Plan Your Trip
In just twelve days, you'll experience the cosmopolitan cities of Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena and contrasting quaint colonial towns and coffee plantations. Explore the remote beach of Nuqui on the Pacific, and the Rosario Islands archipelago within a National Park in the Caribbean.
Colombia is the only South American country with both Atlantic and Pacific coastlines. Its enterprising people are famed for their music, footballers, fruit and coffee. The legendary Magdalena River runs vertically from the south, between two Andes mountain ranges towards the Caribbean Sea. Islands near and far are visited by those seeking tranquil white sands. Famous cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena are complemented by many smaller towns with charming colonial histories. Colombia has also developed its eco/agro tourism, where local guides share rural customs in their authentic context.
“I enjoyed the scenery and the exotic wildlife on the islands very much. The airport transfers in both directions went smoothly and the service on board was very good.”
Today you will arrive to the capital of Colombia: Bogota City. You will be privately transferred from the airport to your selected hotel in Bogota. Be aware of the sign with your name on it.
Bogotá is a big city with over 8 million people that has 2 different faces for tourism. The old Candelaria Historic District is blessed with colonial houses and very close to government buildings and the modern Bogotá to the north where tourists will find all sort of shops, restaurant and bars surrounded by brick constructions all over.
Today you get to know the Colombian capital Bogotá in a 4-hour walking tour with an English speaking guide. You will get to know Bogota's historical center called "La Candelaria" and its impressive churches, the Governmental palace and the main square "Plaza Bolívar". Bogotá is an inspiring city which has something new to explore every single day. 2010 the capital was chosen as a must see destination by the renowned daily newspaper New York Times. Experience a city with various offers in art, culture, recreation, sport and science.
Bogota has 19 districts and each of these districts has a public market, however, Bogotá currently has more than 44 public and private markets. In Colombian culture these spots play a key role because they are a cultural, gastronomic, social, political and commercial meeting point. There you will get to know how vibrant and diverse the Colombian culture is.
Today you will visit a traditional market in Bogotá where you will find a large array of fruits, vegetables, meats, herbs, spices, cheeses and flowers, among other products and ingredients. You will taste delicious and exotic fruits. Colombia is a country with wide diversity of exotic fruits and typical snacks, so let yourself be amazed by the variety of colors, flavors and smells that you will find scrolling through the market.
Eat as a "Cachaco" and do it by yourself, discover the flavors and scents that identify Colombia's capital. In this tour you will learn how to cook step by step with all its ingredients and techniques one recipe between the traditional Ajiaco Santafereño, Amasijos, Tamal or typical desserts.
Today you will have your trip from Bogota to Medellin, you shall have a private transfer from your hotel to the airport in Bogotá. Then, you will have a domestic flight from Bogota to Medellin. Once you arrive, you will have a private transfer from the José Maria Córdova airport to your selected hotel in Medellin.
Slightly more than 20 years ago, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90´s, hunting on Pablo Escobar, the head of Medellin's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus the reign of “El Patrón” came to its end. Until the turn of the millennium the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education - successfully. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Join us on an exciting tour through the history and present of Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis.
Today you will have your trip to Nuqui; a unique experience in the tropical Pacific Coast! You will have a private transfer from your hotel to the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport in Medellin.
Nuquí is located in the Department of Chocó in the Gulf of Tribugá, a strategic place to watch whales with its warm and calm waters. Free from strong currents and high traffic of boats make this place a haven for the mothers with their newborn babies. You will be picked up at the airport in Nuquí and from there you will take a boat transfer along the coast, to the El Cantil Ecolodge. The journey lasts approximately 35 minutes. Once in El Cantil, you can settle in and enjoy your first day in this paradise on the Colombian Pacific Coast.
Today you will leave by boat on a tour to observe the immensity of the Pacific Ocean and watch the impressive whales that visit Nuquí. Between the months of June and October the whales travel from the cold waters of the Antarctic to south of America, and finally to the warm and calm waters of the Colombian Pacific to mate and have their offspring.
The whales can be seen at a minimum distance of 200 meters from the boat, in order not to invade their space and also to provide greater security to the viewer, although the humps are very tame and sometimes friendly. In Nuquí, internationally recommended practices of responsible sighting are followed. Sometimes it is the whales that approach the boats, the ideal moment to take an incredible photo.
