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 colonial Villa de Leyva and quaint Manizales. You will be introduced to the unique landscapes and colours of the Coffee Region, home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm. You can learn how Colombian coffee is made, from picking the very first beans to pouring the perfect cup. All this and much, much more on your trip to Colombia with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1- January 17. 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 - January 18. 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 - January 19. Bogota - Zipaquira - Guatavita - Villa de Leyva. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and 'El Dorado' Sacred Lake of Gutavita
Today we start heading north on our way to Villa de Leyva. First 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 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. Continue to Villa de Leyva. Meals: B.
Day 4 - January 20. Villa de Leyva - Iguaque
Today we keep going north of Colombia on our way to the Iguaque Sanctuary. We’ll start to walk from the high Andean jungle to the cloud forest where we’ll reach the sacred lake of Iguaque (3,600 masl) home of the Muisca mythology. This is one of the best places for bird watching and to enjoy the local flora and fauna diversity. Meals: B.
Day 5 - January 21. Villa de Leyva - Bogota. 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. At the chosen time start heading back to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 6 - January 22. Bogota – Manizales
Transfer to airport for your journey across Colombia. Upon arrival in Manizales, you will transfer to your specially chosen finca where you can relax in a unique way for your upcoming adventures. Meals: B.
Day 7 - January 23. Cocora Valley
At the 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 water of the Quindio River, and the unique palm of wax 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. As an optional activity, we’ll take you to Santa Rosa, home of the famous hotsprings for a relaxing end of day. Meals: B.
Day 8 - January 24. Coffee Experience and Tasting
Hacienda Venecia, located just outside of Manizales, is a coffee farm at 1,500 meters above sea level, with volcanic soil from the Central Andean mountain range, and is considered one of the best areas for coffee harvest in the country. Your guide will take you on a tour on the “top of peace”, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the coffee region. At the chosen time you will be transferred to Medellin though the beautiful “Autopista del Cafe” (coffee motorway). Upon arrival transfer you to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 9 - January 25. Medellin. City Tour
A tour 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. We continue on the cable car on our way to the Arvi Park, a natural reserve only 1 hr away from the city, with amazin views and pure air from the mountains. Meals: B.
Day 10 & 11 - January 26 & 27. Medellin - Jardin
At the chosen time we head south towards the beautifull town of Jardin. Upon arrival free time to enjoy this colorful town.
Next day, you will have breakfast at 6:30 before embarking on your journey to the Alto de Las Flores waterfall and the Splendor Cave. After breakfast, we will depart on horseback toward Alto de Las Flores, where we will stop to take photos and leave the horses. From here we will walk for approximately 30 minutes to the cave. After having time to explore the Spendor Cave, we will return the same way we came. Upon our return to the house where the horses were left, we will have the option to go to a coffee farm to experience the process of producing coffee. Return to Medellin at the end of the day’s activities. Meals: B,L,D.
Day 12 - January 28. 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 - January 29. Medellin - Home
At the chosen time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bogota and back home.
Of course, if 13 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.