Welcome to Colombia and Bogota! Officially named Bogota D.C. (District Capital), and formally known as Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital city of Colombia is home to more than seven million inhabitants. The city is located at an elevation of about 2,650 m (8,660 ft) on a plateau in the Andes mountains.

Modern Bogota offers residents and visitors a wide variety of activities and amenities, combined with the picturesque beauty of its cultural and architectural past. Enjoy colonial churches and pre-colombian art in contrast with the futuristic high-rise buildings of a busy metropolis. There are no planned activities on your arrival day, so check into our hotel and enjoy the city on your own. Your trip expert leader will hold a general briefing in the evening, normally between 7pm and 8pm (a note will be posted in the arrival hotel with details).

After breakfast, we meet our local guide and start your journey through the city with a visit to the grand food market of Paloquemao to get a taste of the traditional food of Colombia. Discover a world of fresh harvested products, exotic fruits, organic local produce and much more. Marvel at the best street graffiti art in the city and discover the wonders of “El Dorado” at the gold museum. Later we will make our way to Bolivar Square for more local flavor at a typical restaurant. Afterwards, stop at one of the cafes and enjoy a cup of delicious coffee.

Thanks to its tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest producers of coffee. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean much better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing center. Take a one-hour flight to Armenia and a short drive to the beautiful Recuca coffee farm. Delve into the history of the plant and learn the ins and outs of an industry that has long driven the country’s economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground. Then sample coffee firsthand to see what all the fuss is about. Sample different varieties of coffee and get a lesson in the preparation of different types of coffee, ending with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee. Afterwards, relax in the beautiful surroundings of the estancia, with its green hills and valleys.
In the afternoon, we will travel to the village of Salento to marvel at the beauty of this colorful town.

Jump on a jeep to travel to Cocora Valley, home of the towering wax palm (Colombia’s national tree). Spend this morning trekking about the region’s incredible scenery; perhaps hiking a few hours up to Acaime Reserve where colorful hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime (approx. 5 hours) is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you’ll need good walking shoes, as well as plenty of water and snacks. A generous local lunch will be provided. If you would rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then we will take a jeep back to town.

Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to explore Salento and stroll through its quaint streets and admire the colors of ‘paisa’ architecture at its best.

In the afternoon we will get together to play Tejo, a unique local game only played in Colombia.

Head out early in the morning after breakfast to travel along the Colombian countryside for 6 hours to Medellin. After arriving, to meet a local guide to discover another side of the city by traveling along the city’s innovative transportation system to Comuna 13, a community transformed. Once controlled by the cartels, this community is a shining example of Colombia’s progress in overcoming its notorious past. Meet a local guide and begin the journey upward with a ride on the city’s unique public cable cars. Head farther up the hillside to the outdoor electric escalators that serve Comuna 13. This extensive escalator system has renewed the impoverished district, which clings to a steep hillside, by providing relief to residents whose daily commutes have become safer and faster. Arrive at the top to explore this welcoming and safe urban neighborhood and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

City Tour.

Penol de Guatape.

Guatape cross-country bike ride.
Medellin retains an interesting recent history. Having spent the 1980s and 90s with an international reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar’s infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. It has some of the country’s finest museums, parks and architecture; (as well as a much safer and comfortable atmosphere now) it’s easy to see why its popularity is increasing.

Take a short 1 hour flight to historic Cartagena, one of South America’s most historic cities with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. The town was founded in 1533 by the Spaniard Don Pedro de Heredia and served as a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas. Its gold and silver exports made it a popular target for pirates, and its walled fort (now on UNESCO’s World Heritage list) was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour through the old part of town, visiting key sites throughout the historical center of the city that were an inspiration for Colombia’s most famous author, journalist and Nobel Prize winner; Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Have another day at leisure to discover this romantic city on your own, or try out optional activities such as: Totumo mud volcano, Rosario Islands national park or the Party Bus at night activity.

We recommend you explore the old city by yourselves, particularly the inner walled town, perhaps visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses, or head out of town for a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. The nearby group of tiny coral islands and stunning expanses of Playa Blanca (White Beach) reveal the hidden beauty of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Maybe choose to end this adventure with people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní, Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play soccer and singers strum their guitars.

In the evening, enjoy your farewell dinner at Interno, a restaurant inside of a women’s jail. It is a successful project that is supporting many families from the prisoners.

Travel in the morning to Santa Marta for around 5 hours by the coastal shore of the Caribbean Sea. You’ll pass by important cities like Barranquilla, among the biggest in Colombia, and also see large sea ports located in the delta of Magdalena River, the largest in the country. Take the afternoon at your leisure to explore the colonial old city of Santa Marta.

In the morning, venture up into the hills of Santa Marta mountain range to the village of Minca. Hike the scenic watering holes of Pozo Azul and enjoy an invigorating dip under the waterfall. Have lunch before learning about cacao production and being part of the chocolate making process. In the afternoon, visit the hummingbird’s sanctuary, a special place to witness many varieties of these beautiful birds.

Continue to Taganga, a perfect base for exploring nearby Tayrona National Park.

Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate 2 hour hike along beaches with impressive rock formations and through tropical jungle, a perfect opportunity to experience wildlife and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
After lunch in the Park, we hike back out to stay in a beautiful lodge close to the park.

Enjoy some time at leisure at Eco-lodge near Tayrona national park. The beautiful environment near Tayrona national park has become a unique place to relax and enjoy the time on your own with amazing landscapes, fantastic sandy beaches and rich cultural experience. Have the opportunity to make your own day or take part in some of our optional activities that we recommend: Camarones National Park (To see lots of flamingos and many other birds), Adventure tubing in the Palomino river.

Spend your morning as you like. Enjoy the facilities of the Eco-lodge, possibly head to the beach or take a short hike in the tropical forest to a view point. In the afternoon we take a 2 hour drive back to Santa Marta to spend our last evening by the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the sunset.

International departures, end of services. Take with you memories and photos and leave a piece of your heart, as you will want to return to Colombia soon to experience more of this enchanted land. We wish you a “buen viaje”