• Home -
  • Highlights Of Colombia – 11 Days
  • (#6491)
Detailed Itinerary

Arrival to El Dorado airport in Bogotá on an intercontinental flight. Reception and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight stay.
MEALS: - / - / -

Leave in the morning to La Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao, one of the biggest and most recognized local markets in Bogotá, where all traditional products and ingredients of Colombian cuisine can be found. Try some of the exotic fruits, visit the flower market and the popular food stalls to feel a true local experience. Then enjoy a half day visit to the historic centre of Bogota known as La Candelaria. This archaic suburb has great significance in the country´s history due to its cultural heritage and is also a great example of Spanish colonial time architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great emancipator Simon Bolivar is located. The plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes such as a marketplace, a bullring and it was also the place where many executions were held. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the same spot where the first church was built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks, collection that has been built over four centuries. The Capilla del Sagrario is located just beside the Cathedral and is a gem of religious architecture, it houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos. Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and, it was the first example of republican civil architecture. The central area of the Capitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. In the internal squares are busts of former presidents such as General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, president over four terms, and Rafael Núñez, the composer of the Colombian National Anthem. Around the Plaza de Bolivar are buildings such as the Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices called the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in the county called San Bartolome and the Casa de los Comuneros, named after the leaders that participated towards the end of the XVII Century in some of the first movements towards independence from Spain and the formation of the Republic. The visit continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Gold Museum which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Gold Museum is considered one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been operating since 1939. In 2007 it underwent a complete renovation making it possible for visitors to enjoy an interactive experience. The Museum belongs to the International Network of Museums (ICOM). Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -
Note: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesday.

Meal: Breakfast only

Transfer to the airport and flight to Pereira. Arrival, transfer and hotel check-in. Half day visiting the coffee plantations along the steep hills typical of this area. On a secondary pathway view the green carpet of coffee plants that spread out as far as the horizon interrupted only by fincas and heliconia flowers Visit to Hacienda San Alberto one of the coffee estates typical of the region and located near the town of Buenavista Quindío. The tour begins with an introductory talk about coffee, its preparation,
toasting, the characteristics of quality and the properties that allows for such a variety of coffees in the world. The route continues through the plantations, appreciating the work of the coffee pickers as well as understanding the famous humid coffee that is characteristic of Colombian coffee. Walk through the coffee plantations and learn about the production system in minute detail, including the harvest, the drying to the sun and treatment in this land of volcanic terrain along the Central Andes Mountain Range which has been declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO and that offers the perfect climatic conditions for coffee growing. The harvest in Colombia takes around a year, although the main period is between October and May/June. Most of the plantations in Colombia produce Arabica beans which produce a delicate and light tasting coffee which is widely recognized and consumed. The process begins from when the bean is planted and takes approximately 75 days to germination. The seedling is then placed in a plastic bag and placed in partial sunlight until its base dries. Two years after plantation the tree bears its first fruit which is harvested when the bean is red in color and dry and ripe. Once the fruit has been picked, the pulp is stripped away, and the bean is cleaned and dried in the sun (the big haciendas now use a special machinery to strip and dry the beans in a short period of time). The beans are exported or dried in preparation for sale, before being ground up and made ready for human consumption. Free remainder of the afternoon for individual activities.
Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. This makes part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados and is the ideal place to marvel at the “Quindian wax palm” (Ceroxylon quincense), the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. Around here a great number of species of birds live, in particular some types of hummingbird and the orejíamarillo or the palm parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti) which is endangered. Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (not included), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway which takes one past the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Then you can have a typical lunch (not included) and enjoy some free time here. In the afternoon, continue 10km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colorful balconies, the Calle Real, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Then, transfer to the traditional village of Filandia to enjoy a city tour that includes the viewpoint, the colonial homes, the Plaza de Bolivar and the coffee shops. Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Medellin. Upon arrival, reception and transfer to the selected hotel. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

After breakfast, half day tour to visit those places that best represent the social transformation that has taken place in Medellín. The tour will show the symbolic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one of the most dangerous in the world, up to today many projects that fostered the city’s change. Enjoy an exciting tour through the history and present of Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis. 20 years ago, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medellin's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus, the reign of “El Patrón” came to its end. Until the turn of the millennium the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Visit the barrio San Javier, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín Located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metrocable car that joins the north-east area with the city centre, which has been life changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar and also get to know the innovative transport-system in the poorer neighborhoods at first hand. Explore Medellin’s newest invention: the electric stairways of the district Comuna 13, discover stories about its past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see some graffiti that symbolizes a form of expression of the community. Here it is possible to have a beautiful view over the city from the balconies of San Javier. Then, go on to La Plazoleta located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero, donated by this famous local artist in year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural transformation around these works placed in a public space. Back to the hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

Leaving Medellín and heading to the town of Guatapé in order to visit the enormous rock. Guatapé is located in the outskirts of Medellín and has a reservoir created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam, in the middle of the reservoir it is the Peñol Rock. The Peñol Rock is possibly a meteorite due to its size. From the top by foot up the stairs if you are full of energy (there are 654 steps to get to the top), the whole Guatapé reservation can be seen, this is an optional activity. Visit the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colours. The way to El Peñol takes around two hours, during which passengers can appreciate the outstanding landscape of Antioquia. After lunch, visit to the Guatapé reservoir, which tour of 30 minutes is made by boat. Return to Medellín. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / L / -

