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Explore the multi-coloured streets of Cartagena
See waterfalls in the Colombian coffee hills around Pereira
See hummingbirds in the forests of the Cocora Valley
Hike through the gorgeous Cocora Valley
Spot macaws in the natural parks of Cartagena
Visit the Convento del Santa Ecce Homo in Colombia
Visit a traditional Colombian coffee farm
Wander past the brightly coloured houses of Salento
From: Bogota
To: Cartagena
£1,720
See more ideas for: Colombia
Explore the colonial cities and lush mountains of Colombia in 10 days, from the mystical Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira to the vast coffee plantations and palm-studded hillsides of the Northern Andes. Beginning in the buzzing capital of Bogota and ending in the colourful streets of Cartagena, this ten-day tour is the perfect introduction to the wonders of Colombia.
This Bogota to Cartagena itinerary can be tailored to suit your requirements please contact one of our consultants to start planning your dream trip.
On arrival in Bogota, you will be transferred to your hotel for your first night in Colombia.
After breakfast, embark on a half day city tour of Bogota, visiting the main square (Plaza de Bolivar), home to the cathedral, constructed on the spot where Bogota's first church was constructed in 1539. Next you'll visit the Botero Museum, with many pieces of international art before exploring the gemstones and precious metals of the Gold Museum. Finish the tour by taking the cable car up to Santuario de Monserrate, 500 metres above the city with breathtaking views over the city.
Overnight in Bogota.
This morning you'll leave Bogota and head north towards Zipaquira. The winding road takes you past vast greenhouses built to protect the flower growing industry that flourishes in this area. After a 1.5 hour drive, you'll reach the Salt Cathedral, impressively built entirely into the salt mines. The three naves of the cathedral represent the birth, life and death of Christ and a spectacular sixteen-metre salt cross adorns the central area. After enjoying the mirrors of water that reflect the general majesty of the salt caves, you'll continue on to the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva, a maze of cobbled alleyways and colonial architecture.
Overnight in Villa de Leyva.
Today you'll return to Bogota, breaking the journey with a trip to the pretty monastery, Convento del Santa Ecce Homo. On arrival at Bogota Airport, you'll take a flight to Pereira and transfer to your hotel in the city.
Overnight in Pereira.
After breakfast, you'll explore the Valle de Cocora, deep in the central mountains of the country. Part of the Parque Nacional de Los Nevados, this area is full of tall wax palms - the national tree of Colombia. Spot hummingbirds and palm parrots flitting through the air as you head into the cloud forest (either hiking or on horseback) to explore the natural flora and fauna of the mountains. You'll also stop to enjoy a smoked lunch at a trout farm before taking in the traditional towns of Salento and Filandia, where avenues are lined with coffee shops and colourful flowered balconies.
Overnight in Pereira.
Today you'll spend the morning exploring the coffee plantations that cling to the steep hills of the area. Lush green coffee plants carpet the hills of Chinchina - interrupted only by fincas and heliconia flowers it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tour the plantations and learn about the coffee making process, from harvest to drying in the sun and roasting, before tasting a few cups of the famous humid coffee that is characteristic to Colombia. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Pereira.
An early morning transfer will take you to Pereira Airport to fly to Cartagena, via Bogota. On arrival check in to your hotel for three nights.
Overnight in Cartagena.
Today you'll embark on a half-day tour of Cartagena, starting with the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa from where you can enjoy 360-degree views, taking in both the buildings below and the blue ocean beyond the seawall. Wander through the old town, visit the San Felipe Fortress, the Church of San Pedro Claver and the collection of archways called the 'Bovedas' that now house artisan shops and stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore.
Overnight in Cartagena.
Today is yours to explore the city and enjoy at your leisure.
Overnight in Cartagena.
After breakfast, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight back to Bogota where your time in Colombia will come to an end.
High season in Colombia runs from December to February with sunny skies and warm days throughout the Andes. The weather is dry across the whole of Colombia with the Amazon, San Andreas and Providencia particularly lovely at this time. Prices will also be at a premium during this period. In October and November flash floods can wash out roads in the Andean region and the Caribbean coast is very wet. This is a great time for hiking in the Amazon however, prices are at the lowest countrywide as well during this time. In April & May Bogota, Medellin & Cali have a secondary rainy season and July to October is whale watching season on the Pacific Coast.
This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you
9 nights in Colombia in 3* accommodation. Accommodation in this standard includes:
