Colombia, Coffee and History

7days- 6 nights

Bogotá, Villa de Leyva, Coffee Región

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: Bogotá, Villa de Leyva

After breakfast, depart Bogota for a scenic ride to Villa de Leyva.

Villa de Leyva charms visitors at every street corner. Strolling down its cobbled stone streets in any direction you will stumble across churches, convents and monasteries. Villa de Leyva is a town in Boyacá which is part of the Colombian National Network of Heritage Towns. It is located 3 hours by land north of Bogotá. Founded in 1572 and recognized for its colonial architecture, Villa de Leyva lives the 21st century with intensity, sharing its history and welcoming those who take a trip to the past.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure to discover the attractions of Villa de Leyva at your pace. Villa de Leyva’s main square is one of the largest in the Americas. A water fountain and the church of our Lady of the Rosary feature among the attractions of this stony square. In the surrounding you can enjoy restaurants, museums and handicraft shops, among other points of interest. Not far from Villa de Leyva, you find Ráquira. The city if famous for its many pottery workshops where you can not only buy crafts, but also make them with your own hands. Overnight in Villa de Leyva (B)

Day 4: Villa de Leyva, Bogotá, Armenia

Transfer to Bogota to board your flight to Armenia.

Upon arrival transfer to your Hacienda Hotel (farm). Remainder of the day at leisure to enjoy the grounds of your hotel (B/D)

Day: 5: 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 the Coffee Region (B/L).

Day: 6: Armenia

Coffee Experience

After breakfast at your farm-hotel, 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.  Back from the coffee experience, you will attend a magnificent artistic presentation on the history of the largest export product of Colombia. The show includes several sketches featuring dancers dressed in magnificent regional dresses, traditional music and great songs. After the show you have the afternoon at leisure to savor lunch at one of the many eateries located inside the park, or to enjoy the attractions at your pace. Return to your hotel, located walking distance from the park, on your own. Overnight in the Coffee Region. [B]

Day 7: Armenia, Bogota

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

Package includes:

• 2 nights’ accommodation in Bogota at hotel of preference
• 1 night accommodation in Villa del Leyva at hotel of preference
• 3 nights’ accommodation in Armenia 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, 2 lunches and 1 dinner
• 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

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