23-day ultimate Colombia experience

Bogota

Day 1: Bienvenido a Bogotá

Upon arrival at Bogotá, your driver will be waiting to pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. There are no activities planned for this day, so just relax and drink a lot of water to help you adjust to the altitude.

If you arrive early, we may be able to organize an additional tour for you.

Bogota - Candelaria - Moserrate

Day 2: Highlights of Bogotá

You’ll be collected from your accommodation in Bogotá and taken on a guided excursion, where you’ll encounter the most important historical locations within La Candelaria. Learn, where the rebellion against the Spanish was first planned; see the Palace of Justice; Plaza Bolivar, and many more.

Later, you’ll ascend to the summit of Monserrate, on 10,341 ft (3152m). Choose between the teleferico (aerial tramway) or, the funicular. Wander through the artisan markets, visit a beautiful 17th-century monastery and enjoy some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the capital.

You’ll learn, how this mountain was sacred to the indigenous Muisca people for hundreds of years, where during the June solstice the sun rises exactly behind Monserrate and where thousands of pilgrims journey to every year. 

Amazon

Day 3: The Majestic Amazon Jungle

After your flight into the Amazonian area, you'll be collected from the airport and taken on a short drive through Leticia to the wharf, where you'll catch a boat up the Amazon River to your lodgings for the next 3 nights.

You'll be arriving in the mid-afternoon after a boat ride of approximately 3 hours, and just in time for a bit of relaxation before dinner.

Following dinner, you'll venture out into the darkness on a night safari in the jungle. Search for tarantulas, giant insects, mammals, and the various Amazonian fauna and flora.

Amazon

Day 4: Hike the Exciting Rainforest

You'll enjoy a good breakfast followed by a day hike into the rainforest, where you'll learn about the local plants and animals. After lunch, you'll visit a native community of Mocagua, the Maikuchiga monkey sanctuary, and a rehabilitation center where you'll have a close-up view of a number of native primates.

After this, you'll head back to the eco-lodge to relax before a wonderful dinner. Tonight, after dinner you'll be going in search of Caimans! 

Amazon

Day 5: The Famous Pink Amazon Dolphins

After a great breakfast, you’ll embark on another boat cruise. This time in search of pink and grey dolphins, which are unique to the Amazon region.

Enjoy your lunch at Puerto Nariño before heading to the Black Water Lake to see some amazing bird species, do some more dolphin spotting and take a chance to go for a swim. (don't forget your swimsuit)

If there is some time you can go fishing for the mighty, but oh so tiny Piranha and other local fish, before heading back to the eco-lodge for dinner.

Bogota

Day 6: Back to Extraordinary Bogotá

Following an early morning breakfast, you'll be taken back to Leticia by boat and on to the airport for the next part of your Colombian Adventure. Once in Leticia, you’ll enjoy a transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogotá.

On arrival, you will be collected and taken directly to your hotel, with the remainder of the free afternoon to relax or explore.

Please note, your boat will leave approximately 6 am. An extra day/night in Leticia can be arranged if you would prefer to take a boat later in the day. In this case, you would be flying to Bogotá the following day.

Zipaquira - Raquira - Villa de Leyva

Day 7: Explore the Breath-Taking Salt Church

Today, your driver will take you to the salt mine of Zipaquirá. Here, you’ll uncover the ingenuity of the people who converted this ancient 590 ft (180 m) deep underground salt mine into the amazing church that receives around 3000 people every single Sunday.

Your next destination is the town of Zipaquirá where you’ll check out the Grand Plaza, Independence Square and one of the oldest churches in Colombia.

Next on the itinerary is the wonderful town of Ráquira, a town full of artisans and a paradise for anyone who likes to shop Colombian-made items from hammocks to pottery. Fantastic streets and a wonderful town plaza full of clay statues are waiting for the photo-enthusiasts.

In the late afternoon, you'll arrive at the final destination - Villa de Leyva. Take a quick tour with your guide, before you enjoy a night in cobblestone streets, lit with romantic lanterns.

Villa de Leyva - Barichara

Day 8: Meet the Dinosaurs

Enjoy a fantastic breakfast, followed by an amazing tour of the most important locations in and around Villa de Leyva. Visit the Monasterio Del Santo Eccehomo, part of Colombia’s architectural heritage, founded in 1620. This beautiful monastery is built on a hillside and consists of a wonderful cloister, church, cemetery, and plaza, with beautiful views.

Explore the worldwide largest piece of pottery, the Terracotta House. Wander through the many rooms and take photos from different angles. This is really quite amazing!

