Luxury Colombia Itinerary
Itinerary Overview
Colombia is the only South American country with both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Its enterprising people are famed for their music, footballers, fruit and coffee. The legendary Magdalena river runs vertically from the south, between two Andes mountain ranges towards the Caribbean Sea. Islands near and far are visited by those seeking tranquil white sands. Famous cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena are complemented by many smaller towns with charming colonial histories. Colombia has also developed its Eco/Agrotourism where local guides share rural customs.
Upon arrival, transfer from the airport to your hotel.
After breakfast, take a city tour of Bogotá and the La Candelaria Historic District.
The area of modern Bogotá was first populated by indigenous groups who migrated from Mesoamerica. Among these groups were the Muiscas who settled in what are now the neighborhoods of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. With the arrival of the Spanish colonizers, the area became a major settlement, founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. The city later became the capital of the Spanish provinces and the seat of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. With independence, Bogotá became the capital of Gran Colombia and later the capital of the Republic of Colombia. Located at 2,600 meters above sea level and a city with over eight million inhabitants, Bogota has two different sectors of tourism. The old Candelaria Historic District is scattered with traditional colonial houses and cobbled streets. By contrast, the north of the city boasts modernity and innovation. Tourists will find government buildings as well as a variety of trendy shops, restaurants and bars.
In the morning, your local guide will take you on a private tour. Visit downtown Bogotá visiting the historic district of La Candelaria. You will enjoy exploring the Unique Gold Museum and the famous Botero Museum.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day private transport from Bogotá to Guatavita, Zipaquirá and then back to Bogotá.
Close to Bogotá (approx.1.5hour drive), you will find the Sacred Lake of Guatavita, where you will learn more about the El Dorado legend. This legend says that heirs to the throne were crowned here. During these ceremonies, golden offerings were sunk. Legend has it that alligators, toads, fish and monkeys of pure gold were fished out of this lake, leaving the legendary treasure of “El Dorado” still undetectable.
Hike around the magical lake at around 3.000 meters of altitude. Once you finish this visit, you will be driven to the town of Guatavita to enjoy the view of Tominé Dam and to have lunch in the area.
Drive to the town of Zipaquirá to visit an underground Salt Mine that has a Cathedral inside. Walking inside the Salt Cathedral is a very special experience with a catholic taste due to the country´s traditions and the miner’s devotion for the Holy Virgin of Guasca who protects them. Once at the bottom of the cathedral, you will see the three sections and the big cross in the main one. A simple but complete movie will show you the dimensions of the mine as well as the history behind it.
Private transfer from your hotel to the airport in Bogotá.
Fly from Bogota to Armenia (Coffee Triangle).
Today you will learn everything about the world of coffee. The entire process from the bush until the finished cup of coffee. During this unique tour, you can experience this process on a coffee plantation first hand. Your coffee expert will share his knowledge of coffee with you and will reveal some secrets of planting, harvesting, washing and drying the coffee. Get carried away by the smell and taste of one of the best coffees of the world, the Colombian one! For this excursion you will be picked up from your hotel by your guide and after the excursion you will be brought back to your hotel.
After breakfast, start your day trip to Salento at 7:30 am. Take a Jeep Willys, which is the traditional vehicle of this region, for a 23 – kilometer trip along the old road that connected Salento with Ibagué and Bogotá. The road is gravel and is used by mountain bike enthusiasts and farmers of the region. On the way, you will witness the lush landscapes of the Central Mountain Range and the National Park of the Nevados. Ascend approximately 3340m and stop to enjoy the impressive view of Paramillo del Quindio. Start the descent and on the way we will appreciate a wax palm valley until arriving to our destination, La Carbonera Farm. On the farm take a one hour walk among the wax palms, one of the highest palms in the world. They are up to 70 meters high. Once at the main house of the farm, rest and take a typical drink of sugar cane water with Colombian cheese.
After this amazing tour, return by Willys Jeep to the starting point of the hike where you will have lunch. For the return to Salento, there are two options, you can choose one of them. You can take a 12-kilometer hike until you reach Salento. The path passes near the eastern side of the mountain and on the way, you will learn about some myths and legends of the region. Or you can return by Willys Jeep to Salento.
