Discover Panama and Colombia in three weeks

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights in Bogota
• 2 nights Valle de Cocora 
• 3 nights Medellin
• 3 nights Cartagena 
• 2 nights Panama City 
• 3 nights Boquete 
• 4 nights Boca Chica

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport. 

Included: International flights 

Day 2: Arrive Colombia

On arrival in Bogota, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel 

Day 3: 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. You'll also visit 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. 

The rest of the day is yours to explore - why not head up on the funicular railway to the Santuario de Monserrate where you can enjoy spectacular views over the city and up into the Andes.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 4: Fly to Valle de Cocora

This morning, you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Pereira, in the heart of the coffee hills. On arrival, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. You’ll spend the afternoon visiting the coffee plantations along the rolling hills that define this area. You’ll visit Hacienda San Alberto, a traditional coffee estate in the region, where you’ll learn about the production of coffee. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 5: Valle de Cocora

In the morning, you will head for the breath-taking Valle de Cocora, located in the mountainous Parque Nacional de Los Nevados. Upon arrival, you will hike or ride on horseback (price not included) into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. When you arrive in the valley itself, you’ll see hundreds of gigantic palm trees dotted across the hills. It’s a surreal and beautiful place.

In the afternoon, you will continue by car towards the charming, traditional town of Salento. At the end of the day, you’ll reach Filandia to enjoy a city tour and soak up the local atmosphere in the evening. Why not try some local spirits before returning to the hotel?

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 6: Travel to Medellin 

After breakfast, you'll be taken to the airport for the short flight to Medellin. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven into the city, checking into your hotel for three nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 7: Medellin 

Today you'll head out to discover the remarkable story of Medellín’s transformation in the last few years, with a guide showing you the most significant landmarks and neighbourhoods. Once known as one of the world’s most dangerous cities during the era of Pablo Escobar, Medellín has completely reinvented itself. Explore the vibrant Comuna 13 and San Javier districts, where unique street art, outdoor escalators and the cable car system showcase the city's commitment to social change and urban regeneration. Along the way, you'll hear powerful stories of resilience and renewal, enjoy spectacular views across the city and visit Plaza Botero, which is home to Fernando Botero’s iconic sculptures. Offering a compelling insight into Medellín’s past, present and future, this tour is an inspiring introduction to the spirit and transformation of Colombia’s most dynamic city.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the city - why not head out for a hearty local dinner featuring bandeja paisa (a traditional platter with beans, rice, plantain, chorizo, and meat). 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 8: Piedra de el Peñol & Guatapé

Today you'll leave the city and head out to the nearby town of Guatapé, where you'll find the huge rock known as Piedra de el Peñol. Guatapé is home to a large reservoir and, if you have the energy, you can climb over 740 steps to reach the top of the rock, for spectacular views over the lush landscape of endless coves and islands below. You'll also visit the quaint town centre, famous for the many colourful houses painted in bright and pastel colours. Take a short boat ride on the Guatapé reservoir before heading back to Medellin to enjoy your final night. 

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 9: Fly to Cartagena 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for the short flight north to the cultural city of Cartagena. On arrival, you'll be met and taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Days 10 & 11: Cartagena 

On your first 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 rest of your time 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. We can add a tour to these beautiful islands - just ask!

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 12: Fly to Panama City 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for the short flight north to Panama. On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and driven to your hotel, checking in for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, 4* hotel 

Day 13: Panama Canal

Today you'll head out to discover the iconic Panama Canal, a feat of engineering that is one of the greatest human achievements of its time. You'll start at the Miraflores Locks Visitor Centre, where you can observe the ships up close as they move along the canal, learning about the operation, as well as watching a film about the history of the Panama Canal. 

Next, you'll enjoy a panoramic tour of the Amador Causeway, which offers one of the most spectacular views of the city. On the way back to your hotel, you'll visit Casco Viejo, the old town of Panama City. Enjoy a walking tour through the cobbled streets, admiring the colonial and neoclassical architecture with your guide before enjoying a delicious lunch.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 14: Fly to Boquete 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the airport for the short flight to David, where you'll be met and taken to your hotel in Boquete, a pleasant mountain town. Enjoy the cool air as you settle into your hotel for two nights. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel 

Day 15: Pipeline Trail 

This morning, you'll head out to enjoy the Pipeline Trail in the nearby Bajo Mono Forest. This is one of the most popular short trails in the Boquete area, with an easy ascent along a water pipeline. Stroll through the lush cloud forest, looking out for orchids and ferns, as hummingbirds flit through the air. You might even be lucky and spot the resplendent quetzal, an iconic bird to find in Panama. At the end of the trail you'll find a hidden waterfall, before heading back past an ancient tree that is over 1,000 years old. It's a pleasant way to spend the morning and soak in the nature of this mountain region. If you'd like a more challenging hike, we can organise that too - just ask!

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 16: Baru volcano summit 

Starting early today, you'll head into Panama's highlands on a thrilling 4x4 adventure to the summit of Baru Volcano, Panama's highest peak. Climb through the national park, past coffee plantations and through cloud forest until you emerge from the treeline to soak up the endless mountain views. On reaching the summit, you'll enjoy one of the most remarkable views in Panama - on a clear day you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a hearty breakfast and hot coffee on your way up, before bathing in the brilliant blue skies at the summit - a truly fantastic experience.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 17: Travel to Boca Chica 

After breakfast, you'll be driven to the coast, to Boca Chica, around 2 hours drive. On arrival, you'll check into your hotel for four nights, ready to kick back and relax at the beach. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel

Days 18 - 20 : Boca Chica

Spend three blissful days unwinding in the laid-back coastal village of Boca Chica, where warm Pacific waters, swaying palms and a relaxed pace of life create the perfect setting for relaxation. Settle into your tropical surroundings and enjoy leisurely days by the pool, exploring the shoreline or simply soaking up the tranquillity of this beautiful corner of Panama. During your stay, you'll venture beyond the mainland on a scenic boat excursion through the spectacular Gulf of Chiriquí, cruising among pristine islands and mangrove-fringed waterways. With opportunities to swim, snorkel and spot the region's abundant wildlife, this half-day adventure offers a wonderful glimpse into one of Panama’s most picturesque archipelagos before you return to Boca Chica to continue enjoying its peaceful atmosphere and stunning coastal scenery.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 4* hotel 

Day 21: Depart Panama 

After breakfast, you'll be taken back to the airport for the flight back to Panama City, ready to connect to your onwards flight. 

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, international flights

Day 22: Arrive UK