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.
Explore the unique diversity of natural landscapes of Colombia!When you encounter Colombia’s natural treasures, lush landscapes and boundless biodiversity, you’ll discover they are only rivalled by the richness of its traditions and warm people. We designed this 15-day tour of Colombia to expose travellers to the most exciting combination of Colombian nature, wildlife and culture. Take a canoe trip and go on Safari in the Eastern Region of Colombia to spot amazing wildlife. Hike across natural parks and admire the spectacular landscapes of the Andes. Learn how to fish like a local, visit unique colonial cites and relax where the jungle meets the beach at Parque Tayrona in Santa Marta. These are just some of the experiences you will live in during this tour in Colombia. You’ll go home with an appreciation for the vibrancy of Colombian culture as well as its breath-taking natural beauty. EXPERIENCE TYPE Eco-tourism, Hiking, Wildlife, Culture & Beach |
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Tour Highlights
Bogota
Explore the beating heart of Colombia's capital city
Gold Museum
On display at the Gold Museum is the largest collection of gold pieces as well as other artefacts from the pre-Hispanic societies who live in the land today known as Colombia. The gold collection started with one single piece, the poporo quimbaya. Today there are more than 55,000 pieces in exhibition.
Explore Chingaza Natural Park
Chingaza National Natural Park cover 190,000 acres of paramo, Andean forests and East Andean foothill forests. The habitat of Chingaza consists of cloud forest, high elevation glacial lakes and paramo (Andean high altitude) covered by a vast expanse of Frailejones (Espeletia), a genus of rare and quite interesting succulent subshrub found only in the paramo areas of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. You will also find a great variety native mammals and birds, including Colombia’s national bird, the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus).
Eastern Region of Colombia
See amazing landscapes and wildlife
This beautiful natural region located to the east of the Andes, also called “Los Llanos”, is crossed by many rivers and lakes, turning this vast plain into a spectacular mix of landscapes, flora and fauna. It is also recognized by its extensive hatos and ranches, where you can stay overnight and enjoy the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets you have ever seen. It is definitely the most appealing destination for curious travellers wanting to explore new sceneries and environments.
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.
Hike across Otun Quimbaya and Valle de Cocora
Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary is a national protected area located on the west slope of the central Andes in an area well recognized for its biological richness and of course its birds. The sanctuary covers 1,208 acres between 5,741 and 7,382 feet above sea level, where clouds drench the mountains with misty rains.
The Valle de Cocora is also a mid-altitude natural park full of natural beauty and biodiversity, including several types of hummingbirds, stunning flowers and the magnificent palma de cera, Colombia's national tree. You will spend around 5 hours hiking across these spectacular natural areas.
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.
Learn to fish in La Boquilla
La Boquilla is a small fishing village located about 7 km north of Cartagena. The town sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other. We will canoe through a mangrove forest and learn about the history and culture of this fishing town while mastering local fishing techniques using a net and crab traps.
Santa Marta
Visit the oldest colonial city in South America
Santa Marta, founded by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1525, is the oldest city in South America. The city is rich in history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Santa Marta is also the home of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the national hero Simon Bolivar died in 1830.
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.
Note: Hotel check in after 3 pm
Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: None
DAY 2 Walking tour in La Candelaria
In the morning, we will have a walking tour to see some of the most iconic places in La Candelaria, 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 see the diversity of architectural styles on display in this historic neighbourhood.
You will have the afternoon free to visit other areas of the historic centre or even go to Cerro de Monserrate, a traditional church built on a mountain the overlooks Bogota and lends for panoramic views of the city.
Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 3 Hiking at Chingaza Natural Park
Today we take a full day excursion to the spectacular Chingaza National Park near Bogota. One of the biggest natural reserves in Colombia with a great diversity of fauna and breath-taking views. The park is located 1.5 hours driving from Bogota.
The habitat of Chingaza consists of cloud forest, high elevation glacial lakes and paramo (Andean high altitude) covered by a vast expanse of Frailejones (Espeletia), a genus of rare and quite interesting succulent subshrub found only in the paramo areas of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. A network of hiking trails will enable us to see a variety of Chingaza's stunning landscapes, flora and fauna. The park has around 40 natural glacial lakes, the largest of which is Lake Chingaza, which lies at 3,250 metres above sea level.
