Bogota is the capital city of Colombia. Bogota's famous colonial neighbourhood of La Candelaria contains most of the historic sites, museums, ancient churches and central government buildings. Practically every street corner in La Candelaria marks some important event in Colombian history and most buildings retain their colonial architecture and charm.
See The Best Highlights Of Colombia!During this Colombia tour, you will begin your adventure in the vibrant capital city of Bogota and finish it in the stunning Caribbean coast. Journey to romantic Cartagena and Tayrona National Park in the Caribbean, then experience Medellin, which is rightfully called the "city of eternal spring" because of its lovely weather. After, witness the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, which seems to be untouched by time. This Colombia tour wouldn't be complete without a visit to Colombia's famous Coffee Region, where you will learn about the Colombian coffee making process surrounded by amazing mountains. You will have the opportunity to immerse in local Colombian culture when visiting the community of Gachantiva, near Villa de Leyva. You will go to a local house to learn how to cook traditional Colombian snacks and then visit a sugar cane farm to learn the whole process from planting the cane, cut it and then process it to get “panela”.You will also learn about the coffee and cacao cultivation processes. EXPERIENCE TYPE History, Culture, Eco-tourism, Local Traditions & Beach |
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Tour Highlights
Bogota
Explore the beating heart of Colombia's capital city
Visit an underground Salt Cathedral
The small town of Zipaquira is famous for its salt mines and for the Salt Cathedral now built inside the network of monumental chambers and tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations ceased. This cathedral is unlike any other in the world, in terms of its innovative architecture. It was opened in 1995 and represents an eclectic mix of religion and architecture to maximise protection from the ever-present risks of working in a mine. The walk-through Stations of the Cross in the mine are a poignant representation of Jesus' last steps, and they culminate in a three-part cavernous subterranean cathedral.
Boyaca
Go back in time when visiting the colonial town of Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is undoubtedly the most famous town in the department of Boyacá. Located 3.5 hours driving from Bogota, this lovely town has been remarkably well-preserved. It was founded in 1572 by Hernán Suárez de Villalobos, and early on, it was mainly a retreat for military officers, clergy and the nobility. Its central plaza, the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in South America, is surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings. Villa de Leyva was declared a national monument in 1954.
Learn how to cook some Colombian pastries
Get deeper inside the local culture and learn how to cook some traditional Colombian pastries at one of the farms in Gachantiva, a small town only 45 minutes away from Villa de Leyva. Most of the traditional pastries in the region are made of corn, an essential food used since the pre-Columbian times by many indigenous cultures in America. You will learn the recipe and the history behind the popular food and the cooking process.
Coffee Region
Admire the spectacular coffee region landscape
This fertile region, also called the Coffee Triangle, consists of three Colombian departments: Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio. It is located in the heart of the Andes where the majority of the famous Colombian coffee is produced. The coffee region’s landscape was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its astonishing landscaped adorned by mountains, coffee plantations and valleys. Colombia’s coffee region offers numerous options for hiking, birding and rural tourism, including visits to coffee farms to learn about the coffee production process.
Medellin
Witness the transformation of Medellin
Medellin is the second-largest city in Colombia and a world-class modern city with stunning architecture. Medellin delights visitors with its sophistication and wealth of attractions. It is called the “city of eternal spring” due to its perfect combination of warm days and cool nights. Surrounded by flower farms, Medellin is one of the main flowers producing centres in Colombia.
Cartagena
Get lost in the romantic atmosphere of Cartagena
Located on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias is one of the most fascinating, romantic and beautiful colonial cities in Latin America. This UNESCO World Heritage site is full of history, colourful streets and great people, making it a fairy tale city of romance.
Santa Marta
Explore the spectacular Tayrona Natural Park
Tayrona National Natural Park is one of the most iconic and popular places to visit on any trip to Colombia. The park is named after the Tayrona civilization and remains a sacred space for several indigenous groups in the region. Tayrona is, first-and-foremost, a national park and that’s down to the remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna within its boundaries. This spectacular park surrounded by steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range, is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand in South America and is the perfect place to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming.
