Colombia Encompassed - 17 days
Colombia Encompassed - 17 days
Colombia Encompassed - 17 days
17 Days Starting in Bogota, Colombia and ending in Cartagena, Colombia
Visiting: Bogota, Zipaquira, Villa de Leyva, Zona Cafetera, San Agustin, Popayan, Silvia, Cartagena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
1844/COEN
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 17-day journey through Colombia, exploring its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes. Begin in Bogota, where you'll delve into the bustling Paloquemao Market and the historic La Candelaria district. Marvel at the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira and the artistic charm of Raquira. Discover the colonial beauty of Villa de Leyva and the lush coffee plantations of Zona Cafetera. In San Agustin, explore ancient archaeological wonders, then wander through Popayan's colonial streets. Experience the lively market in Silvia before heading to Cartagena, where you'll navigate mangrove swamps, explore colonial architecture, and indulge in a culinary tour. With guided tours, local insights, and immersive experiences, this small group adventure offers a comprehensive exploration of Colombia's diverse attractions, from its UNESCO World Heritage sites to its vibrant local markets and exquisite cuisine. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and expert guidance throughout this unforgettable Colombian odyssey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Location: Bogota
Accommodation Name: hotel
Bienvenidos a Colombia! Today is the start of what is sure to be the journey of a lifetime through this magical country. You will be met at the El Dorado International airport and transferred your hotel.
Day 2-3: Bogota City Tours
Location: Bogota
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today you will get acquainted with Colombia’s capital city, Bogota. The day starts early with a trip to the Paloquemao market, one of the largest and most important of its kind in the country. After meandering through the stalls and trying a few traditional Colombian snacks, you will head to La Candelaria, the old colonial quarter, where you will be able to admire the beautiful architecture of the cathedral and palaces. Next stop is the Cerro de Montserrate, a mountain with a white church located at the top, which commands spectacular views of the city. The day winds up with a visit to two of Bogota’s best museums, the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and the Botero Museum.
The following day you will embark on a different kind of tour, which will certainly give you a taste for the city. Starting at the National Museum, you will then be taken to four different restaurants in order to sample a handful of Colombia’s newest culinary trends. You will get the chance to meet some of the chefs and learn what inspired their gastronomic projects.
Day 4: Zipaquira & Raquira
Location: Zipaquira
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bogota - Zipaquira - Villa de Leyva. Leaving Bogota, you will be driven out towards the small, quaint town of Zipaquira, home of the magnificent Salt Cathedral. Marvel at the numerous sculptures that have been built into the salt mine tunnels under the Halite Mountains before being taken to Sutatausa to explore a beautiful colonial church. After lunch in a traditional Andean restaurant, the next stop is Raquira, a quaint town known for its beautiful pottery, where you will get the chance to visit a clay pot factory and learn all about its production process. To wind up the day you will be taken to an old monastery, Monasterio La Candelaria, which boasts a spectacular collection of artwork within.
Day 5-6: Villa De Leyva
Location: Villa de Leyva
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Villa de Leyva (1), Zone Cafetera (1)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A hearty American breakfast kicks off the day before you are taken into the heart of Villa de Leyva for a walking tour, during which you will learn all about the town’s colonial past. After this, prepare
to be blown away as you witness the exhibits of the Fossil Museum, one of which being the complete 120 million year old Kronosaurus Queenslandicus fossil. In the afternoon, a trip to a monastery is followed by a guided tour of the Marques de Villa de Leyva wine yard, complete with a tasting or two.
The following day you will be able to enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the quiet streets and beautiful surroundings of Villa de Leyva. In the afternoon, you will be taken to the airport in Bogota to catch a flight to the Zona Cafetera.
Day 7-9: Zona Cafetera
Location: Zona Cafetera
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Villa de Leyva - Zona Cafetera. On day 7 you will spend the whole day at the Finca Romelia, a beautiful farm that enjoys breathtaking mountain landscapes and a whole host of different hummingbirds and butterflies. You will get to spend the day strolling through the peaceful gardens, admiring the orchids and sipping on the farm’s coffee, which is considered one of the best in the world.
The following day you will be taken to Filandia, a traditional village with colonial streets and abundance of fondas (restaurant-bars), then on to Quindio’s Viewpoint to look out over the Coffee Triangle. The rest of the day includes learning about wax palms and witnessing the Ritual de la Palma, a way to preserve the trees, in the Cocora Valley and exploring the quaint colonial town of Salento.
The final day in the stunning Zona Cafetera region involves a tour of Hacienda Combia, a coffee farm that teaches its guests all about the essential elements in coffee production, including environmental conditions and technical processes. You will be able to engage in a hands-on fully immersive coffee experience before being whisked away to Quindio’s Botanical and Butterfly garden for a dose of natural beauty.
