In Summary
Why this trip ?
Colombia has the most orchid and bird species in the world and is the second richest country in the world in terms of biodiversity. This makes it the perfect destination for ecotourism or nature tourism, an approach to tourist activities in which observation of the natural environment is offered.
*Los vuelos nacionales no están incluidos, cuentan 100-120 usd por vuelo/persona. (Este viaje incluye 2 vuelos nacionales).
Your Itinerary
- Day1 : Welcome to Colombia
- Day2 : Walking tour Bogota
- Day3 : Visit of the Paloquemao market
- Day4 : Avitourism
- Day5 : Thermal Hacienda La Quinta
- Day6 : Horsebike ride
- Day7 : Salamina
- Day8 : Wax palms
- Day9 : Guatape
- Day10 : Medellín – Santa Marta – Parc Tayrona
- Day11 : Discovering the Sierra Nevada
- Day12 : Visit to Tayrona Park
- Day13 : El Dorado Nature Reserve
- Day14 : Cuchilla de San Lorenzo
- Day15 : From Santa Marta to Cartagena
- Day16 : historical walking tour of Cartagena
- Day17 : Vereda Los Limites
- Day18 : End of your trip
Guatapé
The municipality of Guatapé, located in Eastern Antioquia, was founded in 1811. The economy is based on agriculture (tomatos, corn, potatoes and beans), hydroelectric production and finally tourism. In fact,…
Minca
Minca is a small village located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, 15 km away from Santa Marta. Waterfalls and natural pools give this wonderful small mountain village surrounded…
Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located in the department of Cundinamarca, right in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2600m. It extends through a mountain range…
Medellín
Medellin is located in a valley surrounded by mountains and lies at 1475m altitude. It is the second largest city in Colombia. It is considered the economic capital. Since the…
Manizales
Manizales is the capital of the Caldas department. Known as the City of Open Doors, it was founded in 1849. Manizales is located in the gold triangle, between three cities…
Cartagena de Indias
Cartagena is located next to the sea on the Caribbean coast; it is the capital of Bolívar Department. Founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena is the 5th largest…
At glance
Highlights of this Trip
1
Atypical and colourful birdwatching in exceptional nature reserves.
2
Visit the indigenous community of Koguis, direct descendants of the Tayrona civilization.
3
The peñol of Guatape and Guatape, a peaceful and colourful village.
Day by day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Colombia
Arrival at Bogota airport, the Andean capital, and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2
Walking tour Bogota
Discover the center of Bogota like a local. The walking tour of the capital will take you through the most authentic places in the city. We will discover the colonial district of La Candelaria, Bogota’s historical center and its squares and markets. It is a unique opportunity to immerse ourself in the local culture and to understand their way of life. In the afternoon: we will visit the famous Gold Museum (closed on Mondays) and Botero Museum (closed on Tuesdays) where we will be able to admire the masterpieces of the renowned Colombian painter and sculptor.
Day 3
Visit of the Paloquemao market
Depart to the Paloquemao produce market. We will discover a typical side of Colombia while strolling through the retail market, one of the largest in the country. Most of Bogota’s restaurants get their ingredients here, which makes it very lively. We will get to know so many different kinds of fruits and vegetables, some of which you’ll probably have never even heard of!
Then head to the airport to go to the coffee region.
Day 4
Avitourism
A unique day of bird watching awaits us in a setting that lends itself perfectly to this activity. Between feeders, gardens and paths, there will be many opportunities to observe and photograph various species of birds such as the pionus menstruus or blue-headed parrot, the ortalis colombiana or the leptotila plumbeiceps. We are accompanied by a guide specialised in bird photography, taking advantage of the facilities of the structure. With more than 260 recorded species, this reserve is an ideal place for birdwatching.
Day 5
Thermal Hacienda La Quinta
We will be able to enjoy Hacienda Termales la Quinta’s surroundings during a 2 or 3-hour walk in the nearby incredible forests and fields. These forests have been cared and conserved in order to preserve the biodiversity of the territory and they are a perfect example to understand the importance of nature conservation.
Day 6
Horsebike ride
This morning, we visit waterfalls and their surroundings on horseback (possibility of going on foot). We will discover a landscape out the ordinary, between wax palm trees, waterfalls, tropical forests and animals (horses, cows, etc).
Then you can have lunch at Hacienda El Plan (subject to change) and return to Hacienda La Quinta in the afternoon.
We will also have the opportunity to discover thermal water reservoirs and volcanic eruptions zones where geysers feed thermal water sources.
