Santa Teresa Square in Cartagena, Colombia

Past & Present of Colombia Tour: Colonial Charm to Modern Luxuries

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Customizable Itinerary

This is a sample itinerary to inspire a personalized trip designed with your travel specialist

Countries Visited

Colombia

Places Visited

Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena, Pereira

Suggested Duration

10 Days

From the rustic walls in Cartagena that overlook the Caribbean Sea to the emerald forest canopies as viewed from the heights of Medellin’s crisscrossing gondolas, your custom-tailored tour will immerse you in the stimulating colonial charm and contemporary renaissance of Colombia. Wander the breadth of a coffee plantation for a better understanding of cultivation, and then linger beneath the inspiring heights of wax palms that soar over the Cocora Valley. Witness the bright colors and unique character...

Customizable Itinerary

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Trip Highlights

  • See the spectacular collection of gilded artifacts that offer insight into the heritage and traditions of Colombia’s native population at the Gold Museum
  • Experience the distinct difference between Medellin’s past and its contemporary streets as you explore Comuna 13 as guided by local artists
  • Enjoy an immersive experience in the colonial walled city and maze-like streets of Cartagena as it presses against the Caribbean Sea
  • Wander through the lanes of a flower plantation located outside of Medellin
  • Visit an artisan market situated inside a former prison with shops filling the antique cells
  • Venture to the heart of the Coffee Triangle at Pereira for a private tour of the coffee cultivation and culture in the region, followed by an unforgettable sampling
  • Traverse the colonial streets of Salento before entering into Cocora National Park in search of the towering wax palm, Colombia’s national tree
  • Discover a mixture of colonial charms and contemporary style with high-rises set in the valley terrain of Bogota
  • Delight in the sweet flavors of rum and chocolate during a delicious guided tour of Cartagena’s luxurious hidden eateries
  • Visit a stable in the countryside to meet with Paso Fino breeders, who spend their lives grooming and training the world-renowned horses 

Detailed Description

Colombia has preserved colonial tradition and maintained a captivating history of pre-colonial culture, offering a unique chance to trace Colombia’s legacy as shaped by the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. Your 10-day tour will frame contemporary Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena through the lens of historical architecture and culture, as well as through the legend of coffee’s arrival into the New World in the 17th century. Whether discovering gold in the Museo del Oro, or enjoying the artwork that is playing a role in revitalizing the barrios across the Medellin’s metropolis, you will discover the splendor of local culture, preserved pasts, and a vibrant future.

Your tour will begin with your arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogota. Your private transfer will escort you to your luxurious hotel in view of the forest-clad mountains and stunning city skyline. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to relish the view of the city from atop the summit of Monserrate. The next day, your guide will lead you on a private tour through the heart of Bogota, taking in Paloquemao Market and Plaza de Bolivar. Explore the stunning exhibits at the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, comparing the pre-Colombian history with the effects of the Spanish tradition. Fly next to Pereira, known as the center of Colombia’s coffee growing region.

Visit a private horse farm that raises and trains Paso Fino before indulging in a demonstration of local flavor with at a chef’s table, guided by a local chef eager to share sweets inspired by the locally grown fruits. The next day, traverse the colonial streets of Salento, known for the bahareque and colonial architecture en route to a four-wheel drive excursion into Cocora National Park to find the remarkable wax palm. Your guide will meet you at your hotel the next morning and bring you to a coffee plantation for an in-depth tour of the production process, from planting to savoring, and your tour will end with a tasting of the coffee cultivated on the stunning landscape.

Travel next to Medellin, lovingly referred to as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Visit Comuna 13, a barrio that is experiencing a rebirth guided by local artists. Spend the next day traversing the city on the cable-car metro for unparalleled views. Venture next to a small town in the hills outside of Medellin to tour a flower plantation. You will also have time to wander the grounds of Parque Arvi. Travel to the historic walled city of Cartagena the next day, located on the gold sand of the Caribbean Sea. Your private transfer will lead you from the airport to your hotel located in the maze-like center of Old Town.

Your guide will lead you to the lesser known neighborhoods and streets of the bustling city for a local perspective on the cuisine and landmarks. The next day you will explore the city’s labyrinthine streets to visit fortresses, churches, and unique boutique shops. Explore local eateries under the guidance of a sommelier to discover the depths of locally made chocolate and authentic rum. Conclude as your private transfer will meet you at the 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.

Reviews of Zicasso's Referral Service

4.97 stars based on 59 reviews.

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