Overview
Colombia offers a world of wonderful artistic exploration for lovers of history, natural beauty and delectable cuisine. In Bogotá, view a world-renown collection of pre-Hispanic gold crafts, incredible art, and explore Zipaquira’s fascinating underground salt cathedral filled with hand-hewn sculptures. Travel to the Andean village of Armenia, and experience the traditions, aromas and flavors of the abundant coffee plantations, as well as get an introduction into Colombian gastronomy. Next, discover the colorful colonial architecture of vibrant Cartagena, and savor its Caribbean flavors with renowned Chef Jorge. Then relax as you explore the Rosario archipelago, a national park featuring clear water, sandy beaches and perhaps the most beautiful coral reef in the Caribbean. Journey Pace: Active

Tour Details

DEPARTURE INFORMATION

Starts any day. January to December

10 days from $4395.00

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Itinerary
Day 1

Arrive Bogotá, Colombia

Welcome to Colombia. You are met on arrival in Bogotá, and then taken by private car to your hotel.

Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is a vibrant and diverse city; a bustling metropolis that is a mix of old and new, trendy and traditional. This afternoon, enjoy time at leisure to relax or explore this capital city on your own. 

Day 2

Bogotá Sightseeing

This morning, your full day of sightseeing begins with a private walking tour of historic Bogotá, starting with the well-preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria. Visit Plaza de Bolivar, the main square of Bogotá, and see the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall. Tour the Fernando Botero Museum, which contains paintings and sculptures of this famous contemporary Colombian artist. Next, visit the famous Gold Museum, and the world’s greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at the restaurant Casa San Isidrio, known for its good food and amazing views of the city and surroundings. Next, take the funicular up to the monastery of Monserrate, a pilgrimage site for many Colombians who pass the fourteen Stations of the Cross to reach the convent. (B,L)

Day 3

Zipaquirá Excursion

After breakfast you are driven north of the city to the town of Zipaquirá, famous for its underground salt cathedral. See where the Stations of the Cross and three naves are eerily illuminated along with other sculptures and cavernous pools; all hewn from the salt mine tunnels under the Halite Mountains.

Your drive continues, to a noted horse ranch in time for a traditional Colombia BBQ lunch. After a short tour of the small finca with its stables, and training paddock, enjoy an exhibition of the Paso Fino breed and the Trote “trot” breeds. Pasos area naturally gaited light horse breed dating back to the horses imported to the Caribbean from Spain. Your guide explains the process of breaking in the horses, training them and their uses as well as their value. ​(B,L)

Day 4

Bogotá to Armenia

Today, fly from Bogotá to the Armenia. Located in a small valley under the shadow of the Andes, this relaxed city sits in the heart of the coffee triangle.

The afternoon is at your leisure to relax in your accommodations, a charming colonial-style hacienda (estate) surrounded by banana and plantain plantations. Enjoy views of the stunning Andean mountains, keeping watch for the abundant regional bird and wildlife. ​(B)

Day 5

Gastronomic Experience & Pereira Sightseeing

Today enjoy a true Gastronomic Experience in this World Heritage region. Your day starts with a visit to a local organic food market accompanied by a local chef. Your guide and the chef have you meet and learn about the local people, as well as learn about their unique varieties of native meats, fish, vegetables and exotic fruits.

Fresh ingredients in hand, you are taken to Sazagua for a cooking lesson. Discovering some of the Chef’s tricks of the trade, you help create a typical Colombia dish, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor for lunch.

This afternoon, journey through carpeted rolling hills filled with lush green coffee, plantain, and yucca farms en route to Hacienda Café San Alberto. Tour this magnificent coffee plantation and see the whole process from seedling to coffee cup – planting, picking, toasting, tasting, and getting the brew to market. Hear about the trials and tribulations that face these coffee growers and how their whole way of life is affected by this simple bean. At the conclusion of your education tour, enjoy a coffee tasting session so you can savor the aromatic and smooth coffee of the region.

Return to your hacienda home by late afternoon. ​(B,L)

Day 6

Coffee Region Sightseeing

Travel back in time today – to experience the tranquility of the traditional Colombian way of life when coffee was king.

Depart Armenia for the heart of the Coffee region. Stop in Filandia, a traditional Pueblo whose main square has not changed in decades. Take your coffee break while appreciating the quaint uninterrupted lines of brightly painted houses. Agriculture is the backbone of this rural region of small pueblos (villages) - Your guide explains the fascinating history and culture of these traditional people of the land.

