Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights	Hotel Options
1 - 3	Bogota	Spanish Colonial Capital, Art & Architecture, Restaurants & Nightlife	Hotel de la Opera, EK Suites
3 - 6	San Agustin	UNESCO World Heritage site, Magdalena River, Colonial charm	Akawanka Lodge, Monasterio San Agustin
6 - 7	Bogota	Spanish Colonial Capital, Art & Architecture, Restaurants & Nightlife	Hotel de la Opera, EK Suites
7 - 10	Coffee Region	Coffee Plantations, Botanical Gardens, Nature & Birdlife	Casa de Campo El Delirio, Estrella del Monte
10 - 13	Cartagena	Ancient villages, Spanish colonial heritage, Caribbean beaches	Alfiz Boutique Hotel, Anandá Boutique Hotel
13 - 15	Múcura Island	Protected Marine Park, Endangered Sea Turtles, Diving, Snorkeling & Kayaking	Punta Faro, Punta Faro
15 - 15	Cartagena	Ancient villages, Spanish colonial heritage, Caribbean beaches

Itinerary Details

Day 1 - 3

International Arrival

Transfer to your hotel with a guide

Bogota

2 Nights

Set at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in Colombia’s Eastern Andean range, Bogota boasts wonderful highland climate and natural beauty. The capital of Columbia is dotted with numerous national monuments and cultural landmarks.

Included Activities

Walking City Tour of Bogota
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)

City Tour of Bogota
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).

Hotel Options

Hotel de la Opera – Opt 1

Room	Standard Deco
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

EK Suites – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room King
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 3 - 6

Transfer to Airport

Flight from Bogota to Neiva

Drive from Neiva to San Agustin (250 km, 4 hs)

San Agustin

3 Nights

The wild and mystical San Agustín, riddled with architectural wonders, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Included Activities

San Agustín Archaeological Park, La Chaquira & Tablon Tour
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 )

Hiking in Magdalena Gorge & Alto Las Piedras
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).

Hotel Options

Akawanka Lodge – Opt 1

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Monasterio San Agustin – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Day 6 - 7

Drive from San Agustin to Pitalito (30 km, 1 h)

Flight from Pitalito to Bogota

Transfer to Hotel

Bogota

1 Night

Included Activities

Explore the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
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.)

Hotel Options

Hotel de la Opera – Opt 1

Room	Standard Deco
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

EK Suites – Opt 2

Room	Superior Room King
Meals	Breakfast
Style	International

Day 7 - 10

Transfer to Airport

Flight from Bogota to Armenia/Pereira

Transfer to Hotel

Coffee Region

3 Nights

Colombia’s Eje Cafetero or the Coffee Region—a rural stretch encompassing the three cities of Armenia, Pereira and Manizales—is renowned for producing the best coffee in the world!

Included Activities

Colombian Coffee Tour
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).

Botanical Garden & Butterfly Park Visit
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).

Finlandia, Cocora Valley and Salento Tour
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).

Hotel Options

Casa de Campo El Delirio – Opt 1

Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Farmhouse / Estancia

Estrella del Monte – Opt 2

Room	Standard Room
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Guest house

Day 10 - 13

Transfer to Airport

Flight from Armenia/Pereira to Cartagena via Bogota

Transfer to Hotel

Cartagena

3 Nights

Cartagena, Colombia’s very own Caribbean beauty, has a way of getting under your skin with its ageless charm. In sharp contrast to its colonial architecture, lies upscale, beachside neighborhoods with highrises, shopping malls and trendy eateries.

Included Activities

Cartagena City 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).

Birds of a Feather at Baru National Aviary
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).

Hotel Options

Alfiz Boutique Hotel – Opt 1

Room	Junior Suite
Meals	Breakfast
Style	Boutique

Anandá Boutique Hotel – Opt 2

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals
Style	Boutique

Day 13 - 15

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and accompany you to La Bodeguita dock

Shared speed boat transfer from Cartagena to Múcura Island (Duration: 2 hrs)

Múcura Island

2 Nights

Múcura is a tiny little island on the Caribbean Sea, which is part of Colombia’s San Bernardo Archipelago. It is part of the country’s protected marine parks and is involved in the conservation of endangered marine life

Hotel Options

Punta Faro – Opt 1

Room	Deluxe Room
Meals
Style	Lodge

Punta Faro – Opt 2

Room	Junior Suite
Meals
Style	Lodge

Day 15 - 15

Shared speed boat transfer from Múcura Island to Cartagena (Duration: 2 hrs)

Your guide will meet you at the dock and accompany you to the Airport

Cartagena

0 Nights

International Departure

Price & Inclusions

Option 1 From $ 4,790 /person
Option 2 From $ 5,690 /person

Prices are in USD and exclude international flights. This trip price is based on low season rates for accommodation and other applicable services, and may change depending on availability, currency fluctuations and number of people traveling together. For high season prices, please contact us with your exact travel dates and preferences.

Price Includes

Accommodation and meals, as specified in the itinerary
Activities and excursions, as specified in the itinerary
Transportation services, as specified in the itinerary
Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip

Not Included

Entrance fees and meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
Tips and personal expenses
Visa and tourism fees
Travel, health, and cancellation insurance
International airfare

Colombia In-Depth: Culture, Coffee & Island Paradise

Itinerary Summary

Ideal For

Itinerary Details

Bogota

San Agustin

Bogota

Coffee Region

Cartagena

Múcura Island

Cartagena

Price & Inclusions

Price Includes

Not Included