The Coffee Land And The Pristine Sea Of Tayrona

( 5 Star )

Visit: Bogotá - Coffee Triangle - Cartagena - Tayrona National Park

Itinerary
Inclusion / Exclusion
Dates Pricing

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

After breakfast, enjoy a half day visit to the historic centre of Bogota known as La Candelaria. This archaic suburb has great significance in the country history due to its cultural heritage and is also a great example of Spanish colonial time architecture. Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great emancipator Simon Bolivar is located. The plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes such as a marketplace, a bullring and it was also the place where many executions were held. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the same spot where the first church was built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artefacts such as textiles and artworks, collection that has been built over four centuries. The Capilla Del Sagrario is located just beside the Cathedral and is a gem of religious architecture, it houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and, it was the first example of republican civil architecture. The central area of the Capitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. In the internal squares are busts of former presidents such as General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, president over four terms, and Rafael Núñez, the composer of the Colombian National Anthem. Around the Plaza de Bolivar are buildings such as 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, named after the leaders that participated towards the end of the XVII Century in some of the first movements towards independence from Spain and the formation of the Republic. The visit continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Gold Museum 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 Gold Museum is considered one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been operating since 1939. In 2007 it underwent a complete renovation making it possible for visitors to enjoy an interactive experience. The Museum belongs to the International Network of Museums (ICOM). Free afternoon for individual activities (we recommend visiting the city’s various museums). NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays & the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesday.

Breakfast and transfer to the Bogotá Airport to take a departure flight to Pereira. Once upon arrival, transfer to the selected hotel and check in.

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 10km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colourful 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.

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.

Breakfast and transfer to the Pereira’s airport for flight to Cartagena. Once upon arrival, transfer to the selected 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 nativa” It was built on San Lázaro 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. Afternoon at leisure for individual activities. NOTE: The San Pedro Church is temporarily closed on Mondays.

Day at leisure for individual activities. We recommend a full day tour in Rosario’s archipelago.

After breakfast, 5-hour road transfer to area near the Tayrona National park. Arrival and check-in in the hotel. NOTE: In regards to meal plan for this day, please keep in mind that Casa Bambu offers Bed & Breakfast plan and Cayena Beach Villa offers half board plan (Breakfast & dinner)

Day at leisure for relaxing, doing activities in the beach or organizing an excursion such as trekking to Cabo San Juan & Arrecifes, or snorkelling. NOTE: In regards to meal plan for this day, please keep in mind that Casa Bambu offers Bed & Breakfast plan and Cayena Beach Villa offers half board plan (Breakfast & dinner)

Transfer to Santa Marta airport (one hour approximately) for flight back to Bogotá. Departure flight.

Inclusion

-Meals as mentioned in the descriptive itinerary.
-Accomodation in 3 ‐ 4* 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 quote.

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 The Artisan 4* /- Capital Room
Note: This rate is valid from Friday to Saturday nights. From Sunday to Thursday nights a supplement will apply.
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Metropolitan room.

Pereira
3 star Hotel Hacienda San Jose 4* - 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 Suite 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 ‐ 15.01.25. Supplement will apply.
Note: A supplement will apply for twin accommodation, only available in Deluxe room. Note: This rate is subject to change throughout the year

Tayrona National Park
3 star Casa Bambu Tayrona 3* SUP / Bed & Breakfast Cabin Suite
Note: This rate is NOT valid during the following period:01.07.24 ‐31.08.24 / 16.11.24 ‐19.12.24. Supplement will apply. Note: This property closes on the following dates: 07.10.24 ‐ 15.10.24 / 01.11.24 ‐ 15.11.24 / 22.12.24.
4 star Cayena Beach Villa 4* / Half Board Standard Room
Note: This rate applies during the low season Friday to Saturday. A reduction will apply from Sunday to Thursday in low season. Note: This rate is not valid during the following high season periods: 22.12.24 ‐31.12.24. A minimum stay of 2 nights is requested. Supplement will apply.

•This program is quoted in standard and superior category.
•In Bogotá supplements will apply for twin accommodation at hotel B3 and Hotel Artisan in Bogotá.
•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 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.
•Supplements will apply for twin accommodation at hotel Ananda Boutique.
•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.
•Please note that land services in Cartagena booked at night (21:00 - 6:00) will have a 20% increase in the cost.
•In Tayrona in the standard program, is included the hotel Casa Bambu 3*, as it is a new hotel that we are offering with good services, but it is very important to note that the hotel is not in the beach area, but it is 5 minutes away walking distance, however the sea has strong currents and high tides, making it unsuitable for swimming.
•It is important to note that due the location of the hotel Cayena Beach Tayrona included in the superior program, the rates of the transfers are different from the ones included in the standard program.
•Please keep in mind that the Tayrona National Park close 3 times in a year, on February 1st to 15th, June 1st to 15th and October 15th to November 2nd.