Private transfer from your hotel to the airport in Armenia.
Take a flight from the Coffee Triangle to the Medellin International airport.
Private transfer from the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport to your hotel in Medellin.
Breakfast is at the hotel.
The Peñol Boulder is one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medellín. The 200-meter-high monolith can be climbed through a staircase of 740 steps. Enjoy breath-taking views over the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes. The village of Guatapé is famous for its church and its beautiful, colorful paintings that decorate the houses of the village.
Today’s trip will take you on a scenic drive through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia. Climb the Peñol Boulder, enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch on the waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir, explore the lake on a boat ride and take time to stroll and relax.
Climb the Peñol Boulder and enjoy breathtaking views Explore the lake on a boat ride for a scenic drive through the Eastern highlands of Antioquia. Enjoy the laid-back village lifestyle and a stroll along the charming waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir.
After breakfast, start your tour with a transfer from the city center to La Popa Hill. You will be able to see Cartagena from the top of the hill as you will get to know the history of the Catholic monastery of La Popa.
From there, proceed to the biggest fortress built by the Spaniards in South America, the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. Construction began in the year 1536, and it was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was expanded in 1657. Visit the entire fortress including some of its tunnels, as well as the statue of Don Blas de Lezo.
Afterwards, return to the city center and visit some of the most important landmarks such as the Inquisition Palace and the historic Clock Tower. Enjoy strolling through the charming, romantic alleys and admire its impressive colonial buildings. The guide will tell us about the story of Cartagena’s founding and will share interesting stories full of legends and pirates.
Bring your appetite and an adventurous attitude. Hit the streets with your guide to experience food the way Cartageneros do. Whether you are searching for a stopover snack or something more substantial, a healthy platter or a sweet dessert, Cartagena’s streets provide everything! One of the very best ways to gain an insight into the daily lives and culture of the locals is to experience their culinary culture. This two – hour tour will get you up close and personal with the real Cartagena as the street sellers fill your bellies with their delicacies and warm our hearts with their hospitality.
After breakfast, start your tour with a transfer from the city center to La Popa Hill. You will be able to see Cartagena from the top of the hill as you will get to know the history of the Catholic monastery of La Popa.
From there, proceed to the biggest fortress built by the Spaniards in South America, the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress. The castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. Construction began in the year 1536, and it was originally known as the Castillo de San Lázaro. It was expanded in 1657. Visit the entire fortress including some of its tunnels, as well as the statue of Don Blas de Lezo.
Afterwards, return to the city center and visit some of the most important landmarks such as the Inquisition Palace and the historic Clock Tower. Enjoy strolling through the charming, romantic alleys and admire its impressive colonial buildings. The guide will tell us about the story of Cartagena’s founding and will share interesting stories full of legends and pirates.
Bring your appetite and an adventurous attitude. Hit the streets with your guide to experience food the way Cartageneros do. Whether you are searching for a stopover snack or something more substantial, a healthy platter or a sweet dessert, Cartagena’s streets provide everything! One of the very best ways to gain an insight into the daily lives and culture of the locals is to experience their culinary culture. This two hour tour will get you up close and personal with the real Cartagena as the street sellers fill your bellies with their delicacies and warm our hearts with their hospitality.
The Rosario Islands are located approximately 40km (approx.1 hour by boat) south-west of Cartagena. They consist of 27 islands and 20 hectares of coral islands and reefs. Some are swampy and consist mainly of mangrove and coconut trees.
Today you will explore the impressive, beautiful landscapes of Islas Del Rosario with its clear waters and gentle breezes. The entire marine area, including the Islas de Barú are protected areas. For this excursion you will be picked up at your hotel, depart from the port of Cartagena to have different sights of the Islas del Rosario with the free option of snorkeling and a typical coast lunch. In the afternoon, spend some time at Playa Blanca with free use of facilities and then the return to the port of Cartagena and your hotel.
You will have a private transfer from your hotel to the airport.
