Highlights of Colombia

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. Climb up to the Cerro Monserrate for panoramic views of the city spread out below, amid spectacular Andean peaks towering all around. (Half Day, Private Activity & Transfer; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

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; Please bring comfortable walking or trekking shoes; Please note that the park is closed on Tuesdays)

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 Los Idolos. 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 sites of the Alto de los Idolos and the 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).

Discover the hidden gem of Villa de Leyva, tucked away near Bogotá, on this two-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 its sprawling plaza, surrounded by pretty churches, colorful handicraft stores and boutique cafés. Stay overnight at your hotel. (Day 1 of Two Day Trip; Fitness Level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes)

Discover the lovely little colonial town of Villa de Leyva in the morning. 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. Villa de Leyva is home to one of the largest colonial plazas in South America. In the afternoon, drive back to Bogotá, passing through the quaint little village of La Ráquira with its colorful little houses. (Day 2 of Two Day Trip).

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 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, Morning Tour; 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. Cool off by the many cafés lining the streets, before moving on to well-preserved historic buildings and grand old churches. Shop for delightful little artefacts and catch the sunset (and your breath) from Café del Mar at the city wall, as you sit sipping cups of aromatic coffee. (Half Day, Morning Tour; Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

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. Stop by the the Pescador de Colores Restaurant for lunch. Feast on sumptuous Caribbean and Mediterranean cuisine, including delicious seafood, at this beach side restaurant. Take a leisurely swim in the crystal clear waters, before heading back to Cartagena. (Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring sun hats and comfortable walking shoes).