In Summary
Why this trip ?
Colombia’s flagship sites are remarkable for their diversity. They are among the musts not to be missed. Its architectural and cultural heritage and other natural wonders represent more than just a place to visit: they are bearers of history. Let yourself be guided on a rich circuit from Bogotá to San Agustín the archaeological capital, passing by Popayán the white city, a stopover in an indigenous community, discover the coffee finca, walk among the highest palm trees in the world in the Cocora valley, marvel at the colours of the villages, the crystal clear water of the Tayrona park etc… a whole programme where boredom has no place.
*National flights not included in the price, count 100-120 usd per flight / person. (This tour includes 5 national flights)
Your Itinerary
- Day1 : Welcome to Colombia
- Day2 : Historic walk of La Candelaria
- Day3 : Flavours of the local market and a visit of the Montserrate
- Day4 : Bogotá – San Agustín
- Day5 : San Agustín, archaeological capital
- Day6 : Walking tour Popayan
- Day7 : Cultural immersion, Silvia
- Day8 : Cali, capital of salsa
- Day9 : Hike and typical cofee farm tour
- Day10 : Cocora valley and Salento
- Day11 : The Quindio villages
- Day12 : Pereira – Medellín
- Day13 : Guatape and Piedra del peñol daytrip
- Day14 : Medellín – Nuqui
- Day15 : Whale watching
- Day16 : Second sea trip
- Day17 : From the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast
- Day18 : Tayrona park: arrécife and cabo San Juan
- Day19 : Santa Marta – Cartagena
- Day20 : Traditional fishing trip
- Day21 : End of the aventure
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is the capital of the Magdalena department. It is located on the Caribbean coast in the north of Colombia, between Barranquilla and Riohacha. The city is a good…
Nuqui Guachalito
The Pacific coast stretches from Panama to the border of Ecuador over a length of 808 miles. This region of Chocó is one of the most humid and rainy in…
Popayán
Considered the religious capital of Colombia, the city of Popayan has the largest number of churches per capita, built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is located in the…
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…
San Agustin
San Agustin is a very welcoming traditional village right in the middle of the great Andes, South Colombia. The biggest archaeological zone of the country can be found there, with…
Cali
Cali is the capital city of the Cauca Valley (the Cauca is the second largest river in the country), on the west bank of the river. This town lies at…
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
All of Colombia’s must-sees in a single circuit
2
Rich and varied landscapes all along the journey
3
Meeting with locals from nine departments of the country.
Day by day
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Colombia
Arrival at the airport of Bogota, the Andean capital, and transport to your hotel.
Day 2
Historic walk of La Candelaria
The historical centre of the town, a place full of charm with its brightly coloured houses, carved wooden balconies and flowered patios. On the programme: Bolivar square, Chorro square with its artists and colonial houses. In the afternoon visit to the Gold Museum where you will find the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold objects in Latin America, with more than 30,000 pieces of gold and magnificent emeralds (closed on Mondays) and the Botero Museum with a large collection of the most famous Colombian artist and other masterpieces of the greatest names in impressionism and modernism (closed on Tuesdays).
Day 3
Flavours of the local market and a visit of the Montserrate
Departure from your hotel to the Paloquemao fruit and vegetable market. This is a typical Colombia that we discover as we walk through this retail market, one of the most important in the country. Most of the catering professionals supply themselves there, which is why it is in constant turmoil. Here we find all kinds of fruit and vegetables, from the best known to the most original.
We then go to the Monserrate is located at 3152m above sea level and offers a magnificent view of the city and the altiplano cundiboyacense. The Basilica of the Señor de Monserrate was built in 1925 on the top of the hill in an initial neoclassical architecture and then rebuilt after an earthquake in neo-colonial style.
Day 4
Bogotá – San Agustín
Private transfer from your hotel to Bogota airport (30mn). Arrival in San Agustin, a private transport will take you to your hotel.