Day 10: San Agustin
Location: San Agustin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Zona Cafetera - San Agustin. In the morning you will be transferred from your hotel to either Armenia or Pereira airport to catch a flight to Neiva. From there you will be driven to San Agustin through the winding Magdalena Valley, stopping regularly to explore and observe tobacco, rice and cacao plantations. Be sure to take in the sublime mountainous landscape as you go.
Day 11-12: San Agustin Tours
Location: San Agustin
Meals Included: Breakfast
On the first day in San Agustin, you will be taken to the world famous San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dates back to pre-Colombian times. Here you will be able to explore the ancient tombs and structures of Mesitas sites A, B and C, visit the Forest of statues and wander through the Archaeological Museum.
Day 12 offers you a choice of nature-based activities, including a horse riding tour to different archaeological points (la Chaquira, La Pelota, El Purutal); a tour of Isnos, Alto de los Idolos and the Magdalena Straight in a Chiva – an old fashioned Colombian bus; or a gentle hike of La Chaquira for some amazing views of the Magdalena River.
Day 13:
Location: Popayan
Meals Included: Breakfast
San Agustin - Popayan. After a hearty breakfast you will embark on a six hour journey through stunning, rugged scenery to Popayan. Upon arrival you are free to wander through the city, taking in its beautiful colonial architecture and sampling its varied and sumptuous gastronomy.
Day 14: Silvia
Location: Silvia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Popayan - Silvia - Cartegena. Today you will be transported to Silvia, a small but vibrant town that hosts a weekly market each Tuesday, frequented by the Guambiano community and brimming with chillies, wool, fish and more. After exploring the market, you will be taken to Popayan’s airport to catch a flight to Cartagena. At the Rafael Nunez airport our representative will take you to your hotel and assist you with check in. In the evening, why not have a wander through Cartagena’s colourful streets, absorbing the city’s magical charm.
Day 15-16: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Starting at La Boquilla, an old fishing village and former slave colony, you will board a traditional wooden canoe and be steered through the mangrove swamps, home to a range of exotic flora and fauna. Following this experience, you will set off on a walking tour through Getsemani and have the chance to learn all about its colonial architecture and be dazzled by its charm. The afternoon involves even more cultural enrichment as you are guided through Cartagena on yet another tour. This time you will start at the Convento de la Popa, the highest point in the city, and the spot with the best views, before heading towards Castillo San Felipe on San Lazaro Hill. The day concludes with an exploration of the gorgeous jewellery and handicrafts on sale in Las Bovedas and an admiration of the aesthetically pleasing, inner walled section of the city.
Day 16 doesn’t kick off until the afternoon when you will be guided through Cartagena on a delicious food tour, stopping at seven eateries along the way. Sample some of the most authentic gastronomic delights that the city has to offer and interact with the locals who frequent these food spots on a daily basis.
Day 17: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the end of your Colombian adventure. You will be transferred from the hotel to Cartagena’s airport for your flight home.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Standard (superior and deluxe available on request) -
16 breakfasts and 6 lunches
Enjoy 16 breakfasts and 6 lunches during your tour.
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16 nights 3-4 star hotels
Stay in 3-4 star hotels for 16 nights, with an option to upgrade to superior accommodation upon request.
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Airport arrival and departure transfer
Receive airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 17.
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Services of local English-speaking specialist guides
Benefit from the services of local English-speaking specialist guides throughout the tour.
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Entrance fees to all sites and activities
Entrance fees to all sites and activities as described in the itinerary are included.
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All relevant transfers and transportation
All relevant transfers and transportation during the tour are included.
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Private services for all included activities
Enjoy private services for all included activities, except for the tour of Hacienda Combia, which may be on a shared basis.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Domestic flights
Domestic flights are not included.
South American airpasses are available with LATAM and other airline carriers when booked in conjunction with international flights, offering significant savings on domestic flights.
Age Policy
Not recommended for under 5yrs.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes airport arrival and departure transfers on day 1 and day 17, as well as all relevant transfers and transportation for included activities, with private services except for the shared tour of Hacienda Combia.
Accommodation
Enjoy 16 nights in 3-4 star hotels throughout Colombia, with an option to upgrade to superior accommodation upon request.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 16 nights in 3-4 star hotels, with an option to upgrade to superior accommodation upon request.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 16 breakfasts and 6 lunches.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes all relevant transfers and transportation, with private services for all included activities except for the tour of Hacienda Combia, which may be on a shared basis.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, entrance fees to all sites and activities described in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
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Is there an airport transfer service included in the tour?
Yes, airport arrival and departure transfers are provided on day 1 and day 17 of the tour.
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What activities are available in San Agustin?
In San Agustin, you can explore the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and choose from activities such as a horse riding tour to various archaeological points, a tour of Isnos and Alto de los Idolos in a Chiva, or a gentle hike of La Chaquira.
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What can I expect from the Cartagena food tour?
The Cartagena food tour includes stops at seven authentic food spots where you can sample local cuisine and interact with locals who frequent these eateries.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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