14-Day Cultural Immersion in Colombia w/ Cali

Aeropuerto Bogota - Bogota

Day 1: Welcome to Colombia!

Upon landing in Bogota, you will be picked at the El Dorado International Airport and taken to your hotel. Relax in the air-conditioned car during the approximately 30-45 minute drive to your hotel. On the way, your English-speaking guide will give you all the recommendations you need to get the most out of your stay in Colombia.

Check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day settling in, freshening up after the flight, and exploring the city.

Bogota - Monserrate - Catedral De Sal

Day 2: See the City of Bogota and Venture to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira

Early in the morning, enjoy a visit to the Paloquemao Market in the city center. You'll be amazed by the variety of colors and flavors you will find there! You'll have the chance to taste a variety of tropical fruits that are rarely found anywhere else in the world.

Later, tour the historic center of the city. Visit Colon Theater, San Carlos Palace, San Ignacio Church, the Nariño Presidential Palace, Bolivar Square, the Capitol, City Hall, and the Cathedral. After the tour, ride a cable car to Monserrate Hill.

Enjoy a 3-course lunch at Santa Clara Restaurant, then, set off for the town of Zipaquira to visit the spectacular Salt Cathedral. Take in the views of the Sabana countryside and El Puente del Comun during the drive.

Once you arrive, venture deep below the earth's surface to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, a true wonder of Colombia.

Bogota

Day 3: Discover Bogota's Vibrant Street Art Scene

Today's agenda includes a Bogota street art tour.

Set off on a walk along the streets of the city to discover the colorful, dynamic, and often controversial paintings by renowned urban artists such as Toxicomano, Crisp, Pez, Lescivo, and TOT, among others.

In Bogota, graffiti is not illegal, like it is in other cities, and the art form has been able to develop as its own cultural movement. Recognized galleries feature urban art exhibitions and promote urban art within their permanent collections.

We’ll seek out one or more street artists to join us on our tour and tell us about this urban art movement in Bogota. Later, make your own graffiti or stencil art accompanied by a street art expert in a studio.

And finally, visit the Gold Museum, an extraordinary place to experience the goldsmith culture of Colombia's indigenous ancestors.

Bogota - Cali

Day 4: Fly to Cali, See the City, and Take a Salsa Lesson

Today you will fly from Bogota to Cali.

You will be met at Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport and driven to your hotel in town. Get settled in, and then set out for a city tour and a salsa lesson! 

First, you will venture downtown where you will find La Plaza Caicedo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, and La Merced. Continue your excursion to the Sebastian de Belalcazar viewpoint and the Cat of the River Monument.

Finally, you’ll enjoy a one-hour Salsa class with expert teachers, some of whom have been champions of this genre. 

Hacienda El Paraiso Cali - Piedechinche

Day 5: Visit Famous Writer Jorge Isaacs' Country Home

Enjoy an early breakfast at your hotel this morning. A tour representative will pick you up to take you on a tour to the “Hacienda El Paraiso." 

This 19th-century country house was the former abode of the Latin American writer Jorge Isaacs, whose romantic novel "Maria" tells the love story of Ephraim and Maria.

Then, you’ll go to "Hacienda Piedechinche" to visit the Sugar Cane Museum. Learn about the process of sugar cane farming and production in this unique setting.

Cali - Pereira

Day 6: Journey to Colombia's Coffee Country

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel this morning. Check out and meet your driver at the agreed upon time.

Relax in the comfort of your private air-conditioned car and enjoy the passing scenery as you make your way north through verdant, rolling hills to Colombia's coffee country.

Upon arrival at your hotel, freshen up, relax, and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Pereira - Cocora Valley - Salento

Day 7: Learn About Coffee Production at Finca el Ocaso

This morning after breakfast, you'll journey to the Cocora Valley where you will join an eco-guide who will offer an introduction to this majestic nature reserve.

Then, you’ll set off for the "Fog's Forest," a tranquil place where you can admire the biodiversity of flora and fauna. Here, you’ll find the world's highest wax palm and connect with the earth by carrying out a special ritual, planting some palms.

