Highlights of Colombia

Day 1 - Welcome to Colombia! | Arrive to Bogotá
It is great to have you here in Colombia! We are delighted about your visit and we’ll make sure you will enjoy your stay. Bogotá is Colombia’s beating heart. It is an engaging and vibrant capital cradled by chilly Andean peaks and amazing people and sceneries. You will be picked up with a welcome sign at El Dorado Airport by a private transportation service that follows all protocols. You will be taken safely and securely to your hotel. We ensure that your 30-60 minute drive will be comfortable and relaxing.  On the way to your hotel, your English-speaking guide will give you all the recommendations you may like to get the most out of your stay. Feel free to let the guide know your preferences.

Day 2 - Discover Bogotá
Discover the inspiring history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighbourhood in Bogotá. Choosing to leave their criminal pasts behind, they started the initiative "Breaking Borders", guiding tourists through streets adorned with artwork that narrates the neighbourhood’s history. Through this, tourism has become a genuine alternative for their personal and professional growth, paving the way for a brighter future. You'll meet your English-speaking guide, an expert on this area, at Chorro Quevedo — the very place where Bogotá was founded. Over a cup of coffee or agua panela, you'll learn about the project. Next, you'll head to Nuestra Señora de Egipto, the church located at the entrance of Barrio Egipto. This spot also hosts the festivities on the 6th of January, a three-day religious carnival deeply ingrained in the traditions of the Barrio Egipto residents. The Calle Real or Royal Street, which was once the only connection of the people to the city, will guide you further into the neighbourhood. Your guide will pause at El Cuadrado, a significant site in the history of local gang conflicts. Once a strategic point for gangs vying for territorial control, today it's adorned with murals reflecting the community's history and renewed values. As you walk uphill through the vibrant streets of the neighbourhood, you'll firsthand witness the area's remarkable transformation into a beacon of hope, peace, and culture. The captivating graffiti art along the way illustrates the residents' stories, with your guide sharing the meanings and tales behind each mural. Reaching the hills, you'll see the modest homes of the local guides and their families, nestled into the steep terrain. Despite the community still grappling with underdevelopment and limited access to basic utilities, it pulses with life — a testament to the warmth, resilience, and aspirations of its residents. In this vicinity, you'll also observe one of the neighbourhood's most significant transformations. Thanks to the project, a football field has been established for the district's children. Learn about the pivotal role this field plays in the community's ongoing evolution.
Colonial and Historical Downtown & Monserrate Embark on a journey through Bogotá's Colonial Downtown, where the past and present gracefully intersect. Meander through cobblestone streets to encounter landmarks such as the Colón Theater, known for its opulent interiors, and the San Carlos Palace, a gem of neoclassical architecture. Within this historic context, also discover Chorro de Quevedo, a quaint square that's as much a living museum as it is a bustling social space. Here, history whispers through the cobblestones, as it's considered the founding site of Bogotá. Enhance your cultural experience with a visit to The Museo de Oro (Gold Museum). This museum offers a golden glimpse into Colombia's rich pre-Hispanic heritage, with artifacts that speak volumes of ancient craftsmanship. Conclude your exploration with a VIP cable car ride to Monserrate Hill. This exclusive service allows you to bypass the regular queues, offering you more time to revel in the panoramic vistas that await at the summit. Gaze over Bogotá's sprawling cityscape, a sight that perfectly encapsulates the city's dynamic blend of tradition and modernity.

Day 3 - Flight to The Coffee Region
Today is your last day in the cosmopolitan Bogotá. Enjoy your delicious breakfast at your hotel and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken to El Dorado Airport by a private transportation service and your English-speaking guide.
Welcome to The Coffee Region! You will be picked up with a welcome sign at the Airport by a private transportation service and taken to your hotel. You can relax during your approximately 30-60 minute drive to your hotel. On the way to your hotel, your English-speaking guide can give you all the recommendations you may like to get the most out of your stay.
El Paraiso Coffee Farm: Where Coffee and History Unite in a Sensory Journey Nestled between bamboo groves and mountains, lies our special coffee spot. Here, at this charming coffee estate, every visitor is embraced with the rich aroma and the compelling history of the Valencia family. Their journey, from facing challenges to finding hope through coffee and tourism, will surely touch your heart. For generations, the Valencia family has been meticulously crafting the perfect coffee bean, honing techniques passed down through the ages. Explore the coffee fields and witness the love and dedication poured into every bean. From its humble beginnings in the nursery to the bustling processing area, and finally the drying and roasting zones. Treat your senses to an exquisite coffee-tasting session directly from the farm. Relish the pure, unfiltered taste of Colombia. To elevate this sensory journey, indulge in authentic regional dishes, a feast that encapsulates the soul of the region.

