Bogota to Cartagena: 10 days in Colombia

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights in Bogota
• 1 night in Villa de Leyva
• 2 nights in Pereira
• 3 nights in Cartagena

Day 1: Arrival in Bogota

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

Day 2: Bogota City Tour with Monserrate           

After breakfast, embark on a half day city tour of Bogota, visiting the main square (Plaza de Bolivar), home to the cathedral, constructed on the spot where Bogota's first church was constructed in 1539. Next you'll visit the Botero Museum, with many pieces of international art before exploring the gemstones and precious metals of the Gold Museum. Finish the tour by taking the cable car up to Santuario de Monserrate, 500 metres above the city with breathtaking views over the city.

Overnight in Bogota.     

Day 3: Zipaquira to Villa de Leyva   

This morning you'll leave Bogota and head north towards Zipaquira. The winding road takes you past vast greenhouses built to protect the flower growing industry that flourishes in this area. After a 1.5 hour drive, you'll reach the Salt Cathedral, impressively built entirely into the salt mines. The three naves of the cathedral represent the birth, life and death of Christ and a spectacular sixteen-metre salt cross adorns the central area. After enjoying the mirrors of water that reflect the general majesty of the salt caves, you'll continue on to the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva, a maze of cobbled alleyways and colonial architecture.

Overnight in Villa de Leyva.        

Day 4: Bogota to Pereira      

Today you'll return to Bogota, breaking the journey with a trip to the pretty monastery, Convento del Santa Ecce Homo. On arrival at Bogota Airport, you'll take a flight to Pereira and transfer to your hotel in the city.

Overnight in Pereira.                     

Day 5: Pereira - Valle del Cocora & Filandia to Pereira    

After breakfast, you'll explore the Valle de Cocora, deep in the central mountains of the country. Part of the Parque Nacional de Los Nevados, this area is full of tall wax palms - the national tree of Colombia. Spot hummingbirds and palm parrots flitting through the air as you head into the cloud forest (either hiking or on horseback) to explore the natural flora and fauna of the mountains. You'll also stop to enjoy a smoked lunch at a trout farm before taking in the traditional towns of Salento and Filandia, where avenues are lined with coffee shops and colourful flowered balconies.

Overnight in Pereira.     

Day 6: Chinchina coffee plantations       

Today you'll spend the morning exploring the coffee plantations that cling to the steep hills of the area. Lush green coffee plants carpet the hills of Chinchina - interrupted only by fincas and heliconia flowers it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tour the plantations and learn about the coffee making process, from harvest to drying in the sun and roasting, before tasting a few cups of the famous humid coffee that is characteristic to Colombia. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Pereira.                     

Day 7: Pereira to Cartagena           

An early morning transfer will take you to Pereira Airport to fly to Cartagena, via Bogota. On arrival check in to your hotel for three nights.

Overnight in Cartagena.                               

Day 8: Cartagena     

Today you'll embark on a half-day tour of Cartagena, starting with the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa from where you can enjoy 360-degree views, taking in both the buildings below and the blue ocean beyond the seawall. Wander through the old town, visit the San Felipe Fortress, the Church of San Pedro Claver and the collection of archways called the 'Bovedas' that now house artisan shops and stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore.

Overnight in Cartagena.               

Day 9: Cartagena     

Today is yours to explore the city and enjoy at your leisure.

Overnight in Cartagena.               

Day 10: Depart Cartagena          

After breakfast, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight back to Bogota where your time in Colombia will come to an end.