Authentic Colombia

Private transfer from the El Dorado International Airport to your hotel located in the historic neighborhood “La Candelaria”.

La Candelaria: Walking tour around La Candelaria and its 400 years old streets. Visit of museums such as the Botero Museum, which exhibits a large collection of paintings and sculptures and the Museum of Gold, displaying the largest collection of pre-Columbian goldsmithing in the world. Cerro Monserrate: you will reach Bogota’s highest viewpoint, Monserrate Hill, where you will observe the vastness of the Colombian capital.

Lake Guatavita: A short drive north of Bogota will take you to Lake Guatavita, a high-altitude lake located in a sub-paramo ecosystem, where the Muiscas (local indigenous tribe), would throw gold objects and emeralds into the lake. A ceremony that formed the legend of the mythical El Dorado. Boyacá Bridge: On your way to Villa de Leyva, you will make a quick stop at the Boyacá bridge. The final battle for Colombia’s independence took place on this site where the small bridge of Boyacá remains as a symbol of Colombia’s uprising against Spanish rule.

Villa de Leyva: This small colonial town, is commonly known for the richness of its architecture dating back to the 17th century, its churches and its convents, such as Nuestra Señora del Rosario. It is also the home of the heroes of the nation, Antonio Ricaurte, Antonio Nariño, and Simon Bolivar, who used to live in the town during the war of independence. Around Villa de Leyva: Three major sites are located on the outskirts of the village. First, you will visit the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo, a 17th century Dominican Convent. Then you will reach Infierinto, a Pre-Columbian archaeological site built by the Muisca indigenous tribe. And finally, you will admire the Casa Tereacota, an impressive house entirely made of clay and built by a local.

Ráquira is a small village where pottery is the main industry. While visiting this charming town, you will be able to make a stop in one of the ceramic workshops and practice your skills with a local craftsman.

Guane (Camino Real): Early in the morning, you will start a 2-hour hike toward the small village of Guane, a town located downhill. You’ll follow the Camino Real trail and discover the beautiful landscapes of the Santander region. Barichara: Listed as a national monument, Barichara is a quiet and authentic town known for its colonial architectural heritage. Going down the empty streets of Barichara, you will admire amazing churches and a cathedral as well as several artisanal workshops.

Deeper than the Grand Canyon, the Chicamocha is an impressive natural site located less than 2 hours from Barichara. You will make a quick stop on the edge of the canyon before continuing toward the Bucaramanga Airport. You will then board a flight bound for Pereira, capital city of the Risaralda department, a region part of the famous Coffee Triangle.

During this day, you will visit the famous Cocora Valley, an amazing area composed of various 80-meter-high palm trees. On your way back, you will visit the charming towns of Salento and Filandia before heading back to your hotel.

In the morning, you will tour the Quindío Botanical Garden, where you will observe a wide range of plants from all over Colombia. You will also make a stop in some of the region's most authentic and off-the-beaten-track towns before returning to your accommodation.

You will enjoy a completely free day at the heart of nature, in a traditional local finca.

On this day, a car will take you to the Pereira airport. You will take off for the historic and heroic Cartagena, one of the jewels of Colombia and Latin America in general, a city on the Caribbean coast. On arrival, another car will take you to your hotel located in the walled city. You will then have the opportunity to explore Cartagena de Indias for the rest of the day.

On your second day in the stunning Cartagena, you will discover the historical and architectural heritage of this centuries old city. Cartagena is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The city was a major hub at the time of the Spanish conquest and many riches left for Europe from its port. In the morning, you will visit the walled city’s landmarks, it’s churches, colonial buildings and splendid squares. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to visit different sites located outside the walls and dating back to the era of piracy.

A day of complete freedom to visit the beautiful Cartagena and around as you wish.

On the last day of you journey, a private transport will pick you up and transfer you to the Cartagena Rafael Nuñez airport. You will board a plane to Bogota where upon arrival you will be able to check your luggage for your international flight. This last step of the tour will mark the end of your trip around Colombia, the country of Magical Realism.