Day 5
San Agustín, archaeological capital
Visit of the park, a major UNESCO World Heritage site that offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in an unreal world surrounded by impressive statues in the heart of lush nature. Visit to Mesitas A, B, C, the ceremonial source of Lavapatas, the Alto de Lavapatas and finally the Bosque de las Estatuas.
We will continue later with an excursion that offers a mixture of archaeological discovery and a walk in the heart of lush nature. Walk to the site of La Pelota, where the last colourful statues of San Agustín can be seen, and then to La Chaquira, a magical site with a splendid view of the canyon of the Magdalena River.
Day 6
Walking tour Popayan
apital of the department of Cauca, Popayán, called the “White City”, is possibly the most beautiful colonial city in the country. Popayán is also characterized by its religious fervor, particularly during Easter Week, as well as its gastronomy.
Following your local guide, you will have the opportunity to see the cloister of San Francisco, the Caldas Park, the sundial, the Humilladero bridge and the municipal theater Guillermo Valencia… The city has many churches such as the Church of San Francisco, San Jose, Santo Domingo and St. Augustine… There are also some options for museums: the Guillermo Valencia museum, the natural history museum and the religious art museum… Back to your hotel at the end of the afternoon.
Day 7
Cultural immersion, Silvia
About 60 km away from Popayán, Silvia is an Andean village where many indigenous communities still live. This excursion is an opportunity to get closer and share with the Guambiano community. In the morning, head from Popayan to Silvia. If the weather is good, you might be able to spot the Purace volcano on the way, which lies 4,650 meters above sea level. After visiting the village, you will have the opportunity to meet the Guambiano community. You will visit typical houses and a hospital which only uses medicinal plants. It will also be an opportunity to talk with a traditional doctor, as well as with regional strawberry and quinoa producers. The craftsmen will be happy to help you create your craft and the musicians to dance to the sounds of “chirimía”! Head back to Popayan in the afternoon.
Day 8
Cali, capital of salsa
Experience the wonders of Cali on this tour by both car and walking. We will start by the main hills of Cristo Rey and Sebastián de Belalcázar, where you can enjoy the best panoramic view of Cali. Then we will tour the Cali River and the Gato de Tejada. We will then visit the only musical monument in Colombia and will pass through the Boulevard del Río. We will walk through the historical center which is full of art, culture, and ancestral myths. To end the tour, you will be able to enjoy a Cali salsa class so that you can live a truly unforgettable experience in the Capital of Salsa.
Day 9
Hike and typical cofee farm tour
Depart for a tour of a traditional coffee farm near Salento. You will reach the farm walking down from Salento, enjoying the local landscapes of the coffee region. The local farmer will explain the whole process of small-scale coffee production, from harvesting the beans to the final product. They will offer you a cup of coffee to taste, and the local production is available for sale. At the end of the excursion, you´ll return to Salento in Jeep Willys.
Day 10
Cocora valley and Salento
Departure by Jeep Willys (typical transportation) to the Cocora Valley.
Following your guide during this hike, you will discover a gorgeous valley where the wax palms, the national tree, give a surrealistic touch to the area. Step by step, you will enter the tropical forest of the Andes, walk along streams, and be amazed by the exuberant nature. We´ll have lunch and an early afternoon, then return to Salento. You will also visit a traditional coffee farm.
Day 11
The Quindio villages
Depart with our local guide for an escapade to the typical villages of the region. We will explore lovely villages, with an itinerary depending on your starting point. We will be drawn in by the charm of this region and its beautiful scenery, authentic towns, and the warmth of its people. Our local guide will show us some local fruits to taste and will stop by spectacular viewpoints overlooking coffee, pineapple, and banana plantations.