Later, enjoy lunch and then transfer to the "Finca el Ocaso" coffee farm where you will learn about the coffee-making process -- from the sowing of the grain to the tasting of a steaming cup of coffee.

Finally, you’ll visit the traditional village of Salento where you will set out on a walking tour to discover colonial streets and craft workshops.

Pereira - Medellin

Day 8: Make Your Way to Beautiful Medellin

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning. At the pre-arranged time, your driver will pick you up for a journey to the vibrant metropolis of Medellin.

Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," due to its beautiful year-round weather, Medellin lies about 200 km north of Pereira. Enjoy the drive in your private air-conditioned as you make your way through Colombia's breathtaking mountain scenery.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and spend the rest of the day at your leisure.

Medellin

Day 9: Discover the Stories of Medellin's Past Through its Art

Enjoy a city tour of Medellin today. You will visit landmarks, like Pueblito Paisa, Sculptures Park, and the Antioquia Museum, which is home to the most important works of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

Continue to the Botanical Garden, which displays a lovely orchid exhibition, and "Casa de la Memoria" Museum, a place to remember Colombia's history of violence and the renewing process of change this country has experienced.

After lunch, visit the popular neighborhood "Comuna 13" where you will discover how street artists have used graffiti to tell stories of hope, that recount the struggles of the local community in their search for better living conditions in spite of the violence they have suffered. 

Medellin - El Peñol - Guatape

Day 10: Tour the Spectacular Region Surrounding the Guatapé Reservoir

A full-day tour awaits you today!

Starting from the city of Medellín, you will pass through the municipality of Peñol until reaching Guatapé. Enjoy the view of the reservoir, which provides 30 percent of Colombia's energy. Here, you have the opportunity to do some water sports (additional cost).

Continue on to the 220-meter-high Rock of Guatapé and climb 649 ladders to the viewpoint (additional cost). Here you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the Guatapé reservoir and its neighboring lands.

Later, join a specialized guide on a tour of the municipality of Guatapé. Learn about the history of the traditional houses found here and the local people's unique culture.

Today's tour will last approximately 10 hours and includes private transport, tour guide, refreshment, and water.

Medellin - Cartagena - San Felipe Fort

Day 11: Fly to Colombia's Caribbean Coast

Today you will fly to Cartagena, a delightful colonial town on Colombia's Caribbean Coast. You will be picked at the airport by a shuttle service and taken to your hotel.

After check-in, embark on a tour of the city. Relax in a comfortable vehicle and take in the picturesque sights, which include the San Felipe de Barajas Fort, the largest Spanish military building in the new world. Originally built in 1536, the fort was expanded in 1657.

Then, transfer to the walled part of the city where you can enjoy a walk through the streets, squares, and churches, as well as the Palace of the Inquisition and Church of San Pedro Claver.

Cartagena - Rosario Islands - Majagua

Day 12: Explore the Island of San Pedro de Majagua

A full day on the island of San Pedro de Majagua awaits today.

The Natural Park of Islas del Rosario is an archipelago made up of 27 islands, located 45 minutes off the coast of Cartagena. The Hotel San Pedro de Majagua is located on Isla Grande and owes its name to Pierre Daguet, a French painter, who in 1955 built his house and studio there.

Get an early start this morning and head to the island by boat, where you can spend the day exploring or relaxing. It's up to you!

Cartagena

Day 13: Taste Caribbean Dishes Inspired by Colombian Literature

Literature lovers will delight in the unique experience that awaits today: the Gabriel Garcia Marquez literary menu.

Become another character in the intriguing stories of the beloved Colombian author by tasting the dishes that Gabo served in his tales.

This three-hour journey includes six flavors extracted from the passages of Marquez's books. You will taste the history behind traditional Colombian Caribbean cuisine in an enriching journey that ends with dinner and a cocktail.

Cartagena

Day 14: Adios, Colombia!

Your spectacular 2-week adventure in Colombia comes to an end today. We hope you have had an extraordinary holiday. 

At the appropriate time, you will be driven from your hotel in Cartagena to the Rafael Nunez Airport to catch your onward flight. We wish you pleasant travels.