Complete Colombia

( 5 Star )

Visit: Bogotá - Villa de Leyva - Coffee Region - Cartagena - Múcura Island

Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

Arrival to El Dorado airport in Bogotá on an intercontinental flight. Reception and transfer to the hotel.

After breakfast, half day visit to the historic centre known as La Candelaria. This antiquated barrio is of great architectural and cultural heritage and is made up of old “stately homes” or large Spanish colonial buildings with iron windows, thick and sturdy wooden doors, balconies and internal patios with beautiful yet hidden gardens. Visit the Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great liberator Simon Bolivar is located. This Plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes, as a marketplace, at one time a bullring and a gallows. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the remains of the first church built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artefacts such as textiles and artwork that has collected over four centuries. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and, it is the first republican piece of civil architecture. Around the Plaza de Bolivar are the Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices called the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in the county called San Bartolome and the Casa de los Comuneros, so called to honour one of the earliest movements for independence from Spain towards the end of the XVII Century. The visit continues with the Museo Botero, a colonial house filled with works of art done by and donated by Fernando Botero in addition to artwork from his own personal collection that includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Museo Del Oro which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Museo Del Oro is considered as one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been functioning since 1939. In 2007 it underwent a complete overhaul to make this an interactive museum that would awake senses to the objects on display. Free afternoon for individual activities (we recommend visiting the city’s various museums).

Depart from Bogotá and head north, towards Zipaquirá. Travel through the Bogota Savannah. After a journey of roughly 1.15 hours reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true achievement of engineering. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues on to the dome. The dome is lit in such a way that it allows one to contemplate the universe and the relationship between man and nature. Later, reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, above which is the cross that measures 16m in height and 10m in breadth, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. This is the largest cross made from salt in the world. Next we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock. Continue on a 2-hour trip to Villa de Leyva in the afternoon. Upon arrival to Villa de Leyva check in at the hotel. Villa de Leyva, one of the area’s most beautiful towns, was founded in 1572 by Hernàn Suàrez de Villalobos who named it after Andrès Dìas Venero de Leyva, the first president of Nueva Granada. In colonial times, Villa de Leyva played a central role in independence developments and the Viceroy and his entourage spent much time here. Today, the city is a colonial jewel with a main square measuring 14.000 m2 surrounded by Spanish style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets and the XVII century parochial church.

After breakfast, on the outskirts of the city is also Archaeological Museum Park of Monquirá "El Infiernito", a pre-Hispanic Muisca site, where some 30 stone columns known as megaliths are located. It is believed that these columns are about 2,200 years old and that this space was reserved for the cult of fertility because of the phallic shape of the stones, while others claim that it was used as an astronomical observatory. Visit The Fossil Museum, founded in 1977 and located 5, 5 km away from Villa de Leyva. The museum was built exactly at the place where a kronosaurus, a marine reptile of more than 120 million years and 20 meters in length, was discovered. At night-time, it is possible to stargaze while sitting in the main square drinking “canelazo”, a typical drink from the area. Return to the hotel.

After breakfast, return to Bogotá. On the way, break at the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo. Founded by the Dominicans in 1620, this was an important point of evangelization in a region populated by Indigenous communities. The tour ends in Bogotá Airport for taking a departure flight in the evening to Pereira. Once upon arrival, transfer to the selected hotel and check in. NOTE: Only the Salt Cathedral, Santo Ecce Homo, Archaeological Museum Park of Monquirá (El Infiernito), and The Fossil tickets are included.

After breakfast, enjoy a half day visiting the Finca del Café, a place where coffee tastes better when you live the experience of the farm. Once you reach the farm, the tour begins with an expert who will take you through the coffee plantations, showing you how is the process from planting, manual picking and pulping. After this, you will toast the beans of special coffee in a wood stove in the typical kitchen of the country house, here you can have an authentic coffee experience. During the tour, you will have several stations with viewpoints made in bamboo where you will appreciate the coffee landscape and the natural environment of the place. Finally, you will go to the innovative drying process of the coffee bean and then to the coffee processing centre.

In the morning leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. This makes part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados and is the ideal place to marvel at the “Quindian wax palm” (Ceroxylon quincense), the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. Around here a great number of species of birds live, in particular some types of hummingbird and the orejíamarillo or the palm parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti) which is endangered. Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (not included), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway which takes one past the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Then you can have a typical lunch (not included) and enjoy some free time here. In the afternoon, continue 10 km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colorful balconies, the calle real, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Then, transfer to the traditional village of Filandia to enjoy a city tour that includes the viewpoint, the colonial homes, the Plaza de Bolivar and the coffee shops. Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel.

Transfer to the airport of Pereira for taking a flight to Cartagena. Once upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and check in.

After breakfast, start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Formerly known as the “Popa Del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon. Constructed in 1606 this church and monastery are located at a height of 140masl from where one can enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean. Continuing to the San Felipe Fortress, erected in honour of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad native” It was built on San Lazaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan centre where one can appreciate local handcraft.

After breakfast, transfer from the hotel to La Bodeguita pier for the transfer by boat SIB. After 1 hour and 50 minutes by boat arrive in Punta Faro.

At leisure. .

At leisure.

