Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Island Paradise

Discover Colombia’s vibrant capital city on this walking tour. The pulsating heart of the city lies in Plaza de Bolívar, right in the center of Bogota’s downtown district of La Candelaria. Lose yourself in the old world, colonial charm of its cobbled streets, centuries-old homes, official residences, preserved historical buildings—many of which have been turned into museums. Walk by old convents, churches, and quaint cafés. Stop by the famous art museum of the contemporary artist, Fernando Botero. The Gold Museum will bring alive the elusive El Dorado of the city’s pre-colonial history, with its magnificent collection of gold jewelry. Ride up the Cerro Monserrate or Guadalupe Mountain for spectacular, panoramic views of the city and lush mountains towering all around it. (Duration: about 6 hours; Private Activity & Transfers; please bring comfortable walking shoes; Gold Museum is closed on Mondays)

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: between 6 and 7 hours, Private Activity & Transfer; Please bring comfortable walking shoes; Gold Museum closed on Mondays).

Discover the unique wonders of the San Agustín Archaeological Park on this day trip. After breakfast, drive up to this UNESCO World Heritage site from your hotel. The spectacular San Agustín Archaeological Park is the largest complex of pre-Columbian megalithic monuments and structures in the entire continent. Visit the Mesitas A, B, C, and D zones within the Park, and marvel at the ceremonial fountain of ‘Lavapatas’, a sacred structure that was carved out of the stone bed of an ancient stream. Strategically located near the headwaters of the Magdalena and the Cauca River valley civilizations that date back some five thousand years, the Park lies at the very center of this ancient archeological spectacle. Later drive to the cluster of divine figures at the La Chaquira site, right by the magnificent Magdalena River. Marvel at the chiselled mythical beasts, sacred animals, humans and gods carved out of local volcanic rocks. Trek up to the El Tablón site nearby and admire the stunning rock statues of animals and mythical figures. (Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy but with stair climbing; Please bring comfortable walking or trekking shoes; Please note that the park is closed on Tuesdays; Lunch not included )

Enjoy an exhilarating hike down to the beautiful Magdalena River and up the Middle Andean range, before heading onward to the archeological site of Alto Las Piedras. After breakfast, drive up to the East Andean range, near the beautiful La Chaquira site right by the magnificent gorge of the Magdalena River. The great river cuts through the East and the Middle Andean range at this spectacular location. Hike downhill to the river and cross it, before settling down to a mid-morning picnic to shore up your energy for the trek uphill. Reach the top of the verdant hills from which the great Magdalena plunges down, and get to your waiting transport. Visit the archeological sites of San Jose de Isnos, along with the popular site of Alto de las Piedras. Drive back to your hotel after your trip into a fascinating era of the history of the people of South America. (Full Day Tour; Fitness Level: Good; Please bring comfortable trekking or hiking boots; Lunch not included).

Following a scenic drive an hour north of Bogota, reach Zipaquira Salt Park. Its underground centerpiece, the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, features a stunning network of tunnels inside a former salt mine. From the hillside opening, descend slowly through a crimson-arched tunnel. Walk the ‘Way of the Cross’ represented by a collection of chapels showcasing noteworthy moments from Jesus’ life. You will also notice traces of original carvings left by the ancient Musica civilization. Refurbished as a tourist attraction and pilgrimage center, expect to see hollowed-out crosses and altars built by erstwhile miners to pray for their own safety. Meanwhile, your guide is happy to share anecdotes, insights, and the history of the salt mines with you. Further ahead, marvel at the magnificent salt cupola, naves of the main cathedral and the lofty carved cross, all illuminated by eerie blue lights. Sans a bishop, this is a functioning cathedral with masses congregating every Sunday. Shortly after, exit through a channel of Penitent Stairs. (Half Day; Duration: 5 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Please note that this activity is not available on Sundays.)

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).

Indulge the nature enthusiast in you at this alluring slice of preserved forest area in the fragrant Coffee Region. The region’s Botanical Garden and Butterfly Park is a paradise for nature and bird lovers. The forested area is home to trees nearly two centuries old and 600 species of plant life! Visit the Insect Zoo, which offers a panoramic view of layers upon layers of vegetation from a 7-storey high viewing balcony. Make your acquaintance with a hundred avian species that reside on the highest treetops. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the fantastic Butterfly Park that holds almost two thousand butterflies of 50 different species. Make your way through innumerable, exotic flower-lined walkways in this wonderland. (Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Begin the day visiting the lovely town of Finlandia 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 not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable walking or trekking shoes).

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 up the unique opportunity of encountering multiple environs on this tour of the National Aviary in Baru. A dream trip for any nature and bird lover, be part of this wonderful ecotourism initiative in Colombia. Accompanied by your local guide, ride to the aviary, which displays a variety of exhibits to replicate tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests and desert landscapes. Explore over a hundred species of exotic bird life, marveling at the natural beauty surrounding you. (Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring sun hats and comfortable walking shoes).