A cultural and historical trip to Bogota, the Coffee Triangle and Cartagena

Type of Trip: Nature, Culture, Family Length: 9 days Season: December through March & June through September Rating: Grade I

Colombia is a land of startling contrasts that is re-emerging on wish-lists for discerning South America travelers. With its rich cultural history, colonial architecture, geographical diversity and and genuine hospitality, it’s easy to see why this captivating country is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Located in the northwest corner of the continent, Colombia is the 4th largest country in South America and is the only one on the continent to boast coastlines on both the Pacific and Atlantic (Caribbean) oceans. Towards the south, the landscape changes from beaches to the majestic Andes Mountains and lush Amazon rainforest. It shares a portion of the lush Amazon rainforest and the majestic Andes Mountains.

The modern day Republic of Colombia offers a wealth of cultural attractions dating to its pre-Columbian and colonial history. Nature and wildlife abound in its varied landscapes and the spirit and warmth of its people will ensure your Colombian experience will be one that lingers on long after you return home.

Trip Highlights:

• Marvel at collections of Pre-Hispanic gold work at the Gold Museum in Bogota.
• Discover the impressive Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground church built inside a salt mine.
• Spend 3 days in the scenic Coffee Triangle region declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit a lively market and hands-on in the kitchen with an interactive cooking class.
• Hike in the enchanting Cocora Valley where the magnificent Wax palm grows.
• Go for a smooth ride on Paso Fino horses in the landscapes of the Hacienda Providencia.
• Learn about coffee and enjoy a tasting in a plantation, see the whole process from planting to toasting.
• Join a cultural and scenic tour of Cartagena’s old town on a horse-drawn carriage.
• Uncover the history of the San Felipe fortress, the largest fortification built by the Spanish in the Americas.
• Get to know the fishing community of La Boquilla and explore nearby Mangroves by canoe.
• Practice dance moves during a salsa lesson and participate in a rum and chocolate tasting.

Brief Itinerary

DAY 1: USA / BOGOTA
Welcome to the country’s Andean capital, Bogota (8,860 ft). You will spend the night in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria.

DAY 2: BOGOTA
A full day city tour of La Candelaria’s historical sites, the renowned Gold Museum and Zipaquirá with the celebrated Salt Cathedral. Including a scrumptious traditional lunch.

DAY 3: BOGOTA / PEREIRA
Fly to Colombia’s coffee region. Visit Pereira and pick-up fresh ingredients at the local market while mingling with locals. Participate in hands-on interactive cooking experience and taste the traditional dishes afterwards.

DAY 4: COFFEE REGION / ACAIME RESERVE
Drive to Quindio region and into the lush Cocora Valley to embark on your Wax palm hike towards Acaime Reserve within Los Nevados National Park. Enjoy a local lunch.

DAY 5: COFFEE REGION
Today, visit the coffee farm Hacienda Venecia and join a tour of a coffee plantation to see the whole production process. This afternoon, stop at Hacienda Providencia, a horse breeding farm for a demonstration of the Paso Fino’s Trote followed by a horseback ride among the mountain landscape.

DAY 6: PEREIRA / CARTAGENA
This morning fly to the passionate, historic and vibrant city of Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. In the afternoon, enjoy a sight-seeing tour of the old town on a horse-drawn carriage.

DAY 7: CARTAGENA
A full day city tour of La Candelaria’s historical sites, the San Felipe fortress and La Popa Convent, includes a delightful traditional lunch. This afternoon, go for a private boat ride around the bay of Cartagena.

DAY 8: CARTAGENA
This morning, explore mangroves by canoe near La Boquilla village. This afternoon, move to the beat of local rhythms with a private salsa dance lesson in the historic center. In the evening, partake in a rum and chocolate tasting.

DAY 9: CARTAGENA / USA
Flight back to the USA and make your onward connections home.

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, difficulty rating, weather, and other planning details.

Departures

On request, for any dates during the December through March & June through September season.

This trip is customizable according to travel preferences and season.

2024 Land Cost

4-6 participants: from $5,250 p.p.d.
7-12 participants: from $4,850 p.p.d.
Single Supplement: from $1,200

p.p.d. = per person based on double occupancy

Detailed day-by-day itinerary (PDF)
With full trip profile, inclusions/exclusions, estimated airfare, and other info.