Day 7
Salamina
Salamina is part of the famous Coffee Region, formed by three departments, including Caldas, the department of this picturesque village. For this visit, we go to the outskirts of Salamina, to a peasant family to discover their way of life and learn more about the famous beverage. From the plantations to the final cup, we discover all the steps that allow Colombian coffee to be among the best in the world.
Day 8
Wax palms
The mountains surrounding the village of Salamina are home to one of nature’s curiosities, the wax palm tree. We will leave Salamina by car and head towards the Samaria Valley, located at more than 3000 meters. A beautiful walk at the heart of these Andean landscapes will allow you to discover the wax palm tree. It can reach 70 meters in height and is one of Colombia’s symbols! Have lunch and then head back to Salamina then Medellín.
Day 9
Guatape
Today we visit the surroundings of Medellin: the famous El Peñol rock, where from the top of its steps we discover a landscape of uncommon lagoons, and the village of Guatapé, classified as a natural and environmental heritage. Return to Medellin in the late afternoon.
Day 10
Medellín – Santa Marta – Parc Tayrona
A private transport will take you from your hotel to the airport of Medellin (30mn) to take your flight to Santa Marta (1h10). Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Tayrona Park (45mn).
Day 11
Discovering the Sierra Nevada
Let’s live this unique experience, visiting one of the most important indigenous communities in the world: the Koguis, direct descendants of the Tayrona civilization. In addition, we can enjoy the natural charm that surrounds this valley of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest mountain range in the world by the sea, a biosphere reserve recognized worldwide, and the cradle of the great Tayrona civilization. We will have the opportunity to talk with the Mamo and/or people from the community, visit the traditional house. In the afternoon, walk and swim in the natural pools of the river.
Day 12
Visit to Tayrona Park
Free day at the park where we can hike one of the trails, swim, go horseback riding or rent snorkel gear on site (not included).
Day 13
El Dorado Nature Reserve
The El Dorado Nature Reserve, at an altitude of 1,900m in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, has the highest concentration of endemic species in Colombia, with 23 species found nowhere else.
We will try to observe some endemic species such as the Anthocephala floriceps, the Santa Marta Grackle, the Copper Emerald, the Golden-chinned Toui and the Golden-olive Woodpecker during several stops. On arrival at the reserve, we settle in and have lunch, then leave for a new observation session. During the winter, it is possible to see migratory species coming from the north of the American continent, such as the Black-throated Warbler, the Vermilion Sunbird, the Swainson’s Thrush or the Cerulean Warbler.
Day 14
Cuchilla de San Lorenzo
In the morning, you will go to the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo, at 2,650m above sea level, one of the best places to see endemic species, including the White-tailed Starfrontlet, the Rusty-headed Spinetail, the Band-tailed Guan, the Groove-billed Toucanet, the Strong-billed Woodcreeper, the White-lored Warbler and many others. Return to the reserve at the end of the afternoon.
Day 15
From Santa Marta to Cartagena
Return to Santa Marta. Stops along the way to observe the missing species, or to observe those already seen, and which are part of the biological richness of the region.
Transfer from Santa Marta, the oldest city in Colombia, to Cartagena, the pearl of the Caribbean.
Day 16
historical walking tour of Cartagena
Let’s follow in the footsteps of the famous pirates and be surprised by the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, a city with a mixed and exotic heritage whose cultural richness cannot fail to amaze us. This excursion takes us back to the colonial era, with its colourful houses and lively parks. It is therefore an opportunity, during this walk, to go back in time and relive some of the most important moments in the history of the city, the second Spanish stronghold established on the South American continent. Cartagena has been repeatedly attacked by pirates, the most famous being Captain Francis Drake! We discover the beauty of its monuments, its squares, its churches, its walls, witness of past times but still defying the horizon.
Day 17
Vereda Los Limites
Day of immersion in the life of the farmers and women of the village of Los Límites. A walk in the tropical dry forest where we are introduced to the community’s agroforestry project, whose emblem is a “magic” tree: the Mayan walnut. The Mayan walnut tree plays a very important role in the ecosystem, which has suffered greatly from deforestation. It is also the natural habitat of another endangered animal species that we may have the chance to observe: the white-crested pine monkey. We continue with a visit to the agroforestry plots to discover the agroecological techniques used for their crops, and participate in the protection of the environment by planting a tree chosen in the nursery.
Day 18
End of your trip
Free morning before your return to reality, heading for the airport with memories in your head.
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