Colombia is a land of incredibely diverse landscape, and this tour gives you the opportunity to see two of its most spectacular, unique attractions. Caño Cristales is a wonder of nature and truly has to be seen to be believed – bright red rivers swirl and flow fast into the distance, allowing for stunning photos. Tatacoa desert is difficult to describe – a vast, Mars-like landscape where at night you’ll have the most stunning view of the stars. Both tours promise to be like nothing else you’ve seen before.
- US$2,118 – OPTION 1 (Campsite + meals included in La Macarena and Tatacoa) – Discounted price per person
- US$2,042 – OPTION 2 (Campsite without meals in La Macarena and Tatacoa) – Discounted price per person
- US$2,102 – OPTION 3 (Hotel in La Macarena without meals in La Macarena and Tatacoa) – Discounted price per person
Day 1. 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. Bogota - Bici Tour
After breakfast 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 starts at 10:30am and lasts for 3 to 5 hours, passing by the Plaza del Chorro, the Botero museum, the National Museum, Plaza Bolivar, local market plaza, central cemetery, Egipto Neighborhood, the Colombian National University, the Gabriel Garcia Marquez cultural center, the Bullfighting Stadium, when available, and many other interest sites. It is very flexible, so if you have suggestions feel free to mention them to the guide. Meals: B.
Day 3. Bogota - Villa de Leyva
After breakfast we start heading north if Bogota towards Villa de Leyva, crossing the beautiful sabana of Bogota. 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. Meals: B.
Day 4. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
This optional tour 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. Accommodation: Casa de los Fundadores, Meals: B.
Day 5. 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 6. 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 (15 min aprox.). 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, D.
Day 7 & 8. La Macarena - Cano Cristales
We start today’s adventure taking a short boat ride (aprox 15min) on Guayavero river before the start of a 2 hour walk towards Cano Cristales (8 k). 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 9. La Macarena - Bogota
At the prearranged time we start our way back to Bogota via Villavicencio (5hrs in total). Meals: B.
Day 10. Bogota - Neiva - Tatacoa Desert
After breakfastland transfer to Neiva and Tatacoa Desert ( 6hrs aprox.). on the way we visit the town of Villavieja, Piedra Pintada and the Paleontology museum. Meals: B, D.
Day 11. Tatacoa Desert
You’ll walk among the red landscapes of the desert, amazed by the vibrant oranges and reds that define the area. You will also get to visit the observation tower to take a look at the clear stars that fill the sky. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 12. Tatacoa Desert
Today you’ll visit the grey area – but it’s far from being dull. Just like visiting another planet, you’ll see some amazing rock formations before visiting a hidden swimming pool located in the middle of the desert. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 13. Tatacoa Desert - Bogota
At the chosen time return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 14. 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 14 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.