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.
After visiting the salt mines, as an optional activity, 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. We continue on our way to 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. Meals: B.

After breakfast, we will star heading north on our way to San Gil and Barichara. Meals: B.

Today you´ll be taken for a hike through the Camino Real between Barichara and Guane. This road that dates back to the time of the Guane – local indigenous people – was rebuilt by the German George von Lenguerke in 1864. This 9.5 k coble stone path once used as the only road between Giron and the Magdalena River is now an historical hidden secret full of magic and amazing scenery. At the chosen time return to the hotel. Meals: B.

At the chosen time, we keep heading north towards Bucaramanga. On the way we´ll stop at Panachi Park where you´ll have a unique option of seeing the breathtaking Chicamocha Valley from the top of the Andes. Upon arrival transfer to Bucaramanga´s airport for your flight to Cartagena, once there transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B. 

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. Meals: B.

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. Meals: B.

At the chosen time land transfer to Santa Marta in regular service (about 7 hours). Meals: B.

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.

Today you´ll visit the Tayrona National Park and one of Colombia´s most beautiful beaches Neguaje and Playa Cristal, where you’ll enjoy pristine waters, white sand, coral reefs, and beautiful views of bays. Meals: B.

NO SERVICES.

At the chosen time transfer to Jardin (about 3 hours). During the day  you´ll have the option of embarking on your journey to the Alto de Las Flores waterfall and the Splendor Cave.  After having time to explore the Spendor Cave, we will return the same way we came. Upon our return to the house where the horses were left, we will have the option to go to a coffee farm to experience the process of producing coffee. Should you choose to visit the coffee farm, lunch will be included. Return to Jardin at the end of the day’s activities. Meals: B.

At the chosen time you will be transferred to Medellin airport for your flight back to Bogota. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel for your last night in Colombia. Meals: B

At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

All good things must come to an end. Of course, if 13 days just isn’t enough time, our tours are 100% customizable and we´d be happy to extend your stay with us. Just ask for more details. Meals: B