In Summary
Why this trip ?
This tour allows you to discover everything that makes up the richness of a country: its heritage, its archaeological sites set within exceptional natural landscapes, and its vibrant cultures. It offers a true immersion in an almost unreal world, nestled in the heart of lush nature. Learn about Afro-Caribbean history and culture in Cartagena, while delighting your taste buds with traditional lunches and a hands-on cocoa-based cooking workshop.
Domestic flights are not included.
Your Itinerary
- Day 1 : Welcome to Colombia
- Day 2 : Walking tour Bogota
- Day 3 : Bogota – Neiva – Tatacoa desert
- Day 4 : Neiva – Tierradentro
- Day 5 : Hiking to Aguacate and museum
- Day 6 : San Agustin Archaeological Park
- Day 7 : Tour in the Isnos region
- Day 8 : Popayan
- Day 9 : Misak Culture Eco-Adventure Tour
- Day 10 : Cali
- Day 11 : Walking tour Cartagena
- Day 12 : Palenque or history of slavery
- Day 13 : Rum tasting
- Day 14 : End of the adventure
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…
Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert is located in the North of the Huila department. It is the second most arid area in Colombia.The region has a lot of erosion and dry canyons….
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…
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…
Tierradentro
Located in the heart of the Andes, 6 hours from Popayan, Tierradentro is a sacred place where the descendants of the indigenous Paeces people survive. This region is located at…
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…
At glance
Highlights of this Trip
1
The Archaeological Park of Tierradentro, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a major site composed of numerous hypogeums.
2
San Agustín, the archaeological capital of Colombia.
3
Popayán, known as the white city and religious capital of Colombia, classified as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
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
Walking tour Bogota
Let’s discover the centre of Bogotá like the “rolos” (nickname of the inhabitants of Bogotá). The walking tour of the capital takes us to the most authentic and historical places of the city.
La Candelaria, the historical centre of the city, is a charming place with its brightly coloured houses, carved wooden balconies and flowery patios.
Day 3
Bogota – Neiva – Tatacoa desert
Private transport from your hotel to Bogota airport. Flight and transfer to Neiva.
Located 35 km from the city of Neiva, the village of Villavieja is the gateway to the Tatacoa Desert. This desert, which is actually a dry tropical forest, consists of magnificent candelabra cacti and sandy formations of different colors. The natural scenery in this place is truly stunning. During this excursion, you will explore El Cuzco (red desert) and Los Hoyos (white desert) where you can swim in a spring-fed pool, a nice refreshing break! Let yourself be amazed by the second largest desert in Colombia, one of the country’s most striking natural landscapes. In the evening, you will visit the astronomical observatory—an ideal place for stargazing, thanks to its proximity to the equator and minimal light pollution.
Day 4
Neiva – Tierradentro
A few kilometres before reaching Inzá, we begin a short walk of approximately 20 minutes to reach the pyramid site. From there, we can enjoy spectacular views over the Tierradentro region and, if desired, explore the tunnels carved beneath this impressive rock formation.
Day 5
Hiking to Aguacate and museum
Accompanied by our local guide, we leave the village of San Andrés de Pisimbalá for a beautiful hike that takes us to the summit of Aguacate. We then follow a ridge dotted with hypogea. Our efforts on the way up will be amply rewarded by an incredible panorama of the whole region. We descend on a fairly steep path to the Tierradendro park facilities.
Accompanied with our guide, we begin the excursion with a visit to the archaeological museum, followed by the ethnographic museum. We then continue to Alto de Segovia and Alto del Duende, where numerous hypogea can be found.
We then reach the Tablón site, decorated with statues with human representations. We descend to our hotel.
Day 6
San Agustin Archaeological Park
Depart from the hotel accompanied by our local guide to visit the San Agustín Archaeological Park, a major UNESCO World Heritage site. We start with a visit to the archaeological museum followed by a walk through the park to discover the gigantic statues and sacred tombs, amidst the forest and tropical flowers. Visit to Mesitas A, B, C, the ceremonial source of Lavapatas, the Alto de Lavapatas and finally the Bosque de las Estatuas.
Day 7
Tour in the Isnos region
In the morning, we depart for San José de Isnos to visit the Salto de Mortiño, a spectacular waterfall approximately 170 meters high. We then continue through sugarcane fields to a traditional trapiche (depending on the activity of the day of the visit), a place where the panela (cane sugar) is handcrafted. We head for the Alto de las Piedras Park to observe statues and funerary monuments. After lunch, back to San Agustin, we visit the Obando Museum before heading to the “Estrecho” of the Magdalena River. Walk to the Pelota site to observe the last colourful statues of San Agustín. Then visit La Chaquira, a magical place with a surprising view of the canyon of the Magdalena River.
Day 8
Popayan
Accompanied by our local guide, we set off on foot to discover the town of Popayán. This guided tour is an opportunity for us to discover the historical centre of Popayan and to visit the monuments, churches and museums.