Day 12
Pereira – Medellín
Be prepared to take an amazing tour to see Medellin like a local. The guide will pick us up at your hotel and together we’ll take public transportation to the city center. Visit the Administrative Center La Alpujarra, Botero Plaza, and other important monuments in the center. Then, take the metro up to visit the botanical garden, and finally, we’ll take the metro-cable to the Santo Domingo neighborhood, for an amazing view of the entire city. The tour will end by heading back to the center and passing by Plaza Mayor and Pies Descalzos Park. Return to our hotel by public transportation.
Day 13
Guatape and Piedra del peñol daytrip
The Peñol Boulder is one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellin. We can climb through the 200-meter-high monolith via a staircase with 740 steps. Enjoy breath-taking views over the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes. The village of Guatapé is famous for its church and its beautiful, colorful paintings that decorate the houses of the village. On this day trip, we will take you on a scenic drive through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia. You can climb the Peñol Boulder, enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch on the waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir, explore the lake on a boat ride, and take time to stroll and relax.
Day 14
Medellín – Nuqui
You arrive in Nuqui, the region with the highest biodiversity in the country and the lowest population density. The Pacific is also home to rainforests, mangroves, pristine beaches, amazing biodiversity, whales and black communities of African descent.
Reception at Nuqui airport and transfer by boat to the beaches of Guachalito. The hotel offers a true paradise for all nature lovers, travellers looking for peace and quiet and a change of scenery. Lunch on the beach of El Cantíl. Afterwards, we will go on a walk to discover the surroundings, a guided tour that will take you to the “Cascada del Amor” through totally virgin beaches.
Day 15
Whale watching
Exciting morning ahead of you with your boat tour in search of humpback whales, accompanied by the hotel guide. The boat is perfect to see the animal up close. The impressive mammal is a regular in the Chocó region. Fond of warm water and low water currents, these whales have made Tribugá Gulf their breeding ground. Have lunch on El Cantil beach and in the afternoon, follow your guide and walk to the village of Termales through the Terco River. During the walk, you will have the opportunity to swim in the relaxing thermal waters. Return to your lodge at the end of the day.
Day 16
Second sea trip
Today, enjoy the second boat outing for more whale watching. Our guide will take us as close as possible to the whales, and if you are lucky, you might see them jump. This is an incredible experience and will be a highlight of your Colombia trip without a doubt. Enjoy lunch and dinner on El Cantil Beach. The afternoon is free to enjoy the other activities offered by the hotel (additional cost) such as diving and surfing.
Day 17
From the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast
Return to Nuqui by boat. Transfer to the airport.
Day 18
Tayrona park: arrécife and cabo San Juan
Tayrona takes us to a magical place located between the mountains, the tropical forest and the sea. We discover the most beautiful white sand beaches of the country and ancestral volcanic stones bathed in the crystalline waters of the Caribbean Sea. We start with a hike through the tropical jungle from the Cañaveral entrance. We then visit the exotic beaches of Arrecifes, then La Piscina, ideal for swimming and snorkeling (not included), and finally Cabo San Juan del Guia, a beautiful white sand bay surrounded by huge volcanic rocks. On the way, observation of the fauna and flora of this magnificent park.
Day 19
Santa Marta – Cartagena
Let us follow in the footsteps of the famous pirates and let us be surprised by the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, a city with a mixed and exotic heritage whose cultural richness can only surprise 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 highlights of the history of the city, the second Spanish stronghold established on the South American continent. Cartagena has suffered repeated attacks from pirates, the most famous of whom was Captain Francis Drake! We discover the beauty of its monuments, squares, churches and walls, witness to times gone by but which still defy the horizon.
Day 20
Traditional fishing trip
Depart early from your hotel to La Boquilla, a fishing village where an Afro-Cartagenian community lives. There, local fishermen will share their fishing techniques including how to catch crabs and how to throw nets. Then, you will discover the secrets of Caribbean cuisine and learn how to cook fish and crabs with coconut rice. Return to Cartagena at the beginning of the afternoon.
Day 21
End of the aventure
It’s time to leave Colombia for new horizons. Heading to the airport with memories in your head and your heart full of emotions.
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