As intense as a Colombian quadruple espresso. The Colours of Colombia packs a huge caffeine infused punch in just 15 days.
Outline
This is a privately organised tour with almost unlimited customisation options to make it your own.
Tour Plan
Starting from Colombia’s capital Bogotá the tour includes the two UNESCO world heritage sites of San Agustín and Tierradentro before heading to the picturesque coffee zone, itself protected by UNESCO, where you will get a chance to visit a real working coffee finca. Marvel at the incredible scenery and visit the spectacular Cocora Valley and the town of Salento.
From the coffee zone we whisk you off to the Caribbean coast to spend time in the magical city of Cartagena, yet another UNESCO world heritage site, before heading east to Parque Tayrona, Colombia’s spectacular Caribbean natural park.
The very best of Pre-Columbian history, the breathtaking green landscapes of the coffee zone, the world’s finest Spanish colonial walled city, the crystal blue Caribbean, pristine beaches and coastal jungle. The Colours of Colombia really does have it all.
Climate
This tour takes you from the cool highland climates of Bogotá, onwards to the warmer mountain landscapes of San Agustín and Tierradentro. Through the spring-like climate of the coffee zone and finally to the Caribbean where temperatures can reach up to 40ºC
Group sizes
This trip is available for groups of 2 people and upwards. Local English, Spanish, German or Italian speaking guides will be provided at the destination.
Itinerary
Day 1
You will be met by one of our representatives at Bogotá’s El Dorado Airport and taken by private transfer to your hotel in La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic colonial centre or one of our preferred hotels in the city’s fashionable and walkable Rosales neighbourhood.
Bogotá is 2640m above sea level and if you happen to have arrived on a flight from Europe, you will have landed early evening. The evening of day 1 has no formal plans to allow you to relax, aclimatise to the altitude and adjust to the time difference.
Day 2
Your chance to get to know our capital city, we begin the day with a journey to the top of Monserrate, the Cerro overlooking the Bogotá Savannah. At a height of 3150m the mountain affords spectacular views across Bogotá and great photo opportunities. Normally we will ascend the Cerro by cable car, subject to local conditions we can also guide you up to the peak by foot.
We continue in the afternoon with a walking tour through the colourful façades of La Candelaria including an extended stop at the Botero Museum, an intimate art museum housed in colonial buildings that boasts not only many great works by Colombia’s Fernando Botero but also his own collection of masterpieces by Chegall, Max Ernst, Renoir, Picasso and Monet.
Onwards through Bogotá we take in the impressive Plaza Bolívar, Casa Nariño and Bogotá’s Gold Museum before taking you back to your hotel.
Day 3
An early start as we return to El Dorado airport for our flight to Neiva, the capital of the Huila department. Immediately after arriving we head straight for the incredible scenery of the Tatacoa Desert.
In the afternoon we continue our journey through the Huila department alongside the Río Magdalena until we reach San Agustín. We spend the night nearby in a hotel constructed from guadua, a structural bamboo found throughout Colombia.
Day 4
In the morning we visit the archaeological park of San Agustín with an expert local guide to explain all about San Agustín’s mysterious culture.
In the afternoon we take you to another historic site of your choosing, either La Chaquira high above the Magdalena valley or a jeep tour to the Estrecho del Magdalena, at 1.7 metres, the narrowest point of the Río Magdalena.
After a full day you will have the chance to wind down with a drink back at the hotel.
Day 5
From the hotel we continue our tour to Tierradentro, the spiritual home of the Paez Indians. The Paez Indians continue to live in the region and still maintain an authentic lifestyle. Tierradentro is the second UNESCO world heritage site on the tour and is reached through amazing green landscapes. Subject to your arrival time, you should have a chance to visit the archeological site at El Alto de San Andrés
You will spend the night in a hotel near to the church.
Day 6
One of the highlights of The Colours of Colombia, a hike up to El Aguacate and a visit to the tombs of Tierradentro. Immerse yourself in a world of mystery and myths.
