Colorful historic colonial architecture in Cartagena, Colombia

Best of Colombia Tour

Ratings of Zicasso's Service
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, Salento...

See all

Suggested Duration

12 Days

Let the culture of Colombia embrace you, and the contrasts of the country reveal themselves during your custom-tailored exploration of colonial charms and high-rise luxuries, beautiful emerald jungles and white sand beaches. Contemporary murals represent the pulse of today’s culture draped across walls that span the centuries. Iridescent hummingbirds enjoy the nectar of tropical fruit and cable cars traverse the skyline above the network of city streets. From the countryside to urban museums,...

Customizable Itinerary

Expand All

Trip Highlights

  • Wander through the historical and cacophonous tunnels of Castillo San Felipe de Barajas in Cartagena
  • Spend three nights at the Castillo Ines Maria Hotel Boutique, the only castle that has been converted into a hotel in Cartagena
  • Learn to detect the subtle aromas and diverse flavors of Colombia’s celebrated coffees cultivated in the Quindío Coffee Region
  • Traverse the collection of plant life and radiant butterfly wings that decorate the Botanical Gardens in Quindio
  • Discover the marvelous gilded figures and handcrafted works of precious metal in the Gold Museum for insight into the pre-Spanish Colombia
  • Stroll along the charming streets of colonial towns surrounded by the stunning countryside near Cocora Valley
  • Experience the renaissance of community and culture in Medellin while visiting Botero Plaza, decorated with statues donated by the famous artist
  • Venture to the shores of Lake Guatavita, source of the legend of El Dorado and the home to the chieftain’s crowning ceremony
  • Indulge in the rich combinations of Colombian chocolate during a private class to teach you the history of the bean and proper cooking techniques
  • Enjoy the panorama of Medellin’s vibrant and artistic streets from the cable car metro soaring over the city’s rooftops

Detailed Description

The youthful atmosphere of contemporary Colombia rises from the streets through the incredible artwork and stories that show an emerging social awareness of the country’s diverse cultures and unique traditions. This 12-day Colombia tour will encompass the hidden treasures of Bogota and the community-centric paradigms of Medellin. Traverse the countryside known for its lush landscape and coffee plantations, and then bask in the sunlight of the Caribbean Coast dotted with a mixture of historical structures and luxury high-rises for a true introduction to the contrasting images of Colombia. Your adventure will begin with your arrival in Bogota, the bustling capital of the country. Your private transfer will meet you at El Dorado Airport and escort you to your luxurious hotel located near the cobbled streets of the historical district. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to settle into the charms of the exciting city.

Wake the next day and your guide will take you along the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria and into the museum complex of Museo de Arte del Banco de la Republica before leading you to the top of Monserrate for a view of the city. The next day, you will venture outside of Bogota to enjoy the enticing scenery of Lake Guatavita while being given insight into the majestic legends of El Dorado. Leave Bogota behind the following day and fly into the countryside at El Eden Airport in Armenia. Your luxurious hotel overlooks the forest and valley, with plantations and cattle fields that dot the landscape. Travel deep into the Quindío region to visit the colonial town of Filandia, and then wander through the Cocora Valley on an adventurous excursion before relaxing in the colonial streets of Salento.

The next day, you will have a private tour of a coffee plantation to learn about the cultivation of the well-loved coffee bean. Visit the gorgeous Botanical Gardens of Quindío to see the butterfly house and enjoy a coffee tasting and learn about the subtle differences of the region. Fly the next day from Armenia to Medellin, Colombia’s second-largest city. Your private transfer will escort you from Jose Maria Cordova International Airport to your vibrant hotel near the business center of the city. Enjoy an engaging tour of the city to learn about its tumultuous past and the community focused efforts that brought art and culture back to the streets before traversing the cable car metro for a visit to Botero Plaza.

Travel next to Cartagena for a journey through the historical cobblestone streets in Old Town, where the Spanish first settled after arriving on the eastern seaboard. Your accommodation will be the charming Castillo Ines Maria, the only castle that has been renovated into a boutique hotel in Cartagena. Located right by the beaches of Marbella, this stunning hotel has preserved the cultural and historical traditions of Colombia’s Republican Architectural Period. The authentic Pompeii flooring gives the establishment a refined sense of splendor.

Next day, your guide will take you through the remarkable complex of Castillo San Felipe, along with the unique convent of La Popa. The next morning and afternoon are yours to relax or discover, taking your time to enjoy the pleasures of Cartagena. Venture to Playa Blanca, located on the Rosario Archipelago, or traverse the numerous museums in Old Town for a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history. 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

$5,455 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

4.91 stars based on 58 reviews.

Colombia Travel Review: Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, Nine-Day...
"My husband, four adult children, and I had such a wonderful...

Reviewed By Bonnie F.

Colombia Vacation Review: Bogota, Cocora Valley, Minca,...
"We were very happy that we booked with Zicasso and the...

Reviewed By PHILIP D.

Colombia Travel Review: Medellin, Bogotá, Cartagena, Barranquilla,...
"We highly recommend Margoth and the travel agency."

Reviewed By David B.

Colombia Vacation Review: Medellín, Cartagena, Six-Day Trip...
"Zicasso's guides were professional and knowledgeable, the...

Reviewed By Michal S.

Colombia Luxury Travel Review: Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena...
"Our trip to Colombia was incredible. Brian and his team...

Reviewed By Heather B.

Luxury Colombia Vacation Review: Medellin, Cartagena, Coffee...
"The trip was wonderful!"

Reviewed By Sandy B.

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

  1. 1

    Describe your dream trip

  2. 2

    Get matched with top travel specialists

  3. 3

    Book the trip

Free service - no credit card required