Colombia Dreams and the Panama Canal

The Colombian capital city of Bogota offers an eclectic and cleverly juxtaposed mix of the old and the new. Experience the unique life of its citizens in the pulsating heart of its bustling marketplaces. Soak in the sights, smells and tastes of Bogotá’s Paloquemao with its typical fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce native to the region. Visit the Plaza de Bolívar, the center of the downtown district of La Candelaria. Walk down cobbled streets, admiring medieval cathedrals, old colonial buildings and important modern landmarks such as the Town Hall. Visit the famous museum housing the priceless works of contemporary artist, Fernando Botero; and admire the gold collection of the ancient Muisca Empire in the Gold Museum. Ride up to the Cerro Monserrate or Guadalupe Mountain for panoramic views of the city spread out below, amid spectacular Andean peaks towering all around. (Duration: 8 hours, Private Activity & Transfer; Lunch Included; Please bring comfortable walking shoes; Gold Museum closed on Mondays).

Discover the hidden gem of Villa de Leyva, tucked away near Bogotá, on this three-day trip. Declared as a national monument in the 1950s, this lovely little 16th century town feels as if it has been preserved for centuries! Leave from Bogotá in the morning to arrive at the old colonial town of Zipaquirá less than two hours away. Visit Zipaquirá’s famous salt cathedral, before moving on again. After a delicious lunch break at the beautiful Sisga Lake proceed on your way to Villa de Leyva, checking into your hotel by the afternoon. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and taking leisurely strolls around this lovely colonial town and its sprawling plaza, one of the largest in South America from that period. Stay overnight at your hotel. (Day 1 of Three Day Trip; Fitness Level: Easy but with step climbing; Please bring comfortable walking shoes; lunch is not included)

After a sumptuous breakfast in the morning, discover the beautiful outskirts of the lovely little town of Villa de Leyva. If you wish, you could go on an hour long trek up one of the striking hills surrounding the picturesque little town. It is an easy hike, with a rewarding panoramic view of the medieval village spread out beneath its surrounding hills. Visit a recently discovered paleontological site outside of town, and marvel at the 150 million year old fossils preserved there. Stop by the 17th century monastery of La Candelaria and admire its beautiful patios that continue to retain their grace to this day. Later in the afternoon, visit the quaint little village of La Ráquira with its colorful little houses, and its famed local pottery and ceramic artefacts. Enjoy an overnight stay at your hotel in Villa de Leyva. (Day 2 of Three Day Trip; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Spend the morning exploring the colonial gem of Villa de Levya in greater detail. Wander down the cobbled streets and winding alleyways with its color coordinated houses whitewashed in greens and whites. Amble into boutique stores shopping for local arts, pottery, and handicrafts. Later drive back to Bogotá, stop by the historical landmark of the Boyacá Bridge. Simón Bolívar, the illustrious Latin American leader, is said to have won an important battle against Spanish colonial troops on it. (Day 3 of Three Day Trip; Fitness Level: Easy).

If you are staying Bambusa, explore the gorgeously verdant plantations and sprawling grounds of the Hacienda. Walk around the rich plantations of cacao, plantain, tangerine and exotic fruit orchards. Learn all about growing and processing the ‘Food of the Gods’ – chocolate – from the humble cacao seeds. Cacao is the principal crop grown at the Hacienda Bambusa, apart from coffee and other commercial crops. The cultivated fields of Bambusa give way to slices of preserved forested areas and beautiful nature trails. Learn about the native plant and animal life of the region from your local guide, who is also an expert biologist. Visit the lush bamboo groves skirting the plantation, which hosts more than 150 bird species. Bird lovers will have a field day spotting exotic local birds like the Spectacled Parrotlet, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird and the Fork-tailed Flycatcher! (Activity together with other Bambusa guests; Duration: around 2 hrs; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes)