Although the first half of the hike is physically demanding, the peak rewards you with magnificent views across the Inza Valley. After a short break the hike continues on to Segovia and El Duende. An intense yet superbly memorable day. After the hike we return to your hotel for a second night in Tierradentro.
Day 7
Early in the morning we take you back to Neiva’s airport before flying you off to Armenia or Pereira in the coffee zone, spend the rest of the day and the night in a beautiful finca.
Day 8
Take your time over your al fresco breakfast at the finca because the morning is yours to relax and recharge your batteries. In the afternoon we take you to a a boutique coffee estate in Buenavista to see the culture, customs and processes surrounding the coffee cherries that grow on the hillsides and eventually become your morning brew. After a technical tasting session in the laboratory, you will have the chance to enjoy the estate’s coffee whilst overlooking the UNESCO protected coffee landscapes of Buenavista.
Take in the charm of the coffee zone’s people, amongst the friendliest and most laid back people in the whole of Colombia.
Day 9
A full day outing to the town of Salento and the imposing Cocora Valley. Salento is one of the quaintest towns in Colombia with its well preserved colonial houses, handicrafts shops and traditional restaurants, many of which serve excellent local trout.
You have the option to do a short walk into the Cocora Valley or a full 6 hour trek all the way to Acaime and back. Be sure to take your camera because Cocora is a sight to behold. It is one of the only habitats of the wax palm, the world’s tallest variety of palm tree and the national tree of Colombia.
After the full day outing we return to your finca.
Day 10
Time to bid farewell to the coffee zone as we return you to Armenia or Pereira airport and fly you to Cartagena. You will be transferred from the airport to an upscale and charming colonial hotel in the historic walled city.
The rest of the evening is yours to discover this magical colonial city. We aim to get you there before dusk so you can watch the sunset whilst enjoying a long tall drink at Café del Mar. Cartagena has excellent restaurants to choose from, try some local fish specialties or spend an evening of people-watching in Plaza de Santo Domingo.
Day 11
After breakfast your guide will meet you at your hotel to take you on a city tour taking in the historic old town, the city’s walls themselves, the clock tower, Getsemaní, Plaza Trinidad and the spectacular San Felipe castle.
Due to the heat it is important to keep city tours quite brief in Cartagena so you will be returned to your hotel early afternoon.
Day 12
A free day to enjoy Cartagena on your own, or add an optional trip to Isla Barú
Day 13
Choose either a beach destination or a peninsular perched on the edge of the sea. Both destinations afford their guests an idyllic setting and an unforgettable experience.After breakfast we transfer you to one of our preferred hotel options close to Parque Tayrona to conclude your tour with 2 days in paradise.
Day 14
A full day trip to Parque Tayrona itself, trek to El Pueblito, swim in the bay of La Piscina or simply enjoy the beaches. You will be returned afterwards for the second night at your chosen accommodation.
Day 15
The final day of your tour, after breakfast we transfer you to Santa Marta where the tour ends. We will happily arrange your onward flights to another destination.
Options
Days 5 and 6
Prefer colonial cities to archeology? Consider swapping Tierradentro for 2 nights in Popayán.
Day 8
Start your day earlier and visit both a coffee farm and the Botanical Garden and Mariposario in Calarcá
Day 10
Fly from Pereira to the coast and visit the Thermal Springs of Santa Rosa.
Want to see Medellín also? Then this is the perfect place to add it in to your itinerary.
Day 12
Spend a day on one of the Rosario Islands.
Day 13
Stop off at the Mud Volcano of Totumo, or Nueva Venecia.
Add a night or two in Santa Marta’s old town.
Spend more, spend less
The Colours of Colombia boasts a consistently high level of accommodation. Superb art deco accommodation in Bogotá, idiosyncratic hotels of character in San Agustín, immaculate and authentic coffee fincas, charming colonial hotels in Cartagena and the world-renowned and authentic hotel options on the Santa Marta coast.
Upscale and downscale options are available in Bogotá and Cartagena. Contact us for details.
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Destination information
This tour visits the following destinations. Click the links below for more comprehensive information on each destination.
Photographs