What to Expect
Detailed Itinerary
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DAY 1 Join tour in Bogota
Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.
At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax.
Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, so we recommend to take it easy during the first couple of days.
Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: None
DAY 2 Traditional markets and historic tour in Bogota
Today, we will visit Plaza de Paloquemao, one of the largest and most popular markets in Bogota. You will be amazed by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables found there. At the market, you will have the opportunity to try some fruits, fruits juices and various Colombian snacks.
After the market, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display at the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and we will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.
During your Bogota tour, you will have the opportunity to uncover the city's secrets with our expert local guide!
Note: Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays
Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 3 Travel to Villa de Leyva via Zipaquira
We will pick you up from your hotel to start our journey towards Villa de Leyva. Along the way, we will visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and Raquira. The Salt Cathedral is located 50km north of Bogota and was built within the tunnels of a salt mine. The cathedral is situated 180m underground and has three sections representing the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ. It is an amazing work of architecture and engineering.
After visiting the cathedral, we will continue our trip towards Raquira, a small a colourful village with brightly painted facades and a jumble of crafts shops. This beautiful village is famous for its pottery and handicrafts made of clay. An interesting spot for shopping. We will have lunch on the way to Raquira. Then, we will continue our journey towards Villa de Leyva.
Villa de Leyva is a small Spanish-style town founded in 1572 was home to many important politicians, artists and wealthy families of during the colonial period. This lovely town built in the classic Spanish colonial style with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and terracotta roofs has been remarkably well-preserved. Its main plaza, the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in South America, is surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings.
Upon arrival in Villa de Leyva, we will to the hotel.
Overnight: Villa de Leyva Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Local community of Gachantiva
Early in the morning, we will go to a farm located one hour from Villa de Leyva. At the farm we will have a traditional Colombian breakfast, followed by a cooking experience to learn how to make “almohabana”, a traditional Colombian corn pastry. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to interact with the family at the farm and also learn from them a bit of history on how the ancient indigenous used to process and cook food made of corn.
After this interesting gastronomic activity, we will go to another farm to learn everything about the production of Panela, a product derived from sugar cane. At this farm, you will learn all about the sugar cane process and the important consumption of Panela in the Colombian gastronomy. Then, we will have lunch.
After lunch, we will go to Convento Santo Ecce Homo, founded by the Dominican fathers in 1620. This is a spectacular stone-and-adobe construction with a lovely courtyard and floors paved with stones quarried in the region, containing ammonites and fossils, including petrified corn and flowers. At the end of the visit, we will go back to Villa de Leyva.
You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure for your own exploration.
Overnight: Villa de Leyva Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 5 Travel to Colombia's Coffee Region
You will have the morning to explore a bit more of Villa de Leyva. Around midday, we will start our journey back to Bogota.
On the way to Bogota, we will stop at Boyaca Bridge, which is a very important historical place where the most important battle of the Colombian War of Independence took place. In the evening, you will take a flight to Pereira, one of the main cities in Colombia's Coffee Region.
Upon arrival in Pereira, we will transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 6 Coffee plantation, Valle de Cocora and Salento
Today we will take a day trip to the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) Natural Park. The cloud forest at Valle de Cocora is a prime example of the amazing diversity of fauna and flora special to Colombia’s Coffee Region.
While trekking across the valley, surrounded by the famous and unique palmas de cera (wax palms), we will hear
stories about this amazing place and its meaning for the native tribes that inhabited the area before the Europeans came to America. We may also have the opportunity to see different bird species, specially hummingbirds.
As we are in the coffee region, we can’t not miss the opportunity to visit a local coffee plantation to learn all the details of each step from planting the coffee beans all the way through the picking and roasting process. We will learn how to select and pick only the ripe coffee cherries and also how to taste and evaluate the coffee's quality, just like an expert coffee taster.
