13 night Tour through Colombia

BOGOTÁ CITY TOUR – LA CANDELARIA HISTORIC DISTRICT (Full day)

Private Services

Today you will explore the Colombian capital of Bogotá during a walking tour with an English speaking guide. The area of modern Bogotá was first populated by indigenous groups who migrated from Mesoamerica. Among these groups were the Muiscas who settled in what are now the neighbourhoods of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. With the arrival of the Spanish, the area became a major settlement, founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. The city later became the capital of the Spanish provinces and the seat of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. When independence came, Bogotá became the capital of Gran Colombia and later the capital of the Republic of Colombia. Located at 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá is a city of over 8 million inhabitants.

Bogotá has 2 different sectors for tourism. The first is the old Candelaria Historic District scattered with traditional colonial houses and cobblestoned streets. The second sector and by contrast, the north of the city boasts modernity and innovation. Tourists will find government buildings, as well as a variety of trendy shops, restaurants and bars.

Bogotá’s historic city centre “La Candelaria” with its impressive churches, the State Palace and the “Plaza Bolívar” will be explored with the company of your guide explaining each building’s history in detail. Furthermore, you can visit the world famous gold museum “Museo del Oro”, the Emerald Museum and the museum of the famous Colombian artist Botero.

Bogotá is an inspiring city that offers something new every day. In 2010, the capital of Colombia was chosen as a “Must See” destination by the prestigious New York Times newspaper. You can discover a city that offers a wide range of opportunities in the fields of art, culture, recreation, sports and science.

Musical trip around Colombia at Pedro Crump’s house
(applies only for luxury service)

Today you will meet Pedro Crump, an independent colombian musician, composer, producer and pianist. You will be taken to his home in the north of city. Born in Bogotá, he studied fine arts and music in Boston, at the Curry College of Berklee College of Music and New England Conservatory of Music. Crump has created music for both film and television, and as an independent musician, he produces his own records under the Musica Oceanica label, and directs the El Circulo Dorado ensemble. This former surfer of the Colombian Caribbean experimented through this sport to flow in synchrony with nature and its rhythms. This passion is reflected in the inspiration behind the name of his label (MusicaOceanica) and the creation of his series, The Elements: Water, Fire, Earth, Air, of which his first 3 CDs have been published under.

Thanks to his interest in nature and the environment, he participated for 6 years in the board of directors of the Fundación Natura Colombia. He has also ventured into photography and sculpture. Thanks to his wide experience and knowledge of the different aspects of Colombian music, his musical experience in the musical studio of Bogotá, which is at his home, is really interesting to get to know, and understand the richness and musical complexity of Colombia.

This experience lasts around 1,5 hours.

You will spend the night at Hotel Four Seasons Casa Medina (Premier Room, B&B).

Included:  local guide , English speaking guide for the tour , entrance to Monserrate and funicular , entrance to Botero Museum , entrance to Gold Museum , private transportation , private excursion , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

Transport from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva.

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

In the morning you will be driven from your Hotel to the town of Zipaquirá to visit an underground Salt Mine that has a Cathedral inside. Walking inside the Salt Cathedral is a very special experience with a catholic taste due to the country´s traditions and the miner’s devotion for The Holy Virgin of Guasca who protects them. Once at the bottom of the Cathedral you will see the 3 sections and the big cross in the main one. A simple but complete movie will show you the dimensions of the mine as well as the history behind it.

Get impressed by one of the biggest religious constructions worldwide!

*Note: on the road from Bogota to Villa de Leyva you can take a stopover in Zipaquira to visit the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, one of the wonders of Colombia. You will then continue your way to Villa de Leyva where you will spend two nights.

You will spend the night at Hotel Casa Terra (Standard Room – Amonita).

Included:  private transportation , entrance to Zipaquira sat cathedral , English speaking guide for the tour , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

Transport at your disposal in Villa de Leyva and surroundings.

Let yourself be amazed by the charming town of Villa de Leyva, one of the heritage towns of Colombia. This beautiful city with Spanish colonial architecture, is one of the best preserved and oldest cities in the country. Be surprised by the cobbled streets and the impressive main square of the town, the largest in Colombia. You will feel that you are back in time. In the surroundings of the village you can visit some interesting places such as El Fósil, the archeological area of ​​El Infiernito and the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery.

Casa de Terracota

Casa Terracota in Villa de Leyva is a house made of clay measuring 500 m² and is considered one of the largest piece of pottery in the world. Terracotta House is a bricked coloured structure that architect Octavio Mendoza baked in the same manner as pottery makers when they produce vases, dishes and other decorative objects. It is a construction which according to its creator, transforms it into habitable architecture.

