Colombia Discovery - 15 Days

Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Bogotá. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Bogotá at your own pace or to relax at the hotel.

Today, we immerse ourselves in Bogotá’s captivating history, exploring its evolution from colonial charm to a modern metropolis. We begin at the vibrant Paloquemao market, where the colourful stalls brim with Colombia’s incredible variety of fruits and vegetables, offering a snapshot of everyday local life.

Next, we ascend by cable car to Monserrate, Bogotá's Pilgrim Mountain, for breathtaking views of the sprawling city and the Andean plateau. Back at ground level, we visit the grand Plaza de Bolívar, framed by historic government buildings, and wander through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s charming historic district, to the Botero Museum, home to masterpieces of this celebrated artist.

Continuing along the bustling Carrera Séptima, we discover the Iglesia de San Francisco, the city’s oldest church and a testament to Bogotá’s deep-rooted traditions. Our journey through time concludes at the renowned Gold Museum, where over 30,000 pre-Columbian gold artifacts offer a dazzling glimpse into ancient Colombian craftsmanship and culture.

Please note: Monserrate, Bogotá's iconic mountain, often experiences high traffic, especially on weekends and holidays. To reduce waiting times at the cable car base station, we include a "Fast Pass Ticket," granting access to the VIP line. Alternatively, our guide can arrange a visit to Guadalupe, a neighbouring mountain rising to an impressive 3,300 metres, offering equally stunning views. We can also visit the "La Calera" viewpoint or, optionally, the 196-metre-high "Torre Colpatria" for a panoramic view of Bogotá (open weekends and holidays).

Bogota - Neiva - Villavieja. Today, after breakfast, we will transfer from our hotel to Bogotá Airport for our flight to Neiva. Upon arrival in Neiva, we will take a one-hour transfer to Villavieja.

The Tatacoa Desert, in Colombia's Huila Department, features a striking desert landscape with red and gray clay layers and towering rock formations. While hiking through subtropical dry forests, explore unique flora, fauna, and diverse bird species. The local observatory offers exceptional stargazing with minimal light pollution.

In the afternoon, we’ll set off on a guided tour through the Tatacoa Desert, the second largest arid zone in Colombia, after the Guajira Peninsula. As we venture along two iconic trails, we’ll first walk the Cuzco trail, distinguished by its rich ochre colours, before heading to Los Hoyos, where the landscape transforms into stunning shades of grey, offering panoramic views. During our journey, we’ll take short breaks for 20-minute walks to fully immerse ourselves in the desert’s beauty, marveling at formations like the Cathedrals, the Tower, the Wishing Tree, and the Labyrinths, all while discovering the unique vegetation of this remarkable ecosystem.

Villavieja - San Agustin. Today, after breakfast, we will transfer from Villavieja to San Agustín, a charming town nestled in the southern region of Colombia, renowned for its archaeological significance.

San Agustín is home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts from the San Agustin culture, including statues, tombs, and temples that date back up to 5,000 years. These treasures are set amidst lush forests and stunning landscapes. The town also offers a gateway to the natural wonders of the southern Andes, including breathtaking waterfalls and the remarkable Magdalena River, which narrows to just two metres at one point.

Once we have arrived you will the rest of the day at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace, before we delve into this charming town.

We begin our day with a scenic drive to the Archaeological Park of San Agustín, home to some of the most impressive ancient stone figures and tombs in the region. The excellent on-site museum provides valuable insights into these fascinating discoveries, helping to bring the ancient culture to life. Surrounded by lush hills and forests, we explore the park on foot, following various trails, some of which are quite steep.

In the afternoon, we visit the equally remarkable archaeological sites of El Tablon and La Chaquira, where we experience the sites on horseback, adding a unique perspective to our exploration.

Please note: The Archaeological Park in San Agustin is closed every Tuesday.

San Agustin - Popayan. After breakfast, this morning we will make our way from San Agustin to Popayan (approximately 5 hours).

Upon arrival, we will set off on a 3-hour walking tour through the historic centre, one of South America’s best-preserved colonial-era areas. With its signature white architecture, Popayán is often called the "White City of Colombia."

Though small, with under 300,000 inhabitants, we’ll find Popayán lively and full of character, thanks to its rich traditions and growing student population. The city’s vibrant atmosphere is reflected in its famous Holy Week processions and the Gastronomic Congress, both of which have earned Popayán UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Heritage of Humanity and a Creative City of Gastronomy.

Popayan - Coffee Region - Pereira. Today we will set of for the coffee region of Colombia (approximately 7 hours), where we will then make our way to Pereira. Once we have arrived in Pereira you will have some free time to explore at your own pace or relax at the hotel.

Pereira - Cocora Valley - Salento - Pereira. Today, we will embark on a day trip to the stunning Cocora Valley and the picturesque town of Salento. We begin by immersing ourselves in the beauty of the valley, where the towering wax palms stretch high into the sky, their majestic presence adding to the valley’s mystical atmosphere. The Quindian Wax Palm, reaching heights of up to 60 metres, is one of the tallest palm species in the world, and its grandeur is truly a sight to behold.

