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Colombia - Iconic Cities and Nature
Overview
Introduction
Colombia has emerged as a sought-after destination, now enjoying stability and economic growth after years of conflict. Our experts have been exploring Colombia for quite some time and highly recommend visiting before it becomes overcrowded.
Our 17 night itinerary will offer you a unique insight across some of the captivating regions of this beautiful country. Resembling a miniature South America, Colombia offers a vibrant blend of Andean cities, the Amazon basin, colonial towns, and grand haciendas. However, it boasts unique features of nature such as the towering wax palms in the Coffee Region (where you can savour some of the finest coffee worldwide), a cathedral sculpted within a salt mine, and Chicaque Natural Park, a beautiful cloud forest with over 10 miles of nature trails. Let us introduce you the real Colombia including Medellin's urban revitalisation projects, Cartagena's colourful buildings reflecting the country's variety of tropical fruits, and stunning island resorts along the Caribbean coast.
As with all our holidays, we offer complete flexibility and the itinerary can be tailored to suit personal tastes and interests.
Board Basis: Bed & BreakfastAgenda
Day 1 - Day of arrival - Bogota
Fly direct to Bogota from London Heathrow or via Madrid. On arrival at Bogota Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel.
Bogota is a sprawling, vibrant capital of almost 8 million inhabitants set on an enormous plateau and surrounded by high peaks. Bogotá is probably the least known of the South American capitals, but it has all the attributes of a large capital city. You can eat well, visit excellent museums, participate in a vibrant night-life and explore La Candelaria, the old quarter. There is an enormous police presence in La Candelaria so, to put it bluntly, you feel safe because there are police at every corner! The police are friendly as well, no hard or threatening faces. Colombia and especially Bogotá are on a charm offensive. La Candelaria is a mixture of beautiful, restored colonial buildings and others in the process of being restored. The colours are eye catching, vibrant and brash but somehow blend together. Imaginative urban street art abounds. This is a city regaining its confidence beginning to feel that it will be a big player in the South American market. Towering above the east of the city is the peak of Monserrate at 3,152 metres. You can walk up the 1,500 steps to reach the top in an hour or take the cable car or funicular. The view from the top over the sprawling 1,700 sq. km capital is spectacular - on a clear day views can extend to well over 100km. There are two excellent restaurants at the summit. The Botero museum is a must. He was Colombia's most famous artist with a highly entertaining style depicting all his subjects as over fat! The collection, including works by famous artists like Picasso, Chagall and Miro was bequeathed to the nation provided free entry was allowed. There is the gold museum with priceless ornaments manufactured by the many tribes that inhabited Colombia before the Spanish invasion. And, of course there are the richly decorated churches. Bogotá is also a base from which to visit the impressive salt cathedral at Zipaquirá on a day trip possibly combined with a fascinating visit to a rose plantation. Colombia is the world's second largest producer of cut flowers and some say the Dutch import from Colombia and then export in their own name! Finally, no stay in Bogotá is complete without a night at the restaurant Andres Carne de Res. It is hard to describe this unusual restaurant with a capacity close to 5,000 covers. You won't hear yourselves speak but the decor, music, dancing and the characters who work and eat there are to be seen to be believed.
Overnight at the Hotel de la Opera. Bed & Breakfast
Bogota, Colombia
Day 2 - Bogotá - Zipaquirá and Salt Cathedral - Villa de Leyva
Depart from Bogotá and head north, towards Zipaquirá. Travel through the Bogota Savannah. After a journey of roughly an hour reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true achievement of engineering. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues to the dome. The dome is lit in such a way that it allows one to contemplate the universe and the relationship between man and nature. Later, reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life, and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, above which is the cross that measures 16m in height and 10m in breadth, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. This is the largest cross made from salt in the world. Next, we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, and host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock. Continue a 2-hour trip to Villa de Leyva in the afternoon. Villa de Leyva, one of the area’s most beautiful towns, was founded in 1572 by Hernán Suárez de Villalobos who named it after Andrés Días Venero de Leyva, the first president of Nueva Granada. In colonial times, Villa de Leyva played a central role in independence developments and the Viceroy and his entourage spent much time here. Today, the city is a colonial jewel with a main square measuring 14.000 m2 surrounded by Spanish-style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets, and the XVII century parochial church.
Overnight at the Hotel Posada de San Antonio, Villa de la Leyva. Bed & Breakfast
Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá.