*Note: open every day from 08h30 to 17h30

Pozos Azules

On the outskirts of Villa de Leyva is an interesting attraction where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the valley and the mountains of the region. These wells are artificial and being located in a semi-desert ecosystem and Andean mountains where the colour of the water is usually blue-green according to the weather, so it is advisable to visit the wells on a sunny day with blue skies. It is possible to take a low-impact hike and admire the scenery.

You will spend the night at Hotel Casa Terra (Standard Room – Amonita).

Included:  private transportation , English speaking guide for the tour , entrance to Pozos Azules , entrance to Casa Terracota , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

Return transfer from Villa De Leyva to Bogota

You will have a domestic flight from Bogotá to Armenia.

Transfer from the airport in Armenia to your selected hotel.

Please be aware of the sign with your name on it.

You will spend the night at Hotel Bio Habitat (Suite).

Included:  private transportation , arrival transfer , breakfast , dinner , room at your selected hotel

VALLE DEL COCORA & SALENTO (7 hours)

Private Services

Salento is the oldest municipality in the department of Quindío, therefore its traditional architecture and craft workshops make it an unforgettable place. There you can see colonial houses painted in colors, balconies full of flowers and even better, you will enjoy the warmth of its people that will make your visit a great experience.

You will also enjoy a hike in the Cocora Valley, where the national tree of Colombia, the Wax Palm, is located. Surely the palms will attract your attention, especially since their height is up to 70 meters, being one of the highest palms in the world. Allow yourself to be amazed by all the beauty of the landscape in the walk through the trails of the valley. The hike in the valley lasts around 2 hours. You will finish the afternoon enjoying a delicious lunch and playing traditional games such as the “Tejo” or the “Rana”, accompanied by a Colombian beer.

This activity includes: Transportation, hydration during the hike, typical lunch and traditional games with a beer.

You will spend the night at Hotel Bio Habitat (Suite).

Included:  Activity , bottle of water , local guide , lunch , private transportation , English speaking guide for the tour , breakfast , dinner , room at your selected hotel

COFFEE FARM EXPERIENCE (2.5 hours)

Today you will learn everything about the world of coffee and the entire process from the bush until the finished cup of coffee. During this unique tour you will experience this process on a coffee plantation first hand. You will get to know how is the daily work of a coffee farmer. Your coffee expert will share with you the whole knowledge of coffee and will reveal you some secrets of planting, harvesting, washing and drying the coffee. Get carried away by the smell and taste of one of the best coffees of the world – the Colombian one! And at the end of the tour you will learn how to prepare a cup of coffee. For this excursion you will visit a traditional coffee farm of the region.

You will spend the night at Hotel Bio Habitat (Suite).

Included:  bottle of water , private excursion , local guide , private transportation , breakfast , dinner , room at your selected hotel

Transfer from your selected hotel in the Quindio area to the airport in Pereira.

You will have a domestic flight from Pereira to Medellin.

Transfer from the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport to your selected hotel in Medellin.

Please be aware of the sign with your name on it.

MEDELLIN DANCE EXPERIENCE – PRIVATE SALSA CLASS (3 hours)

Private services

Interested in getting closer to Colombia’s culture but don’t know how? The cultural essence of Colombia is music and dancing. Experience private Salsa lessons with a professional teacher introducing the first steps to enjoy Salsa and other Colombian dance rhythms. If you never danced before take the chance and start something new. If you are already experienced learn some new moves to impress your friends.

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy Colombia´s most important music style
• Learn how to move like a Colombian local and impress with new moves
• Experience private classes with your own teacher
• Get closer to Colombia´s music and dance culture

You will spend the night at Hotel Park 10 (Standard Room).

Included:  departure transfer , English speaking guide for the transfer , arrival transfer , Activity , bottle of water , private excursion , local guide , insurance , snack , English speaking guide for the tour , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

GUATAPÉ & PIEDRA DEL PEÑOL (10 hours)

Private Services

The Peñol Boulder is one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellín. The 200-meter-high monolith can be climbed through a staircase of 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, colourful 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.

Trip Highlights:

• Climb the Peñol Boulder and enjoy breathtaking views
• Explore the lake on a boat ride
• Scenic drive through the Eastern highlands of Antioquia
• Enjoy the laid-back village lifestyle and a stroll along the charming waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir

You will spend the night at Hotel Park 10 (Standard Room).

Included:  boat ticket , entrance fee to the mentioned services , local guide , insurance , lunch , private transportation , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

MEDELLIN – HISTORY OF TRANSFORMATION (Half day)

Private Services

20 years ago, Medellín was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medellín’s drug cartel was at its peak. Thus the reign of “El Patrón” came to its end. Until the turn of the millennium the struggle about Escobar’s successor continued, but since 2002 Medellín began to change. Local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. You will go through the history and present of Medellín and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis.

