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 and the 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. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hostel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2. Bogota - City Tour
This is a six-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 go to the Gold Museum (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, we will take a cable car to visit Monserrate for a fantastic view of the city. This tour can be exchanges for a bike tour of the city, highly recommended. Meals: B.
Day 3. Bogota – Zipaquira - Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira - 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.
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. Bogota. Free day -Ciclovia - Usaquen
Free day to enjoy the ciclovia and one of the most charming secrets of Bogota. Located in the north of the city, Usaquen used to be an adjacent town about 30 minutes away from Bogota. It is now one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city with great views of the mountains, great shops and restaurants and a vibrant Sunday flea market. Meals: B.
Bogota - Pereira
At the prearrange time transfer to Bogota’s airport for your flight to Pereira. Upon arrival, 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 colorful, traditional balconies, mud ceiling tiles and a fresh cup coffee (tinto) always available. Meals: B.
Day 5. 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 6. Armenia. Bird watching
At 5:00 am transfer from you hotel to the Rio Blanco natural reserve located in the Caldas department. During our visit you´ll have the unique opportunity to see hundreds of hummingbirds and a wide variety of other endemic and migratory birds. You´ll be assisted by an expert guide whom will take you through an amazing nature walk in the Andes. At the chosen time transfer back to your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 7. Pereira - Medellin
At the chosen time land transfer to Medellin through the colourful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee motorway). Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 8. Medellin – Santa Fe de Antioquia
After breakfast we leave Medellín for Santa Fe de Antioquia municipality, declared Humanity´s Heritage. Its small cobbled streets and its beautiful houses with balconies recall the colonial period. The access road goes through a 4km tunnel and by the “Puente Colgante de Occidente”, a masterpiece of engineering from the 19 century. As an optional activity you could go horse riding in the surrounding mountains. Meals: B.
Day 9. Medellin. Free day
As an optional activity (not included) take our four hour trip, that uncovers the roots of Medellín and its most iconic symbols, such as the “Pueblito Paisa”, the Intelligent Building, the Plaza Mayor, the Administrative Center of La Alpujarra and Carabobo street. We will travel in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, and visit of the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure. Meals: B.
Day 10. Santa Marta - Tayrona National Park
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival from Medellin, you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour: the Tayrona area where the jungle meets the Caribbean. In the afternoon, feel free to indulge yourselves in a spa treatment. Meals: B.
Day 11 & 12. Tayrona National Park
During the next two days you have the option to walk through Tayrona National Park’s most unforgettable beaches and unmissable sites. Tayrona National Park is where the Colombian jungle meets the Caribbean, and is a great place for nature-lovers and beach-lovers alike. Important archaeological sites and beaches we’ll see include: Calabazo, Pueblito, Cape San Juan, La Piscina (natural swimming pool), Arrecifes and Cañaveral. Meals: B.
Day 13. Tayrona - Santa Marta - Cartagena.
At the chosen time you will be transferred by land to Cartagena (approximately 5 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to your chosen hotel where you can relax in the Caribbean breeze. Meals: B.
Day 14. Cartagena. City Tour
Our Cartagena City Tour will take approximately four hours. We begin the tour with a visit to Cerro de la Popa, a cloister built on top of a hill that dominates the entire urban complex. Following this we will see the oldest church in the city, San Pedro Claver. Finding ourselves in the famous Old City, we will visit Plaza Bolivar, Bobedas and the Bocagrande Panoramic. The Old City retains all the charm of the colonial days, its narrow, cobbled streets flanked by charming balconies and traditional wooden doors. We will finish in the commercial centre of Cartagena, Pierino Gallo, for some shopping. Your afternoon will be free to enjoy the city at your leisure. Includes entrances to La Popa Monastery, San Pedro Claver Church and San Felipe Fort. Meals: B.
Day 15. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Majagua 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 Majagua. Meals: B, L.
Day 16. Cartagena - La Virgen Mangrove
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 pre-columbian 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.
Day 17. Cartagena
Free day to enjoy the beautiful city of Cartagena and its coble stone streets within the walled city. Meals: B.
Day 18. Cartagena - Home
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to home. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 18 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.