Best of Colombia - Cities, Beaches, Coffee, and Culture!

Day 1: Welcome to Bogota

Today as you arrive in Colombia's capital City, you will be met at the airport and from here you will head to the historical center of la Candelaria (about 30 mins). Next, we will check in to your hotel where you will have the rest of the afternoon to yourself to rest up for your grand adventure! 

Day 2: Explore Bogota

After breakfast at your hotel this morning your Bogota discovery will begin. From the colonial district of la Candelaria, Bogota historical center, and its squares and markets take in the local culture and allow yourself to really get a feel for the lifestyle of those who live here. This afternoon we will head for the Gold Museum and of course, your time in Bogota is not complete without a stop at the Botero Museum - one of the country's most famous artists! 
Breakfast is included at your hotel this morning. 

Day 3: Lagunas de Siecha Chingaza

Once you have had breakfast this morning we will depart from the hotel to Lagunas de Siecha. Three beautiful Lakes in the Chingaza Natural park. These lakes were attacked in order to find the famous legend of El dorado. We will be in the Páramo ecosystem surrounded by rocky outcrops, frailejon plants, animals, and the best positive energy. These lakes were the Muiscas’ ceremonial center and the place where they performed the ritual of the chief’s succession, which is the origin of the El Dorado legend. Breakfast and lunch will be included today. Return to Bogota for the night. 

Day 4: Desierto de la Tatacoa

This morning head for the airport for your flight from Bogota to Neiva. Upon arrival we will head toward the Desert of la Tatoca. Upon arrival, we will have lunch at Villavieja. Today we will visit of the Los Hoyos (white desert) and the Cuzco (red desert). After having dinner in your posada, you will go to the astronomic observatory to observe the stars and planets at night. You will sleep in a rustic holiday cottage in the desert (in a bed, a hammock, or a tent). Breakfast and dinner is included today. 

Day 5: San Agustin Park

Depart for San Agustin this morning after breakfast. When you get to the hotel in San Agustin today you will meet with your local guide and begin your visit to the park. Go on a tour around the stone statues and hear indigenous folk stories from this region of Colombia. Returning to the hotel in the afternoon. Breakfast and dinner included today.

Day 6: San Agustin

Today you will depart to learn and experience more of this particular region. Tour of the region (4x4 and walking) with views of the Magdalena river then a traditional peasant’s farm (sugar cane with “Trapiche” factory for panela production). Free lunch in Isnos and visit the archeological sites, El alto de la piedra, El alto de los Idolos and el salto de Mortiño. Returning in the afternoon to the hotel. Breakfast and dinner included today. 

 Day 7: San Agustin

Depart this morning from San Agustin on horseback. We will take a route where we can see Los platos around San Agustin then we will walk until we see the 3 chorros waterfall with its three parallel falls.  When we get here we will stop for a nice picnic lunch next to the waterfall and take it the most amazing view of the paramos where all the rivers in Colombia are born. Returning in the afternoon. Breakfast and dinner will be included today. 

Day 8:  San Agustin - Tierradentro

Today we will depart San Agustin for Tierradentro where we will visit Tierradentro and the pyramids. Accommodation in a family-run hotel located at the entrance of the Archeological Park. Breakfast included today.  

Day 9: Tierradentro

Departure for a hike along a river until the summit of the Aguacate to admire a spectacular panorama of the whole region and visit the archeological tombs. We will have in San Andrés de Pisimbala (not included). Visit the ethnographical museum, the facilities of the Archeological Park Hipogeos 1 y 2, as well as the Duende-statues. Accommodation in a family-run hotel near the entrance of the Archeological Park tonight. Breakfast included today. 

Day 10: Popayan

In the morning, transport to Popayan - the white city – one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the country. Lunch, then visit the historical center, the main churches, museums and parks of the city. Free evening. Breakfast included today.  

Day 11: Popayan

Enjoy breakfast before departing to Silvia village for a visit where you will meet the indígena Guambiana community. This indigenous village conserves its traditional dress, they are excellent weavers and they have kept their own dialect. It is a lovely village in the Central Cordillera in Colombia.

In the traditional market in Silvia, you can taste some exotic fruits. (only on Tuesdays). Returning to Popayan in the afternoon.
Breakfast included today. 

Day 12: La Región del Café

Today we will head to Colombia's (or one of) coffee regions!, Armenia! The drive is a bit long today, about 6hrs. Upon arrival, you will have a free afternoon to explore the farm. Breakfast and dinner included today.

