Best of Colombia - Small group of 12

After breakfast, leave your hotel and drive to Bogotá´s city centre to visit the famous 'La Concordia' food market. Browse the rows and stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, seafood, and meats. Try different fruits, fruit juice, or a typical salty snack like “tamal”, “lechona”, and “pan de bono con avena”. Continue your walking city tour in “La Candelaria”, a historical neighbourhood in downtown Bogotá. Walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the district’s blend of Spanish colonial architecture and baroque churches that contrast with modern graffiti, cafés, and contemporary museums. In “Plaza Bolívar”, the main square, see the Cathedral and the Liévano Palace. End your tour with a visit at the popular Gold Museum. It contains over 34,000 gold pieces and countless bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts that belonged to 13 pre-Hispanic societies. Afterwards, take the cable car up the almost 3000-metre-high Monserrate Hill. An overwhelming view awaits you.

After breakfast, leave Bogotá and drive 42km north to Zipaquirá. The City of Salt was built in the 18th century and boasts a historical centre surrounded by quaint cafes and restaurants. Then, journey about 180m (590ft.) underground to the famous Salt Cathedral. The architectural jewel was built by miners and has become a beautiful temple.
**Remarks: This tour is not recommended for anyone who is claustrophobic. After the tour, transfer back to Bogotá airport for your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival in Armenia meet our representative and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, drive through the beautiful landscapes of the Quindio region until you reach the Cocora Valley. When you arrive, receive a typical welcome drink known as “Canelazo”. Start your walk along the ecological trail and see the world’s highest palm tree: the “Palma de Cera”. Colombia’s national tree can reach up to 60m (200ft.) and is characterized by its long, cylindrical trunk covered in wax. Continue to drive to Salento, the region’s oldest village. Go on a walking tour and appreciate its colonial streets, artisan workshops and the colourful balconies. After this unforgettable excursion, drive back to your hotel.

Depart from your hotel after breakfast and drive through the stunning landscapes that define the coffee region. At a typical ‘Hacienda’, delve into the intricacies of coffee: from seed planting and cherry ripening to harvesting and the careful selection of coffee cherries. Explore the drying process, which preserves the coffee’s distinctive aroma and flavour, and discover how fermentation adds subtle notes discernible in each cup. Guided by local experts, wander through the plantations, uncovering the secrets of coffee production, and immerse yourself in the fine art of coffee tasting.

After breakfast, depart from your hotel toward Medellín. The journey takes approximately 6 to 8 hours and takes you through the mountains, where you will experience several climatic and altitude differences, as well as a beautiful mountain landscape. Arrival in Medellín and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your exploration of Medellín and gain insight into the city’s history. Start the tour with a visit to the famous Botero Square, where you can appreciate the 23 sculptures characterized by oversized figures—a unique style by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Then, discover the city’s rich history and the remarkable transformations it went through to become a fascinating metropolis. In the “Comuna 13” district, experience one of the city’s newest innovative transport inventions: the electric stairways. Here, learn about the ways that art, graffiti, and hip hop revitalized one of the 1990s’ most dangerous areas into the city’s main touristic spot. Finish the tour with a cable car ride up to San Javier. Inaugurated in 2004, the Metrocable has made the city more accessible to people from the outskirts, while visitors can also catch a glimpse into the lives of locals while enjoying this spectacular view over the city.

Breakfast at your hotel. Leave Medellín and drive 83 km (52 miles) to the town of Guatapé, renowned for its church and the vibrant colours that adorn the houses. Continue to the “El Peñol” Boulder, a gigantic 200-meter (656-foot) high monolith and one of the most spectacular spots in the area. If you wish, you can climb the 740 stairs to appreciate the stunning view of lush mountains and blue lakes. Afterwards, take a short boat trip on the Guatapé Dam to explore the surroundings. You can also walk around the lake or simply relax. After a traditional lunch, begin the drive back to Medellín.

Leave your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival you will be welcomed at the Cartagena airport and driven to your hotel.

After breakfast, depart for your Cartagena City Tour. You will visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress in the city of Cartagena which is located on the Hill of San Lázaro in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea. Continue to the old city centre and walk along the colorful streets, winding alleyways and main squares of the old Cartagena. At the end you visit the convent San Pedro Claver.

Today you have the day free at leisure to discover the city on your own. Alternatively, you can book an optional tour locally with our representative.