Another interesting place not to be missed is the Fossil Museum. See, touch and feel the bones of dinosaurs, that once ruled this world.

Enjoy the remainder of the day to relax in town or check other beautiful locations nearby.

Barichara - Guane

Day 9: Exceptional Beauty of the Santander Region

Today, you’ll begin your voyage into Santander, the region that is home to one of the most beautiful towns of Colombia; Barichara, and other wonderful locations like El Socorro, San Gil, Guadalupe, Juan Curí, Giron, Bucaramanga, and the Chicamocha National Park. Today’s first stop will be the beautiful and important town Socorro, where the movement towards independence started.

After a brief tour and a quick coffee, you’ll visit San Gil, the adventure capital of the world. It is full of exciting activities: bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning, caving, and more. An extra day of extreme sports in San Gil can be arranged.

After a brief stop, you will head to your final destination, Barichara, consistently voted the most beautiful town of Colombia. Within a few minutes after arrival, you’ll understand why. Discover the beauty during some free “me time” in the evening.

Barichara - Bucaramanga - Medellin

Day 10: Barichara and Impressive Juan Curi Waterfalls

You’ll have the complete morning to explore the town and its environs. Barichara is renowned for its colonial architecture, cobbled roads, artisan workshops, adobe houses, and craft shops. Visit remarkable chapels, churches, graveyards, parks, sculptures, and more.

Treat yourself to a wonderful lunch at the Plaza and continue to the Juan Curí Falls. Fall in love with the spectacular views of the 820 ft (250 m) waterfalls surrounded by native rainforest. Take the opportunity to climb or hike to the very top, take amazing photos, or simply relax in the natural pools.

After this beautiful experience in unspoiled nature, you’ll travel back to Barichara for another wonderful night in this beautiful town!

Medellin - Comuna 13

Day 11: Spectacular Colombian National Heritage Towns

After another wonderful breakfast, you’ll start your voyage to Giron, one of the 17 Colombian towns with a national heritage rating. As the colonial architecture is so well preserved, you will find it easy to visualize how individuals lived 300 years earlier.

Next, go to Bucramanga and take a cable car ride to the Santisimo Ecoparque. Suck in the spectacular views from a viewing platform above a 121 ft. giant statue of Christ. Along with this, you'll also enjoy the beautiful water and light show and simply sensational sunset.

Guatape

Day 12: The Coffee Zone

After breakfast, you will enjoy a flight into the heart of the coffee zone, to Pereira! Once there, you’ll be transferred to the magical town of Salento where your hotel is waiting.

Use your free afternoon to roam the town. Take a stroll through the colorful streets and check out all the amazing artisan shops.

Nuqui

Day 13: Hot Springs in the Jungle

Take a trip to the magical location of the Thermal Hot-Springs of Santa Rosa. Walk through a tropical jungle and soak up the mineral-rich waters in this amazing setting. Explore these unique and beautiful grounds and the unbelievable waterfall. Pictures just do not do this place justice!

On your way back, you will take a bit of a detour and visit the amazingly colorful town of Filandia. If you thought Salento was an exceptionally colorful town with wonderful architecture, you will absolutely love this place!

Nuquí

Day 14: Wax Palms and Coffee!

You will be collected from your hotel and taken on a wonderful drive through the Cocora Valley where you will walk through the amazing Wax Palm Forest. A sense of peace and belonging will envelop you without even realizing it.

Next up is a coffee tour in an amazing boutique coffee Finca. Here you’ll not only learn the entire process from seed to cup, but you’ll discover how the owner of this Finca is one of the few farmers who can create the perfect coffee bean without the use of any machinery or pesticides.

You’ll then enjoy this wonderful peaceful Finca for the night, with only the sound of the birds and the river down below.

Nuquí

Day 15: The Cali Salsa

Your day starts with a transfer to Pereira airport and a flight to Cali, the Salsa Capital of the world! On arrival, you’ll be taken to your hotel to check-in and then onto a wonderful tour of the third-largest city in Colombia.

Next, you’re off to learn how to dance Salsa in a 1-hour private lesson with one of the best salsa dancers in Colombia!

Nuquí - Medellin

Day 16: A Visit To The Pacific Coast

You'll be leaving at 6 am to enjoy a wonderful day surrounded by Jungle and beaches! Enjoy an exceptional 3-hour drive through some beautiful scenery until you reach the port city of Buenaventura. There, you'll jump on a boat for the next stage of this adventure, Juanchcao.