Nearly 186 species of birds have been registered in this natural park including the Bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Oroetus isidori) and Colombia’s national bird, the majestic Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus). Chingaza Natural Park is also home to a handful of native mammals like deer, Andean bears, and small felines that you might be able to see.
We will spend around 3 hours hiking at the park to visit some of the main lakes. We will go to an altitude of around 3,300 metres above the sea level. At the end of the tour, we will take you back to the hotel.
Overnight: Bogota Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 Travel to Los Llanos (Yopal). Horse-back riding
Early in the morning, we will pick you up at the hotel to transfer you to the airport in Bogota for your flight to Yopal. Upon arrival in Yopal, we will start the journey towards San Luis de Palenque, approximately 2 hours on paved roads. We will spend the next two days at Hato Matepalma and Hato Altamira, two large haciendas declared nature reserves. At these natural reserves you will have the chance to see hundreds of capybaras, white-tailed deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and interesting birdlife including Orinoco geese and the great horned owl – Colombia’s largest owl.
Upon arrival at the natural reserve, we will have lunch and relax for a while. Then, we’ll get an introduction to the farm and some lasso practice before gearing up our horses for a ride into the savannah. By horse, we'll cross small rivers, waterholes, lush savannas, palm and gallery forests keeping our eyes peeled for diverse birdlife and wildlife including different species of anteaters, monkeys, tortoises, caimans and exotic birds.
At the end of the day, we will go to one of the haciendas where you will spend the night.
Overnight: Los Llanos Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 Wildlife Safari
In the morning, we will go for a walk and also for a canoe tour to observe families of capybaras, hoatzins, various species of kingfishers. We will come back to the hacienda for lunch and relax a little bit before the safari in the afternoon.
In the afternoon, we will do a safari in a 4x4 vehicle to get close to an astonishing amount of wildlife, with some luck we may see an anteater, a puma, an anaconda (especially during dry season in February and March), armadillos and hundreds of capybaras, deer, spectacled caimans, tortoises and interesting birdlife. We will also have the opportunity to witness the spectacular sunset before continuing our expedition to see nocturnal wildlife.
Overnight: Los Llanos Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 Travel to Colombia’s Coffee Region
Before traveling to Colombia’s Coffee Region, we will visit another hacienda to learn about the daily work carried out at the farm that also represents part of the culture and tradition of this region of Colombia. We will also walk through the forest to see the native trees and fauna found there. At the end of this activity, we will go to the airport for your flight to Colombia’s Coffee Region.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 7 Hiking at Otun Quimbaya and Valle de Cocora
Today, we will hike from the natural reserve Otun Quimbaya to the cloud forest at Valle de Cocora. Otun Quimbaya is a beautiful flora and fauna sanctuary where clouds drench the mountains with misty rain and more than 300 bird species can be spotted. We will spend the morning hours walking through cloud forests and remote mountain farms to get a view of the valley dotted with soaring wax palms. After this expedition, we will visit Salento, a traditional and picturesque Paisa town where the colours of the houses and the colonial architecture blend with the surrounding natural beauty of the region and the smell of freshly roasted coffee.
Late in the afternoon, we will go back to the hotel.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 At leisure
You will have the day at leisure to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring this beautiful region on your own. We will recommend some things to do.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 9 Hiking at Natural Park Los Nevados
Very early in the morning, we will pick you up at the hotel to start the journey towards the Natural Park Los Nevados. At the park, you will walk up to the top of Eagles Hill, where you will get a beautiful view of the landscape of the region and some of the snow-capped peaks of the park.
The first stop at the park will be the Black Lagoon, where you will have a cup of coca tea. Then, you will go to the Cafe Cumanday to get an introduction to the park and have a traditional breakfast before starting your trek up the hill. The total journey will take approximately 4 hours. Once we arrive to the top, we will have some time to admire the beautiful landscape and have a picnic. Then, we will start our journey down towards the grill restaurant Malteria for lunch, then go to the Autumn natural thermal springs to relax in one of the thermal pools. After that, we will go back to your hotel.
