Colombia Discovery
This inspiring 12 days experience plunges you into the unique natural landscapes and historical and modern cultures of Colombia. We will go from the energetic Bogota to the rolling hills of coffee country, we will encounter whales in the Colombian Pacific and relax by the seductive port of Cartagena with its white coral Rosario Islands off the Caribbean coast, history of pirates and modern day arts scene.
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival in Bogota.
Arrival at El Dorado airport in Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia at 2600 meters (8530.1837 feet) above sea level and which is quickly becoming one of the Latin American urban highlights with more than 7 million inhabitants. Check in at your hotel in the city located in the old historical district of La Candelaria surrounded by plenty of cafes, museums and churches. (No meals)
Day 2 . Bogota
We begin our second day with a fueling breakfast at the hotel, then we’re off to enjoy a tour of the city, starting with a ride on the world-famous Bogota cable car. You will enjoy breathtaking views of the city and surrounding nature as the cars climb 3160 meters to the peak of Cerro Monserrate (10,367 feet). We will then walk through the historical suburb of La Candelaria, with its old churches and cobblestoned streets, surrounded by colonial architecture, baroque churches, art deco houses, and street art. We will visit Plaza Bolivar and its stunning Cathedral. We will also visit the Museo del Oro (The Gold Museum) to see the most iconic and amazing gold artifacts of Colombia, and Fernando Botero’s permanent exhibition at the Banco de la República. For lunch you will be on your own and provided with ample time to explore and sample the incredible tastes of the city. We will drive for about 1 hour and a half to Zipaquira. Dinner not included.
Day 3. Zipaquira- Salento
After breakfast at the hotel we drive for about 1 hour to visit one of the Colombia’s landmarks, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, a huge underground salt cavern almost 200-meters below ground.This amazing structure dates back to pre-Columbian cultures and was used as a place of worship before converting into a Catholic Church. Get stunned at the towering religious effigies carved by local artists out of the very rock itself as you wander amongst the monolithic caverns. Lunch on your own and time to explore the town of Zipaquira where you will find interesting historic buildings and a charming street market. Right after that, we will drive to El Dorado Airport to catch our flight to Pereira, Arrival and we will drive about 2 hours to Salento, a stunning village with quaint streets where we can admire the best of ‘paisa’ architecture and its colours. Lunch en route. Overnight in Salento at a standard hotel in town.
Day 4. Valle de Cocora- Pereira
After breakfast at the hotel you will visit the amazing Cocora Valley, inside Los Nevados National Natural Park, home to the national tree and symbol of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm, these slender trees
stand at an impressive 60 meters. In this 12 kilometers walk we will have a big chance of spotting the largest flying bird in the world, the Andean Condor as well as the Long Tailed Sylph Hummingbird and the Blue crowned Motmot . Late lunch at local restaurant and drive to Pereira for overnight.
Day 5. Pereira- Bahia Solano
Early departure to Bahia Solano, a peaceful and small village located in the Colombian Pacific Coast. Lunch after check in and relaxation afternoon in El Almejal beach which is almost 2 kilometers (1.2miles) long. You can learn about the Turtle conservation program in the area and also go birding nearby. Overnight in the standard lodge with dinner included.
Day 6. Whales watching & Utría National Park
After breakfast, we will ride and join our first Whales Observation tour in the Southern part of Bahia Solano. The Humpback Whales migrate from the colder waters of Antarctica and Southern Chile to give birth and raise their calves in the warmer waters of the Pacific in a 8,500 km.journey. Colombia is a breeding spot for humpback whales, thousands of them can be found along the length of the Pacific coast during June and October. We will return to our hotel for lunch and visit the rugged Utría National Park, which spreads out over 54,380 hectares (134,400 acres) and is also a perfect ecosystem of rainforests, mangroves and coral reefs to end in Playa Blanca (“White beach’) where we can find hermit crabs and other small species. Dinner and overnight at standard lodge.
Day 7. Whales watching & El Tigre Falls
Breakfast. Today we will explore the Northern part of Bahia Solano while we join our second Whales Observation tour. Right after lunch we will walk north of El Valle through the pristine forest and along the shore to reach Cascada del Tigre (Tiger Falls), an impressive waterfall with a swimming hole where we will enjoy a refreshing swim. Dinner and overnight at standard lodge.
Day 8. Bahía Solano -Medellin
After Breakfast, we will fly to Medellin and right after landing we will start a tour in the city. “Medallo” was once infamous as the capital of murder and home to drug lord Pablo Escobar bu thas already put its past behind and is now a thriving cosmopolitan city. It can now offer its visitors many historical sights, interesting museums and delicious local cuisine. Our city tour here includes a visit to the art Museum of Antioquia, where we will see some of the best works of Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. to catch our flight to Cartagena by the end of the afternoon. Overnight in Getsemani, dinner not included.
Day 9. Guatape- Cartagena
Transfer to the airport and Early flight to Medellin. Day tour to famous inselberg El Peñon de Guatape. With an elevation of 2,135 meters (7,005 ft)above sea level, the rock is one of the most unusual attractions in the region.Over 650 steps lead to the viewing point on top of it, from where an amazing scenery of lakes and islands reveals itself. We will continue with a visit to the town of Guatape – one of the most colorful towns in the world where every house is a piece of art. Late flight to Cartagena, Overnight in Getsemani.
Day 10. Cartagena
Breafkast and we will go and explore one of the most iconic cities of the Caribbean. Visit the Convent La Popa, San Felipe Castle and the working-class district of Gestemani. Balance of day to relax. Overnight in Cartagena.
Day 11. Cartagena-Bogota
Breakfast. As optional: Transfer to the tourist dock of Cartagena. Boat trip to Corales del Rosario National Park, you can witness a stunning 27 small coral island archipelago with turquoise and blue waters. We will navigate through the Cartagena Bay passing between the Bateria de San José and Fuerte de San Fernando Spanish forts. After that we will visit the Oceanarium Aquarium or snorkel for an hour and will go for a tasty lunch at Playa Blanca on Isla Barú. Boat ride back by 4pm to Cartagena’s dock.
Day 12. Cartagena-Bogota
Transfer to the airport for your flight beyond. End of tour
Tour info
Includes
Excludes
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All excursions as enlisted.
English speaking native tour guide or interpreter
All air, land & boat transfers
Accommodation at standard hotels.
Meals as enlisted (B,L,D) -
Souvenirs
Drinks
Gratuities (optional)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic and soft drinks
Spending money – budget for meals, snacks, drinks, laundry, tips and any extras