Day 3 - Villa de Leyva and surroundings
After breakfast, on the outskirts of the city is the Archaeological Museum Park of Monquirá "El Infiernito", a pre-Hispanic Muisca site, where some 30 stone columns known as megaliths are located. It is believed that these columns are about 2,200 years old and that this space was reserved for the cult of fertility because of the phallic shape of the stones, while others claim that it was used as an astronomical observatory. Visit The Fossil Museum, founded in 1977 and located 5,5 km away from Villa de Leyva. The museum was built exactly at the place where a kronosaurus, a marine reptile of more than 120 million years and 20 metres in length, was discovered. At night, it is possible to stargaze while sitting in the main square drinking “canelazo”, a typical drink from the area.
Overnight at the Hotel Posada de San Antonio, Villa de la Leyva. Bed & Breakfast
Archaeological Museum Park of Monquirá "El Infiernito"
Day 4 - Villa de Leyva – Bogotá
After breakfast, return to Bogotá. On the way, break at the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo. Founded by the Dominicans in 1620, this was an important point of evangelization in a region populated by Indigenous communities. Note: Only the Salt Cathedral, Santo Ecce Homo, Archaeological Museum Park of Monquirá (El Infiernito), and The Fossil tickets are included.
Overnight at the Hotel de la Opera. Bed & Breakfast
The Fossil Museum
Day 5 - Full day Chicaque Natural Park with lunch
Chicaque is a beautiful cloud forest comprised of 244 hectares with over 10 miles of nature trails that traverse crystalline streams, pure water springs, oak trees and other native vegetation in danger of extinction. The reserve is 1 hour southwest of the savannah of Bogota where you will spend the entire day walking the trails and enjoying the stunning scenery. Take a hike in the park through the mountains that cross-rivers and observe beautiful landscapes. It reaches the Pico del Águila, a viewpoint from where you have a panoramic view of different villages in the savannah of Bogota. Cross the Roquedal, another point to appreciate the landscape, the Butterfly Farm and the Laguna, a water source that has recovered in recent years. Continue to El Refugio, where lunch will take place. The place has a balcony with a panoramic view and 3 hammocks. Then follow the Oak Forest trail and pass through some “nests” in the top of the trees and enjoy oaks of different ages. DURATION: Approximately 8 hours. (Private car + Bilingual guide)
Overnight at the Hotel de la Opera. Bed & Breakfast
View from the Chicaque Natural Park
Day 6 - Half day Tour with Monserrate (5 hours)
This afternoon you will take a private transfer from your hotel to Bogota Airport for your flight to Medellin.
The journey begins in La Candelaria, historic centre of Bogotá, followed by La Plaza de Bolívar, which is surrounded by The Cathedral, The Capilla del Sagrario, The Capitol, The Palacio de Justicia, the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in Colombia called San Bartolomé and The Casa de los Comuneros; carry on in the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum and later, you can take the cable car or the funicular to Monserrate. DURATION: Approximately 5 hours. (Private car + Bilingual guide).
Overnight at Hotel Park 10, El Poblado, Medellin. Bed & Breakfast
The Gold Museum, Bogota
Day 7 - Full day Excursion to El Peñol and Guatape with lunch
Leave Medellín and head to the town of Guatapé in order to visit the Peñol rock. Walk up the stairs if you are full of energy (there are 654 steps to get to the top), to view the entire Guatapé reservation. Then visit the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colours. After lunch, tour the Guatapé reservoir by boat (30 minutes) DURATION: Approximately 8 hours. (Private car + Bilingual guide).
Overnight at Hotel Park 10, El Poblado, Medellin. Bed & Breakfast
El Peñol and Guatape
Day 8 - Half Day City Tour Medellín (4 Hours)
This evening, take a private transfer from your hotel to Medellín Airport for your flight to Cartagena, then a private transfer to you hotel.
Visit the Plaza de Botero that houses 23 Botero sculptures donated by the artist in 2000. Moving on to the Plazuela de San Ignacio, surrounded by the San Ignacio building which houses the Universidad de Antioquia’s history department. On the other side, the baroque San Ignacio church with its neoclassical exterior fools all with its gothic interior. Then, continue to the Parque de los Pies Descalzos The Parque de los Deseos, the Edificio Inteligente, the Metropolitan Theatre, the Parque Cisneros, the Parque de las Luces and the Alpujarra. At the end, proceed to the Nutibara hill and enjoy a panoramic view of the city, as well as a reproduction of a typical “paisa” village. Private Car + Bilingual Guide.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
Plaza de Botero, Medellin
Day 9 - Half day City Tour Panoramico
Today begins with a visit to the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Then the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, built on the hill of San Lázaro to defend the city from pirate attacks. In the tour, you will learn about the engineering and architectural details of its construction. Later, visit the Old City, where you can find the convent and the church of San Pedro Claver. Finally, visit the artisan center in Las Bóvedas. DURATION: Approximately 4 hours. Private car + Bilingual Guide.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena
Day 10 - Day at leisure
A free day at leisure to enjoy the city surroundings.
