Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the historic centre of Panama City, the Casco Viejo, which was built in 1673
- Head to the heart of the Colombian coffee triangle and learn the coffee making process
- Visit the cultural hub, Medellín, and its famous neighbourhoods such as Comuna 13
- Discover a wonderful UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena, on a panoramic tour
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Combine the captivating highlights of Panama and Colombia on this 13-night tailor-made introduction to two of Latin America's most vibrant and contrasting countries.
Begin in Panama City, where the modern skyline gives way to the historic charm of Casco Viejo, the old quarter founded in 1673. Wander past restored colonial mansions showcasing French, Spanish and Italian influences, and gain a deeper understanding of Panama’s rich past.
A partial transit of the iconic Panama Canal offers a fascinating insight into one of the planet’s greatest engineering achievements. Cruising the canal aboard the Pacific Queen, watch the locks in action and appreciate the sheer scale of this world-famous waterway.
Fly to Colombia to discover a land of colour, culture and diversity. Start in Bogotá, the lively capital set high in the Andes, before travelling to the scenic Coffee Region. Here, you’ll learn about the bean-to-cup process, explore the wax palm-dotted Cocora Valley and visit picturesque towns such as Salento and Filandia.
Continue overland to Medellín, a city transformed from a turbulent past to a thriving cultural capital. Known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’, it offers a warm welcome and a dynamic arts scene.
End your journey in the jewel of the Caribbean coast – Cartagena. This UNESCO-listed city enchants with its colonial architecture, vibrant facades and flower-laden balconies. Stroll its cobbled streets and take in sweeping views from the San Felipe Fortress, perched atop San Lázaro Hill.
Please note, this is an example tour. To create your own tailor-made itinerary, speak with our Travel Specialists by calling us today.
Itinerary
Day 2 | Panama City
On arrival in Panama City, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, the Central Hotel Panama, for two nights (including immediate check-in).
In the afternoon, your guide will come to the hotel to take you on a half-day city tour, visiting the Miraflores Lock.
Day 3 | Canal Transit
The canal transit is number five on National Geographic's '100 Journeys of a Lifetime'.
It took 250,000 people more than ten years to build this engineering wonder. This partial canal transit starts at Gamboa, where you'll board the Pacific Queen to start the cruising part of the excursion.
Enter the canal at Gaillard Cut (which is also known as Culebra Cut because its curves resemble a snake) and cruise for 13.7km to Pedro Miguel Locks. You'll also be able to see the ongoing work for the canal expansion.
Once at the southern end of the cut, you'll pass under the Centennial Bridge before reaching Pedro Miguel, where you'll be lowered nine metres to the Miraflores Lake. An artificial body of water, this lake separates the canal from the Pacific Ocean, which is a further 18-metre drop.
The partial canal transit takes around five hours and finishes at Flamenco Marina.
Day 4 | Panama City to Bogotá
This morning, fly to Bogotá (Colombia's vibrant capital city) for a two-night stay.
Cradled by Andean peaks, the cosmopolitan city is the beating heart of the country. Upon arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel, the NH Collection Andino Royal.
The rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 5 | Bogotá
Accompanied by a guide, explore the historic centre of Bogotá, known as La Candelaria.
This downtown area is where you'll find all of Bogotá’s traditional, historic attractions. The Spanish colonial centre is home to the main square, the Plaza de Bolivar, which is flanked by some of Bogotá’s most significant buildings and the cathedral.
Visit Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero’s masterpieces as well as other world-renowned artists, and the Gold Museum, home to the world’s most extensive collection of gold artefacts and precious stones.
Ride the cable car up Monserrat Mountain for a bird’s eye view of the city below.
Day 6 | Bogotá to Coffee Region
Today, fly from Bogotá to Pereira – the gateway to the Coffee Region.
The world’s third largest producer of coffee, Colombia's finest is found here; in mineral-rich volcanic soils with the help of a pleasant climate and slight altitude, the conditions are ideal for coffee bean cultivation.
On arrival, you'll be taken to a coffee plantation to learn about the production process from bean to cup. From the farm, enjoy picturesque views of the Coffee Region’s famous rolling emerald green hills and, of course, a coffee-tasting experience.
Afterwards, transfer to your hotel, a traditional hacienda-style property.
Day 7 | Coffee Region
On a full-day tour, visit the Cocora Valley (home to the world's tallest wax palms) and visit Salento and Finlandia.
Within the Cocora Valley, head into the cloud forest to learn about the biodiversity of its flora and fauna. Marvel at the palms towering up to 60m above and spot an array of birds, such as hummingbirds, the endangered yellow-eared parrot and the palm parrot.
This afternoon, continue to the quaint towns of Salento and Finlandia. The picture postcard towns boast cobblestone streets, typical paisa architecture, colourful balconies, lovely handicrafts and coffee shops.
Lunch is served in a local restaurant.
Day 8 | Coffee Region to Medellín
Today, travel by road to Medellín (approximately five-to-six hours).
An optional stop at an orchid farm can be included.
Spend two nights at Patio del Mundo.
Day 9 | Medellín
Discover why Medellín is one of the best examples of social transformation and regeneration of any city.
On an exciting tour, you'll learn about the history of this infamous city and its transition into a fascinating metropolis known as the "City of Eternal Spring".
Visit the downtown area, dotted with 23 Botero sculptures and some of the city’s most famous neighbourhoods, such as Comuna 13.
Day 10 | Medellín to Cartagena
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena via Bogotá.
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, Cartagena is Colombia's jewel of the Caribbean.
Ananda Hotel Boutique is located in the heart of the historic district, within the city walls. The hotel is a restored XVI-century colonial house with many original features.
Day 11 | Cartagena
In Cartagena, take a half-day panoramic tour of this coastal colonial city and San Felipe Fortress built on San Lazaro hill.
The fortress was once used to defend the city from pirates. End the tour at the artisan market to appreciate the local handicrafts.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 12 | Cartagena
Enjoy free days in and around Cartagena.
Perhaps escape the city to the beautiful Rosario Islands, ringed by coral reefs. The clear blue waters are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, perfect for discovering the myriad of underwater life.
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Jake Aley
Travel Specialist
Price Includes
- Return International Flights as per the itinerary
- All airport taxes and security charges
- Accommodation and meals as specified
- Transfers as specified
- Activities and excursions as specified
- All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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