Your personalised See Colombia tour takes you to some of Colombia’s highlights – the dynamic cultural haven of Bogota, Zipaquira and Guatavita, home to the stunning Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and the “El Dorado’s” Sacred Lake; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle; and the unique Caño Cristales. 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 Caño Cristales, a wonder of nature that truly has to be seen to be believed – bright red rivers swirl and flow fast into the distance, allowing for stunning photos. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
- 5 to 9 PAX (CASONA DEL PATIO IN BOGOTA) – US$3,398
- 5 to 9 PAX (BH EL RETIRO IN BOGOTA) – US$3,758
- 10 to 15 PAX (CASONA DEL PATIO IN BOGOTA) – US$2,747
- 10 to 15 PAX (BH EL RETIRO IN BOGOTA) – US$3,099
- 16 to 20 PAX (CASONA DEL PATIO IN BOGOTA) – US$2,569
- 16 to 20 PAX (BH EL RETIRO IN BOGOTA) – US$2,879
Day 1 - September 7. 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. Meals: D.
Day 2 - September 8. Bogota - Photo opportunity
At around 5 am you’ll get picked up and taken to one of the best private view points of the city for great shots of the sunrise. There you’ll have the chance to see nature and city in one spot. Enjoy a free morning getting lost at a local market (only sundays) and enjoy a fabulous brunch. After lunch get ready to discover the El Dorado Sacred lake.
After visiting the Usaquen market, 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. Return to Bogota. Meals: B, LB, D.
Day 3 - September 9. Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Today we will have the option of visiting 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 lunch 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 lasts for 3 to 5 hours, passing by the Plaza del Chorro, the Botero museum, the National Museum, Plaza Bolivar, local market plaza, and many other interest sites. Just before the sunsets you’ll take a cable car up to Monserrate for a different view from a dormant volcano that is one of Bogota’s most beautiful sites. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4 - September 10. Bogota - Armenia
After breakfast bus transfer to Armenia. 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, LB, D.
Day 5 - September 11. Finca – Cocora Valley
A day to walk around the beautiful 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, L, D.
Day 6 - September 12. 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, L, D.
Day 7 - September 13. Coffee Triangle - Bogota
Transfer back to Bogota and to your chosen hotel. Meals: B, LB, D.
Day 8 - September 14. Bogota - Villavicencio - La Macarena
After breakfast we start our land transfer to Villavicencio (3-4 hrs aprox). Upon arrival we’ll be taken to the airport for our flight to La Macarena (1 hour). Time permiting we will take a short visit to Cristalito river before heading to our campsite only 2 kilometers away from La Macarena where we’ll spend the night . Meals: B, L, D.
Day 9 & 10 - September 15 & 16. La Macarena - Cano Cristales
We start today’s adventure taking a short boat ride (aprox 15min) on Guayavero river before the start ofour walk towards Cano Cristales. Upon arrival free time to rest, swim, walk on the river banks, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and take amazing photos. Return to La Macarena. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 11 - September 17. La Macarena - Bogota
At the prearranged time we start our way back to Bogota via Villavicencio (5hrs in total) for your last night in Colombia. Meals: B, D.
Day 12 - September 18. Bogota - Home
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.