Total Colombia

10 days- 9 nights

Bogotá, Armenia, Medellín, Cartagena,

Culture, History, Nature, Ecotourism

Day 1: Bogotá

After clearing customs and immigration at El Dorado International Airport you will be met and assisted on your transfer to the selected hotel. Remainder of the day on own to relax or explore the surroundings of your hotel. Later today visit to the sanctuary of Monserrate, located at 10,500 ft. high on top of a hill with the same name. One of the oldest and most important in the country, the monastery is accessible by cable car or funicular cutting its way through ancient forests of eucalyptus. Once at the top you’ll enjoy the striking panoramic view of Bogota spreading in the valley. Back to the hotel, your evening will be at leisure. Overnight in Bogota.

Day 2: Bogotá

After breakfast depart on comprehensive tour of the city that will show you the highlights of the Colombian capital.  See the Plaza de Bolivar, the historical center of Bogota surrounded by Colombia’s Primary Cathedral, National Capitol, Archbishop’s Palace, Palace of Justice, Liévano Palace – greater Bogota City Hall – passing by the Palace of Nariño, official residence of the head of State, Palacio de San Carlos and residence and Government seat of Simón Bolívar. Visit the Gold Museum, that displays a great collection of Hispanic and Pre-Colombian world jewelry crafted in gold and tumbaga (an alloy of gold and copper). Then walk through the Candelaria quarter, declared a national monument, with its steep, narrow streets, mansions and balconies which are the heritage and the living memory of colonial architecture.

Then take a trip to Zipaquirá to visit the unique Salt Cathedral named that way because it was built in the salt mine located more than 9,000 ft. above sea level over an area of 2 acres. The cathedral consists of 3 main levels, accessible through a one mile tunnel bordered by salt sculptures depicting the 14 stations of the cross, the Creation of Adam, the Pietà and a presbytery with an altar dominated by a 52 ft. high cross, both built carved in salt, thus creating one the wonders of the modern world. On your way back to Bogota stop at a local restaurant to savor a typical lunch. Overnight in Bogota [B/L]

Day 3: Bogota, Armenia

Transfer to Bogota to board your flight to Armenia.

Upon arrival transfer to your Hacienda Hotel (farm).

After lunch depart for a half day tour to get a hands-on experience of life at a plantation and learn the coffee process from seeding to harvest, peeling, roasting, grinding, packing and finally tasting. At the tour’s end, you will emerge with a good understanding of what makes the difference in coffee quality.

Later this afternoon go back to the hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Armenia. [B]

Day: 4: Armenia

Discover the beauty of the coffee area on a day trip to Finlandia, Salento and Cocora Valley

Your first stop is in Filandia, a colorful, traditional Colombian village, where the main square has not changed in decades. From Filandia a ride takes you to Salento, a typical countryside village where the adobe houses and clay-tiled roofs are filled with cowboys on horseback wearing ruanas. Next, continue to the nearby Cocora Valley to have lunch, and enjoy a leisurely walk in the lush valley that looks like a cloud forest version of a Swiss valley. Observe the orchids, bromeliads and the Wax Palm which grows to nearly 200 feet and is Colombia’s national symbol. On your path you might also see the remains of pre-Columbian tombs. Horseback riding is available for an additional charge. At the end of the afternoon drive back to our Hacienda. Overnight in Armenia (B/L).

Day 5: Armenia, Medellín

At agreed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight to Bogota with connection to Medellin.

Medellín, capital of Antioquia department, has a pleasant climate of around 75°F; offers modern transport systems like Metro and Metro Cable, and an efficient infrastructure which has allowed it to host world-class events. Located in a valley surrounded by mountains, this city is always friendly to visitors. In 2012 the city won the title of “City of the Year”: a competition organized by the US newspaper Wall Street Journal and the Citi Group. Known by Colombians as ‘The City of the Eternal Spring,’ Medellin was chosen for its progress, potential, “rich culture and impressive strides in urban development

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy Medellin at your pace.

Overnight in Medellin (B)

Day 6:  Medellín

This afternoon your tour guide will show you the highlights of Medellin.

Start at El Poblado, head to ‘La Milla de Oro’, which is the financial sector of the city. Here we will find the Square ‘Parque de El Poblado’ where the City was born. The next stop will be at the Sculptures’ Square, just outside of Museo de Antioquia to admire the twenty three statues donated to the city by Fernando Botero. In this area we will also see Palacio de la Cultura; a gothic style building that houses the Hotel Nutibara – the first luxury hotel in the city, constructed in 1945. Finally After a short stop at the los Pies Descalzos square, go up the hill of Cerro Nutibara to visit the life-sized replica of a typical village of the region called Pueblito Paisa. There you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city) and the surrounding mountains. Overnight in Medellin. (B)

Day 7:  Medellín

Full Day Tour to Far East Antioquia

This morning escape to the county side to the famous Penol – Guatape area. Your first will be at El Tequendamita a natural waterfall formed by a creek known as The Chuscala whose waters feed the La Fe dam, one of the reservoirs of this region. Then continue to Peñol. A delicious lunch is included at the Hotel Los Recuerdos before you proceed to Guatape. Stroll the narrow streets of this charming town and enjoy the atmosphere. If you wish, embark on a boat tour of the dam (not included). Overnight in Medellin (B/L)

Day 8: Medellín, Cartagena

After breakfast transfer to the airport to board your short 1 hour flight to Cartagena,

Upon arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

This afternoon depart on your comprehensive tour of Cartagena.   Visit to the Fort of San Felipe and the Monastery of La Popa. Tour the city passing through residential neighborhoods bordering the Bay of Cartagena, visit the Monastery of the Popa and the chapel of the Our Lady of Candelaria, from where you can admire a fantastic panoramic view of the city. Then, visit the fortress and castle of San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest military engineering work of its kind in the New World. End the tour with a visit to a major jewelry and learn all about the famous Colombian emeralds. This afternoon enjoy the city at your leisure. Overnight in Cartagena [B]

Day 9: Cartagena

Day at leisure to explore Cartagena at your pace.

Stroll through the Walled city or enjoy a full day tour to the beautiful Rosario Islands. Overnight in Cartagena (B)

Day 10: Cartagena

Day at leisure. At agreed time, transfer to the airport to board your flight back home, or to your next destination (B)

Package includes:

• 2 nights’ accommodation in Bogota at hotel of preference
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Armenia at hotel of preference
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Medellin at hotel of preference
• 2 nights’ accommodation in Cartagena at hotel of preference
• Round trip transfers and all tours with English speaking guides
• All tours and activities are a combination of shared and private basis with English speaking guides
• All entrance fees
• Daily breakfast, 3 lunches
• All hotel taxes

Packages do not include:

International or domestic air tickets

Early check-in, late check-out

Services and food not listed in the itinerary

Beverages during the meals

Hotel extras, and personal expenses.

Tips for guides, drivers, and in restaurants