The coffee region is also famous for its beautiful and picturesque Paisa towns and, Salento is a clear example of that. Salento is adorned by colourful houses with colonial architecture surrounded by the natural landscape of the Andes and the smell of freshly roasted coffee. This town is the perfect place for a gentle stroll or for enjoying a delicious cup of Colombian coffee.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 Chocolate and fruits tour
Today we will visit Marsella, one of the most beautiful areas in the Coffee region, where you will see the fascinating landscapes while tasting fruits together with the most exquisite organic chocolate. Walk among the cocoa trees, feeling the sweet taste of the mucilage in the mouth and mix it with oranges, tangerines and aromatic plants. We will learn about the chocolate process from taking the seeds, roasting them and melting them to obtain a delicious cocoa cream, with which you can prepare your drink.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 Travel to Medellin
You will have the morning to relax and enjoy a little bit more of this spectacular region of Colombia before flying to Medellin. Upon arrival in Medellin, we will meet you at the airport to transfer you to the hotel.
Overnight: Medellin Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 9 City Tour Medellin and Comuna 13
Today, we will visit the most iconic areas of the city including: Plaza de Botero, El Pueblito Paisa and Parque LLeras. The Plaza de Botero is a medium-sized plaza full of sculptures created by the famous Colombian sculptor, Fernando Botero (originally from Medellin). He is famous for his style of painting, which makes everything look "chubby." The Parque Lleras and El Pueblito Paisa are two of Medellin's must-see quarters. The Pueblito Paisa, a small replica of a typical Antioquia township, located on top of the 80m-hill "Cerro Nutibara" is the perfect place to get a great panoramic view of the city. While the Parque Lleras is one of the most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife in Medellin.
We will also visit Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin. The area is safe to explore now, thanks to the government’s promise to improve the neighbourhood and the community’s commitment to sharing this unique part of Medellin with visitors.
During this tour, you will ride multiple elevators installed on the side of a mountain to help people move through the community easier. The walls of Comuna 13 are adorned with bright graffiti and your local guide will explain the meaning and symbolism behind some of the works of art. Witness for yourself how one community that was once home to so much struggle and conflict has blossomed into a colourful spot in Medellin. You will also get a chance to see authentic Colombian culture up close.
Overnight: Medellin Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 Day trip to Guatape and flight to Cartagena
Today we will go to Guatape, a small town located about 2.5 hours by car from Medellin in a beautiful zone wedged between a reservoir and a colossal stone called EL Peñol. Upon arrival to the town of Guatape, you will be surrounded by the most colourful houses, each one intricately decorated with traditionally painted carvings along the lower parts of the main entrances. After visiting the town, we will go to El Peñol from where you will get a stunning view of the region. We will also take a boat ride around the reservoir.
Late in the afternoon, we will go to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. On arrival to Cartagena, we will pick you up at the airport to take you to the hotel.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 11 City tour in Cartagena
Your Colombia vacation wouldn't be perfect without a visit of Cartagena. After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour covering the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by the impressive walls built during the Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.
The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on top of the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks including a British siege in 1741. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by the main historical sites.
You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring the old city, admire its architecture and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 12 La Boquilla Fishing Village
In the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.
At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.
After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will eat lunch in a local home by the water. This is where you will learn more about the locals’ day-to-day lives, their fishing tools and their culture. The lunch will be a delicious meal consisting of seafood, which is popular along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. We will finish this tour after lunch around 2 pm and drop you back off at your hotel in Cartagena.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 13 Travel to Santa Marta
In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Santa Marta, the oldest colonial city in South America. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape of the Caribbean region. The total journey will take approximately 4.5 hours.
Santa Marta has a very well-preserved colonial architecture and is famous for the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the national hero Simon Bolivar died in 1830. Upon arrival in this city we will have a quite tour around the historic area and a visit to Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino. After that we will go to the hotel, located near Tayrona Park.
