Bogota, Medellin & Cartagena - 8 Days

Welcome to Colombia. On arrival at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport, you will be collected and transferred to our hotel in the city. Your first evening in Colombia is yours to head out and explore.

Today begins with a guided tour of Bogota, starting at the grand Plaza de Bolívar, surrounded by key government buildings and the Palace of Justice. From here, we wander through the colonial streets to the Botero Museum, showcasing a fantastic collection of Fernando Botero’s iconic paintings and sculptures (closed on Tuesdays). Along the bustling Carrera Septima, Bogota's lively pedestrian street, we reach the Iglesia de San Francisco, the city’s oldest church. We also visit the Gold Museum, home to over 30,000 pre-Columbian gold artefacts (closed on Mondays). After our tour, we return to the hotel around lunchtime.

This afternoon, we dive into a truly Colombian experience - playing Tejo, the country’s national sport! Equal parts skill, concentration, and fun, Tejo is a lively pastime originally invented by the Chibcha people. The game involves throwing metal discs, or "tejos," at targets called "mechas," which are small packets of gunpowder embedded in sand. The aim? Hit the mechas to trigger a small explosion and score points!

A private van picks us up from our hotel and takes us to one of Bogota’s authentic, rustic Tejo eateries. Surrounded by noise, music, cheering, and laughter, we’ll enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of beer, camaraderie, and a uniquely local adventure. Two beers are included per person with this experience - you can always purchase more if you wish!

Bogota - Medellin. Say farewell to Bogota as we check out and transfer to the airport for our included flight to Medellin (flight time approx 1 hour). On arrival, a transfer will take you to the hotel. The rest of today is at leisure.

Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional Fondas experience this evening (minimum two participants are required for this experience to operate). This experience will introduce you to the “Fondas” - lively local bars steeped in Paisa culture. Originating as rest stops for farmers travelling through the Andes with their mules and horses, these fondas served as places to enjoy a break and a glass of aguardiente, Colombia’s traditional liquor.

Today, fondas are vibrant hubs of music, food, and cultural pride, decorated with artefacts, traditional tools, paintings, and religious icons. If you join the tour, we’ll visit several authentic fondas in the suburbs of Medellin, sampling traditional dishes and drinks while enjoying the lively atmosphere of Colombian music.

Today's excursion begins with a visit to a traditional flower farm in Santa Elena. Flowers are deeply intertwined with Medellin’s identity, celebrated annually during the renowned Flower Festival in August. We’ll begin by travelling to the picturesque village of Santa Elena, nestled in the mountains surrounding Medellin. Here, we’ll visit a flower farm to meet one of the “Silleteros,” the artisans who grow and maintain the region's floral displays.

Next, we’ll head to the Parque Arvi Natural Reserve, where we’ll take the MetroCable to Santo Domingo. This cable car ride provides breathtaking views of Medellin as it connects the hillside neighbourhoods with the city.

Our city tour continues with a stroll through Medellin’s vibrant downtown, including the iconic Plaza Botero. This bustling square showcases a remarkable collection of sculptures by Fernando Botero, one of Colombia’s most famous artists. After our sightseeing tour, the rest of the day is at leisure in Medellin.

Medellin - Cartagena. After breakfast and check out, we head to the airport for our included flight to Cartagena (flight time approx 1 hour 10 minutes). On arrival, you will be transferred to our hotel in the city. The rest of the day is free for you to head out and begin your exploration of Colombia's beautiful colonial gem.

Alternatively, consider joining an optional Salsa or Caribbean music class (minimum two participants are required for this experience to operate). Colombia is renowned for its rich musical heritage, especially along its Caribbean coast, where genres like salsa, merengue, vallenato, and the distinctly local champeta are celebrated with passion. During this hour-long dance experience, a skilled instructor will guide you through the basics of movement and rhythm, Colombian-style, ensuring you leave with a newfound appreciation for the country’s lively culture. Please note that transport to and from the dance studio is not included.

Today, we embark on a half-day tour of Cartagena, starting with a visit to La Popa Monastery. The monastery is perched on the city’s highest point at 140 metres, offering panoramic views of Cartagena and its surroundings.

Next, we visit the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a coral stone structure built to safeguard Cartagena from 17th and 18th-century pirate invasions. Our hour-long tour offers insight into the fortress’s design and the strategies that made it a vital stronghold of the Spanish Empire.

Next, we dive into the bustling Bazurto Market, discovering its lively maze of stalls, and experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavours of Cartagena, from fresh produce and spices to seafood and traditional remedies. There's time to enjoy fresh juices, hearty meals, and sweet fruits as we explore.

Finally, we stroll through the historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover charming colonial squares, the iconic San Pedro Claver Church, and colourful streets alive with history, architecture, and culture. After our tour, your evening is at leisure in Cartagena.

Today is yours to further explore Cartagena at your own pace, or, relax at nearby Playa de Bocagrande.

You may also wish to join an optional day trip to the Rosario Islands (minimum two participants are required for this experience to operate). Around 08:30, we depart from La Bodeguita pier by speedboat, heading towards the idyllic Caribbean island of San Pedro de Majagua, the largest of the Rosario Islands, around 37 kilometres from the mainland.

Surrounded by white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, the island offers the perfect setting to swim, snorkel, or simply relax. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a refreshing fruit cocktail - a delightful start to a day dedicated to unwinding under the Caribbean sun. Optional activities such as snorkelling are available at an additional cost. A highlight of the excursion is a traditional lunch featuring coconut rice, fresh fish, and dessert. In the afternoon, you will return to Cartagena.

Please Note: The Rosario Islands excursion is shared with other travellers and includes a bilingual guide. Transfers to and from the pier are not included, and we recommend you arrive at 08:00 - the boat departs at 08:30. Additional activities on the island, such as snorkelling, are optional and not included in the tour price.

Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. An included transfer is provided to Cartagena's Rafael Nunez International Airport.