Highlights:

Learn about the Legend of El Dorado. Get a taste of Boyacá at Villa de Leyva. Explore the vibrant capital city of Bogotá. Learn about the sacred statues of San Agustín. See the “White City” of Popayán. Explore the traditional coffee towns of Filandia and Salento. Hike among the iconic wax palms of Valle de Cocora. Sample the world’s best coffee in Buenavista. Witness firsthand the stunning transformation of Medellín. Climb the imposing El Peñol. Get lost in the walled city of Cartagena. Relax on a tranquil Caribbean beach. Experience the breathtaking nature at Tayrona National Park.

 

 

Itinerary:

Day 1:

Arrive in Bogotá any time. A trip orientation will be held in the evening.

 

Day 2: B

Head to Zipaquirá to see the incredible Salt Cathedral and then to Nemocón for a tour of a working salt mine.

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Day 3: B

Take a morning hike around Laguna de Guatavita to see where the Legend of El Dorado was formed. Continue to the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva.

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Day 4: B

Spend the day wandering through the cobblestone streets of Villa de Leyva. Visit the historic homes and churches before trying some of the local restaurants.

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Day 5: BL

Visit El Fósil, the world’s most complete fossil of a kronosaurus, before learning about the indigenous Muisca people at El Infiernito. Stop by the beautiful monastery of Santo Ecce Homo before finishing the day sampling Colombian wines and cheese at Viñedo Ain Karim.

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Day 6: BL

Start the morning with a trip to visit La Candelaria, a tiny hamlet with an Augustine monastery dating back to 1604. Do some souvenir shopping in colorful Ráquira, Colombia’s pottery capital, and sample cazuela boyacense, a local stew. Learn about tagua, a seed with 97% of the properties of ivory, from local artisans in Tinjacá, then snack on longaniza in Sutamarchán before the drive to Bogotá.

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Day 7: BL

Spend the morning in the historic district of La Candelaria. Feast on ajiaco, a traditional stew from Bogotá, for a delicious lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the Museo del Oro and Monserrate.

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Day 8: B

A free day in Bogotá to take optional bike or graffiti tours, visit some of the city’s many museums, or spend the day relaxing.

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Day 9: B

Leave early in the morning for the quaint town of Villavieja. Have lunch and see the small museum. Then it’s off to the Desierto de la Tatacoa for a couple short hikes. After dinner, attend an astronomy talk under the starry sky.

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Day 10: BD

Head to UNESCO World Heritage listed San Agustín at dawn. Spend the afternoon in the Archaeological Park. Have dinner at one of the excellent restaurants.

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Day 11: B

Your choice of a fantastic tour of the San Agustín region. An off-road tour in a “camioneta” will take you to more remote sections of the Archaeological Park, a tomb museum, and some waterfalls. Or, go on horseback to visit some incredible less accessible archaeological sites and admire the scenery near San Agustín. Have another fantastic dinner.

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Day 12: BL

Leave early for the White City of Popayán. Have lunch at Mora Castilla to try some of the unique culinary delicacies that can be found in this UNESCO City of Gastronomy. The rest of the day is free to explore.

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Day 13: B

Take the long scenic drive to Salento. Check into the hotel and relax, or head out to explore the town.

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Day 14: BL

Adventure awaits in Valle de Cocora! Marvel at the towering wax palms, a true Colombian treasure. Choose to hike the stunning loop trail (about 6 hours), enjoy an optional horseback tour, or simply soak in the picturesque views. Have a traditional lunch in the valley, then spend the rest of your day exploring Salento's charming shops and local delights.

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Day 15: BL

Start your day at the breathtaking Quindío Botanical Garden in Calarcá, where you'll embark on a guided tour to discover Colombia's incredible biodiversity. Then, drive to the charming town of Filandia for lunch at one of the hottest restaurants in the region, Helena Adentro. You’ll have some free time to wander the town and climb up the mirador for panoramic views of the region.

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Day 16: BLD

Kick off day with an immersive coffee tour where you’ll experience the coffee cultivation process from seed to cup. Next, say goodbye to Salento and journey to Santa Rosa de Cabal for a taste of the famous chorizo santarrosano. Spend the rest of the day soaking away in the famous thermal baths.

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Day 17: B

Take an early morning drive to Jardín to see what many Colombians regard as the most beautiful town in the country. Make a quick stop to see the colorful plaza in Hispania on the way there.

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Day 18: B

Take a free day in Jardín for optional activities. Hike to the Cueva del Esplendor for a dip in a natural swimming hole, go birdwatching, or relax in town.

 

Day 19: B

Spend a day in hot Santa Fe de Antioquia. Wander the cobblestone streets to see one of the oldest towns in Colombia. Take a dip in the hotel pool to cool off.

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Day 20: B

Sleep in, have breakfast, and drive to Medellín. After lunch, the rest of the day is free. Have dinner and dance the night away in El Poblado.

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Day 21: BL

Visit Comuna 13, once considered the most dangerous neighborhood in Colombia, to admire some colorful street murals and learn more about the city’s miraculous transformation. Head to the city center for a short walking tour and a traditional lunch.

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Day 22: B

Embark on an exhilarating day trip to tackle the 700+ steps of the majestic El Peñol for breathtaking views of the countryside, or relax in its shadow. Check out the zócalos in the town of Guatapé with a tour in a tuk-tuk. Don't miss the chance for souvenir shopping or an optional boat ride!

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Day 23: B

A free morning in Medellín to take optional tours or sleep in and relax. Fly to Cartagena in the late afternoon.

 

Day 24: B

Enjoy a free day of exploration in the UNESCO World Heritage walled city! Visit the impressive Castillo San Felipe, wander through the lively Getsemaní neighborhood, and savor mouthwatering street food and exotic fruit juices.

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Day 25: B

Another free day to explore more of the city or take an optional day trip. Choose from  exciting options such as the mud volcano and mangroves, National Aviary and Playa Blanca, Bazurto Market, or Rosario Islands.

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Day 26: BL

Take an excursion to Isla del Encanto. The private island resort features a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water and a variety of optional activities.

 

Day 27: BL

Our transfer to Santa Marta will pick us up in the morning. We will have lunch upon arrival and then take a quick tour of the city. Finish the day with a visit to historic Quinta de San Pedro, an important colonial villa.

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Day 28: B

The morning is free to explore the historic center of Santa Marta. After lunch, we’ll transfer to our lodge near Tayrona National Park.

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Day 29: B

A day of hiking and beaches awaits at Tayrona National Park. A 2-hour hike takes you to the popular Cabo San Juan, or you can opt to get there on horseback instead. Restaurants are located within the park to satisfy your appetite for lunch.

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Day 30: B

Spend the day relaxing at the lodge, which boasts its own private beach, or take an optional excursion in the area. You can visit an indigenous village to learn about the local culture or another spectacular natural place like Quebrada Valencia or Buritaca.

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Day 31: B

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.