Located to the north of Colombia on the Caribbean Coast, Cartagena is the most romantic, vibrant, colourful and beautiful city in South America. A rich historical legacy, excellent boutique hotels and restaurants and an electric mix of Spanish, African and Caribbean cultures make Cartagena perhaps Colombia's premier tourist attraction. So yes, it is a city for the tourist, but you will never tire of exploring the colourful squares, labyrinthine, flower- bedecked streets, quaint corners, the pastel-coloured houses of the colonial nobility and the beautiful churches. Cartagena must also be the world's capital of beautiful doors and antique brass door knockers, which can be found for sale in antique shops in the town. It is the fifth largest city in Colombia, with a population of over a million, but it is the old town, within 12 kilometres of massively-thick walls, which is of interest. This is the area to explore and which is perfectly safe, due to its substantial (but benign) police presence. Outside the walls there is Bocagrande, a Miami-like district of high-rise apartments for wealthier citizens and visitors which line the Caribbean beach, plus the poorer, residential outskirts of the city. Cartagena, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1533 and was the main gateway out of South America for the gold and jewels pillaged by the Spanish Conquistadors; it was, therefore, heavily fortified. Built by slaves in 1536, the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas is the largest and most sophisticated fort built by Spain in the Americas and is a UNESCO World Heritage monument in its own right. In 1741 the British, under Admiral Vernon, failed to take Cartagena, much to the embarrassment of the Crown at the time – but, in the early days, Francis Drake plundered and ransacked the city. There is much to do in and around Cartagena other than people watch from the numerous cafés. A sight not to be missed is the Caribbean sunset from the ramparts of the old town. The sea and grey sand beaches around the city are not particularly exciting, so take a day trip for snorkelling and sunbathing to the 27 offshore coral islands, with their white sand beaches and crystal clear waters that make up the national park of the Rosario archipelago. Why Cartagena de Indias? Because there was already a Cartagena in Spain, of course, and this was to differentiate the two cities on their two very different continents. It holds its own against Brazil’s Ouro Preto and Peru’s Cuzco, for the continent’s most enthralling and preserved colonial destination.
Overnight at Hotel Alfiz, Cartagena. Bed & Breakfast
Cartagena
Day 11 - Coralina Island, Islas del Rosario National Park
Private transfer from your hotel to Cartagena Pier for your transfer to Coralina Island. Shared service by boat.
Coralina Island Hotel is a small, rustic property developed amidst mangroves on a coral island surrounded by beautiful blue water. The hotel offers 6-air conditioned en-suite rooms with verandas and views of the sea. The spacious rooms are tastefully and minimally decorated with antique furniture and island flare. Swimming platforms with sun beds and umbrellas are dotted throughout the property, making a launch into the crystal blue water a breeze. Kayaks, paddleboards and snorkel gear are available if you feel like a workout, but lounging is really the principal activity on island.
Overnight at Coralina Island Hotel. Bed & Breakfast
Islas del Rosario National Park
Day 12 & 13 - Days at leisure
Spend the next two days enjoying the serene and stunning surroundings of the islands.
Overnight at Coralina Island Hotel. Bed & Breakfast
Islas del Rosario National Park
Day 14 - Tayrona National Park
Transfer from Coralina Island to Cartagena Pier. Shared service by boat. Then transfer from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park and your accommodation.
Tayrona has a collection of wonderful windswept beaches, strewn with giant boulders and fringed with virgin rainforest. The region was once the territory of the Tayrona indigenous tribe and some archaeological remains have been found in the park. The park stretches for 20 miles along the coast from the Bahía de Taganga near Santa Marta to the mouth of the Rio Piedras. The scenery varies from sandy beaches along the coast in the north to rainforest at an altitude of 900m on the southern limits of the park. The extreme western part is arid, with light-brown hills and cactus. The central and eastern parts of the park are wetter and more verdant, largely covered by rainforest. At least 56 endangered species live in the park but unfortunately most are very elusive.
