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  • Complete Colombia – 14 Days
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Detailed Itinerary

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

Meals: No Meals

After breakfast, half day visit to the historic centre known as La Candelaria. This antiquated barrio is of great architectural and cultural heritage and is made up of old “stately homes” or large Spanish colonial buildings with iron windows, thick and sturdy wooden doors, balconies and internal patios with beautiful yet hidden gardens. Visit the Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great liberator Simon Bolivar is located. This Plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes, as a marketplace, at one time a bullring and a gallows. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the remains of the first church built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artefacts such as textiles and artwork that has collected over four centuries. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and, it is the first republican piece of civil architecture. Around the Plaza de Bolivar are 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, so called to honour one of the earliest movements for independence from Spain towards the end of the XVII Century.
The visit continues with the Museo Botero, a colonial house filled with works of art done by and donated by Fernando Botero in addition to artwork from his own personal collection that includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Museo del Oro 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 Museo del Oro is considered as one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been functioning since 1939. In 2007 it underwent a complete overhaul to make this an interactive museum that would awake senses to the objects on display. Free afternoon for individual activities (we recommend visiting the city’s various museums).
Overnight stay

Meals: (B/-/-)

Depart from Bogotá and head north, towards Zipaquirá. Travel through the Bogota Savannah. After a journey of roughly 1.15 hours reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true achievement of engineering. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues on to the dome. The dome is lit in such a way that it allows one to contemplate the universe and the relationship between man and nature. Later, reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, above which is the cross that measures 16m in height and 10m in breadth, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. This is the largest cross made from salt in the world. Next, we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock.
Continue-on a 2- hour trip to Villa de Leyva in the afternoon. Upon arrival to Villa de Leyva check in at the hotel. Villa de Leyva, one of the area’s most beautiful towns, was founded in 1572 by Hernàn Suàrez de Villalobos who named it after Andrès Dìas Venero de Leyva, the first president of Nueva Granada. In colonial times, Villa de Leyva played a central role in independence developments and the Viceroy and his entourage spent much time here. Today, the city is a colonial jewel with a main square measuring 14.000 m2 surrounded by Spanish style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets and the XVII century parochial church.

Overnight stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

Enjoy this colonial jewel visiting its cultural and ecological attractions. There is important museums such as the Colonial Art Museum and the Museum of Maestro Acuña, which exhibits works of this important painter, sculptor and writer, who along with other artists, created the Bachue movement, which sought to recover the roots of our Chibcha ancestors (entrance fees not included). Visit The Fossil Museum, founded in 1977 and located 5,5 km away from Villa de Leyva. The museum was built exactly at the place where a kronosaurus, a marine reptile of more than 120 million years and 20 metres in length, was discovered. On the outskirts of the town, there is also "El Infiernito", a pre-Hispanic Muisca site, where around 30 stone columns known as megaliths are located. It is believed that these columns are about 2,200 years old, and that this space was reserved for the cult of fertility by the phallic shape of the stones, others, on the other hand, affirm that it was used as an astronomical observatory. At nighttime, it is possible stargaze while sitting in the main square drinking “canelazo”, a typical drink from the area. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

After breakfast, return to Bogotá. On the way, break at the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo. Founded by the Dominicans in 1620, this was an important point of evangelization in a region populated by Indigenous communities. The tour ends in Bogotá Airport for taking a departure flight in the evening to Pereira. Once upon arrival, transfer to the selected hotel and check in. Overnight stay.

Meals:(B/-/-)

After breakfast, enjoy a 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.
At the end, enjoy a coffee tasting session, guided by a Master Taster from “Hacienda San Alberto” who will bring all its coffee knowledge to the table. Start with a brief introduction about coffee history, regions, varieties and general characteristics. After that you will learn about coffee tastes and aromas, some methods of preparation and general recommendations. At the end, you will taste two cups of coffee.
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. Overnight stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

In the morning 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 worshiped 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/-/-)

Transfer to the airport of Pereira for taking a flight to Cartagena. Once upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in. Overnight stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

After breakfast, 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 how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, continue 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 where one can appreciate local handcraft. Overnight Stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to La Bodeguita pier for the transfer by boat SIB. After 1 hour and 50 minutes by boat arrive in Punta Faro.
Lunch, dinner and overnight stay.

