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; the laid-back, enchanting Cartagena (named a UNESCO World Heritage site); 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. All this and much more only with See Colombia Travel.
Day 1 - January 2. 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 3. Bogota. City Tour
This is a five-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 (Monserrate and Gold Museum not included). Return to your hotel. Meals: B.
Day 3 - January 4. Bogota – Zipaquira. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
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. Return to Bogota. Meals: B.
Day 4 & 5 - January 5 & 6 . Bogota. Free days - Usaquen
Free days to enjoy the city. Enjoy Colombia’s dynamic, vibrant capital. Wander the colonial streets of La Candelaria and discover the fantastic museums housed there, rub shoulders with Bogotanos in the bars of Zona T and sample some of the finest Colombian and international cuisine in Zona G. You will also have the option to visit Usaquen, one of the most charming secrets of Bogota. Located in the north of the city, Usaquen used to be an adjacent town about 30 minutes away from Bogota. It is now one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city with great views of the mountains, great shops and restaurants and a vibrant Sunday flea market. Meals: B.
Day 6 - January 7. Bogota - Villa de Leyva
At the chosen time transfer to the bus terminal for your bus ride to Villa de Leyva. Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 7 - January 8. Villa de Leyva. La Periquera trek
Today you´ll visit the wonderful Periquera waterfalls, whose name comes from the parakeets that inhabit the area. The trip is a relaxing, beautiful day out where you’ll be in direct contact with nature. Thanks to the country’s incredible biodiversity, you´ll see a great variety of endemic species of Colombian birds, butterflies and squirrels. Meals: B.
Day 8 - January 9. Villa de Leyva - Bogota
]At the chosen time transfer to the bus terminal for your journey back. Upon arrival to Bogota, transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 9 - January 10. Bogota - Armenia
At the prearrange time transfer to Bogota’s bus terminal/airport for your journey to 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 10 - January 11. 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 11 - January 12. Finca – 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 12 - January 13. Armenia - Medellin
At the chosen transfer to the bus terminal for your 4 hour trip to Medellin through the colourful Autopista del Cafe (Coffee motorway). Upon arrival transfer to your chosen hotel. Meals: B.
Day 13 - January 14. 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. Meals: B.
Day 14 - January 15. Medellin. Free day - Arví Park (optional not included)
We will travel today in the “Metro Cable”, a massive transportation system unique to the city, for an amazing view of the city and its social transformation. You’ll get to see the España Library Park and its distinctive architectural structure before crossing the mountains towards the Arví park where we’ll spend the morning trekking on the Andes. Meals: B.
Day 15 - January 16. 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 16 - January 17. Medellin - Cartagena
At the chosen time transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena transfer to your chosen hotel where you can have dinner, relax and prepare for the rest of your adventure. Meals: B.
Day 17 - January 18. Cartagena. City Tour
Today you will take the Hop On, Hop Off bus around Cartagena, visiting the city, including the modern residential neighborhood of Bocagrande and 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. You will visit the Clock Gate, the main entrance to the old town. A walking tour of the Walled City is included and begins at 11:15am. Later you can 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 tickets for the bus are valid all day long, so you can see the city at your leisure. Meals: B.
Day 18 - January 19. Cartagena - La Boquilla Mangrove
See Colombia Travel is currently supporting the local fishing community of La Boquilla and it is here that you will get the opportunity to have a unique insight into the life of a fisherman. Firstly, you will be transferred by taxi to the village where you will take a short walk along the beach and take an amazing journey through the stunning mangroves of the area. In a traditional canoe you will watch the natural surroundings slowly pass by. Leaving the amazing mangrove tunnels, we will then head back to the beach for a traditional lunch with the community, which consists of fish, coconut rice, salad and plantain before heading back to Cartagena by land. Meals: B.
Day 19 - January 20. Cartagena. Free Day
Free day to enjoy the city. Get lost in the many plazas, meander through the cobble stone streets and be enchanted by Cartagena’s rich architecture and overwhelming history. As the sunsets, have a drink on top of the old wall watching the sun go down on the Caribbean. Meals: B.
Day 20 - January 21. Cartagena - Santa Marta - Tayrona
Transfer to Tayrona via Santa Marta (about 6 hours). Today you will travel to one of the highlights of this tour, the Tayrona National Park, where the jungle meets the Caribbean. Meals: B.
Day 21 & 22 - January 22 & 23. Playa La Roca EcoHotel - Tayrona
During the few days enjoy and relax by the sea, sunning yourself and reflecting upon your wonderful journey on one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches.
You will spend your first whole day trekking through the Tayrona National Park and enjoying one of the many beaches (entrance fee included).
The next day you’ll be taken for a beautiful hike to a waterfall in the morning. Then, after lunch and as an optional activity, you could take a trail to the mouth of the Palomino River or just relax into a hammock with a good book. You will have the wonderful opportunity to go visit a village of the Kogi, descendants of the Tayrona. Here you will 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 on all days.
Day 23 - January 24. Tayrona - Santa Marta - Barranquilla.
At the chosen time you will be transferred to Barranquilla.
All good things must come to an end, after all. Of course, if 23 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.