Overnight at Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. Bed & Breakfast.
Tayrona National Park
Day 15 - Full day tour of Tayrona National Park
Today, you will have a full day private tour of Tayrona National Park with a bilingual guide.
Overnight at Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. Bed & Breakfast.
Tayrona National Park
Day 16 - Day at leisure
Free time to explore Tayrona National Park.
Overnight at Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos. Bed & Breakfast.
Tayrona National Park
Day 17 - Day of departure
Private transfer form Tayrona National Park to Santa Marta Airport for your onward flight to Bogota Airport. Overnight flight (direct) back to the UK arriving the following day.
Accommodation
Hotel de la Opera - Night 1 to 1
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
Positioned at the intersection of Tenth Street and Sixth Street, Hotel de la Ópera is on a charming pedestrian street frequented by numerous tourists and locals who appreciate the colonial and historical allure that surrounds them daily. Adjacent to the Teatro Colón and facing the Palacio de San Carlos, it is also diagonally opposite the Colonial Museum, fifty meters from the San Ignacio temple, and a stone's throw away from Plaza de Bolívar. The hotel boasts two gourmet restaurants beautifully restored to complement their historic surroundings, offering spacious interiors that establish it as one of the premier accommodations in the city.
Featuring 42 rooms adorned with elegant Italian-made furniture, central heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and safety deposit boxes, guests can enjoy the comfort of Bogotá's finest hotel tradition. The variety of architectural styles spanning three centuries of urban history ensures that the rooms cater to the tastes of even the most discerning travelers.
The hotel houses 27 rooms around the courtyards from the Colonial and Republican eras on Coliseo Street, along with 15 Deco-style rooms affording views of Plaza de Bolívar and the eastern hills, home to the prominent Sanctuary of Monserrate.
Beyond the enchanting streets, guests can savour Mediterranean and traditional Colombian cuisine at La Scala Restaurants on the first floor, exuding the warmth of Republican architecture, and El Mirador on the upper floor, offering panoramic views of colonial rooftops, the domes of the Church of San Ignacio, and the Primada Cathedral.
Hotel La Posada de San Antonio - Night 2 to 3
Situated on a quiet square just a short stroll from the historic centre of Villa de Leyva, the Hotel La Posada de San Antonio is set in a charming colonial style house that dates back to 1860.
Situated on a quiet square just a short stroll from the historic centre of Villa de Leyva, the Hotel La Posada de San Antonio is set in a charming colonial style house that dates back to 1860.
The hotel is the result of the restoration of three adjoining houses, which, thanks to the meticulous work of the architects, allowed the conservation of the original colonial construction, giving guests the experience of a hotel equipped with the most extensive comfort and services.
Terracotta floors, beamed ceilings, aged leather couches and various art pieces add to the ambience. It boasts a beautiful central courtyard with a fountain and colourful plant displays.
The 23 stylish and uniquely decorated rooms are warm and cozy. They feature single or king size beds and come with fully equipped bathroom, cable TV, WI-FI, direct dial phone and mini bar. The restaurant ‘La Cocina de San Antonio’ serves international cuisine.
Hotel de la Opera - Night 4 to 5
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
The Hotel De la Ópera underwent a meticulous restoration in 1997, a collaborative effort between architects and owners. The focus was on preserving the aesthetics while blending the Colonial and Republican houses to create a welcoming and distinctive hotel, a first in the heart of Bogotá's center. Situated near the Teatro Colón, across from the Palacio de San Carlos, and a block away from Plaza de Bolívar, it is nestled in the historic core of Bogotá.
Positioned at the intersection of Tenth Street and Sixth Street, Hotel de la Ópera is on a charming pedestrian street frequented by numerous tourists and locals who appreciate the colonial and historical allure that surrounds them daily. Adjacent to the Teatro Colón and facing the Palacio de San Carlos, it is also diagonally opposite the Colonial Museum, fifty meters from the San Ignacio temple, and a stone's throw away from Plaza de Bolívar. The hotel boasts two gourmet restaurants beautifully restored to complement their historic surroundings, offering spacious interiors that establish it as one of the premier accommodations in the city.
Featuring 42 rooms adorned with elegant Italian-made furniture, central heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and safety deposit boxes, guests can enjoy the comfort of Bogotá's finest hotel tradition. The variety of architectural styles spanning three centuries of urban history ensures that the rooms cater to the tastes of even the most discerning travelers.