Overnight: Coffee Region Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 Travel to Cartagena and City Tour
In the morning, we will go to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena, we will transfer you to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to visit the old city and the iconic Castillo San Felipe, the largest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. The castle was built on top of the San Lazaro Hill and defended the city from many attacks including a British siege in 1741. We will finish the tour at the famous Café del Mar to admire the spectacular sunset over the Caribbean Sea while having a refreshing cocktail.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 11 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 enjoy a traditional lunch. 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 12 Transfer to Santa Marta and City Tour
In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Santa Marta. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful landscape of the Caribbean region. The total journey will take around 4 hours.
In the afternoon, we will pick you up from your hotel to start our tour in Santa Marta, the oldest colonial city in South America. We will visit the historic centre and the Quinta the San Pedro Alejandrino, the house where Simon Bolivar died in December, 1830. Bolivar was the commander-in-chief of the patriot army that liberated what today are the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Panama from Spanish rule. At the end of the tour, we will go to the hotel.
Overnight: Santa Marta Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 13 Day trip Tayrona Natural 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 14 At leisure
You will have the day at leisure to relax enjoy the beach and explore the surrounding areas.
Overnight: Santa Marta Meal Plan: Breakfast
DAY 15 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.
Note: Check out before 12 pm
Overnight: - Meal Plan: Breakfast
Accommodation
Bogota
Hotel Casa Deco
This hotel is located in La Candelaria, the historic area of Bogota. It is very close to places of interes such as: Gold Museum, Botero Museum and Monserrate. All rooms are equipped with an LCD TV, minibar and in-room safe. Bathrooms come with showers and bathroom amenities. The rooms are characterized by its wide spaces, with high ceilings, wooden floors, large windows and balconies to contemplate the beauty of the old La Candelaria neighbourhood.
Eastern Region (Los Llanos)
Hato Montana
Montana is located in the deepest part of the reservation, it’s an enigmatic place surrounded by streams and woods that are the habitat of lots of wildlife. The house is an ecolodge with rooms filled with balconies and open ceiling bathrooms to enjoy the red sunsets that will give you a unique experience of contact with the landscapes and the immensity of the valley.
Coffee Region
Reserva El Cairo
Hotel Reserva El Cairo is located in a traditional coffee house with 7 rooms and a max occupancy of 20 people. Each room has the name of an animal in the Quimbaya language, paying tribute to this unique civilization and culture, which is characterized by the production of high quality and beautiful gold pieces. All rooms have wifi and private bathroom. The hotel is surrounded by a natural reserve with primary forest, waterfalls and a natural swimming pool. Great fot hiking, birding and wildlife exploration.
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
- 14 nights' accommodation (Double occupancy)
- Domestic flights (Avianca):
- Bogota – Yopal (Direct)
- Yopal – Pereira (1 stop in Bogota)
- Pereira – Cartagena (1 stop in Bogota)
- Luggage allowance Avianca: 1 bag of maximum 23 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of maximum 10 kg
- Ground transportation
- 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
Flexible Terms
Flexible Booking Terms
With the current situation around the world changing at an unprecedented pace, we understand that you may feel very anxious and hesitant about your future travel plans. Therefore, we have modified our booking conditions to give you more flexible options. You can now book your next holiday to Colombia, having the tranquillity of changing your dates without any extra cost, and even book a long trip with a small deposit.
We hope these flexible booking conditions give you the option to plan and dream about your next holiday.
Small deposit:
You can book this Colombia trip with only 50 GBP / 60 EUR / 65 USD per person. This deposit is not refundable.
Change departure dates:
Our flexible booking conditions will allow you to change the departure date without any additional fee. You can move the departure date to any time before the end of 2022.
If your initial departure date was to happen during a low holiday season and you wish to move it to departure during a high holiday season, please consider that the price of the tour could be higher due to higher tariffs from hotels and airlines. We will confirm and agree with the change in the price.
Note: High holiday seasons in Colombia are during Easter and from December 15th to January 19th.
Later payment:
We will require a full payment minimum 20 days before the departure date of the tour.
Cancellation Costs:
If you definitely need to cancel the tour after sending us the full payment (20 days before the departure date), we will refund 80% of the tour's cost.
These terms apply to bookings made from now on until further notice.
Please check the complete description of our terms and conditions.