Trip Highlights:

• Learn more about the city’s transformation while using the innovative transport-system in the poorer neighbourhoods
• Explore Medellín’s newest invention: the escalators of Comuna 13
• Experience how people of Medellín think about the history of the city

Transfer from your selected hotel to the José Maria Córdova airport in Medellin.

You will have a domestic flight from Medellin to Cartagena.

Transfer from the airport to your selected hotel in Cartagena. Look for a sign with your name on it.

You will spend the night in Hotel Quadrifolio (Junior Suite Twin Room).

Included:  English speaking guide for the tour , private excursion , local guide , snack , private transportation , departure transfer , arrival transfer , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

CITY TOUR CARTAGENA (Half day)

Private Services

Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in America. Its historical center, walled by fortifications built in the colonial era, retains its original architecture and is shown today in a myriad of colors that fill it with Caribbean life and joy. Its fascinating history as one of the pearls of that era, a place of collection of great treasures and the largest slave port in the colonies, gives immense importance to this World Heritage City. The stories about those pirate attacks of great magnitude are present in each of the fortifications that remain intact to this day.

The City-Tour begins with a visit to the Fort of San Felipe de Barajas, the largest fortification built by the Spanish in their colonies. In a one-hour tour we will be able to appreciate this masterpiece of military architecture in coral stone and we will learn about the defense strategy of the city in relation to its topography. Then we will go to the historical center to visit the San Pedro Clavér Convent Museum, former Jesuit Cloister (1605) and home of the so-called “Slave of the Slaves”. To finish, we make a tour of approximately 2 hours through the main squares, churches and streets of the city. We will also walk over the city walls to have the best views of the city and to know the most important bastions.

*Note: after the visit to San Felipe Castle and before returning to the Old Town, you will visit the La Popa and its old monastery located at 150 meters above sea level. This is the highest point of the city where the panoramic view of the city can be seen. If you visit La Popa, the visit to San Pedro Claver Monastery is skipped. The visit to La Popa has an additional cost. It does not apply to groups of more than 15 people.

You will spend the night in Hotel Quadrifolio (Junior Suite Twin Room).

Included:  Entrance to San Felipe Fortress , entrance to San Pedro Claver Monastery , local guide , insurance , private transportation , English speaking guide for the tour , Entrance to La Popa Monastery , breakfast , room at your selected hotel

Transfer from your selected hotel in Cartagena to the harbour.

You will have a shared transfer by speedboat from La Bodeguita Dock in Cartagena to Hotel Las Islas.

The boat leaves the dock at 13h30.

The day of the return the boat leaves at 12h00 from the hotel to Cartagena.

You will spend the night in Hotel Las Islas (Altitude Bungalow with Jacuzzi).

Included:  departure transfer , boat ticket , Port tax , breakfast , room at your selected hotel , full board

Free Day Las Islas

You will have a day of rest and relaxation at Hotel Las Islas Aviatur, you will be in the Caribbean paradise and you will have different options to enjoy your stay. The Hotel Las Islas is located on the Baru Peninsula, an insular area of Cartagena de Indias that is part of the Islas del Rosario National Natural Park. The natural park is a protected area that preserves the fauna and flora of the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, because its coastal ecosystems are home to various species of mangroves and lagoons where birds, fish and also unique corals in the world live. Your hotel is friendly with the environment and for that reason the architecture and activities offered are adapted to the nature of the place.

On your day off you can enjoy and relax completely or you have the possibility to do some activities that are included in the rate as:

• Bioluminescence tour: night tour where you will observe the natural phenomenon of plankton.
• Short astronomical observation: the hotel has a telescope and if you wish a member of the hotel can help you to make a short astronomical observation from the hotel
•  Cooking class: is a cooking class with a woman from the local community. You will have the opportunity to learn about the local gastronomy of the islands and taste delicious typical dishes. This experience is shared with other hotel guests. If you would like a private class, it has a sucharge.
• Yoga class
• Transfer to Isleta: this is the hotel’s private island and you will be able to enjoy the beach and the warm Caribbean waters.
• Two bikes per bungalow: you can take a short bike tour in the hotel

You will spend the night in Hotel Las Islas (Altitude Bungalow with Jacuzzi).

Included:  breakfast , room at your selected hotel , full board

Transfer by boat from Hotel San Pedro de Majagua to Cartagena. The boat will depart the island in the afternoon at 15h00 and arrive in Cartagena an hour later.

Transfer from the harbour to the airport in Cartagena.

Included:  boat ticket , departure transfer