As we explore this part of Colombia's coffee zone, we’ll enjoy the valley’s dramatic landscapes, perfect for hiking and horseback riding (not included). Our journey back will take us through scenic hills and charming haciendas, offering more glimpses of the region's natural beauty.

We’ll end the day with a visit to the colourful town of Salento, known for its traditional architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Take some time to wander the cobblestone streets, relax in the main square, and indulge in locally grown coffee and hand-crafted souvenirs.

Pereira - Medellin. After breakfast this morning, we will make our way to Finca Del Café, where we will immerse ourselves in the rich coffee culture of Colombia. We’ll experience the entire coffee process (approximately 3 hours), from the seed to the final tasting. Along the way, we will learn about the traditional methods of cultivation, processing, and preparation. Set in the Coffee Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this experience will offer us a deep dive into the roots of Colombian coffee and reveal how generations have shaped this world-renowned craft.

As we walk through the lush coffee plantations, we will gain a deeper appreciation for the passion and care that goes into each cup of coffee. We will have the opportunity to taste two variations of coffee, further enhancing our understanding of the region's flavours. After our coffee experience, we will continue our journey, making our way to Medellín (approximately 5 hours).

Please note: We recommended wearing hiking shoes for the Coffee Plantation tour.

Today, we’ll explore the fascinating transformation of Medellín, once one of the world’s most dangerous cities. In the early nineties, the hunt for Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellín Cartel, reached its peak. After his death in 1993, the city struggled through the late nineties, but from 2002, strategic investments in infrastructure and public education helped Medellín to gradually transform.

Now known as the "City of Eternal Spring," Medellín is a model of innovation, with its modern metro system and public libraries. We’ll delve into its past and present, learning how it evolved from a city plagued by violence to one revered for urban development.

Using the metro and cable car, we’ll visit Comuna 13, a neighbourhood of resilience. We’ll ride the electric escalators—part of the city’s revitalisation—and immerse ourselves in the community’s vibrant daily life.

Afterward, we’ll visit Berrio Park and Botero Plaza in the city centre, where we can admire the iconic bronze sculptures by Fernando Botero, set against the backdrop of Medellín’s historic charm.

Medellin - Santa Marta - Palomino. This morning we will make our way to Rionegro Airport for our flight to Santa Marta. Once we have arrived in Santa Marta we will be transferred to Palomino (approximately 2 hours), where we will have the rest oif the day at leisure.

After breakfast today, we will have a day at leisure to enjoy the wonders of Palomino at our own pace. You can take the opportunity to relax in this beautiful coastal region. or alternatively you can opt for a Day Trip to explore more of Tayrona National Park (approximately 9 hours).

During the day tour, you will leave our hotel in the morning and drive east along the Caribbean coast to El Zaino, the main entrance of Tayrona National Park. After a short walk, you will reach Cañaveral Beach, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean from a small hilltop.

The adventure continues with a one-hour hike through the tropical forest to Arrecife, another beautiful beach within the park. After a break for lunch, you will continue your trek, passing beaches like Arenillas, La Piscina, and Cabo San Juan, where you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved swim on the palm-fringed beach.

Please note: The walk in Tayrona National Park is of easy to intermediate difficulty, with ascents, descents, and high humidity. Wear appropriate footwear, sunscreen, and a hat. Swimming at Arrecifes Beach is prohibited due to strong currents. The park closes for ecological recovery from February 1–15, June 1–15, and the last two weeks of October.

Palomino - Cartagena. This morning, we will have a 6 hour drive from Palomino to Cartagena.

In the afternoon, we begin our half-day exploration of Cartagena’s iconic landmarks, starting at the La Popa Monastery, perched 140 metres above the city. From here, we take in stunning views and learn about its historical significance.

Next, we visit the impressive Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress built from coral stone that highlights the Spanish Empire’s military power. We’ll delve into the stories of how it was designed to defend the city from pirate raids during the 17th and 18th centuries, with a one-hour guided tour.

Finally, we enjoy a leisurely two-hour stroll through Cartagena’s historic centre, wandering its charming squares, churches, and winding streets. The city’s blend of colonial architecture, local cuisine, and cultural vibrancy makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, leaving us with unforgettable memories.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely day exploring Cartagena. Wander the Walled City's colourful streets, visit the historic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, or relax on Bocagrande’s beaches. Alternatively, you can opt to join a day tour to Islas del Rosario visiting Isla San Pedro de Majagua.

This optional activity will start around 08:30, when you will set off from the "La Bodeguita" pier by speedboat and head to the beautiful Rosario Islands, arriving at the idyllic Caribbean island of San Pedro de Majagua. The white sandy beach, shaded by palm trees and surrounded by crystal-clear waters, is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing. On arrival, you will be greeted with a refreshing fruit cocktail – a delightful start to a day of relaxation, sunshine, and optional activities (not included), such as snorkelling. A traditional lunch of coconut rice and fish, followed by dessert, is included. In the afternoon, you will return to Cartagena.

Please note: Hotel transfers to and from Muelle de la Bodeguita are not included. Please arrive by 08:00 for the 08:30 boat departure. This shared tour includes a bilingual guide, but additional activities on the island are at your own cost.

After breakfast, you will be met and transferred from the hotel to Rafael Núñez International Airport for your onward flight.