12 DAYS COLORS OF COLOMBIA

Transfer: Airport to Accommodation

Upon arrival in Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation in the Zona G area, an upscale neighbourhood where you can find the city’s finest gourmet restaurants.

Bogota’s Historic Heart & Finest Museums

Walk through La Candelaria’s Plaza de Bolivar centuries-old facades and churches. Housed in a charming colonial mansion, the Botero Museum (closed Tue) showcases some of the master painter’s finest works. The famous El Dorado legend takes shape in the remarkable Gold Museum (closed Mon), home to over 32,000 gold artefacts that provide a window into the indigenous pre-Columbian cosmology.

If you would like, we can conclude with a skip-the-line cable car or funicular ride into the summit of Monserrate, a hilltop sanctuary blessed with sweeping views of Bogota’s vast urban landscape. Due to high amount of visitors, we recommend visiting Monserrate on non-holiday weekdays for the best experience.

Zipaquira: Origin of El Dorado

Today’s journey brings you into the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, where you will visit the 14 Stations of the Cross, the cathedral’s three naves, the auditorium and the water mirror. Often considered more valuable than gemstones thanks to its food preservation benefits, salt was a critical resource which fuelled trades for pre-Columbian civilizations. The Muisca people of Zipaquira once commanded strong economic and political power, trading salt in exchange for gold which was transformed into ritual objects, many of which now sit inside the Gold Museum.

Optional: Mythical Guatavita Lagoon

If you would like, we can also arrange a visit to the nearby Guatavita Lagoon (closed Mon), which was once the setting for the famous El Dorado ritual. Today, Guatavita is a natural sanctuary where you can observe a variety of exotic trees and be on the lookout for hummingbirds, hawks, and blackbirds during a two-hour nature walk through the stairs at an approximate altitude of 2,990 metres above sea level. Additional cost applies.

Transfer: Bogota to Medellin

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Medellin. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation in El Poblado, an upscale neighbourhood where you will be located close to either trendy restaurants or shopping malls.

Medellin’s Miraculous Transformation

Ride the award-winning Medellin Metrocable overlooking the Santo Domingo Savio (once the city’s most dangerous district but now a powerful symbol of Medellin’s social transformation) into the lush landscapes of Arvi Park (closed Mon), a reserve of great natural biodiversity at the village of Santa Elena. Visit Plaza Botero to appreciate his 23 monumental sculptures. Visit one of the city’s oldest parts at Plazuela de San Ignacio where the baroque San Ignacio Church stands and conclude at Comuna 13, which captured the city’s poignant transformation into a vibrant hub of street food and urban arts.

Guatape’s Thousand Islands

Today’s journey brings us into the towering El Penon de Guatape by the scenic Guatape Reservoir. You may climb the 740 steps up to the summit for a panoramic view over the lake’s labyrinth of islands. Stroll along the charming streets of Guatape, famous as one of Colombia’s most colourful towns thanks to its brightly painted houses decorated with traditional zocalos (bas-reliefs). Conclude with a 30-minute boat ride through the reservoir.

Transfer: Medellin to Armenia

You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Pereira. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your rural retreat in Armenia right at the heart of the Coffee Triangle (UNESCO).

Aromatic Coffee of the Andes

Wander through the plantations of the award-winning Hacienda San Alberto (not available on Sun afternoons) as you observe coffee pickers at work. Delve deeper into the production process as you learn how beans are harvested, sun-dried and prepared for the market. Conclude with a premium coffee tasting guided by a coffee expert as you learn to identify subtle aromas, flavor notes, brewing methods and nuances of different coffee varieties.

Option 1: Essence of Cocora Valley, Salento & Filandia

Venture into Cocora Valley at the central mountains of Quindio, where you will get up and close with Colombia’s national tree: the towering Quindio Wax Palms which can grow up to 60 meters tall! Follow an ecological trail hike (with optional horseback ride at an additional cost) into the cloud forest viewpoint before descending into your starting point. Let us whisk you into the colonial town of Salento to explore the Bolivar Square and Calle Real, as well as the traditional town of Filandia with its colorful streets and shops.

