Bogota is Colombia’s capital and its focal point for culture, nightlife and industry. With over 8 million inhabitants, the city is a busting metropolis that mixes up-to-the-second modernity with a strong sense of Colombian tradition. From Bogota you will travel to the fascinating salt mines of Zipaquira and see the astounding cathedral located there. Afterwards, in Villa de Leyva, you will sample a taste of old Colombian life in the town that time forgot. With its huge main square and charming cobble stone streets, Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia’s most popular destinations and is a mainstay on the itinerary of almost all travelers to Colombia. From Villa de Leyva you will go north to the Colombian Caribbean for your diving course. From there you will wander the desolate beaches of Taganga, 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 - November 20. 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 - November 21. Bogota. Free day - City Tour (optional - not included)
After breakfast get ready to discover the capital of Colombia. 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 3- November 22. Bogota- Zipaquira – Villa de Leyva
After breakfast 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 4- November 23. 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 5 - November 24. 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 6 & 7 - November 25 & 26. San Gil
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 8 - November 27. Panachi (optional - not included)
Today you start heading north towards Cartagena and on the way you will have the option to 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. From here transfer to Bucaramanga. Meals: B.
Day 9 - November 28. Bucaramanga-Cartagena
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon Arrival on of See Colombia Travel representatives will be on hand to take you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 10 - November 29. Cartagena. City Tour (optional - not included)
We take approximately four hours visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and, later, 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. Our entry is through the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. 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 11 - November 30. Cartagena. Free day
Free days to get lost in the old city, do some shopping or have a drink in one of the many plazas within the city wall. Meals: B.
Day 12 - December 1. Cartagena - Armenia - Finca
Transfer to the airport. 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 13 - December 2. 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. Meals: B, L.
Day 14 - December 3. Armenia - Bogota
Transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Bogota transfer to your chosen hostel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure. Meals: B.
Day 15 - December 4. Bogota
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.