Classic Colombia
Circuits around Colombia
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This is a classical Colombia circuit which any traveller would be eager to experience. During this tour you will visit the two most important tourist cities: Bogota and Cartagena plus you will tour around several must see places in the Colombian Coffee Triangle. Despite of being the most popular tourist spots in this country, this tour is charged with unforgettable moments which will always stay in your memories.
If this itinerary is too short for you, be sure you can spice it up with some unique nature destinations like Mavicure Hills, Tuparro National Park and more.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival to El Dorado international airport of Bogota. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 2: Bogota City tour
The tour starts visiting the Paloquemao market which is the second biggest food market in Bogota. This is where the locals buy their weekly supplies. Here you will be able to get familiarized with all different kind of fruit Colombia can offer. You will also visit the flower and food section and will have a chance to try some typical snacks.
The tour continues to the Monserrate Sanctuary located at 3.100 meters above sea level from where you will get an unforgettable view over this big city. The Monserrate hill is a symbol of Bogotá and it houses the sanctuary of Señor Caído de Monserrate – a pilgrimage place for nationals and foreigners. The hill is ascended by cable car.
Afterwards we will continue walking around the historical center of La Candelaria visiting the main square called Plaza Bolivar, Chorro de Quevedo – the place where Bogota was founded, the narrowest street of Bogota, etc. We will not miss the Botero Museum (closed on Tuesdays) and Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Night in Hotel in Bogota.
Day 3: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Eldorado legend in Guatavita
Today we will visit the small town of Zipaquira famous for its Salt cathedral. It is a significant tourist attraction located 40 km from Bogota. The cathedral is totally carved in salt and lies 180 m underground. The tour around the cathedral takes about 1,5- 2 hours.
After lunch we will continue to the Guatavita Lake which keeps the Eldorado legend. This is not only a great opportunity to learn about Muisca Indian culture but also get familiarized with the ecosystem “paramo” which can only be met in several south American countries above 3.000 m.a.s.l. In order to get to the lake you will need to walk for about 40 min (ascending).
Return back to Bogota.
Day 4: Flight to Pereira and Coffee Tour
Today we will take morning flight to Pereira to the Coffee Triangle. After a 1 hour bus transfer, we will reach the farm “Finca del Café”. Here you will immerse in coffee plantations and will be able to learn about different stages of coffee production (from growing till degustation). Transfer to the hotel near Pereira.
Day 5: Cocora Valley, Salento and Filandia
Today’s activities we will start with driving to Cocora Valley in order to appreciate the wax palm – the symbol of Colombia. You will walk to the palm forest where you will be able to get familiarized with the history and traditions related to this important tree. Lunch in a typical restaurant will not be missed.
After Cocora you will drive to Salento town for a short tour and will not miss some time for shopping on Calle Real. Finally, you will drive to another small town of Filandia, there you will walk around the colorful streets and visit the Filandia view point. Return back to your hotel.
Day 6: Hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal, flight to Cartagena
In the morning we will drive to the hot springs in Santa Rose de Cabal for some relaxing bath. Here you can enjoy 4 different hot water swimming pools (with different temperatures) and a natural waterfall.
In the afternoon we will transfer you to the airport of Pereira in order to fly to Cartagena. Transfer to the hotel located in the historical center of Cartagena.
Day 7: Cartagena City tour
Cartgena probably is one of the most popular tourist places in the country. The historical center also called the “walled city” will impress any traveller with its bright colors and narrow streets. Today you will head out for the tour around the city visiting the fortress of San Felipe, the San Claver church; you will walk around the historical city center of Cartagena and will also get familiarized with the modern area of Bocagrande.
In the afternoon you will have free time to wander around this beautiful city. Nigh in Cartagena.
Day 8: Rosario Islands
At about 8:30 AM the guide will pick you up from your hotel in the city center and take to the pier where you will board a catamaran to sail towards the Rosario Islands.
On board you can enjoy sailing and motor sailing for approximately an hour and a quarter to our destination. The catamaran is equipped with very comfortable seats with nice cushions where you can sit and stretch comfortably, both in the shade and in the sun. You will stop at an idyllic beach with turquoise waters and white sands in the Rosario Islands National Natural Park, where you can swim and snorkel admiring the fascinating underwater life with its colorful tropical fish and the various types of coral.
During this tour you will sail around several islands and do 2 stops for swimming and snorkeling. Return back to Cartagena at about 4 PM. Night in Cartagena.
Day 9: Flight back to Bogota or international flight back home
Today is the day of your return back home. We will take you the airport for your flight to Bogota or for your international flight.