Step beyond the preconceptions that you may have about Colombia to discover a country of vibrant colors and welcoming people. A country that is ornamented with coffee plants growing on terraced mountains and decorated with the largest Spanish fortress in the Americas, the coast is bejeweled with glistening salt crystals that blend into cave walls that support a subterranean cathedral. Your custom tailored tour will immerse you in Colombia’s true splendor, from the fusion of cultures embodied in...
Customizable Itinerary
Day 1
Bogota – Arrive to the Contrasts of Historical and Contemporary Bogota
High-rises soar into the sky with the verdant Andean summits edging the borders of Bogota. Cobblestone streets and colonial architecture decorate the northern districts of the city that lead to the foothills of Cerro de Monserrate, a cathedral-topped hill that offers stunning views of the sprawling cityscape. Your flight will descend into El Dorado Airport, and you will see the rosy hues of the brick rooftops peppering the hills that border the outlying streets along the low-lying mountains. Your private transfer will greet you at baggage claim and escort you to your lavish hotel near the historical city center that blends the cultural elements of the city’s history while focusing on the pleasures of contemporary luxury.
Fruit vendors post their stands in Plaza de Bolivar, filling the antique public square with the vibrant hues of the country’s tropical fruits, embellished by the enticingly sweet aroma of the produce. The vendors squeeze fruit fresh for passersby, blending the flavors to balance sweet and tart, from pineapple to tangerines. The district of Santa Fe-Los Martires surrounds the historical center of La Candelaria with a mixture of financial culture, bohemian art galleries, cozy cafes, and a youthful ambiance emanating from the students that linger in the charming restaurants. The Museum of Modern Art presents galleries of the country’s most famous artists, including Alejandro Obregon and Fernando Botero. For the best view in the city, you can venture to the top of Torre Colpatria, the tallest building in Bogota at the height of more than 640 feet, providing a perfect panorama of the distant mountains.
What's Included:
Day 2
Bogota – Discover the Vibrant Streets, Markets, and Museums of Bogota
Day 3
Bogota – Explore the Tunnels and Halls of the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Day 4
Pereira – Venture to Pereira for a Coffee Tour and Exotic Fruit Sampling
Day 5
Pereira – Traverse the Landscape of Cocora Valley and Colonial Salento
Day 6
Medellin – Fly to Medellin with an Introductory Tour to its Tumultuous Past
Day 7
Medellin – Visit Penol Stone, Guatape and Ancient Penol on a Guided Tour
Day 8
Cartagena – Travel to Cartagena for a Historical Culturally Immersive Tour
Day 9
Cartagena – Delight in the Cuisine of Cartagena with a Half-Day Food Tour
Day 10
Cartagena – Depart for Home
Trip Highlights
- Venture deep beneath the hillside in Zipaquira to explore the historical salt mine, which was converted into a stunning subterranean church
- Discover the thrilling culture of Bogota, which embodies the variety of Colombia’s traditions on display in the Paloquemao Market
- Enjoy an immersive cultural tour of Cartagena by sampling the diverse cuisine shaped by the blending of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and Pre-Colombian peoples
- Witness the awe-inspiring Penol stone, a monolith that rises 620 feet above the valley floor
- Traverse the eucalyptus forest and the meandering rivers of the opulent plains of the Cocora Valley to find the remarkable wax palm, a 200-foot tall palm tree
- Wander along the charming cobblestone streets and colonial homes of the historical Spanish settlements found across Colombia
- Visit a traditional coffee plantation to learn the secrets to cultivating the temperamental crop, along with properly producing a perfect cup of coffee
Detailed Description
Colombia is a country unlike any other in the world, boldly stepping out from the shadow of its tumultuous past and showcasing the beauty its heritage, traditions, and blending of cultures. Your 10-day tour will embody Colombia’s history and atmosphere, allowing you to discover the true stories of the people both past and present through the markets and museums, cityscapes and country haciendas. Your journey will begin with your arrival at El Dorado Airport in Bogota. Your private transfer will meet you at baggage claim to escort you to your luxurious hotel near the historical city center.
The next day, your guide will meet you after breakfast eager to lead you through the exuberant daily life of Paloquemao Market. Visit the colonial streets of the La Candelaria district before entering the exhibits at the Gold Museum and Botero Museum. Wake the next morning to travel across the Bogota Savanna to the town of Zipaquira. Spend time wandering the tunnels and elaborate galleries of the Salt Cathedral before returning to Bogota for the evening. Your private transfer will meet you at your hotel to escort you to the airport for your flight to Pereira. Upon your arrival, you will meet your transfer for a private escort to a coffee tasting, following by a sampling of locally harvested exotic fruits.
Traverse the hidden trails and inspiring scenery of the Cocora Valley the next day in search of wax palm, after which you discover the charming colonial town of Salento. Fly next from Pereira to Medellin, a city known as the “Eternal Spring.” You will take a moment to settle into the grandeur of your centrally located hotel before taking a tour of the city as seen through a historical lens. Visit the former home of Pablo Escobar before exploring the vibrant, positive changes the city has made over the last two decades. Travel next to the mountains to see the magnificent Penol Stone and town of Guatape before finding the rebuilt ancient town of Penol. Fly next from Medellin to Cartagena.
Your private transfer will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in the heart of Old Town. Your guide will meet you in the lobby before leading you on an introductory tour to take in Castillo de San Felipe, Convento de la Popa, and Convento San Pedro de Claver. The following day, you can wander the meandering cobbled streets of Old Town during a guided food tour that will highlight the mixture of Colombian traditions and cultures embodied in the cuisine. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relax on the golden shores and visit the distinctive neighborhoods outside of Old Town. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you at your hotel and escort you to Rafael Nunez International Airport for your flight home.
Starting Price
$5,700 per person (excluding international flights)
Your Zicasso trip is fully customizable, and this sample itinerary is a starting place for your travel plans. Actual costs are dynamic, and your selection of accommodations and activities, your season of travel, and other such variables will bring this budget guideline up or down. Throughout your planning experience with your Zicasso specialist, your itinerary is designed around your budget. You can book your trip when you are satisfied with every detail. Planning your trip with a Zicasso travel specialist is a free service.
What's Included
- Accommodations
- In-country transportation
- Some or all activities and tours
- Expert trip planning
- 24x7 support during your trip
Your final trip cost will vary based on your selected accommodations, activities, meals, and other trip elements that you opt to include.
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