Colombia is a breath-taking country, which is just being discovered by tourism and its travellers. During this journey you will experience the beauty of Colombian nature and culture. The itinerary takes you through different climates and landscapes ranging from the green highlands to the warm Caribbean coast. And everything is complemented by authentic encounters with hospitable Colombians. Beside the travel programme you will always have the opportunity to take a break from everyday life.
Highlights
Day 1 Bogotá
At the airport, you will be expected by your driver. It is possible to exchange your currency after arrival. The most convenient would be to withdraw money from the ATM. They are located after the arrival zone in the exit area. Ask the driver to take care of your luggage and accompany you.
Day 2 Bogotá
During the walking tour of Bogotá, you will enjoy the contrast of the modern and historical part of the city. You will see the most important buildings from the colonial era in La Candelaria, the old town of Bogotá, as well as the government district around Plaza Bolívar with its Cathedral, Palace of Justice, Parliament and Town Hall. Visit Bogotá’s famous museum of the artist Fernando Botero, with its outstanding collection of contemporaneous art. Experience how the unique emeralds were traded. The Gold Museum is a highlight, with its unique collection of pre-Colombian gold jewelry. If the weather is nice you will drive to Monserrate where you have a spectacular view of the big city.
Day 3 Bogotá – Coffee Zone
Today you take the flight to Colombian´s coffee zone. During a guided tour, you will learn everything about Colombian coffee, one of the world’s best. The Colombian coffee landscape, declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO has unique geographic qualities, resulting in a cup of coffee characterized by a medium-high acidity, round body, good balance and pronounced aroma. The tour in the coffee farm will follow the procedure of growing, harvesting and peeling of the beans. Learn about the particular attributes of the Colombian coffee through a delicious sensorial trip. By the end of the session you will be able to recognize coffee beans according to its characteristics and will have a guided tasting of 3 different coffee categories.
Day 4 Coffee Zone
You will visit the Cocora valley, located at an altitude between 2000 and 2400m (6.500 and 7.900ft) this cloud forest is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park and the principal location of the national tree and symbol of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm. The journey is meant to be walking for about 60min but if you want to travel a longer distance your guide will arrange horses to discover the valley! On your way back from the mountains, you will have lunch in the restaurant that looks at the valley so you can enjoy the view while eating. The typical meal visitors always have is Trucha al ajillo (grilled trout in garlic sauce) but there are more options. Afterwards you will head back down to a height of around 1.900mts (6.200ft) and visit the charming town of Salento. The town is easy to discover, walk through the Calle Real street until you reach the stairs (250 steps*) that will take you to el mirador (look-out point) Alto de la Cruz. From the lookout point, there are extensive views of the Cocora valley and many of the mountains of the Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Day 5 Coffee Zone – Cartagena
After a relaxed morning, you will transfer to the airport on time for your flight to Cartagena. After arrival at the hotel you can stroll through the historic city and enjoy a sundowner on the wall overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
Day 6 Cartagena
To get to know the city better you start with a visit to the hill of La Popa. At this highest point of Cartagena, Augustinian monks built a monastery in the 16th century. From here, you have a perfect view of the bay of Cartagena and the most important colonial port city of the Spaniards South America. Then visit the Fort San Felipe, which was built by the Spaniards to protect the rich city of Cartagena against attacks from the mainland. Cartagena was the place, where the looted treasures of the Incas by the Spaniards and the gold and silver treasures from the mines of Peru and Bolivia were stored for shipping to Spain. Thus, the city was repeatedly the object of desire of many pirates. In the labyrinthine corridors of the fortress, you feel transferred back to the pirate’s time. From the fortress, you walk through the colonial Old Town. If desired, you can stop for a cold fruit juice drink. During a walk through the well-preserved old town, visit the important historic buildings and churches. Get an overview of the city and try to orient yourself to be able to walk through the city on your own in the afternoon, go souvenir shopping at the city wall and admire the sunset from the Café del Mar on the city walls.
Day 7 Cartagena
Day at your leisure time.
Option 1
You will venture a daytrip to the Islas del Rosario. Enjoy the half an hour boat ride through the bay of Cartagena and reach Isla Tierra Bomba. It is one of 28 Islands from Islas del Rosario. You can take your time to relax at the beach and enjoy the Caribbean sun, bath in the warm crystal clear water and discover exotic fishes while snorkeling (snorkel equipment not included, rent possible). For lunch, you will stay on the Island and ride back with the boat to Cartagena.
Option 2
A private car/van will take you to the National Aviary in Baru. Join this ecotourism activity at a unique bird sanctuary in Colombia. In a tour through the aviary you will encounter three different environments – tropical rainforest, tropical dry forest and desert with a total of 21 different exhibits. You will see and learn about 135 different bird species. Walk this sanctuary with your tour manager. If you would like to take lunch, the driver will bring you to the Pescador de Colores Restaurant with Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant with terrace is located right next to the beach where you have the possibility to take a nice bath. Lunch is not included. Return journey to Cartagena.
Day 8 Cartagena
Transfer to the airport in Cartagena on time for your flight.
Services included:
Services not included:
