Experience the thrills of Colombia in 22 days

Bogota

Day 1: Welcome to Bogota

Upon your arrival at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport, your transfer will take you to your hotel in the Candelaria district.

If you are keen to explore, use your free time to enjoy Colombia's capital and gain a first impression of Bogota. The city is full of modern districts, a historic center, urban architecture and more.

Bogota - Bucaramanga - Barichara

Day 2: Explore Bucaramanga & Barichara

Today, transfer to the airport for your flight to Bucaramanga, the capital of Santander.

There, take to the road until you reach Chicamocha, the greatest canyon of Colombia. If you're a hiking enthusiast, you will appreciate the groomed trails weaving through the park, while others may prefer to take the aerial tramway that offers a breathtaking view over the river.

Continue to Barichara, a small town perched high on a cliff overlooking the Rio Suarez. Spend the rest of the day there as you like. In the evening, you have the opportunity to taste hormiga culona (toasted ant), a local specialty, appreciated for centuries by the inhabitants of the region.

Barichara - Guane - Barichara

Day 3: More sightseeing in Barichara

Start the morning with a walk amongst the cacti and bucolic landscapes of Camino Real. Once you reach the eponymous village, you'll notice its colonial homes as well as a small museum that houses numerous fossils and even a mummified princess.

Next, spend a while longer exploring Barichara, one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. As you walk along the cobbled streets, visit the churches (including the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and Santa Barbara Church) and discover the local workshops.

Finally, walk to the watchtower that offers a splendid panorama over the Rio Suarez and the Cordillera de los Cobardes.

Barichara - Villa de Leyva

Day 4: Half-day city tour of Villa de Leyva

Today is a day for traveling - your next destination awaits, so sit back and relax!

You will transfer from Barichara to Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town in the Boyaca department. Upon arrival, you will have time to relax before a 2-hour walking tour of this well-preserved and fascinating town.

Villa de Leyva - Nemocon - Bogota

Day 5: Explore the underground Nemocón Salt Mine

The day begins with your departure for your next destination: Bogota. Make a stop along the way in Raquira, a small village known as the "city of pots", and famous for its ceramic workshops. 

Next, visit the Nemocón Salt Mine, located 80m underground. You will cross 1,600m of tunnels from which eight million tons of salt were extracted between 1816 and 1968. Be sure to check out the other impressive attractions there, such as the chapel room that houses a huge, 1,300kg stone symbolizing the world, and a 1,600kg salt crystal cut into a heart shape.

Afterward, you will be returned to your hotel where you can relax and enjoy some free time in Bogota.

Bogota - Pitalito - San Agustin

Day 6: Take in the impressive Estrecho del Rio Magdalena

Begin the day with a transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Pitalito. Once there, take to the road to travel to San Agustin, where you'll check into your hotel.

Then, pay a visit to the Estrecho del Rio Magdalena, a roughly 2.20m-wide rocky gorge where Colombia's longest river flows.

Finally, you will return to your hotel to relax after a long day of traveling and sightseeing.

San Agustin

Day 7: Visit the San Agustin Archaeological Park

Today is dedicated to a visit of the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Visit the main sites including Las Mesas (which hosts crypts, figurines and funerary dolmens), El Bosque de las Estates (numerous statues representing mostly male anthropomorphic figures, sometimes with feline features), El Fuente de Lavapatas (a religious monument engraved in the riverbed, an indigenous sacred site), and other various historic and archaeological gems.

If you want to enhance your adventure, horseback riding is available to reach the sites of La Chaquira and El Tablon, while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes along the way.

San Agustin

Day 8: A jeep tour of San Agustin

Today, enjoy a visit to the natural and archaeological sites around San Agustin by Jeep. On this excursion, you will see a selection of notable sites, starting with the Alto de los Ídolos Archaeological Park and its numerous characteristic funerary complexes with dolmens-shaped slabs, sarcophagi, and statues. Then, visit a sugarcane farm and take a walk to reach the Mortiño or Bordones waterfalls.

After a day of sightseeing, return to your comfortable hotel to relax.

San Agustin - Popayan

Day 9: Arrival in Popayan

Depart San Agustin for Popayan in the morning. Popayan is nicknamed the "White City" because of its limestone buildings with wrought-iron balconies, and makes a wonderful place to stop and soak up the authentic atmosphere and architecture.

After check-in at your hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to discover the city at your own leisure. 

Popayan - Silvia - Salento

Day 10: Off to Colombia's coffee region!

After breakfast at your hotel, it's time to begin your trip into the heart of Colombia's coffee region. On the road, make a stop at Silvia, a town known for its colorful weekly market and for being the home of the Guambiano people - the natives of Ecuador. This is yet another authentic experience you won't want to miss.

Salento - Cocora Valley - Filandia

Day 11: Exploring the Cocora Valley

Today is dedicated to the discovery of the scenic landscapes and small villages of Colombia. Hop into a Jeep with your guide for a tour of the countryside, which includes a hike past soaring wax palm trees in the lush Cocora Valley, followed by a delicious lunch.

After you've eaten, visit Salento for a panoramic tour and discovery of its local architecture - the bamboo houses here are truly remarkable. Then, make a stop in the village of Filandia, another colorful spot that's known for its craft shops. 

Salento - Medellin

Day 12: Visit a coffee plantation

It's a perfect day for coffee lovers! Half the day is dedicated to visiting a coffee plantation: inside a typical finca, you will learn everything there is to know about coffee. The production is as complex and sophisticated as that of wine.