Option 2: Carbonera Wax Palm Safari

For avid hikers, pack up your rain jacket and walking boots to explore Quindio Wax Palms. Hop onboard our classic Jeep Willys through gravel road up to Paramillo del Quindio (3,340m) before descending into a local farm, where you will begin your one-hour hike through the palm forest for birdwatching. A further 3 km jeep ride brings us into another local farm where you will enjoy a traditional sip of agua de panela with cheese. Conclude with a 16 km hike on the eastern side of the mountain into Salento.

Transfer: Armenia to Cartagena

You will be transferred to the Pereira Airport for your onward flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your accommodation at the UNESCO-listed Cartagena. You will be accommodated at either within the historic Cartagena City Walls or at the Bohemian neighbourhood of Getsemani. If time permits, you may choose from one of the below activities:

Option 1: Ceviche Masterclass

Guided by a cultural interpreter chef, gain insights into the history, key ingredients, as well as traditional techniques as you immerse in the art of preparing this delicious coastal dish. Refresh with a glass of seasonal lemonade as you savour the vibrant flavour of ceviches!

Option 2: Art of Rum & Chocolate

Indulge in a sensory journey through Colombia’s finest rums, perfectly paired with artisanal chocolates and three local bites that elevate each sip. As you savour these delights, you will unveil the cultural roots behind Colombian rum and the history of rum production in Colombia.

A Panorama of Cartagena

Visit San Felipe Fortress, built atop San Lazaro Hill to defend the city against pirate raids and several battles between European powers. Enjoy a sweeping 360-degree view of Cartagena’s city skyline from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Walk through the heart of Ciudad Vieja into the Church of San Pedro Claver, dedicated to the namesake’s work as the patron saint of slaves (the Congress of Colombia declard September 9 as the National Day of Human Rights in his honor). If time permits, you may also drop by the artisanal handicraft zone of the Bovedas.

This afternoon, you may choose from one of the below thematic tours for a more in-depth look into the mesmerizing world of Cartagena:

Option 1: In the Footsteps of Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Trace the literary footprints immortalized in Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s works (e.g. “Love in the Time of Cholera”, “Of Love and Other Demons”, “The General in His Labryinth”). Starting from Plaza San Diego, we will visit the university he attended, the newspaper where his career took off, and the house in Calle del Curato with a view of his home. Visit Santa Clara Convent, Parque de los Evangelios, Santo Toribio Church, Plaza de los Estudiantes, Teatro de la Comedia, La Divina Pastora Asylum, before concluding at Plaza de la Paz.

Option 2: Cartagena on a Plate

Led by a Chef Concierge specialising in Caribbean Colombian cuisine, explore the city’s local street food and acclaimed restaurants. Sample emblematic local dishes ranging from fresh seafood, tropical fruits and fried specialties. At each stop, you will learn the stories, techniques and traditions behind each dish, offering a holistic perspective of the Caribbean’s rich culinary heritage. Note: This option is not available on Sun or public holidays. It is available for a group of 2-10 participants with minimum age of 12.

Option 1: Echoes of Freedom at Palenque

Journey to San Basilio de Palenque, a vibrant community recognised by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral & Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Founded by escaped slaves of the 17^th century, it is the first free African town in the Americas. After a warm welcome at the Main Square with a traditional African-style toast, learn about the town’s history, customs and enduring heritage. Visit the Monument of founding leader Benkos Bioho, tribute to boxing legend Antonio Cervantes “Kid Pambele”, the vibrant graffiti celebrating the Palenquera language and local musical expressions, followed by a visit to the homes of notable community figures Rafael Cassiani and Evaristo Marquez Gutierrez.

Option 2: Feathered Wonders of Colombia

Colombia holds an exceptional distinction for having the world’s second highest biodiversity. Most notably, Colombia holds first position when it comes to the number of bird species. Today, we will venture 50 minutes into the National Aviary of Colombia, a seven-hectare sanctuary comprising of six different environments, where over 1,800 birds from more than 135 species soar freely, allowing you to observe them in their naturalistic settings.

Return to Cartagena.

Graffiti Tour of Getsemani

Street art has long been a powerful form of expression, allowing artists—often anonymous—to convey their ideas, struggles, and visions through vibrant murals. Explore the Bohemian neighbourhood of Getsemani, where the walls tell stories of protest, resilience, and revolution. Celebrated for its artistic prominence, this area has also hosted Colombia’s International Urban Art Festival, cementing its reputation as a living canvas of culture and creativity.

Transfer: Accommodation to Airport

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.