Colombia is a country of dizzying variety. This tour will introduce you to the fascinating blend of adventures offered within Colombia’s borders. You’ll see some of Colombia’s most important cites, such as bustling Bogotá, the enchanting city of Cartagena and the colonial Villa de Leyva. You will wander the desolate beaches of Tayrona National Park, where palm trees sway in the breeze and turquoise waters lap the golden Caribbean shores. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia 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 hotel 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, 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. Bogota - Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
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. Meals: B.
Day 4. Villa de Leyva. Half day city tour
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. Accommodation: Casa de los Fundadores, Meals: B.
Day 5. Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Medellin
After breakfast start heading back to Bogota and to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Upon arrival one of See Colombia Travel´s representatives will be on hand to transfer you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 6. 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.
Pablo Escobar Tour
After lunch take a tour that gives you the chance to explore the infamous criminal’s life and legacy. The tour begins with information given to you on your way to Pablo Escobar’s old house, just outside of the city center. It’s here that you’ll get the opportunity to meet Pablo Escobar’s brother, Roberto. Roberto will welcome you to the house as your tour guide talks you through the remnants of Escobar’s life: his old cars, his hideouts, old photos and much more. Once you’ve been around the house you’ll be able to ask Roberto any questions you like about his life now or in the past (note that any money donated at this point goes towards a charity aimed at helping vulnerable communities in Medellin). Meals: B.
Day 7. 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 8. Medellin - Cartagena
Transfer to the airport. Upon arrival in Cartagena 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. Meals: B.
Day 9. Cartagena. City Tour
We take approximately four hours visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and, later, the Walled City. The Old City maintains all the charm of the colonial days, with its narrow, cobbled streets flanked by charming balconies and heavy, characteristic doors. Our entry is through the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. We visit the church of San Pedro Claver, the oldest church in the city before seeing the Castle of San Felipe – an imposing stone structure regarded as the masterpiece of the Spanish military engineering in the Americas. Finally, the Convent of La Popa is a cloister built on top of a hill that dominates the entire urban complex. Your afternoon is free to enjoy the city. Meals: B.
Day 10. 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 11. Cartagena. Free Day
Free days to enjoy the city; to get lost in one of the many plazas and coble stone streets and have a drink watching the sunset on top of the city wall. Meals: B.
Day 12. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Tayrona
After breakfast, land transfer to Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park (about 5 hours) where you will spend the night. Meals: B.
Day 13 & 14. 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 15. Tayrona National Park - Santa Marta - Bogota
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bogota and back home.
Of course, if 15 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.