Day 13: Salento

After breakfast, depart with a local guide in the direction of Salento. You will go through the middle of the coffee region Colombia-, banana- and pineapple plantations among others. After arriving in Salento, we will continue our road to the Valle Cocora, where you can find the main wax palms (a representative tree of Colombia).

Following the steps of your guide during the hike, you will discover an outstanding valley, where a national tree the “Palmas de Cera”, gives a surreal dimension to the landscape. You will also penetrate the Andean tropical forest and go alongside the torrents. 

In the afternoon, you will go back to Salento for a little walk in this typical village, that has been constructed in the middle of the 19th century at the food of the Central Cordillera of the Andes. Returning to the farm later this evening for the night. 

Day 14: Balsaje rio la vieja

Transfer from your hotel/finca to the jetty of the “La Vieja” River. Navigate the river during a 18-kilometer trip. Traditional lunch at the banks of the river. Afterward, free time, during which you can enjoy a bath in the river. In the afternoon, return to the ranch.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included today. 

Day 15: Tayrona Park

In the morning, we will enjoy the sun on the Caribbean coast. Afterward, transfer to the airport of Armenia for your flight to Santa Marta via Bogota. You will be met at the airport in Santa Marta and transferred to your accommodation near Tayrona Park. 

Breakfast and dinner included today. 

Day 16: Tayrona Park

After breakfast this morning we will transfer to the Tayrona Park. Here you will meet with the guide and hike to the Cabo San Juan del Guia passing by the Cañaveral and Arrecifes. We will stop at the most beautiful beaches and observe the flora and the fauna during our hike. Free time for lunch in Tayrona Park and to enjoy the beaches. Afterward, we will go back to the park’s entrance passing through the park’s beautiful paths, where a vehicle is waiting for you to take you back to the hotel.

Breakfast and dinner included today. 

Day 17: Santa Marta and Minca

After breakfast, discover the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta’s different landscapes. Local people will show us the rural region of the Sierra Nevada. Accommodation in the hotel with a beautiful view of the Sierra. Afterward, we will cross Minca and its surroundings, while passing through the beautiful natural pools of Pozo Azul and the Marinka waterfall. Free time to take lunch in Minca and return to your accommodation at the end of the afternoon.

Breakfast included today. 

Day 18: San Lorenzo - Birdwatching

Early in the morning, we will go on a tour in San Lorenzo to see a place that is home to various birds and hummingbirds. We will pass through Bella Vista, a watchtower with a vast view of the sea, Ciénaga, and part of Santa Marta. Observation of Sierra’s snow-capped peaks. Breakfast in the natural reserve and while going back to the accommodation, we will pass through rural farms and ranches. Breakfast and lunch included today. 

Day 19: Cartagena de indias

This morning depart for the park of the Caribbean - Cartagena. Upon arrival the day is free for you to explore the city and its beautiful streets. Breakfast included today. 

Day 20: Cartagena de indias

After breakfast this morning you will meet with our specialized guide. Today visit the main historical sites of the city, starting with the La Popa monastery, where you will have a panoramic view of the whole of Cartagena. Afterward, visit the main of the San Felipe Castle that represents the main work of Spanish military engineering during colonization. Historical and cultural visit of the site: Panoramic visit of the Manga quarter. Free time for lunch and in the afternoon. Breakfast included today. 

Day 21: Islas del Rosario

Once you have finished breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will depart for the Marina Santa Cruz de Manga quay. Here we will take a boat to the Rosario Islands. Arrival and free time to enjoy the blue and crystal-clear water.

Note: boarding taxes are not included. Breakfast included today. 

Day 22: Cartagena de indias

Free morning to enjoy the area. Returning to Cartagena at 3pm. Arrival on the quay. The transport will wait to take you to the hotel in the city center. Breakfast included today. 

Day 23: Cartagena de indias - Final Day!

Breakfast in the morning at the hotel then transfer to the airport for your flight out of Colombia or onward. Breakfast included today. 

End of tour

Included:

• Accommodation
• Transport
• The meals as indicated in the program
• The activities described above and entry to sites specified in the program.
• Local professional guides, experts from each region visited
• Our 24-hour assistance

• Travel/medical insurance
• Meals which are not offered in the program (3 to 15€ /per person per meal)
• Personal expenses such as sunscreen, insect repellant, clothing, etc
• Entrance to the sites which are not specified in the program
• Visas
• Tips