our 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 and just 4 hours away the colonial town of Villa de Leyva; the breathtaking Coffee Triangle; Medellin, the modern paisa capital of Antioquia; the laid-back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site); and the unique Tayrona National Park. 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 Tayrona National Park, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia, where you can relax and rejuvenate yourself.
Day 1. Bogota
Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your hotel where you can relax and prepare for your upcoming adventure with us.
Day 2 & 3. Bogota- Free day
Free day to enjoy the city. Enjoy Colombia’s dynamic, vibrant capital. Wander the colonial streets of La Candelaria and discover the fantastic museums housed there, rub shoulders with Bogotanos in the bars of Zona T and sample some of the finest Colombian and international cuisine in Zona G. In the evening of day 2, you will be picked up and brought to the Cena Show in Bogota. This local attraction showcases the various dances from all over Colombia. Included in the show is the entrance fee, dinner, unlimited soft drinks and Aguardiente – the local liquor of choice. Meals: B, D (day 2).
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN BOGOTA
- Panoramic City Tour (Includes visiting the Gold Museum and riding the cable car to Monserrate)
- Bike Tour of the city
- White Water Rafting in Tobia (full day activity)
- Night activity: Dinner & drinks at Andres Carne de Res
Day 4. 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. After eating lunch, we’ll continue on our way to Villa De Leyva. Meals: B.
Day 5. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
After going on one of the optional activities in the morning, 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.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN VILLA DE LEYVA
- Hike to Lookout (2 hrs)
- Periquera Waterfalls Walk (3hrs)
- Villa De Leyva Desert (3hrs)
- Horseback Riding (3 hrs)
- Rappelling (5 hrs)
- Abseiling (5hrs)
- Nighttime Hike to Lookout (2 hrs)
- Nighttime Horseback Riding (2 hrs)
Day 6. Villa de Leyva – Raquira – Bogota
After breakfast we start heading back to Bogota. On the way we cross the Candelaria Desert and Convento: the first Agustinian monastery in America, founded in 1604. In the first floor of the convent there is a small museum displaying a mixture of antiques and canvases dating back to 1600.
Leaving the monastery behind we make a short stop in Raquira. A colorful town, which in Chibcha means “the town of pots”, that is known as the handicrafts center of Colombia, and has also been named one of the prettiest towns in Boyaca thanks to the unique decorations of its many facades. After lunch we continue our journey back to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 7. Bogota - Armenia
Today we’ll cross the Colombian Andes west of Bogota towards the Coffee Triangle. Crossing the central mountain range through La Linea pass (3,300 meters above sea level) we’ll arrive to sunny Armenia at the heart of the coffee plantations. 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, LBox.
Day 8. 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. Todays lunch is included at a traditional local restaurant. Meals: B.
Day 9. Coffee Triangle - Free day
Free day to enjoy the area. Take a walk in one of the many coffee fields in the region, relaxing in the sun surrounded by stunning views. Take some sun as you relax by the pool in a hammock, looking over the rolling fields of the coffee region. Meals: B.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THE COFFEE TRIANGLE
- Horseback Riding through a cloud forest in the Cocora Valley
- Coffee Experience Tour
- Trek the Los Nevados Natural Reserve
- Canopy
- Hot Springs
- Rafting/Kakaying
Day 10. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time you will head north towards Medellin thorough the colorful Autopista del Cafe. Meals: B, LBox.
Day 11 & 12. Medellin.
Free days to enjoy the city. Go shopping in Medellin’s famous shopping centres, or wander Medellin’s streets to enjoy the beautiful weather. For the adventurous, you can head out of the city to one of the many natural attractions such as Guatape, where you’ll find stunning views of the surrounding lakes. Meals: B.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN MEDELLIN
- City and Pablo Escobar is History Tour
- Jardin Day Tour
- Guatape and Oriente Day Tour
- Rio Claro Day Tour
- Night Activity: Tango Tour
- Horseback Riding in Santa Fe de Antioquia
Day 13. 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 14. Medellin - Cartagena. Evening Chiva Party
At the chosen time transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena transfer to your hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure. After dinner get ready to see the city in style. We’ll board a Chiva (local colorful bus) for a tour to the city with a live Vallenato band and a few drinks included. Meals: B.
Day 15 & 16. Cartagena.
Free days 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.
OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES IN CARTAGENA
- Panoramic City Tour
- Mud Volcano Tour
- Mangrove Natural Reserve Tour
- SCUBA Diving in the Rosario Islands
Day 17. Cartagena. Day on the islands
Located on the Rosario Islands about 1 hour from Cartagena, Cocoliso 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 Cocoliso. Meals: B, L.
Day 18. Cartagena - Santa Marta- Tayrona National Park
Transfer to Santa Marta and Tayrona (about 5 hours). Today you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour, the Tayrona National Park ,where the jungle meets the Caribbean. Meals: B, LBox, D.
Day 19 & 20. Tayrona National Park
Free days to enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia´s most beautiful beaches or, as an optional activity, visit the beaches in Neguaje and Playa Cristal, where you’ll enjoy pristine waters, white sand, coral reefs, and beautiful views of bays. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 21. Tayrona - Santa Marta. End of our services
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Bogota, where you’ll be transferred to your hotel for your last night in Colombia. Meals: B.
Day 22. Bogota -Home. End of our services
All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 22 days just isn’t enough time in Colombia, we´d be happy to extend your stay with us. Just ask for more details. Meals: B. (Airport transfer available upon request).