After breakfast, transfer to the pier for taking a boat SIB that will lead you back to Cartagena. It takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Afternoon at leisure. In the afternoon, participate in an exclusive rum and chocolate tasting session in one of the most well-known hotels in Cartagena. The experience will give the participants the opportunity to enjoy a rum and chocolate degustation and learn more about its spirit with an informative discussion of its history and different kinds of rums and chocolates. NOTE: Only available on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday at 16 hrs.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport of Cartagena for taking the departure flight.

Inclusion

-Meals as mentioned in the descriptive itinerary.
-Accomodation in Standard and Superior category.
-Private transfers and excursions with English speaking.
-Transfers: Our transfer rate includes transportation for one suitcase per person up to 23 kg (50 pounds) plus one hand luggage. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please notify us in advance to assign a vehicle with sufficient capacity for the transfer. Bear in mind that this change may generate additional costs.
-In all hotels, check‐in time is from 3:00 pm and check‐out between 11:00 am‐1:00pm. Early check‐in or late check‐out are not included, unless specified in the program.

Exclusion

-Extra expenses not indicated in description.
-Internal Flights **
-Airport Tax
-Tips.
-Please be aware that land services in Bogotá reserved during the night (19:00 ‐ 5:00) will have an extra cost.
-Please be aware that land services in Cartagena reserved during the night (21:00 ‐ 6:00) will have a 20% increase in the fee.

Note

Hotels Used
Bogotá
3 star Hotel B3 Virrey 3* - Bureau Room
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Junior room
4 star Hotel Cite 4* /Bed & Breakfast Standard Room
Note: This rate applies Friday to Saturday nights. From Sunday to Thursday nights a supplement will apply.

Villa de Leyva
3 star Hotel La Posada de San Antonio 3* - Standard room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 01.12.2024 ‐ 08.01.25 and national holiday weekends. During this period a min. stay of 2 nights may apply, depending on the occupancy. Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel La Posada de San Antonio 3* - Standard room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 01.12.2024 ‐ 08.01.25 and national holiday weekends. During this period a min. stay of 2 nights may apply, depending on the occupancy Supplement will apply.

Pereira
3 star Hotel Sazagua 4* SUP /Bed & Breakfast Standard Room
Note: This rate is NOT valid during the following high season period: 01.07.24 ‐ 31.08.24 / 05.10.24 ‐13.10.24 / 15.12.24 Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel Hacienda Sazagua 4* SUP /Bed & Breakfast Junior Room
Note: This rate is NOT valid during the following high season period: 01.07.24 ‐ 31.08.24 / 05.10.24 ‐13.10.24 / 15.12.24. Supplement will apply.

Cartagena
3 star Hotel Alfiz 3* Sup/ Bed & Breakfast Standard Room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following high season periods: 21.12.24. Supplement will apply. Note: the hotel does not allow the stay of children under 12 years old. 4 star Hotel Boutique Ananda 4*/Bed & Breakfast Superior Room
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 15.07.24 ‐ 15.08.24 / 15.12.24 Supplement will apply.
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Deluxe room.

Punta Faro
3 star Hotel Punta Faro 3*/Full Board Deluxe Room (Internal view)
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 01.07.24 ‐31.07.24 / 10.08.24 ‐27.08.24 / 20.12.24 ‐26.12.24 / 27.12.24 Supplement will apply.
4 star Hotel Punta Faro 3*/Full Board Deluxe Room (Internal view)
Note: This rate is not valid during the following periods: 01.07.24 ‐31.07.24 / 10.08.24 ‐27.08.24 / 20.12.24 ‐26.12.24 Supplement will apply.

National Holiday weekends: 28.06.24 ‐ 01.07. 24 /20.07.24 / 07.08.24 / 16.08.24 ‐ 19.08.24 / 11.10.24 ‐ 14.10.24 / 01.11.24 ‐ 04.11.24 / 08.11.24 ‐11.11.24 / 06.12.24 ‐08.12.24.

•In Bogotá supplements will apply for twin accommodation at B3 Virrey in Bogotá.
•The rate of the hotel Cite applies for a stay on Friday and Saturday, in a different day a supplement will apply.
•The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays & Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
•For night transfer services in Bogota between 19:00 and 05:00, a night surcharge will be applied, and you will be notified by the GGTS team according to the confirmed flight.
•The Villa de Leyva package includes the visit to Zipaquira, Fosil, Infiernito and Ecce Homo; the Acuña Museum is not included anymore because Infiernito is already open.
•The Cocora Valley and Salento have a limited capacity and especially weekends and high season are very crowded with locals so transfer times can take longer. If possible, we suggest avoiding this visit on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays or in high season.
•We recommend Finca de Café over Hacienda San Alberto due to each transfer takes 1.5-hour per way from Pereira, which may cause discomfort. Finca de Café, on the other hand, is only a 30-minute drive each way, ensuring a more comfortable experience.
•It is very important to note that the hotel Alfiz does not allow the stay of children under 12 years old.
•Panoramic City tour in Cartagena includes the visit to La Popa, San Felipe’s fortress and San Pedro Claver church. Please keep in mind that San Pedro Claver church is closed on Mondays.
•The rum tasting at Sofitel Santa Clara is only available on Monday, Tuesday and Saturday at 16 hrs.
•Please note that land services in Cartagena booked at night (21:00 - 6:00) will have a 20% increase in the cost.
•The boat transfer from/to Cartagena are in SIB services, departing from Cartagena at 11:30 AM and the day of the check out departing at 10:15 from Isla Mucura, arriving to Cartagena 12:15.