Highlights of Colombia Inc Cartagena, Medellin & Bogota

Let’s depart for our Colombian adventure, first stop Bogota!

We have arrived! We meet our local representative in the airport and transfer to our hotel in Bogota. Let’s stretch our legs and take a short orientation walking tour, to become familiar with our surroundings. The rest of the day is free to relax and unwind. At 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá's cooler climate calls for an extra layer. With free time to explore, consider the Botero Museum, located in Candelaria district, and features mainly works from the Colombian artist Fernando Botero. The museum is home to Botero’s own private collections and some of the most important in Latin America. Marvel at the Botero statues and paintings, including Botero’s own version of Mona Lisa! We will see more of Botero’s work later when we are in Medellin. Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure to relax and unwind after our flights.

Start our day with a guided tour of Bogotá, beginning in the charming Candelaria Historic District. Explore its traditional colonial houses, cobbled streets, and visit the iconic Plaza de Bolívar, the heart of the city. As we stroll through the area, we'll uncover the history behind these landmarks, and see some quirky spots like Divorce Street (careful what you wish for) and admire Bogotá's famous street art! Be bedazzled by the wonders of the Gold and Emerald museums! Think Eldorado and you have the Gold Museum! Home to over 34,000 gold pieces, each with a unique story and historical significance. Don’t miss the Musica Raft gold figure, a true highlight and wonder. We'll also visit the Emerald Museum to learn about Colombia’s world-renowned emeralds, from mining to the final polished gems. A simple, local-style lunch is included, giving you a taste of Bogotá's flavours. Please note the Gold Museum is closed on Mondays.

After, we make our way to the Florentine Gothic church of Our Lady of Carmen. This beautiful and uniquely coloured church was designed by Giovanni Buscaglione, and shows off its unusual architecture combining Gothic, Byzantine and Arabic. We enjoy a moment here before our final stop.

The day is not over! We make our way up the mountain of Cerro de Monserrate that rises over downtown Bogota. Wrap up as we are about to go up over 3000m high above sea level. We have the options to go up with the panoramic aerial tramway or via funicular pending on which one is running at the time. Take in the beauty as we marvel at the city below. What a way to end our guided tour of Bogota! The rest of our day is at leisure to relax more.

We say a fond farewell to Bogota, and we make our way to the airport for our flight to our next destination, the colourful town of Salento. On arrival we transfer from (Armenia or Pereira) airport to our hotel in Salento, in the central region of Quindio. Before we settle in, let’s become familiar with the town on a guided orientation walk. The rest of our day is at leisure to further soak up the atmosphere of this picturesque destination.

Get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Salento and the Cocora Valley on a full day guided excursion! We’ll start by hopping into typical Willy Jeeps, driving past the colourful colonial houses that define this historic town. As we head into the Cocora Valley, part of the Central Andean Mountains, you'll see why this area draws so many visitors—it's truly breath-taking. Once we arrive, we'll embark on a two-hour leisurely hike (good sturdy shoes are recommend) through rolling green hills and farmland. The highlight of our walk is the Quindio Wax Palm, Colombia's national tree and one of the tallest palms in the world, reaching up to 60 meters. Enjoy the fresh country air and take in the beautiful scenery as we explore this unique landscape.

Enjoy a relaxing evening at your own pace. Take a leisurely stroll through the vibrant, colourful streets of the town, shop for local treasures, and savour a robust coffee or refreshing exotic fruit juice like guanabana (soursop). The rest of the evening is yours to soak in the charm of this beautiful town. For a unique experience, why not try Colombia’s national sport, Tejo? It’s an exciting blend of beer and gunpowder! Players throw weighted steel discs (tejos) at a metal ring rigged with gunpowder—when the metal hits, there’s a satisfying pop. It's a must-try while you're here, and our guide can point you to the best spots to give it a go.

Let’s dive deeper into Colombian culture! No trip to Colombia is complete without experiencing its world-famous coffee. On our tour of a local plantation, we’ll discover what makes Colombian coffee so special, from the cultivation and harvesting to the intricate processing techniques. Learn how the beans are roasted to perfection, bringing out unique flavours and aromas. Finally, sit back, relax, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of this exceptional coffee right at the source. Please note this tour is not a private Travel Department tour.

The rest of your day is at leisure, relax and unwind and take in the charms of this unique town.

This morning, we transfer to the coffee region (Armenia or Pereira) airport for our flight to Medellin. On arrival in Medellin, we make our way to our hotel. Our guide will take us on an orientation walk for us to further become familiar with our surroundings. The rest of our day is at leisure.

Experience the best of Medellín, the "City of Eternal Spring," known for its vibrant cultural heritage. We’ll head downtown to explore the lively historical centre. Our first stop is Botero Plaza, where you can marvel at the bold sculptures by Fernando Botero, a famous city landmark. Don’t miss the striking architecture of Palacio de La Cultura Rafael Uribe, and watch Colombia’s only metro in action as we stroll through Medellín’s highlights on this walking tour. Next, we’ll take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo for breathtaking views of the city. After this exhilarating ride, we’ll visit the iconic Comuna 13 district, a must-see in Medellín. Ride the hillside escalators to get the best views of this vibrant community and admire the incredible street art along the way. These escalators are an innovative addition to connect neighbourhoods and offer stunning perspectives and a glimpse into Comuna 13’s transformation from its troubled past to one of the city’s top attractions. After the tour, we’ll return to our hotel, and the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

For those who want to delve more into Medellin’s colourful history why not book an optional excursion, subject to minimum numbers.