Overnight: Santa Marta Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 14 Day trip to Tayrona Park
Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of the most beautiful beaches in Colombia. We will be hiking across the forest to visit various beaches in the park where you can swim or just relax by the beach. There are a number of restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax and admire the spectacular surroundings.
Note: Please be aware the park is usually closed from the 28th of January to the 28th of February. It is also closed during the first two weeks of June and the last two weeks of October. The first reason is to allow the natural ecosystems to rest and replenish, particularly after the high season. The second reason is to allow the four indigenous groups - who have always called the park and the wider Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta home - to perform traditional cleaning rituals and ceremonies.
Overnight: Santa Marta Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 15 At leisure
You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.
Overnight: Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 16 End of the tour in Santa Marta
The tour ends today. At the time required, we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.
Overnight: Meal Plan:
Accommodation
Bogota
Hotel Hamilton Court
Hotel Hamilton Court is s a classic vintage hotel located in the Zona Rosa of Bogota. In this area you will find various shopping centres, such as: Centro Andino, El Retiro, Atlantis Plaza, in addition to recognized restaurants like Andrés DC and Hard Rock Café. It is not far from the city centre and is also close to the Zona G (Gourmet zone).
The hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with modern furnishings and free WiFi access throughout the hotel. The services at the hotel include sauna, gym and restaurant.
Villa de Leyva
Hotel Posada de San Antonio
The hotel is the result of the restoration of three adjoining houses, which thanks to the meticulous work of the architects allowed the preservation of the original colonial construction. Hotel Posada de San Antonio is very close to the main square and offers rooms with stylish decor, private bathrooms and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is served daily. International dishes can be ordered at the restaurant.
Coffee Region
Casa San Carlos Lodge
Hotel Casa San Carlos is a luxury lodge in the middle of peaceful landscapes. It was created to provide a unique travel experience for visitors. Each of the 22 comfortable rooms has a unique design, showcasing an array of patterns and textures. The resturant offers visitors the chance to eat exotic fruits native to the area as well as international cuisine.
The rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and private bathroom.
Medellin
Hotel Diez
Located in the exclusive area of El Poblado, this hotel offers luxury and modern rooms decorated with local handcrafts. All rooms offer great views of the mountains and the city. The services at the hotel include massage treatments, sauna and a Turkish steam bath. Guests can also relax in the hot tub, while enjoying a great view of the city.
Cartagena
Hotel Casa de la Fe
Casa La Fe is located in Cartagena's historic centre in a charming republican house decorated with flowering plants. Its rooftop pool and sun terrace overlook the scenic city skyline. The classical rooms at Casa La Fe have restored republican tiled floors and hand-crafted furniture. All rooms feature air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
An a la carte breakfast is served daily, and may be enjoyed in the pretty central courtyard featuring a vertical garden and ornamental furniture. Coffee is available 24-hours a day.
Santa Marta
Hotel Villa Maria Tayrona
Hotel Villa Maria combines natural beauty with the comfort of a luxurious hotel. It provides a quiet environment, free from any outside world connections. The hotel offers a private beach area, outdoor pool and restaurant. It is only a few minutes driving from Tayrona Park. Each room has air conditioning, a safety deposit box and private bathroom. It also comes with a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Essential Information
What's Included
- Airport pick up and drop off
- 15 nights' accommodation (double occupancy)
- Domestic flights:
- Bogota - Coffee Region (Avianca)
- Medellin – Cartagena
- Luggage allowance Avianca: 1 bag of maximum 23 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of maximum 10 kg
- Luggage allowance Easyfly: 1 bag of maximum 15 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of maximum 5 kg
- Private ground transport
- Meals as defined in the itinerary
- Local English-speaking tour guides
- Entry tickets to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tips and other discretionary expenses
- Airport taxes, when not included in the ticket
- Early / late check in on the first / last day of the tour
- Insurance
- Extra luggage with Easyfly - The cost per extra Kilogram is approximately 5,600 COP - You will pay this at the airport