Itinerary Highlights
- Explore the working fincas of the Coffee Region for first-hand insights into coffee production
- Witness Medellin’s notable social transformation through its community projects and street art
- Enjoy relaxing on the jungle-fringed beaches and traverse wildlife trails in Tayrona National Park
- Wander Cartagena’s colourful colonial streets and soak up its Caribbean atmosphere
What's Included
- Flights
- Accommodation Throughout
- Transfers
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Come face-to-face with some of Colombia’s most distinctive places, from Bogota & Villa de Leyva’s weathered streets and colonial buildings to the rolling hills and cloud forests of the Coffee Region.
You’ll begin in Bogota, which is home to the atmospheric La Candelaria, the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, before travelling to Villa de Leyva via the underground Salt Cathedral at Zipaquirá. Its whitewashed houses and huge main square offer a glimpse into Colombia’s colonial past.
Soon after, fly south to the Coffee Region, where you’re able to walk among towering wax palms in the Cocora Valley, explore colourful Salento and visit a working coffee plantation to learn about cultivation and enjoy a tasting. You’ll then head to Medellin, a mountain city known for its cultural energy and staggering social transformation. A guided tour takes you into Comuna 13, a district in which street art, community projects and improved transport have reshaped the neighbourhood.
From Medellín, make the trip north across the country to the Caribbean coast and the jungle-fringed beaches of Tayrona National Park. Explore its dirt trails to encounter wildlife, such as howler monkeys, or relax beside the sea, with the spectacled bear-inhabited Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta providing a dramatic backdrop. Your final stop is Cartagena. The colourful colonial buildings, historic fortifications and Caribbean influences give the city a distinctive character that captures you right away. Explore its old town and landmarks with a guide, plus the nearby islands at your own pace.
With a balance of guided sightseeing, nature and cultural experiences, this tour suits first-time visitors looking to discover Colombia’s contrasting landscapes and heritage without rushing to do so.
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 1 | Fly UK to Bogota, Colombia
Day 2 | Bogota
Day 3 | Bogota - Villa de Leyva
Drive via the underground salt cathedral at Zipaquira to the pretty town of Villa de Leyva. Built entirely of salt, the cathedral is broken into 14 small chapels connected by tunnels, each chapel representing the 'Stations of the Cross' and sculpted by various artists. Through art, sculpture and light installations, the enormous underground church is an exceptional sight and a true feat of engineering.
Villa de Leyva is one of Colombia’s most charming towns, said to be frozen in time. With its whitewashed buildings and dramatic backdrop of verdant rolling hills, it's been declared a national monument. It has one of the largest main squares in the Americas and is made up of Spanish-style houses, cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways.
Day 4 | Villa de Leyva - Coffee Region
Visit the nearby fossil museum, 'El Fossil', home to a fossilised Kronosaurus that's more than 120 million years old.
Afterwards, return to Bogota, then fly to Pereira for a three-night stay in Colombia's Coffee Triangle. 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.
Day 5 | Coffee Region
Today, you're collected and escorted out to explore the stunning Cocora Valley, part of the Los Nevados National Park. You'll come across the 'Quindio wax palm' - the national tree of Colombia, which can reach a staggering height of 60 metres.
A great number of bird species live in the area, in particular hummingbirds and the endangered orejiamarillo (palm parrot). Within the valley, head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna, and follow a path leading you through the tallest wax palms in the world.
In the afternoon, visit the traditional town of Salento, passing the colourful balconies and various handicraft shops as well as the Cocora viewpoint, before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 6 | Coffee Region
Day 7 | Coffee Region - Medellin
Day 8 | Medellin
Medellin is a world-leading example of social transformation. Shrugging off its former edgy image as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, it's now a cultural and artistic hub.
Today, you're taken for a tour to see the redevelopment. First, ride the cable car, a vital part of the public transport system constructed to connect the outer neighbourhoods with the centre. You also have a chance to witness examples of the social transformation that's taken place in the last few years within the city.
Visit Comuna 13 (Barrio San Javier). Located some seven kilometres from the city centre, this was once one of Medellin's most dangerous neighbourhoods. This area is now known as one of the places that best represent the social transformation, and where fantastic street art and youth social projects have helped turn the community around.
Finally, return to the centre of Medellin to visit the Plaza de Botero to see the 23 sculptures by the famous local artist, Fernando Botero.
Day 9 | Medellin - Tayrona National Park
Day 10 | Tayrona National Park
Day 11 | Tayrona National Park - Cartagena
Day 12 | Cartagena
Day 13 | Cartagena
Day 14 | Departure
Kerry Cook
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Kerry Cook
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 entrance 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
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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