On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
So we can get you to the right person, please fill in this form.
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an existing booking?
Excellent
Take in the best that Colombia has to offer on this fantastic 17 day tour. Uncover the secrets of the country’s ancient history as you visit its many towns and cities, plus numerous archaeological spots - including UNESCO-listed San Agustin. Then feast on the finest Colombian cuisine in Popayan and wander through the market town of Silvia.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Duration
17 daysStarts
BogotaEnds
Range
PrivateTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max N/AMinimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
Any day of the yearHotel Rating
3 - 4 star (superior hotels available on request)Countries
ColombiaArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesMeals included
Breakfast: 16, Lunch: 6Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
277 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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, prepareto 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Today marks the end of your Colombian adventure. You will be transferred from the hotel to Cartagena’s airport for your flight home.
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. PLEASE NOTE: International and domestic flights are NOT included in the price.
Prices are based upon travel in low season, staying in 'Standard' accommodation. An upgrade to 'Superior' and 'Deluxe' accommodation is available upon request. Prices are indicative and will vary depending on your chosen hotels, room availability, as well as time of travel. High season supplements will apply for travel during any special events, Easter, Christmas, New Year and the following holiday periods: 15 July - 15 August, 08 October - 19 October, 15 December - 20 January. Please note that discounts will apply if there are 4 or more people in your travelling party, since fixed costs like transportation and guiding are shared across the group.
Explore more exciting tours in Colombia to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 277 reviews