Discover Colombian architecture & culture

Bogota - San Carlos Palace - Monserrate

Day 1: Welcome to Colombia

On your arrival at El Dorado International Airport, your driver will be available to help with the formalities if required, and you will be transferred to your hotel.

In the afternoon, take a panoramic tour through the historic part of Bogota, passing the Colon Theater, San Carlos Palace, Presidential Palace of Nariño, Bolivar Square, the Capitol, Town hall, and the Primada Cathedral.

Visit the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum before taking the cable car to Monserrate. There, you will have an excellent view of the Colombian capital. Afterward, return to your hotel to rest.

Zipaquira - Catedral De Sal - Portico

Day 2: Visit the magnificent Salt Cathedral

In the morning, tour the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira in the municipality of Zipa, located 49km north of Bogota. On your way, you will come across some interesting sightings, such as Bogota’s Sabana and the Bridge of the Commoners.

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira was built 190m deep in a mine and is considered the first wonder of Colombia. Inside, you can visit the stations of the cross, the dome, the ramp, the choir, the balconies, the narthex complex, and the large naves of the cathedral.

Later, a panoramic tour of the town of Zipaquira awaits. Enjoy a typical lunch in the municipality of Chia at El Portico restaurant; this is the ideal place to enjoy good wine and great company before your return to Bogota.

Bogota - Paloquemao - Iglesia 20 De Julio

Day 3: Marvel at the colorful Paloquemao market

Early in the morning, enjoy a visit to the Paloquemao market in the city center and be amazed by the variety of colors and tastes you will find there. Try a wide variety of tropical fruits, rarely found anywhere else in the world.

Then, take a panoramic tour of the city until you reach the 20 de Julio neighborhood. There, you will be able to visit the Sanctuary of the Divine Child. This church is visited by thousands of parishioners from all over the world and is considered one of the major parishes of the Archdiocese.

Pasto - Ipiales - Lajas

Day 4: Be amazed by Our Lady of Las Lajas

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to the international airport in Bogota to catch your plane to Pasto. Assistance will be provided there, including a transfer to your hotel.

Leaving Ipiales, you will be able to observe the beautiful landscape of the Andean area of Nariño. Seven kilometers away from Ipiales lies the sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas, located 2,612m above sea level. It’s a beautiful jewel of Colombian architecture and religion.

Enjoy a nice lunch in the area, followed by an opportunity to visit the city of Tulcan in Ecuador, to explore this dynamic commercial hub whose cemetery makes up its principal tourist attraction, owing to its beautiful topiary.

La Cocha

Day 5: Glorious El Encano

After breakfast, depart for El Encano, 25km away from Pasto. It is located 2,830m above sea level and has an average temperature of 51.8 degrees Fahrenheit (11 degrees Celsius). Take a boat to La Cocha and visit the Isla de La Corota Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.

Lake Guamuéz or La Cocha, which in the language of the Quechua translates to "lake", is the largest in Colombia. It is home to a huge number of animal and plant species. In its surroundings, there are more than fifty natural reserves contributing to the conservation of this ecosystem as well as to the sustainable use of the land, in order to keep a natural balance.

La Cocha offers delicious culinary options to complement your enjoyment of nature. Stop for lunch in a countryside restaurant before your afternoon tour of El Puerto, a beautiful neighborhood with Swiss-style houses.

La Cocha - Popayan

Day 6: Travel to amazing Popayan

After breakfast, enjoy a land transfer to Popayan and check-in at your hotel. In the afternoon, tour the so-called "white city", take a walk through its beautiful streets, and visit some important places of architectural heritage, such as Caldas Park, the Pantheon of the Heroes, Humilladero Bridge, religious art museums, churches, and the cloister.

Popayan - Silvia Cauca

Day 7: Follow the Silvia Eco Trail

Following breakfast at the hotel, visit the Silvia Eco Trail and the indigenous community of the Misak (or Guambiano).

The indigenous Guambianos inhabit the slopes of the central mountain range around Silvia, in the department of Cauca. Their language is related to the Chibcha family, although they also speak Spanish.

Tuesday is the best day to visit because the inhabitants make their purchases in the Silvia market, where tourists can also buy handicrafts. 

Popayan - Buga

Day 8: Visit the Lord of Miracles Basilica

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Buga. A tour around town awaits you in the afternoon. Visit the Lord of Miracles Basilica, where pilgrims from all over the world flock. It was built in 1875, and it is a national monument of Colombian history. The temple holds the image of the Fallen Lord, which parishioners consider a miracle.

Cali - Cartagena

Day 8: Return to Cartagena

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel ahead of a ground transfer to Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport in Cali. Board your flight from Cali to Cartagena.

You will be provided with assistance and a transfer from Rafael Nuñez International Airport to your hotel. 

Cartagena

Day 10: Discover historic Cartagena

After breakfast, leave your hotel for a morning city tour. Visit the modern city bordering Cartagena’s bay, one of the most beautiful harbors in America. Travel through the Manga neighborhood to appreciate the republican-style houses.

Visit the convent of La Candelaria at Cerro de la Popa, one of the highest spots in the city. Then stop at the Old Shoes Monument and the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, one of the most important historical military fortifications of the city. Continue to Las Bovedas to do some shopping and walk through the Walled City's main streets and squares.

In the evening, enjoy a carriage ride. This is an excellent and peaceful way to see Cartagena from a different perspective. The tour begins at the marina park and ends with dinner at the Santísimo restaurant; dinner includes a starter, main course, and dessert.

Cartagena - Rosario Islands - Majagua

Day 11: A day tour of the Rosario Islands

Enjoy a day tour to San Pedro of Majagua Island in the Islas del Rosario National Park. 

The Islas del Rosario Natural Park is an archipelago made up of 27 islands, 45 minutes away from Cartagena de Indias. The Hotel San Pedro de Majagua is located in Isla Grande and owes its name to the master Pierre Daguet, the French painter who created his home and studio on the island in 1955.

Here, you can enjoy the wonderful beach and a delicious lobster dish for lunch, before returning to Cartagena in the afternoon.

Cartagena - Aeropuerto Cartagena

Day 12: Goodbye Colombia

Today is your last day in Colombia. Take a private transfer to the airport, and prepare for your flight home. Safe travels and visit again soon!