B, L.
Day 6 - November 24. Armenia - Bogota
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 7 - November 25. Bogota. City Tour (optional - not included)
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. Meals: B.
Day 8 - November 26. Bogota- Zipaquira – Villa de Leyva
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. We continue on our way to Villa De Leyva. Meals: B.
Day 9 - November 27. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour (optional - not included)
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. Meals: B.
Day 10 - November 28. Villa de Leyva – San Gil
After breakfast we start heading towards San Gil through the beautiful and colourful scenery of Boyaca and Santander. Meals: B.
Day 11 & 12 - November 29 & 30. Rafting and Visit Barichara
During the next few days you will have the chance to go rafting visit the colonial town of Barichara, that is known as the prettiest town in Colombia; and of course the land of the Guane Indigenous community nearby or just relax by the pool drinking a delicious glass of fresh squeezed juice. Meals: B.
Day 13 - December 1. Panachi (optional - not included)
Today you will visit The Chicamocha National Park: Panachi, where you will be able to experience a fantastic view of the Chicamocha Canyon. After lunch take a cable car ride across the valley to the Mesa de Los Santos town. Return to San Gil. Meals: B.
Day 14 - December 2. San Gil – Bogota
After breakfast we start heading back to Bogota for your last night before heading back home. Meals: B.
Day 15 - December 3. Bogota
All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 15 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.