Classic Colombia - 16 Days
South America
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Bogota - Take in the highlights of Colombia’s capital city on a guided tour, San Agustin - Visit the UNESCO Listed San Agustin Archaeological Park with its fascinating statues, Tayrona National Park – Follow tropical trails through this dazzling national park, once home to the Tayrona Indians, Cartagena - Stroll around the beautiful Old Town and soak up the atmosphere of Colombia's most captivating coastal town, The Coffee Triangle – Learn about coffee farming at local ranch in Armenia, Mompos - Take a boat trip along the Magdalena River, spotting wildlife along the riverbanks, Aracataca - Learn about the famous Latin American writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez who was born in the town, Cocora Valley – Take a hike in the home of Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, the tallest variety of palm tree in the world, Salento – Stroll through this charming town with its preserved colonial bahareque architecture and streets lined with restaurants, bars and shops
Availability
From 2025-01-04 to 2025-11-29
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
15 breakfasts.
15 nights 3 star hotels.
Domestic flights: Bogota to Neiva and Armenia to Santa Marta.
Bogota airport arrival transfer on day 1 and Cartagena airport departure transfer on day 16.
Bogota: city tour and Gold Museum.
San Agustín: Archaeological Park and Magadelena Valley excursions.
Coffee region: tour of coffee farm, Salento and Cocora Valley.
Tayrona: visit to the national park.
Aracataca: Marquez museum.
Mompos: boat trip.
Cartagena: city tour.
Escorted by an experienced tour leader with the services of local guides.
All relevant transfers and transportation.
Itinerary
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Day 8 will be spent driving to the traditional village of Salento, where we have free time to wander through the streets and admire the houses adorned with balconies bursting with flowers, and sit back and bask in the view of the Cordillera Central mountain range emerging from behind the buildings. The afternoon finds us heading east of Salento to the beautiful nature reserve of Valle de la Cocora, home of Colombia's national tree, the wax palm which grows over 3000m. We follow the well market path to the top of the valley for views of mountains' foothills. On the last day in the region there is an optional visit to the Botanical Gardens at Calarca and follow the series of natural trails, passing tropical flowers until we reach the insect museum and enclosed butterfly garden. Alternatively, there is the option to explore the surrounding areas on a horse-riding excursion.3 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.Day 10-11, Santa MartaArmenia - Santa Marta. Flying via Bogota we arrive at the oldest city in Colombia and the first one settled by the Spanish, Santa Marta, which is our base for the next two nights. The city has an important historical centre and a beautiful old town, and it is most famous for being the birthplace of the great liberator Simon Bolivar. We spend the rest of the evening at leisure exploring the city. On day 11 we embark on an excursion to the beautiful Tayrona National Park, which was once home to the indigenous Tayrona Indians and has some of the best coastline on the continent. Tayrona is perfect for a spot of escapism. We have the day here to follow the tree-covered trails through the tropical forest, with monkeys swinging above our heads, until we reach the secluded beaches where roads and cars have no access. You can snorkel in the reefs, visit some of the local villages in the nearby mountains or hike through the dense rainforest, stumbling across ancient pre-Columbian ruins reclaimed by the jungle.2 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.Day 12-13, MomposSanta Marta - Mompos. We board our bus this morning and make our way to the provincial town of Aracataca, the famous birth place of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of Latin America's most famous writers. Born in the town in 1927, his family home is now a museum and we take some time to follow in the footsteps of this iconic writer. Our afternoon journey continues past banana and palm oil plantations until we reach the 16th century town of Mompos. Situated on the eastern banks of the Magdalena River the town resembles something out of one of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's novels, with the whitewashed colonial mansions and buildings which were once home to Spanish merchants, who used the town as a stopping off point on the trade route to Cartagena. The rest of the day is at leisure. On day 13 we embark on a boat trip along the banks of the wildlife-rich Magdalena River, which is home to cormorants, white heron and iguanas. Our last night in Mompos is at leisure.2 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.Day 14, CartagenaMompos - Cartagena. Today we travel back to the Caribbean coast and the famous city of Cartagena. Our final destination, is one of the most interesting colonial towns on the continent. On arrival we have the rest of the day to wander the streets of the city and soak up the mix of Caribbean and African influences. There are several interesting sites to see such as Castillo San Felipe and the fortress on San Lazaro hill. Beneath this fortress is a maze of tunnels and there are still cannons in place along the battlements. Also worthwhile is a trip up La Popa hill to visit the colourful convent with great views over the city. The Boca Grande area of Cartagena is where Colombians come for their beach holidays and it is full of shops, nightclubs and bars. Near Cartagena is the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, a mud volcano where you can relax and wallow in the mud, which is believed to be a good treatment for the skin.1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.Day 15, CartagenaOur morning is spent walking through the streets of the Caribbean's most romantic colonial city. Founded in 1533, this city quickly became the main Spanish port in the Caribbean, and a prime target for pirates when native treasure was stored in the city while waiting to be shipped back to Spain. In a bid to protect their loot the Spanish constructed walls around the city which still encircle the town. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Make your way to the old town square to watch some of the Cumbia dance performances or sit in one of the cafes lining the walkway to sip on a drink and look out onto the sea.1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.Day 16, CartagenaSunday. Transfer to Cartagena airport for your onward flight or consider extending your stay to relax by the coast. We can book post tour accommodation upon request.1 breakfast, no lunch, no dinner included.
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