Upon arrival at the plantation, you will have the opportunity to walk among the coffee trees where you will be introduced to the harvesting and roasting processes, before enjoying a hot cup produced on site.

Finally, depart for Medellin, the capital of Antioquia, also known as the "City of Eternal Spring".

Medellin

Day 13: Exploring Medellin

Start the day with a guided walking tour of the Carabobo district to discover the city's diverse architecture, from the Palacio Nacional to the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria. Next, head to Plaza Botero to marvel at unique sculptures by Colombia's famous artist, Fernando Botero.

In the afternoon, ride a cable car to the hills of the city and enjoy a view of Medellin from above. Finally, visit the beautiful botanical garden before heading to the Santo Domingo district to learn of its complex history.

Optionally, you could also spend some time today visiting the Museum of Antioquia, for a chance to admire a large collection of artwork by the likes of Botero and more.

Medellin - Guatape - Medellin

Day 14: Choose your own adventure in Guatape or Santa Fe

Today, you get to choose your own adventure! Both options include approximately 3 hours of driving.

Guatapé excursion: Enjoy a day in the Antioquia Countryside with a visit to El Peñol, an impressive granite monolith on the shores of an artificial lake. After climbing 659 stone steps, reach the top of El Peñol which offers an amazing 360-degree view over the village. Finally, visit Guatape, a small, colorful village renowned for its zócalos - ornamented friezes that adorn many of its buildings.

Santa Fe excursion: Discover the country's historic heritage through the very well-preserved colonial architecture on display here, from the cathedral and churches (La Ermita, Santa Barbara, San Ignacio) to stunning Spanish mansions (The Casa Negra). On the way back, pass through the traditional villages of Sopetran and San Jeronimo, followed by lunch on the banks of the Cauca River.

Medellin - Cartagena De Indias

Day 15: Magnificent Cartagena de Indias

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias, the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a fairy-tale city of romance, legends, and superbly preserved beauty. It lies within impressive 13km-long, century-old colonial stone walls.

Cartagena's old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches that cast their shadows across the plazas.

Upon arrival, transfer to your comfortable hotel in the historic center and enjoy some free time in the city at your own pace.

Cartagena De Indias - San Andres

Day 16: Walking tour through the Walled City

After breakfast, go for a guided walking tour through the Walled City. This tour includes a visit to the city's most beautiful areas, such as San Diego, Plaza Santo Domingo, Getsemani and other landmarks with a very rich history.

In the afternoon, you'll have time to enjoy the city as you wish.

San Andres - Providencia

Day 17: The historical & cultural sites of Cartagena

Half the day is dedicated to the main historic sites of Cartagena, including the Convent of the Popa - a majestic site, perched on a hill that embraces the entire bay. This monastery houses a beautiful patio, a colonial museum, and a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria.

Afterward, take in panoramic views from the Castle of San Felipe de Barajas, followed by a visit to the Fuerte de San Sebastian del Pastelillo, now a UNESCO Historical and Cultural Humanity Heritage Site.

At the end of the day, you'll transfer to Cartagena's airport for a domestic flight to San Andres (optional), followed by a transfer on your own to the hotel (not included).

Note: Admission to San Felipe castle is not included. This excursion can be done in the morning to allow for lunch at Club de Pesca.

Providencia

Day 18: Welcome to Providencia

Begin the morning with a transfer from your hotel to the airport (you can ask the hotel to call a taxi for you), to board an optional domestic flight to Providencia.

Upon arrival, check into your comfortable hotel and spend a free afternoon enjoying wonderful Providencia Island.

Providencia

Day 19: Spoilt for choice on Providencia Island

Today is yours to explore and enjoy - choose your own adventure on Providencia Island!

Scuba dive to explore the seabed of Providencia Island: The area features warm waters all year round and is a paradise for divers. The 32km reef houses rich fauna and flora.

Enjoy an excursion to Cayo Cangrejo: This small island located west of Providencia is 10 minutes away by boat and belongs to the McBean Lagoon Natural Park (admission to the park not included). Its name, which means "crab island", comes from its distinctive shape. It offers the best sea views as well as opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Optionally, spend a while discovering the park on a kayaking excursion (not included).

Providencia

Day 20: A day of island exploration

Enjoy another day on Providencia Island with one of three optional activities:

Hike to the highest summit of El Pico Island: After traversing lush vegetation for about 3 hours, face a splendid view of the whole island, 360m above sea level (a tour guide is mandatory and available on request).

Discover mangroves on a hike between land and sea on the Manzanillo Manchineel Tree Trail: The Caribbean waters are surrounded by mangroves and tropical dry forest where ceiba trees grow, as well as several species of orchid. During the day, enjoy a scenic hike and the opportunity to observe tropical birds and coral fossils.

Discover the small island of Santa Catalina, connected to Providencia by a floating bridge.

Providencia - San Andres - Bogota

Day 21: Explore Colombia's capital city

Today, transfer to Providencia's airport to catch your domestic flight to San Andres, followed by a second domestic flight back to Bogota.

Upon arrival into Bogota's El Dorado International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in the Candelaria district. After checking into your comfortable hotel, you'll have time to enjoy Colombia's capital - its modern districts, historic center, urban architecture, and vibrant green parks.

Bogota

Day 22: Goodbye Colombia

Spend your last day exploring more of Bogota, known for its colonial charms and authentic atmosphere.

Before you leave, you'll have the opportunity to visit a few key sites: the Gold Museum, Botero Museum and Bolivar Square, surrounded by Bogota's grandest buildings, such as the Town Hall, Palace of Justice, Primatial Cathedral, Congress Building, and more.

Finally, a transfer will get you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!