Meal: Breakfast only

After breakfast, transfer to Medellín airport for departure by direct flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, transfer and hotel check-in. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

Start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon. Constructed in 1606 this church and monastery are located at a height of 140masl from where one can enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean. Continuing to the San Felipe fortress, erected in honor of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa”. It was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn about how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then, go on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of the San Pedro Claver compound which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, follow to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center to appreciate local handcraft. Free afternoon for individual activities.
Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

Free day for individual activities. A full day tour to the Archipiélago del Rosario is recommended. Overnight stay.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight to Bogotá.
MEALS: B / - / -

Meal: Breakfast only

Inclusions
  • Meals detailed in the quotation
  • Private transfers & excursions with English speaking guide.
  • Transfers: Our transfer rate includes transportation for one suitcase per person up to 23 kg (50 pounds) plus one hand luggage. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please notify us in advance to assign a vehicle with sufficient capacity for the transfer. Bear in mind that this change may generate additional costs
  • Accommodaton in 3 - 4* properties. In all hotels, check-in time is from 3:00 pm and check-out between 11:00 am-1:00pm. Early check-in or late check-out are not included, unless specified in the quote.
Exclusions
  • International airfares
  • Optional activities
  • Other meals, drinks, tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities
  • Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Any items not mentioned as included
Notes

Hotels Used
Bogotá
3 star Hotel B3 Virrey 3* - Bureau Room
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Junior room
4 star Hotel Cite 4* /Bed & Breakfast Standard Room
Note: This rate applies Friday to Saturday nights. From Sunday to Thursday nights a supplement will apply.

Pereira
3 star Hotel Hacienda San Jose 4* - Standard Room
Note: This rate is valid Monday to Thrusday nights during low season.
Note: This rate is NOT valid Friday to Sunday nights and during the following high season period: 02.04.23 – 10.04.23 / 10.06.23 – 02.07.23
/ 08.10.23 – 14.10.23 / 10.12.23 – 09.01.24 and all National Holiday weekends. Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel Hacienda Sazagua 4* - Standard Room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 01.04.23 - 10.04.23 / 01.07.23 - 31.07.23 / 07.10.23 - 15.10.23 / 15.12.23 - 15.01.24.
Supplement will apply.

Medellín
3 star Hotel Poblado Plaza 4* / Bed & Breakfast Superior Room
Note: This rate is NOT valid during the following periods: Colombiamoda & Flower Fair (24.07.23-14.08.23) / 20.12.23 - 09.01.24. Dates to be confirmed. Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel Park 10 Medellin 4* SUP /Bed & Breakfast Standard Room
Note: This rate is valid Monday to Thrusday nights during low season. From Friday to Sunday nights a reduction will apply.
Note: This rate is NOT valid during the following periods: Colombiamoda & Flower Fair (28.07.23-07.08.23) / 23.12.23 - 08.01.24. Dates to be confirmed. Supplement will apply.

Cartagena
3 star Hotel Kartaxa 3*/ Bed & Breakfast Petite Room
Note: This rate is valid Sunday to Thrusday nights during low season.
Note: This rate is not valid Friday to Saturday nights in low season, during the following high season periods: 14.12.22 – 28.02.23 / 22.03.23 –
27.03.23 (FICCI) / 02.04.23 – 08.04.23 / 15.06.23 – 15.07.23 / 11.11.23 – 18.11.23 / 14.12.23 – 31.12.23 and all National Holiday weekends. Supplement will apply.
Note: Twin accommodation is only allowed in Petite Plus and Kartaxa room. A supplement will apply for twin accommodation.
4 star Hotel Boutique Ananda 4*/Bed & Breakfast Superior Room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 22.03.23 - 27.03.23 / 06.04.23 - 09.04.23 / 20.09.23 - 22.09.23 / 16.11.23 - 19.11.23 / 15.12.23 - 15.01.24. Supplement will apply.
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Deluxe room.

  • Supplements will apply for twin accommodation at B3 Virrey, Kartaxa and Anandá in Cartagena, only available in junior room, Petite Plus and Kartaxa and Deluxe room respectively.  
  • The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays & Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. 
  • We suggest on the third day, to take a flight from Bogotá to Pereira in the morning (before midday) in order to have enough time to do the suggested activity of the coffee plantation in Finca San Alberto.
  • The high season for Medellin 2023 corresponds to the dates of the events Colombiamoda & Flower Fair (24.07.23-14.08.23). It is important to keep in mind that these dates must be reconfirmed and rates are subject to availability during these periods.
  • Panoramic City tour in Cartagena includes the visit to La Popa, San Felipe’s castle and San Pedro Claver church.
Program Touring / Guide

Package program

Trip Highlights

Bogota - Coffee Triangle - Medellin - Cartagena

Departure Period
15 Jan, 2023 to 15 Dec, 2023

4 star
AUD 4,193 P P twin share
AUD 6,051 P P single
AVAILABLE

3 star
AUD 3,307 P P twin share
AUD 4,413 P P single
AVAILABLE

Download PDF
Share

This page has login restricted information, kindly Sign In to view details. In case you have not signed up yet kindly click here to Sign Up

×

Upload Document

X
?
×

DS Payout Amount (Andreas)

# File Amount
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00