Today after a wonderful accommodation in Nuqui, you’ll have your trip back to Medellin. You will have a transfer out from the hotel to the airport in Nuqui. Your will have a domestic flight from Nuqui to Medellin .You will have a private transfer from the Enrique Olaya Herrera airport to your selected hotel in Medellin.
A scenic ride through the lush green mountains takes you into the coffee growing region of Antioquia's Southwest. On the way to Jardín you will see the brightly painted “Chivas” (the traditional public buses of the region) at the square in the small town of Andes. The village tour starts at the museum Clara Rojas, where the history of the region comes to life. After tasting the award-winning sweets of Doña Mariela, a traditional cable car takes you to the other side of the valley and you enjoy a nice walk back to the village center. English speaking guide included during the excursion.
At the coffee farm “Los Angeles” you learn more about coffee. Here you can observe and will be explained the whole process from the cultivation of coffee plants to your cup of coffee. The farm is situated in an idyllic unique location and offers spectacular views over the endless green hills of the coffee zone of Antioquia.
In the afternoon you will return to Medellín, and then take your domestic flight to Cartagena. Once in Cartagena you shall go on a walking tour and street food tour. What you can know about Cartagena is that its colorful streets are made a walk, explore the walled city with your personal guide who will tell you about Cartagena’s past and present when visiting monuments such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia´s statue, the city’s founder as well as other parts of the historic center such as parks and squares, where you will be able to appreciate beautiful houses with republican and colonial styles, among others. During the walk, you may notice many influences – Romanesque, Moorish, colonial, military, Arabic, Spanish and North American that have given shape to Cartagena.
Behind the walls of Cartagena de Indias you will found centuries of history, culture and flavors, as a result of the fusion between African, Spanish and native people that met in this region during the Spanish colony. In this tour you will enjoy 7 street foods original recipes that has inspired the new Colombian cuisine.
Today will be a relaxation and adventure day, you’ll go on a day tour to Islas del Rosario. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the harbor to take your speed boat that shall transfer you in the morning and afternoon on your way back.
The Rosario Islands are located approximately 40km (approx. 1 hour by boat), south-west of Cartagena. They consist of 27 islands with 20 hectares of coral reefs. Explore the impressive, beautiful landscapes of the Rosario Islands with their clear waters, gentle breezes, and maritime life such as dolphins. Today, the entire surrounding area, including the Islas de Barú and the Islas de San Bernardo, are officially protected sites. During this day trip on the Majagua Island you will have enough time to explore the beautiful nature and relax on the beach. There you will also be served a typical lunch. In the afternoon you will return to Cartagena.
Today you will visit the African corner of Colombia! In 1603, America’s first liberated village was founded by Benkos Biohó, an escaped slave who hid with 36 other men and women. Until the sixties, there were no infrastructures which connected San Basilio de Palenque to any other main road in Colombia. This is why the creole language of Palenquero (which is not spoken anywhere else in the world) has been able to be preserved. The small village was declared a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO due to its fascinating history, but most of all because it is the place where many Afro- Colombian styles of music and dance find their origin.
From Cartagena, it will take us about 1.5 hours to arrive at San Basilio de Palenque where we will meet our local tour guide, a Palenquero. We will explore the village and cultural center where we will learn about the rich history of Palenque. If you want, you will be able to witness why the Palenqueros are so admired for their rhythms and dances and why San Basilio is the center of Afro-Colombian music (dance performance not included in the package). We will then be served a typical Palenque dish for lunch -Palenque’s cuisine has actually been recognized as one of the best in an international competition- and after lunch we will return back to Cartagena.
Important information:
In Palenque it could be warmer than in Cartagena: Wear an adequate amount of sunscreen, such as hats and sunscreen during the tour. Drink an adequate amount of water Ask permission before taking photos of the locals (the photo is an international word)Today after having a delicious breakfast, you shall be transferred to take your international flight back home. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Cartagena’s Airport.
| Room | |
| 12 Days | |
| Double | US$ 3,810 PP |
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“My wife and I just completed a 5-day tour around the Cotopaxi volcano and the stunning Quilotoa loop – overall an excellent trip and wonderful experience.”
