Caribbean, coffee and culture: 2 weeks in Colombia

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights in Bogota
• 2 nights in Pereira
• 3 nights in Medellin
• 2 nights in Santa Marta
• 3 nights in Cartagena

Day 1: Bogota Arrival

On arrival in Bogota Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your first night in Colombia.

Day 2: Bogota          

After breakfast this morning, you’ll embark on a half-day tour of the city, taking in all that Bogota has to offer. Explore the Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great emancipator Simon Bolivar is located. The magnificent cathedral lies on the east side of the square and houses a large collection of religious artefacts that have been built up over four centuries. Other stops include the Botero Museum, containing works by Picasso and Dali, and the Gold Museum, with over 32,000 pieces of gold and gemstones precious to the Quimbaya, Calima and Tayrona cultures. Finish the day by ascending the funicular railway to the Santuario de Monserrate where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and up into the Andes.

Overnight in Bogota.

Day 3: Bogota to Pereira    

This morning you’ll transfer to the airport and fly to Pereira, where you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Overnight in Pereira.     

Day 4: Pereira to Valle del Cocora & Filandia to Pereira           

Today you’ll explore the Valle de Cocora, located deep in the central mountains of the country. The area is part of the Parque Nacional de Los Nevados and is one of the best places to see the wax palm - the national tree of Colombia. These staggeringly tall trees can reach heights of 60 metres and pink-throated hummingbirds and palm parrots dart amongst their swaying fronds. Explore the cloud forest on foot or by horse, before enjoying a smoked trout lunch at a trout farm. Finally wander the streets of two traditional towns, Salento and Filandia, where the plazas are filled with coffee shops and colourful markets.

Overnight in Pereira.

Day 5: Pereira to Chinchina to Medellin  

After breakfast, you’ll begin a half day tour of the leafy coffee plantations that carpet the steep hillsides of the Northern Andes. Stop in Alto de La Paz and gaze across the green valleys before learning about the stages of coffee production at a farm; from harvesting and drying in the sun to roasting and most importantly, tasting! You'll have a chance to sample the local blend before transferring to Medellin. The drive will take around 5 hours and on arrival, you’ll check into your hotel for 2 nights.

Overnight in Medellin.

Day 6: Medellin       

This morning you’ll enjoy a half day tour of the city. Visit the Museum of Antioquia, one of the most important museums in the country with exhibitions spanning the ages, from pre-Colombian to Independence. Explore some of the oldest areas of the city, where the baroque San Ignacio Church with its neoclassical exterior fools all with its gothic interior. Finally, head to the Nutibara Hill and enjoy the views of this huge city, as well as a reproduction of a traditional “paisa” village.

Overnight in Medellin.

Day 7: Medellin to Santa Fe de Antioquia to Medellin    

Leaving Medellin behind, today you'll head west and pass over the Puente de Occidente, one of the first suspension bridges in South America and an intricate work of engineering to connect the two banks of this swirling river. Arriving in Santa Fe de Antioquia, you'll feel like time has stood still since the 16th Century. the whitewashed buildings and small churches are a wonder to behold and you'll have plenty of time to explore the colourful streets as well as several museums. After lunch, you'll return to Medellin, stopping in the preserved town of San Jeronimo, with beautiful examples of both colonial and Republican architecture. 

Overnight in Medellin. 

Day 8: Medellin to Santa Marta    

This morning you'll transfer to Medellin Airport to fly to Santa Marta. On arrival, you'll be transferred to the hotel and check in for 2 nights.

Overnight in Santa Marta.           

Day 9: Tayrona National Park        

Today you'll spend the whole day exploring the beautiful Tayrona National Park. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, its packed full of dreamy beaches, clear waters full of exotic fish, vast mangroves and rich jungle vegetation as well as the famous Ciudad Perdida (Lost City). Hop on a boat and head to Playa Cristal one of the most beautiful beaches in the park and the perfect place to enjoy some snorkelling amongst the coral reefs. Spend the day exploring the park before returning to Santa Marta.

Overnight in Santa Marta.           

Day 10: Santa Marta to Cartagena

After breakfast, you'll transfer by car to Cartagena, approximately a 4-hour drive.  On arrival, check into your hotel for 3 nights.

Overnight in Cartagena.               

Day 11: Cartagena     

This morning you'll embark on a half-day tour of Cartagena, beginning with the magnificent views from Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa, where you can enjoy 360 degrees of ocean and city landscapes. Next, you'll discover the San Felipe Fortress, built to defend the city from pirate attacks. Full of tunnels and passageways, it's a great place to explore before heading to the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city walls of Cartagena now home to the artisan centre of the city, full of handicrafts and stalls. The afternoon is free for you to continue to explore.

Overnight in Cartagena.               

Day 12: Cartagena   

Today is yours to enjoy the beautiful city of Cartagena more fully. If you fancy getting out of the city, we suggest a day tour to the Rosario Islands, a stunning archipelago just 100km offshore and a fantastic place to swim amidst Caribbean reefs full of kaleidoscopic fish and green turtles. If you'd like to add a day tour to the islands, just ask us!

Overnight in Cartagena.               

Day 13: Depart Cartagena       

This morning is your last day in Colombia, so you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.