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. We continue on our way to Villa De Leyva. Meals: B.

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, you will be transferred along the beautiful Boyaca’s countryside to the town of Paipa. Paipa is noted for the Thermal Pools complex that is located 3km southeast of town. The pools, as well as the neighboring Sochagota Lake (boat trip possible) are very popular with Colombians and increasingly so with tourists. Meals: B.

Today you’ll visit the Pantano de Vargas, Tota Lake and Iza which in Muisca language means “Place of Healing”. Iza was founded in 1780 and today most of its inhabitants make a living from livestock, agriculture and wool spinning. It has what could be classified as the most beautiful Parque Principal (Main square) in Colombia, its four corners guarded by arched yew trees that are intertwined with bougainvillea bushes. After having lunch in town, you will visit nearby Tota Lake. At15km long and 10km wide, this is the largest natural lake in Colombia. The indigenous campesinos who populate its edges cultivate tidy patches of onions right up to the water’s edge. There are reeds all along the shore and few beaches, including Playa Blanca; a beach of white sand with milky green water at its shallows, backed by pine-clad hills. The lake is at 3.015m elevation and is quite cold, but the views are spectacular. Return to Paipa. Meals: B.

Today you’ll visit the towns of Sogamoso  and Mongui. Sogamoso was an important Muisca settlement but today it is bustling industrial town. The Archeological Park  has been built on the original site. It is a comprehensive museum which describes the Muisca’s art of mummification, statue work, and various crafts, including gold working. It also houses an impressive replica of the Sun temple. After lunch you will travel to Mongui, one of the most beautiful villages in Boyacá. The department has many contenders for this title but it would be difficult to build a case against this village with its large, cobblestone plaza and whitewashed houses with doors and windows painted bright green and embellished with the occasional red and its magnificent Basílica, a must see whe you vistit Boyaca. Monguí is also one of the world’s largest manufactures of soccer balls. Meals: B.

At the chosen time transfer Bogota’s airport for your flight to Bogota and back home.

Of course, if 6 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.