Day 9
Misak Culture Eco-Adventure Tour
Discover the Misak culture through an immersive experience within the community. A ritual with medicinal plants, a meeting with the Taita at the House of Thought, insights into ancestral knowledge, and a participatory traditional dance demonstration shape this half-day experience. The visit also includes exploring traditional gardens and the Misak agricultural system, as well as time dedicated to local handicrafts, with the opportunity to purchase handmade creations and try on traditional attire.
Day 10
Cali
Private transport from Popayan to Cali
Today we discover Cali in private transportation. A visit to the Cristo Rey will give us the opportunity to enjoy an amazing panoramic view of the city. During the tour, we will also explore the traditional neighborhoods of San Antonio and El Peñón, as well as key landmarks such as Gato de Tejada Park, La Tertulia Museum of Modern Art, La Merced Archaeological Museum, the River Boulevard, La Ermita Cathedral, the Poets’ Park, the Caycedo Square, the San Francisco’s Church, and the Municipal Theater Enrique Buenaventura.
Day 11
Walking tour Cartagena
Transfer and flight to Cartagena.
We will then 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 along the streets of the beautiful city of Cartagena takes us back to colonial times, with its colourful houses and lively parks. It is an opportunity to step back in time and relive some of the key moments in the city’s history, once the second Spanish stronghold established on the South American continent. Cartagena endured repeated pirate attacks, the most famous led by Captain Francis Drake. As we explore, we uncover its beauty and bear witness to a rich and fascinating past.
Day 12
Palenque or history of slavery
San Basilio of Palenque, located 55 kilometers inland from Cartagena, was one of the first free towns in the Americas and is also the birthplace of renowned boxers like Antonio Cervantes “Kid Pambelé.”
During this visit, we will be immersed in local customs and discover life during the era of slavery. After enjoying a typical lunch, appreciate folk dances and learn about the Afro-Caribbean culture.
Day 13
Rum tasting
A moment of discovery and indulgence centered around Colombian artisanal rum, recognized among the finest in the world. During the afternoon, we enjoy a tasting of exceptional rums aged between 4 and 27 years, paired with delicious local chocolate. This experience is hosted by Abraham Dau, one of Colombia’s top five mixologists, who welcomes us with a signature cocktail prepared especially for us.
Day 14
End of the adventure
: It is time to head home and share your wonderful experience with your loved ones. Transport from your hotel to Cartagena Airport.
LODGING
Hotels during your stay
Casa Deco
Hotel Casa Deco is a beautiful, charming building, with a very art-deco style in La Candelaria, in Bogotá’s historic center. You will easily access the tourist attractions, like the Gold Museum, the Modern Art Museum, and the Botero Museum. The Hotel includes a splendid terrace on the rooftop with the perfect view of the Cerros.
The rooms are the perfect combination of European elegance with the local Colombian charms. The decoration is very colorful, with many works of art imitations. Some of the rooms have a balcony or a small terrace, where you will be able to admire the many beauties of La Candelaria.
Tatacoa Desert
Hotel Yararaka
Situé à Villavieja à seulement 10 minutes de l’observatoire astronomique, l’hôtel Yararaka compte 12 chambres simples et confortables ainsi qu’une piscine dans le patio central, idéale pour contrer la chaleur ambiante avec un bain rafraichissant. L’hôtel se prête parfaitement à un séjour à proximité du désert de la Tatacoa, à la découverte diurne et nocturne de ses différents attraits.
La Portada
La Portada is a small family hotel in the village of San Andres de Pisimbala, in the heart of Tierradentro. Its location is perfect to live amongst the locals of Tierradentro. The particularity of La Portada is its construction, only made with local materials, found in Tierradentro. Rooms are simple yet cozy, and all have a wonderful view of the mountains. It offers a bar and restaurant that are open every day.
Masaya San Agustín
The Masaya San Agustín is an ecolodge hotel with a unique design, comfortable and in total harmony with the environment, inspired by the indigenous community houses of the region, is a replica worthy of being admired and appreciated; from its large maloca, spacious social spaces and incredible views to the rooms and hut rooms, its terraces, the vegetable garden or the nature trails, are the perfect pretext for the beginning of an unforgettable and diverse local experience.
La Plazuela
Plazuela Hotel is located in Popayan’s historic center, just a few steps away from Caldas Park. Built-in the 18th century, the hotel has a unique colonial architecture called Payanes style. The rooms are comfortable, some with balconies, and ideally located to enjoy Easter week processions.
San Antonio Boutique Hotel
Posada De San Antonio is a charming colonial-style hotel, located in the traditional neighborhood of San Antonio, known for its history, culture, and architecture. Around the Posada, you will find many bars and restaurants. The hotel offers well-decorated areas, ideal to find the tranquility of the old time. The building has 12 rooms, 8 with a traditional design, and 4 more modern designs.
Casa de Lucy
The Casa de Lucy is a guesthouse with ten lovely air-conditioned rooms and a spacious patio in the garden embodying a great family environment. The breakfast will amaze you. The hotel is very well located in the historic center of Cartagena, nearby La Plaza Fernandez de Madrid, where you can find restaurants and bars.
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