The hotel houses 27 rooms around the courtyards from the Colonial and Republican eras on Coliseo Street, along with 15 Deco-style rooms affording views of Plaza de Bolívar and the eastern hills, home to the prominent Sanctuary of Monserrate.
Beyond the enchanting streets, guests can savour Mediterranean and traditional Colombian cuisine at La Scala Restaurants on the first floor, exuding the warmth of Republican architecture, and El Mirador on the upper floor, offering panoramic views of colonial rooftops, the domes of the Church of San Ignacio, and the Primada Cathedral.
Hotel Park 10 - Night 6 to 7
Hotel Park 10, a 5-star boutique hotel housed in a charming colonial building, exudes a warm and cosy atmosphere at the heart of the old town. The traditional decor transports guests to a bygone era. Situated near Parque Lleras, the hotel provides easy access to a variety of bars and restaurants.
Hotel Park 10, a 5-star boutique hotel housed in a charming colonial building, exudes a warm and cosy atmosphere at the heart of the old town. The traditional decor transports guests to a bygone era. Situated near Parque Lleras, the hotel provides easy access to a variety of bars and restaurants.
The hotel features 67 rooms equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. The bathrooms boast spa baths, saunas, hair dryers, and bathrobes for added comfort.
Guests can savour Colombian seafood at the gourmet "La Fragata" restaurant or enjoy light lunches at La Terraza café/coffee shop. Additionally, the hotel offers a fitness studio, wellness centre, spa lounge, whirlpool bathtubs, steam rooms, and saunas for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Alfiz Hotel - Night 8 to 10
Immerse yourself in a unique lodging experience in Cartagena's old town at the charming 3-star Alfiz Hotel. The former 17th-century house has been restored to combine the comfort and elegance of a typical Cartagena colonial house with the services of a modern top boutique hotel.
Immerse yourself in a unique lodging experience in Cartagena's old town at the charming 3-star Alfiz Hotel. The former 17th-century house has been restored to combine the comfort and elegance of a typical Cartagena colonial house with the services of a modern top boutique hotel.
In 1824 it was the residence of the British Consul, Edward Watts who was a great supporter of Bolivar and the independence movement. The building then served as a pharmacy, a hardware store and a bar until its restoration during which many of the artefacts which decorate the building were discovered.
The décor and furnishings, with antiques and charming period pieces, and the 8 thematic rooms allows guests to encounter Colombian history and culture while staying in one of the best hotels in Cartagena.
All rooms are with air-conditioning, ceiling fan(s) bathroom with shower and bath, room safe, mini bar, satellite TV, telephone and WIFI.
There is a small plunge pool in the inner courtyard, a library and reading room, sun-deck and Jacuzzi. Breakfast is individually cooked and there is a bar and room service.
A comfortable and very friendly hotel which is ideally located for exploring this historic city.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos - Night 14 to 16
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is nestled in a prime location on Los Naranjos beach, just a stone's throw away from the sea. Additionally, it is just 1 kilometre from the renowned Tayrona National Natural Park. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and the vast blue sea, this exquisite house offers the perfect retreat.
Casa Tayrona Los Naranjos is nestled in a prime location on Los Naranjos beach, just a stone's throw away from the sea. Additionally, it is just 1 kilometre from the renowned Tayrona National Natural Park. Surrounded by lush tropical greenery and the vast blue sea, this exquisite house offers the perfect retreat.
Perched on a small hill overlooking the beach, the newly constructed house provides unparalleled views from every angle. The friendly and attentive staff are dedicated to ensuring every guest's stay is filled with excellent service and unforgettable moments. Featuring 6 luxurious, spacious rooms, you can relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Many charming features adorn the house, such as natural materials like tree bark and nuts, adding a simple yet captivating touch. There are three communal areas for relaxation and socialising. The dining area, located on the lower level, serves breakfast and includes a cosy sitting area with magnificent sea views.
Take a refreshing dip in the outdoor swimming pool that has sunbeds and loungers for soaking up the sun and admiring the vastness of the azure blue sea. At the top level, a terrace furnished with hammocks and seating provides an ideal spot for watching the sunset.
Route Map
Best time to go
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Time Difference
GMT - 6 hours
Currency
Colombian Peso
Language
Spanish
Average flight times
10 hours 55 minutes
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Average temperature
Average rainfall
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