The final destination of your Pacific Coast experience is Playa Ladrilleros. You’ll arrive right in time for a wonderful traditional lunch, followed by a short hike to some beautiful natural pools. You might take some time, to admire the scenery from a kayak.

Salento

Day 17: A National Park, a Waterfall, and Whales

This day will be filled with nature and extraordinary beauty which can only be found in this amazing location. Following breakfast, you’ll take a motorboat to venture into the Bahia Malaga National Park where you’ll discover beautiful views, lagoons, islands, birds and wildlife.

This is also, where you discover the amazing Sierpe Waterfalls where you can enjoy a refreshing swim and a bit of relaxation before heading back for lunch.

Following lunch, you’ll be going whale watching for approximately 3 hours of fun on the ocean. Whale watching months are from July - November.

During other months, you’ll enjoy a walk or a motorboat ride along the beach to La Barra, depending on the tide. Also, get to know the small fishing community close by.

Valle De Cocora - Filandia

Day 18: Cliffs, Mangroves and Wildlife

This morning will be another adventure in the beautiful nature of the Pacific Coast. Following breakfast, you’ll climb into canoes to explore the beautiful mangroves and visit the amazing cliffs nearby. All the time you’ll be keeping an eye out for the hundreds of bird species, and wildlife around, that will be watching you!

Next on the schedule is a lunch, followed by an excursion to La Barra. There, you’ll learn about the traditions and culture of the Afro-Colombian communities on the Pacific coast.

Viterbo - Pereira - Cartagena

Day 19: Another Chance to Meet the Whales

After breakfast this morning, you’ll do another 3 hours of whale watching and feel the fun and excitement on the ocean. Whale watching months are July - Nov. During other months, you’ll visit the indigenous community of the Guanan, where you can check out the small stalls full of original handicrafts.

Following this, you’ll enjoy kayaking up and down the coast, to help build up your appetite for a wonderful lunch. Then, it’s time to say goodbye and to start the journey back to Cali, the Capital of Salsa.

Cartagena

Day 20: Beautiful Cartagena

Take a mid-morning flight to Cartagena, with a short stop in Bogotá along the way. Arriving around 2 pm, you’ll be collected and taken to your hotel to check-in and freshen up.

At 4:30 pm, you will be picked up for a magnificent city tour. You’ll love traveling with us through this amazing city, going to the most interesting locations of the city in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Your bilingual guide will explain the history behind every important site you visit. Be amazed about the panoramic views of the city from La Candelaria; a convent built-in 1606. Explore the fort of Castle San Felipe, travel through Manga, Getsemani and the modern city of Bocagrande, before enjoying a walk in the historic center. This is simply a wonderful way to get to know this ancient city. Starting this tour around 4:30 pm will mean you'll have the added bonus of seeing this beautiful city by both, day and night!

Cartagena

Day 21: Cruising to the Rosario Islands

Enjoy a breathtaking ocean cruise touring the Rosario Islands to arrive at a beautiful picturesque beach. Once there, you'll be assigned your personal beach space, which is exclusively reserved for you and the members of your group. You'll receive full beach service, a fantastic typical lunch; use of deckchairs and umbrellas; a cocktail on arrival and English-speaking hosts. You will not experience any annoying beach vendors trying to sell you souvenirs or anything you do not wish.

You will have the full day to relax and enjoy your space, along with the ability to hire gear for snorkeling, paddle-boarding or kayaking.

Rosario Islands

Day 22: Food, Mangroves and a Mud-Volcano

Enjoy an extraordinary experience: a mud bath in the mineral-rich, world-famous El Volcán de Lodo El Totumo, the mud volcano of Totumo. Locals will help you massage the mud onto your skin. Feel the relaxation!

After your mud bath, a group of local women will clean your whole body. Afterward, head to the beautiful beaches of Manzanillo del Mar where you’ll enjoy a swim in the tropical waters, before you will be served a fabulous typical Caribbean lunch, including Coconut rice, fried fish, green salad and patacones (think of them as banana fritters).

Next on your program is the exploration of the Cartagena Mangroves in a canoe skippered by an expert local fisherman. Get to know the fishing community during a walk through their village, to see how the locals truly live.

Cartagena

Day 23: Hasta Luego!

At the appropriate time for your flight, you will be taken to the airport.

Not ready to leave? Let us know if you’d like to extend your stay in this beautiful region. Perhaps you’d like to add a tour to San Basilio de Palenque, the first slave-free African settlement in the Americas, where you can try traditional African food and listen to a unique African dialect. Perhaps you would enjoy a trip to the fruit markets and take a cooking class?