On this optional guided excursion, we explore the history of Medellín's most infamous figure, Pablo Escobar Gaviria, and the devastating impact of organized crime in Colombia. In the 1980s, Escobar dominated the global cocaine trade, using his wealth to create a powerful network of corruption and control in Medellín. Though the Medellín Cartel peaked in the early 1990s, it ended with Escobar's death in 1993. Visiting key sites from his life provides insight into his lasting and controversial legacy in Colombia's history. Minimum numbers apply for this tour, this tour is pre bookable.

On this optional excursion we delve into some of the urban artwork on offer in the Comuna 13. Medellin is filled with countless expressions of street art, leading the local authorities to declare urban art as a cultural landmark. Delve into the political expressions and explore the colourful graffiti in Comuna 13, guided by some of the local artists. Learn more about the history and daily life in this area and its own identity through the eras. Minimum numbers apply, this tour is sold locally.

This morning, we will depart early around 8 a.m. for a full-day excursion to one of Colombia's most beloved destinations: Guatapé. Our first stop is El Peñol, a 200-meter-high monolith with a staircase of 740 steps to the top (though it may seem even more!). The climb is worth it, as you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of green mountains and blue lakes on a clear day. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can opt for a tuk-tuk tour. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful boat ride on the lake. There, we will have a simple lunch (included) by the Guatapé reservoir. Next, we will stroll through the charming and colorful town of Guatapé, known for its beautiful church and the vibrant, ornate paintings that adorn the town's houses. If you loved Salento, you'll be captivated by the colors of Guatapé. We will return late in the evening to relax and enjoy our last night in Medellín.

This morning, we bid a fond farewell to Medellín and head to the airport for our final internal flight to Cartagena. Welcome to Cartagena! This vibrant port city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast is our last stop. Let’s kick things off with an orientation walk and soak up the warm tropical climate!

Let’s dive deeper into the vibrant city of Cartagena! We’ll start at La Popa Convent, the highest point in the city, where you can take in stunning views of the area below. Next, we’ll explore the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the largest fort built by the Spaniards in South America. Uncover the fort and some of its tunnels as well as the statue of Don Blas de Lezo. Afterward, we’ll head back to the historic city centre, where we will stroll through the most beautiful streets, past churches, and squares. We’ll pass by the clock tower (Torre del Reloj), the official entrance to the walled city, and see the monument of Don Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena’s founder. Along the way, we’ll share stories and legends of pirates and witches that add to the city’s charm. We’ll wrap up the tour and return to our hotel. The evening is yours to enjoy, soaking up Cartagena’s vibrant and colourful atmosphere.

Today is your last chance to soak up the Caribbean vibe in Cartagena. This city is a photographer’s dream with its vibrant colonial buildings, Colombian flag-draped ladies (don’t forget to tip for a photo!), and lively flower and fruit vendors. It’s easy to see why Cartagena is one of Colombia’s top destinations! Take a leisurely stroll through Parque Centenario, where you might spot three-toed sloths and tamarin monkeys. Explore the quieter Getsemaní area, where you can admire the colourful street art and enjoy local musicians while having lunch. Relax with a full-bodied coffee in one of the many cafes and watch the world go by. Enjoy your final day in this enchanting city!

There may be the opportunity to experience a half day excursion for those who want more. These excursions are sold locally and subject to minimum numbers.

Discover La Boquilla, an Afro-descendant fishing village with a rich history of cultural resistance spanning over 200 years. Here, ancestral traditions, with drums at their heart, continue to thrive. Join us for an engaging drum workshop, where you can observe and participate in the Afro-Colombian drumming traditions. Experience the rhythms and energy of folk music styles such as Cumbia, Mapalé, and Champeta. The workshop lasts about one hour and offers a vibrant connection to the local culture through music, dance, and song. Minimum numbers apply and bookable locally

Explore new flavours and dive into the mythical world of pirates with a Colombian rum tasting adventure. Guided by expert mixologists, you'll savour a selection of Colombian rums, spirits, and infused rums, paired perfectly with chocolate. Discover the origins and production process of each rum as you enjoy this unique tasting experience. Minimum numbers apply and bookable locally

Uncover more Street Art & Graffiti on this guided tour, delve into Cartagena's vibrant alternative scene in Getsemani. See tropical murals, local flora, and portraits of palenqueras. Getsemani’s unique spirit shines through its street art, transforming the neighbourhood since the first Graffiti Festival in December 2013. With your guide, you'll explore iconic spots like the clock tower, La Sierpe’s murals, Trinidad Plaza, and even walk atop the city wall. Experience Getsemani like a local and see what makes it so special. Minimum numbers apply and bookable locally

Today our Highlights of Colombia tour finishes, we say farewell with fond memories of our journey and newfound friends. Transfer by coach to Cartagena Airport for your return flights home.