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 and 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. Your highlight will be the Lost City, where you’ll discover the pre-Hispanic pathways of the original Tayronas, trekking through a series of breathtaking landscape from sea level and up to 1100 meters above sea level, getting to know more about this culture and their distinctive way of living. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - February 19. 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 - February 20. 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, 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. Meals: B.
Day 3 - February 21. Bogota – Zipaquira – Guatavita. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and 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.
After visiting the salt mines, 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 - February 22. Bogota - Leticia - Floating House
Upon arrival to Leticia you will be transferred to the port for your 15 min boat ride on the Amazon River to Kurupira’s amazing Floating House. Tonight you’ll have a delicious dinner and spend the night relaxing. Meals: D.
Day 5 - February 23. Amazon
A spectacular Amazonian sunrise will be the perfect way to wake up. After breakfast you’ll enjoy a boat ride (approx 1.5hrs) on the Amazon River on the way to the “Isla de los Micos” (Monkey Island). You’ll also visit the native community of Puerto Alegria where you will also have lunch. After your visit you’ll head back to the Floating House, lead by the unique pink dolphins in the river. Meals: B,L,D.
Day 6 - February 24. Amazon
After breakfast we’ll enjoy a bike tour of “Isla de la Fantasia” and “La Milagrosa”, where we’ll meet the locals and their farms to get an insight into their fascinating culture. We’ll continue on our way back to the floating house (approx 2hrs) for lunch. During the afternoon we’ll navigate the Amazon River towards the city of Leticia for a city tour, before returning to the Floating House for dinner. As an optional activity you can go on an unforgettable Alligator and Nightlife Watching trip. Meals: B,L,D.
Day 7 - February 25. Leticia - Bogota
This morning you’ll visit Victoria Regia, the world’s largest waterlily and the “Estrangulador” forest. Afterward you will return to the the floating house where you’ll have lunch. At the chosen time you will be transferred to Leticia’s airport for your flight back to Bogota and onward to Armenia.
Armenia
Upon arrival to 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 8 - February 26. 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 9 - February 27. 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.
Day 10 - February 28. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen time you will be transferred to Medellin and tou your chosen hotel through the beautiful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee Motorway). Meals: B.
Day 11 - March 1. Medellin. City Tour
A 4 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. You will also get to see the recently open Parque Arvi, only 45 min away from Medellin. Meals: B.
Day 12 - March 2. Medellin. Free Day
Free day 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.
Day 13 - March 3. Medellin - Santa Marta
At the chosen time transfer with your private guide from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival in Santa Marta transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure. Meals: B.
Day 14 to 16 March 4 to 6. Lost City Trek
Day 1. Santa Marta – El Mamey. First camp site (4 hour walk).
We leave at 9 am from our meeting point in Santa Marta. Three hours later we will reach the local village of El Mamey, from where we’ll begin our ascend to the first camp site. Upon arrival you’ll have the chance to go for a swim at a natural spring. Tonight we’ll sleep in hammocks.
Day 2. Second Camp Site (4 hour walk).
After an early breakfast, we start today’s walk through the forest descending to into a small valley formed by the Buritaca riverwhere you’ll have your first encounter with the local indigenous communities in the Mutanyi village. We have 3 more hours walk before we reach the cabin where we will spend the night. Upon arrival we can cool off in the natural pools formed by the Buritaca river.
Day 3. Lost City (1.5 hour walk) and trek back to campsite.
Today, we cross the Buritaca river to finally arrive to the long awaited Lost City (sacred site for the current local communities of theSierra Nevada). At 9am we begin our adventure into the park, learning about the different ways the pre-Hispanic Tayronas adapted to their environment, we will also have an opportunity to see the ceremonial houses of the present day Tayronas and the vegetation that form a unique backdrop to the prehistoric legacy. Along the route it is also possible to take a bath in the pool of youth, which according to the legend works wonderfully well. At the end of the tour, some notes about the archaeological sites of the mountain range are available to read, and a short informative chat about the site can be arranged with the guide. Next day, you’ll have an early Breakfast at 6.30 a.m as we’ll depart at 7 a.m. in order to take advantage of the morning hours so the journey is less arduous and also because the constantly changing atmospheric conditions of the region. At Mutanyi cabin we will have lunch. We walk for approximately 3 more hours towards our last campsite (7 hrs in total).
Day 18 & 19 - March 8 & 9. Playa La Roca EcoHotel - Tayrona
During the next two days enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches. You’ll have th option of taking the following optional activities:
You will spend your first whole day in on of the many beaches at the Tayrona National Park (entrance fee included).
The next day could be taken for a beautiful hike to a waterfall in the morning. Then, after lunch, you could take a trail to the mouth of the Palomino River or just relax into a hammock with a good book.
You will also have the wonderful opportunity to go visit a village of the Kogi, descendants of the Tayrona. Here you will have the opportunity to see how the traditions of the Tayrona people are still present in the everyday lives of the Kogi.
For your free time at the Eco-Hotel you have option to relax in a hammock with a book, visit the Valencia River, relax at the beach, or indulge in one of their many spa treatments (including chocotherapy!). Meals: B, L, D on all days.
Day 20 - March 10. Tayrona - Santa Marta - HOME.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport with your private guide for your flight back to Bogota and home. All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 20 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.