Meals:(B/L/D)

At leisure.
Lunch, dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: (B/L/D)

After breakfast, transfer to the pier for taking a boat SIB that will lead you back to Cartagena. It takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.Afternoon at leisure.
At night, take a magical evening tour of the Walled City stepping back in time and enjoying the sights from an open horse drawn carriage. The sound of the horse’s hooves, the feel of the refreshing breeze, the night time colors of Cartagena, the architecture and the generally beautiful and atmospheric scenery makes the visitor feel as if he or she is part of a film.
Appreciate the many squares of the historic district and pass by the elegant colonial houses with their balconies filled with tumbling bougainvillea flowers. Watch Cartagena by night as tourists fill the streets. Overnight stay.

Meals: (B/-/-)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Cartagena for taking the departure flight.

Meals: (B/-/-)

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 / Domestic Airfare
  • 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.

Villa de Leyva
3 star Hotel La Posada de San Antonio 3* - Standard room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 31.03.23 - 09.04.23 / 01.12.23 - 20.01.24 and national holiday weekends.
During this period a min. stay of 2 nights may apply, depending on the occupancy. Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel La Posada de San Antonio 3* - Standard room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 31.03.23 - 09.04.23 / 01.12.23 - 20.01.24 and national holiday weekends.
During this period a min. stay of 2 nights may apply, depending on the occupancy. 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.

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.

Punta Faro
3 star Hotel Punta Faro 3*/- Deluxe Room (Internal view)
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 02.04.23 – 10.04.23 / 10.08.23 – 27.08.23 / 20.12.23 – 26.12.23 / 27.12.23 – 07.01.24 /
08.01.24 - 15/01/24. Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel Punta Faro 3*/- Deluxe Room (Internal view)
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 02.04.23 – 10.04.23 / 10.08.23 – 27.08.23 / 20.12.23 – 26.12.23 / 27.12.23 – 07.01.24 / 08.01.24 - 15/01/24. Supplement will apply.

  • 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.    
  • The Villa de Leyva package includes entrance to the Salt Cathedral, Santo Ecce Homo, Casa Museo del Maestro Acuña and El Fósil. Please note that Infiernito is no longer included as it has been closed.
  • The transfer from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva takes around 3 hours and a half. During the journey, a stop is included for visiting Zipaquira’s salt Cathedral.  
  • We advise you to take the Bogotá - Pereira flight in the afternoon, in order to have enough time to make the transfer from Villa de Leyva to Bogotá in the morning.
  • Panoramic City tour in Cartagena includes the visit to La Popa, San Felipe’s castle and San Pedro Claver church.
  • Boat transfer from Cartagena to Isla Múcura takes 1 hour and 50 minutes and it is a service on share basis with other passengers.   
  • At Hotel Punta Faro in Isla Múcura there is an additional charge for Dec 31st New Year's Eve Dinner & Party. Please request the price to us.
  • The rum and chocolate tasting at Sofitel Santa Clara includes four varieties of rum (one glass per person of each variety), sommelier's selection and chocolate pairing. It includes the company of the guide for 2 hours since the clients will walk with the guide from the hotel in the historical centre where they are staying to Sofitel Santa Clara.   
Program Touring / Guide

Package program

Trip Highlights

Bogotá - Villa de Leyva - Coffee Region - Cartagena - Múcura Island

Departure Period
15 Jan, 2023 to 15 Dec, 2023

4 star
AUD 6,227 P P twin share
AUD 9,567 P P single
AVAILABLE

3 star
AUD 5,469 P P twin share
AUD 8,038 P P single
AVAILABLE

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H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00
H-PT-060423-582 AUD 150.00