Secrets of Colombia

Itinerary

Day 1 – Bogota
Arrive in Bogota and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore or relax. Overnight Casona del Patio Hotel or similar.

Day 2 – Bogota
Explore this vibrant city on foot and by vehicle, as we walk around La Candelaria – the historical centre of Bogota with colonial and baroque style buildings and cobblestone streets and plazas, where we also visit the Gold Museum housing many pre-Colombian pieces. See incredible views of Bogota City from one of its mountainous peaks at the Monserrate monastery. Overnight Casona del Patio Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 3 –Villa de Leyva
Visit the beautifully preserved and traditional town of Villa De Leyva. We take a guided walk through its atmospheric cobblestone streets that boast colourful bougainvilleas spilling from balconies, patios, courtyards and white washed buildings with red tiled roofs. Overnight Hotel La Candelaria or similar. (B)

Day 4 – San Gil
After a free morning in Villa de Leyva, drive through beautiful mountain scenery to San Gil, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photographs along the way. Overnight Hotel La Verona or similar. (B)

Day 5 – Barichara - Guane
Visit the historic towns of Barichara and Guane – Barichara competes with Villa de Leyva as one of the most stunning towns in the country, with superb churches, a splendid cathedral and traditional buildings. Time to explore and soak up the laid back Colombian ambience of a truly beautiful part of the country. Overnight Hotel La Nube or similar. (B)

Day 6 – Barichara
Walk along scenic trails to the Juan Curi Waterfalls, dropping 180 metres to the ground, where you can take a dip in the pool below if you wish. Later we visit a nearby coffee plantation to see how it is grown and processed. Return to Barichara for the evening. Overnight Hotel La Nube or similar. (B)

Day 7 – Chicamocha Canyon – Bucaramanga
Visit the Chicamocha Canyon, one of Colombia’s most impressive natural sites running for 227km and up to 2km deep in places. We take a cable car ride from the mountain down to the valley for superb views. Afterwards continue to the town of Bucaramanga. Overnight Hotel La Triada or similar. (B)

Day 8 – Santa Marta
Fly to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival explore the city including its historic quarter and the Casa de Aduana, a colonial house dating back to the 16th century which is now a regional museum focussing on the history of the indigenous people of the region. Overnight Park Hotel or similar. (B)

Day 9 – Tayrona National Park
Drive to the magical Parque Tayrona, with its wild and beautiful beaches and rainforest tracks. Upon arrival the rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the scenery. Overnight Cabanas Arrecifes. (B)

Day 10 – Tayrona National Park
Spend today exploring some of the most beautiful parts of the park including the Bahia de Gairaca and Los Miradores de Siete Olas. Overnight Cabanas Arrecifes. (B)

Day 11 – Cartagena
After a leisurely morning, drive along the coast to the atmospheric city of Cartagena. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel, located within the old city walls. Overnight Hotel Puertas de Cartagena or similar. (B)

Day 12 – Cartagena
This morning we have a walking tour of the old walled city to enjoy the romantic and historic atmosphere of Cartagena, visiting museums and other places of interest in a setting of brightly coloured colonial buildings, churches and balconies which overflow with flowers into windy roads and pathways. Rest of the day free to continue exploring the churches, plazas and monuments of this UNESCO World Heritage city. Overnight Hotel Puertas de Cartagena or similar. (B)

Day 13 – Cartagena
Visit the old monastery of La Popa overlooking Cartagena Bay. Afterwards explore the mighty Fortress of San Felipe, situated in a strategic spot that once defended attacking pirates. Explore its underground passageways, watchtowers and rooms to learn about its historic past. Overnight Hotel Puertas de Cartagena or similar. (B)

Day 14 – Bogota
Fly back to Bogota for our final evening. Overnight Hotel Casona del Patio or similar. (B)

Day 15 – Bogota
Tour ends. (B)