Next, drive to the Valle Cocora (Cocora Valley), viewing the unique landscapes of the Parque Nacional Los Nevados, along the central Andean range. Looking like a lush Swiss valley, this area is regarded as a sanctuary for the Wax Palm, the national symbol of Colombia, which covers its mountainsides. Visit Salento, a colonial settlement dating back to 1850, exploring this picturesque town rimmed with distant snow-capped mountains.

Return to your hotel by late afternoon. ​(B,L)

Day 7

Pereira to Cartagena

After breakfast you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. You are met upon arrival and taken to your hotel.

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a city with a wealth of character and well-preserved colonial architecture that attracts affluent Latin Americans and Europeans. With restored mansions, horse-drawn carriages and Old World-style plazas, Cartagena is a perfect walking city. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore this colorful, romantic and vibrant Caribbean city, with its excellent cuisine and warm and inviting people. ​(B)

Day 8

Gastronomic Experience & Cartagena Sightseeing

This morning, experience real Caribbean gastronomy with acclaimed Chef Jorge. Your tour starts as he leads you through the vibrant Caribbean market of Bazurto, stopping to discover the various shapes, colors, and variety of fruits, vegetables and fish from the nearby Rosario Islands. Then the chef escorts you to his home or restaurant, where he teaches you how to cook a typical regional dish, such as Mojito “de La Casa,” Cerviche, or Cazuela de Mariscos (Shellfish Stew). Then relax and savor the cuisine you’ve learned how to create.

After lunch, a walking tour of the historic walled old town reveals the hidden history of this colonial city. See Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, and Plaza Bolivar, to stop for a fresh Lemon juice.

Continue your tour, driving to visit the impressive Castillo San Felipe, the largest Spanish fortification in the Americas. It was built in the 17th century to protect the city from marauding invaders. Next, see the 17th century Convent of La Popa, a beautiful convent building that sits atop the highest point in the city, commanding spectacular views of the bay, old town and Caribbean Sea beyond. ​(B,L)

Day 9

Rosario Islands Excursion

Today enjoy a full-day excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands archipelago.

After a transfer to the pier, you board a motorboat for the ninety minute journey south. The 23 separate Rosario Islands are a National Natural Park, and one of the most important coral reefs of the Caribbean Colombian coast.

Enjoy time to swim or snorkel in the beautiful crystal clear waters or laze in a hammock on the white sandy beaches.

You return to Cartagena by boat, arriving by late afternoon with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. ​(B,L)

Day 10

Depart Cartagena

Today you are taken to the Cartagena airport for your departing flight home or on to your next destination. ​(B)

Accommodations

Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota

The name Victoria Regia refers to an elegant Colombian water lily that floats in the Amazon and it is known for the strength of its leaves. The hotel reflects its beauty and vigor. True to its architectural concept of elegant lines and rich materials, this five-star hotel is the ideal combination of the classic and contemporary.Renowned architect Miguel Soto has achieved a fine blend of elegant and modern French style, with characteristic local features, creating a welcoming and distinctive design. The French art de vivre is seen in every detail.Our hotel's 102 rooms, including five private suites, offer a luxurious stay. Our gourmet restaurant awakens the culinary senses and our three French-style meeting rooms are perfect for any event

Hacienda Bambusa, Quindio

Surrounded by the huge mountains of our Central Andes Range, centenary trees, gardens and crops, Hacienda Bambusa is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty. The hacienda is located in the southern part of the coffee region, in a place privileged by its environment and climate. Built of bamboo guadua and clay tiles, Hacienda Bambusa has seven impeccably presented rooms, ideally arranged for rest and relaxation. Travelers come in contact with the natural richness of Colombia’s mountains, forests, plantations, cascades, rivers and trails; here guests will see a great diversity of animals and plants. Guests will also learn about the history of the country and the coffee culture; all this with maximum comfort and independence for travelers and accompanied by knowledgeable staff.

Ananda Hotel Boutique, Cartagena

ANANDÁ Hotel Boutique is a space that delicately communicates the spirit of perfect balance between luxury and pleasure. It is the ideal place to reach that ultimate state of happiness. ANANDÁ is located at the heart of the historic center and a few blocks away from important monuments and historical buildings such as the Cathedral, Santo Domingo's Square, and the Inquisition Palace. The hotel is surrounded by the bustling life of the city, its fashion boutiques, art galleries and gourmet restaurants, everything impregnated with the Warmth and amability of people. For a second it will allow you to imagine the XVIth century Caribbean way of life. Just around the corner you can run into the magnificent wall, that once protected the city from pirates and plunderers ; a wall that over the centuries has become the main background for one of the most romantic places on earth. ANANDÁ is not a place; it is a state of the soul, Simply astonishing.