Take an informed, deliciously caffeine-induced journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site at Colombia’s Coffee Region. Learn everything there is to know about the globally loved Colombian coffee on this guided day tour. The region’s altitude, soil quality, moisture levels and a host of other geographical factors make it the best stretch of plantation land for growing the aromatic, mild and balanced coffee beans that the country is known for. Get to know all about planting, harvesting and processing Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in these lovely plantations. Sample a variety of this well-loved beverage and learn to recognize distinct coffee bean characters and tones under expert guidance. Savoring a steaming cup of coffee could never get better than this! (Half Day, Morning Tour; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy with stair climbing; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Begin the day visiting the lovely town of Filandia before heading to the Cocora Valley to discover the Quindío wax palm tree, Colombia’s national symbol and tree. Set at an altitude of over 2,000 meters (above 6,500 feet) this beautiful cloud forest is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. An easy, hour long trek through a lush landscape leads you into the heart of this valley. You can take a lunch break in a charming little restaurant overlooking the valley, on your way down, before heading back up to the picturesque little town of Salento. Take a leisurely walk through the streets to reach up to the vantage point of Alto de la Cruz, for a mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Cocora Valley spread out beneath, surrounded by the Andean mountains of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable walking or trekking shoes).

Spend an entire day exploring the wonders of Medellin! The tour offers a deeper understanding of the city and its residents, often considered distinctly different from the rest of the country, but equally important. Medellin is home to an eclectic architectural style, some of which can be seen at Alpujarra plaza, and the city also has some excellent museums, two of which will be visited, the poignant House of Memory, which records the violent history of the city through the voices of the victims and Antioquia Museum, offering an artistic representation of Paisa culture, past and present. The world-renowned work of Fernando Botero can be admired both in Antioquia Museum as well as outside it, in Botero Square on which it sits. No visit to the city would be complete without an exploration of the graffiti in San Javier neighbourhood (Comuna 13). Once considered one of the roughest parts of the city, social development initiatives such as the award-winning outdoor escalator have improved the area so much that it is now a thriving must-see area of Medellín. During your guided tour, political graffiti adorning street walls and corners will give you an alternative view into life this progressive city. (Full-day, Duration: 8 hrs; Private transport, Lunch at a local restaurant, entrance fees and a bilingual guide.)

Taste delicious local street food in the vibrant streets of Medellin on a culinary walking tour. Stroll through the bustling streets and reach a small local market area. Taste the exotic fruits on display and wash it down with a jugos or fresh juice. Give your tastebuds a workout with traditional delights such as arepas, Patacones made from mashed green plantains, piping hot Buñuelos, circular Churros, Chicharrones, and the wafer-life Obleas. Try out local combinations such as bite-sized empanadas with fresh Picante sauce. As you walk, observe and learn about the urban regeneration projects in the city, and its thriving street art culture. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch, coffee and water included; Please note that this activity includes a bilingual guide and entrance fees. Children below eight years are not permitted on this tour.)

Experience the grand colonial charm of this 16th century Spanish stronghold by the Caribbean Sea. Visit the imposing Fort San Felipe, whose tall stone walls still protect the city from the ‘pirates’ of the Caribbean Sea! A major Spanish port, it was mainly through Cartagena that most of the treasures of the Incas, the Andean and Amazonian empires were shipped off to the ‘Old World’. Relive the old times of rascally pirates and conquistadors, as you amble through winding streets and alleyways of the Old Town. Later visit the well-preserved historic buildings in Cartagena downtown. (Duration: 4 hours; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes. From November to March we plan this activity in the afternoon to avoid the crowds).

Take your pick from two partial transit ferry cruise routes along the Panama Canal for a memorable experience. Head out to Flamenco Marina in Amador and board a comfortable coach for the drive to Gamboa town, halfway up the Panama Canal. Settle into a comfortable day cruiser and sail south past Gaillard Cut, the narrowest section of the canal. Cruise under the splendid Centenario Bridge to reach the first set of locks at Pedro Miguel. Watch in amazement as the ship is lowered into Miraflores Lake and continues sailing. Savor a hearty lunch featuring Panamanian delicacies while you approach Miraflores locks, the tallest in the canal system. Observe as the ship is lowered to sea level in two steps and glides under the Bridge of the Americas before its docks at Flamenco Marina. Alternatively, choose the northbound route and start your cruise from Flamenco Marina and end it at Gamboa. (Full Day; Start Time: 0630 hrs; Shared Activity; Private or Shared Transfers; Travel Time to Activity: 45 mins; Lunch Included; Fitness Level: Easy. Please bring along binoculars, camera, cap or hat, sunscreen, a light raincoat, and if required, cash in small denominations for petty purchases. Do wear light clothing and tennis shoes or sandals. Please inform us of any food allergies in advance.)