Day 4 - The Cocora Valley, Salento, Filandia, & the Valley of Wax Palms
Salento is an enchanting Andean town situated west of Bogota, celebrated for its world-renowned coffee estates and lush landscapes. The nearby Cocora Valley is a sanctuary of towering wax palm trees, home to a myriad of rare birds. In 1985, the Ceroxylon Quindiuense, a unique palm species, was designated as Colombia's national tree. Embark on a Journey Through Cocora Valley. Your experience begins with an invigorating cup of colombian coffee at Jesus Martin in Salento, served by a knowledgeable local barista. This will set the tone for your guided eco-tour through Cocora Valley, facilitated by our specialized eco guide. You will then be transferred to the fog's forest to witness the biodiversity of fauna and flora. There you’ll find the highest wax palm in the world and the tour won’t be complete without connecting with the earth. After visitng the Cocora Valley, we'll go to the typical village of Salento, a heritage town characterized by its stunning and colorful traditional architecture. We will stop for lunch and continue visiting Filandia, a little town where you can walk through and adore its colonial streets and beautiful crafts. You will also have the opportunity to visit the viewpoint of "La Calle Dentenida en el Tiempo"  a street frozen in time for the people of Quindio. It offers a panoramic view of the mountains of the coffee region and you have to get your cameras ready. Finally, we will visit a traditional basketry workshop where you will learn the art of making baskets using vegetable fibers. 
*Note: The Quindio viewpoint is closed every Monday and every Tuesday when Monday is a holiday in Colombia.

Day 5 - Flight to Medellín
Today is your last day in the Coffee Region, Enjoy your delicious breakfast at your hotel and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken to the airport by a private transportation service and your English-speaking guide.
Welcome to Medellín! You will be picked up with a welcome sign at Medellín Airport (José María Córdova Airport or Olaya Herrera Airport) by a private transportation service and taken to your hotel. The drive will be approximately 15-40 minutes. Or it can take around 1-2 hours if your lodge will be in Marinilla or Guatapé. On the way, your English-speaking guide can give you all the recommendations you may like to get the most out of your stay. Medellín is commonly known as the city of eternal spring because of its pleasant warm weather all year round. Mountains surround the town, and it is spotless with lush trees and beautiful flowers.

Day 6 - Discover Medellín
On this day, you get to explore and learn more about the rich history of Medellín. Stroll through the hustle and bustle of the CIty of Eternal Spring to the famous Botero Plaza located in Parque el Berrio with an exhibition of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. In its downtown and historic center, you will also get to see 23 outdoor bronze sculptures which are now a landmark in the city. It would be best to take photos beside the sculptures to add to your travel memories. After that, you will take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts of town and allow the visitors to take a glimpse of the lives of the marginalized population. While enjoying the spectacular view from the cable car, your guide will help you learn more about Medellín which houses the warmest and friendliest people in the world. On this day, you also get to discover one of the most transformative communities in Colombia - The Comuna 13. It is among the most visited places in Medellín. If you are looking to experience the unique culture of the city, Comuna 13 tour is a perfect way to explore its rich art and history. See firsthand the positive changes that occurred in the area since its dark times. You will be amazed by the ability of its people to completely turn their community around for the better by raising awareness and life-changing programs which include stress artists who sparked and ignited hope in the area by telling their stories through graffitis. Their message of hope for a better community, which they have already achieved, can be seen in their artworks.

Day 7 - Guatapé & El Peñol
Guatapé offers a peaceful break from the city while also featuring a stunning panoramic view of nature and the surrounding scenery from the top of its hill. Upon arrival, we will start off with the Rock of Guatapé in Antioquia. This is among the main attractions of Medellín. This gigantic granitic monolith is pretty much visible wherever you are in the city. This massive stone has been formed millions of years ago. The ancient Tahamies Indians, former inhabitants of the region, used to worship the Guatapé Rock. Climbing the rock will take 740 steps and is approximately 220 meters high, but will be very rewarding. As you reach the top, you can get a panoramic view of the beautiful Peñol Reservoir. The magical and breathtaking views of the region will surely render you speechless. The fingers of the lake sprawling amid the vast expanse of the green mountains, this 360-degree magical view is a must-see in Colombia. After that awe-inspiring experience, you will be transported to Guatapé proper. It is famous for its church and colourful village. Whether you love photography or not, you surely won’t get enough of this place. It is renowned as one of the most colourful towns in the whole world. Truth be told, it will be pretty hard to find a street in Guatapé that is not worthy of being admired and photographed. Ready your lens and take as many pictures and videos as you like. Guatapé is known for the fresco-like adornment of its traditional houses with brightly painted bas-relief depictions of people, animals, and shapes. Walk through the streets, where your specialized guide will inform you about the history of typical houses, ¨zocalos¨, and this unique culture. Enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch at the waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir. You will also explore the lake on a boat ride and take time to stroll and relax.

Day 8 - Flight from Medellín to Santa Marta
Today is your last day in the City of Eternal Spring. Enjoy your delicious breakfast at your hotel and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken to José María Córdova Airport by a private transportation service and your English-speaking guide.
Welcome to Santa Marta! You will be picked up with a welcome sign at Santa Marta Airport (Simón Bolívar Airport) by a private transportation service and taken to your hotel. The drive will be approximately 30-90 minutes, it depends on the location of your hotel. On the way, your English-speaking guide can give you all the recommendations you may like to get the most out of your stay.

Day 9 - Tayrona National Park
Tayrona National Park is a jewel of Colombian nature. It is a must-see and is world-renowned to be a sanctuary of nature and archaeological remains. The beautiful park is adorned with Mangrove swamps, corals, algae prairies, thorny scrubland, and magical dry, humid, and cloud forests proliferate. It is also home to a surprising variety of vegetal and animal species that bear witness to life. Flora and fauna observations are truly fascinating here, especially birdwatching which includes the threatened Andean condor. Aside from its natural and archaeological attractions, Tayrona Natural Park is an excellent site for eco-tourism, thanks to the diversity of its sea waves and diving sites. The Tayrona Natural Park is home to over 100 mammals including howling monkeys, pumas, deer, and several bats. Over 300 bird species coexist with them. You get to see condors, lone and white eagles in there too. The park is also home to 31 reptiles, 15 amphibians, 202 sponges, 471 crustaceans, and more than 1,000 marine species. Dolphins and marine turtles are frequent visitors, the latter for spawning. It is medium-level intensity hiking. It takes around 2 hours and a half on the way in and 2 hours and a half back. It is a full-day experience where you can enjoy a wonderful adventure, beaches, nature, peace, and wildlife animals. We will reach Cabo San Juan, then you can bask under the sun and take a refreshing bath in the sea and enjoy a typical lunch along the shore before we hike back.

Day 10 - Free day in Tayrona
Free day leisure at a hotel

Day 11 - Transfer to Cartagena
You will be transferred from the Santa Marta Region to Cartagena. Relax the road for around 5-5.30 hours.
The colourful streets of Cartagena are made for a nice, relaxing walking tour. On this day, you get to explore the walled city with your private guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present. Visit some monuments such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia ́s statue, the city’s founder, and other less-visited parts of the historic center. During the walk, you may notice many influences – Romanesque, Moorish, colonial, military, Arabic, Spanish, and North American - that shaped Cartagena. You get to see and enjoy Parque Bolivar, one of the city’s oldest yet most beautiful cathedrals in the country. We will also visit San Pedro Claver Square which is dedicated to the Spanish-born monk known as “Slave of the Slaves” for his life ministering to enslaved Africans brought to the Spanish colonies. Also, the Getsemani district, named by Forbes Magazine as one of the coolest neighborhoods in the world, will not be missed on this city tour.

Day 12 - Discover Cartagena Revealed: Convents, Castles, and Colonial Beauty
Step Back in Time and Unearth Cartagena's Rich Legacy: A Journey from La Popa to San Diego. Embark on an enthralling exploration of Cartagena, a city that encapsulates centuries of history within its stone walls and vibrant neighbourhoods. Start your tour with a visit to the stunning hilltop Convento de la Popa, offering panoramic views of Cartagena. Next, delve into the majestic Castillo de San Felipe, an engineering marvel designed to protect the city from pirate invasions. Wander through the quaint districts of El Centro and San Diego in the Old City, where history coexists with lively Colombian culture. Visit the historic San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery, dedicated to a Jesuit priest who dedicated his life to aiding enslaved Africans. Admire the architectural grandeur of the iconic Basilica Minor Cathedral, which has stood the test of time. Enjoy a leisurely walk through narrow, cobbled streets adorned with colonial houses and balconies draped in blooming bougainvillaea.

Day 13 - Bye, Bye Colombia!
Departure - From Cartagena to Rafael Núñez International Airport.
Today is your last day in Cartagena. Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, and based on the time of your departure flight, you will be taken from the city of Cartagena to the Rafael Núñez International Airport by a private transportation service. Thank you so much for visiting Colombia. It is a great honour to tour you in our country. We hope you had a great time and we hope to see you again. Have a safe flight back home!