Expeditions bogota and cartagena highlights tour

Private Tour

From $0 - 7 days

Visit Two Spectacular Cities of Colombia

This Colombia tour will give you the opportunity to have an in-depth encounter with Bogota, Colombia's capital, and the spectacular city of Cartagena. Start off by visiting some of the most important museums and landmarks in Bogota’s historic area. Then visit the spectacular Salt Cathedral built inside the extensive caves of an old salt mine and the lake that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.

Get to know a completely different part of Colombia by travelling to famous Cartagena, a city with a tropical atmosphere and vibrant colours around every corner. Learn more about this romantic city along the Caribbean Sea, canoe to a traditional fishing village, dance salsa and fall in love with its colonial charm.

EXPERIENCE TYPE History, Culture & Local Traditions

Tour Highlights

What to Expect

Accommodation

Essential Information

Tour Highlights

Bogota

Explore the beating heart of Colombia's capital city

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia. Its name comes from the word "Bacatá", which in the Muiscas's language means "Lady of the Andes," although some say that the real meaning is "field outside of the tillage," and others say this was the recreation city for the Zipa.

It is one of South America's highest cities above sea level, with an altitude of 2,640 meters. Bogota's famous colonial neighbourhood of La Candelaria contains most of the historic sites, museums, ancient churches and central government buildings. Practically every street corner in La Candelaria marks some important event in Colombian history, and most buildings retain their colonial architecture and charm.

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Visit a Spectacular Architectural Masterpiece

The small town of Zipaquira is famous for its salt mines and for the Salt Cathedral, now built inside the network of monumental chambers and tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations ceased.

This cathedral is unlike any other in the world, in terms of its innovative architecture. It was opened in 1995 and represents an eclectic mix of religion and architecture to maximise protection from the ever-present risks of working in a mine. The walk-through Stations of the Cross in the mine are a poignant representation of Jesus' last steps, and they culminate in a three-part cavernous subterranean cathedral.

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Learn About the Legend of El Dorado at Guatavita Lake

Guatavita Lake is a stunning crater in a perfect circle filled with emerald waters. This lake is famous for centuries-old treasure hunts, but it is also important for its cultural and ecological significance.

There are different opinions about the origins of the lake as well as the reason for its rare circular shape. Some say it is a volcanic crater, whereas others believe it results from a meteorite impact. What is known for sure is that the lake was once an important ceremonial site for the ancient Muisca civilization. In one ritual, the chief of the Muisca tribe used to coat himself in gold dust and then bathe in the lake while throwing offerings of gold and precious stones into the water. It was this ritual that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado.

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Cartagena

Get lost in the romantic atmosphere of Cartagena

Cartagena de Indias is one of Latin America's most fascinating, romantic, and beautiful colonial cities. Located on the Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of history, colourful streets and great people, making it a fairy tale city of romance.

Cartagena is a city of contrast between the old town, the urban area, the beach and the local Afro-Colombian communities that usually live in the coastal zone and have fishing traditions in the sea and in the wetlands that connect sea life with the continental ecosystems. These communities love dancing, playing the drums, eating seafood and playing football on the beach.

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Learn how to fish with locals in La Boquilla

La Boquilla is a small fishing village located about 7 km north of Cartagena. The town sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.

We will canoe through a mangrove forest and learn about the history and culture of this fishing town while mastering local fishing techniques using a net and crab traps. You will immerse yourself in the daily life of Afro-Colombian residents and learn about their traditions, music, and cuisine. The warmth and hospitality of the locals make visitors feel welcome, creating a meaningful exchange of stories and traditions.

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What to Expect

Detailed Itinerary

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DAY 1 Join tour in Bogota

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel in Bogota. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

At the hotel, we will check again your itinerary to make sure everything is clear, help you with anything you may need and give you some practical information about Bogota and Colombia. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have some time to start exploring the city on your own or just to relax.

Bogotá is located at an altitude of 2,600 metres, so we recommend to take it easy during the first couple of days.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: -

DAY 2 Historic tour in Bogota and coffee tasting

Today, we will visit some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre. We will have the chance to admire the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, and check the artistic work of Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor at the Museo Botero. We will glimpse the diversity of architectural styles on display at the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and we will capture spectacular panoramic views of the city from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.

Just to have the perfect ending to our historic tour in Bogota, we will go to a local roasting coffee plant to learn how to taste and differentiate the quality and flavours of different coffees, just like an expert coffee taster.

Note: Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 3 Day Trip to Zipaquira and Guatavita

During this unique Bogota day tour, we will visit the beautiful Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and Lake Guatavita. There are lots of things to do in Bogota, Colombia, but not many experiences in the area can compete with the stunning architecture of the Salt Cathedral and the fascinating history of Lake Guatavita.

First, we will explore Lake Guatavita and you will learn about the rituals performed by the ancient Muisca people that gave rise to the legend of El Dorado. Immerse yourself in the lake's mystic atmosphere while soaking in the beautiful surroundings of majestic mountains and bright-green pastures. Then, we will go to Zipaquira to visit the spectacular Salt Cathedral built inside the extensive caves of an old salt mine. This cathedral is a true testimony to the miners' faith in a higher power and one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture. Your expert guide will explain the symbolism found around every corner. At the end of the tour, we will go back to your hotel.

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 4 Travel to Cartagena and City Tour

In the morning, we will go to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena, we will transfer you to the hotel, you will have some time for lucn before starting the tour.

During the afternoon tour, we will visit the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city surrounded by the impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on top of the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks, including a British siege in 1741. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by the main historical sites.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

DAY 5 Fishing in La Boquilla

In the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.

At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienaga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.

After learning to fish in the mangrove forest, we will go back to the town to enjoy a traditional lunch. The lunch will be a delicious meal consisting of seafood, which is popular along Colombia's Caribbean coast. While having lunch, you will learn more about the locals' day-to-day lives and their culture. After lunch, we will go back to the hotel.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

DAY 6 Salsa class and dinner

In the evening, we will go to a salsa class to learn one of the most popular rhythms in Colombia. After the salsa class, your tour guide will take you to the restaurant where you will eat dinner, then you will have the rest of the night on your own to either go back to the hotel or enjoy Cartagena’s nightlife.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 7 End of the tour in Cartagena

The tour ends today. At the time requested, we will transfer you to the airport.

Note: Hotel check out before 12 pm

Overnight: -
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Bogota

Hab Hotel

Hab Hotel Bogotá is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in Chapinero district. This boutique hotel offers modern design and comfort. Each room is thoughtfully decorated with chic furnishings and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay.

Guests can enjoy a variety of facilities, including a trendy rooftop terrace, a well-equipped fitness centre, and a vibrant on-site restaurant serving delicious local and international cuisine. Hab Hotel's central location provides easy access to Bogotá’s cultural attractions, shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the city.

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Cartagena

Hotel Alfiz

Hotel Alfiz in Cartagena, Colombia, is housed in a restored 17th-century colonial mansion. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated, reflecting different periods of Cartagena’s history. Guests can enjoy the cozy library, refreshing plunge pool, and delightful courtyard garden.

The hotel’s central location allows easy exploration of Cartagena’s vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and lively dining and shopping scenes. Hotel Alfiz is an ideal retreat for those seeking an authentic and intimate stay.

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Essential Information

What's Included

Airport transfers
6 nights' accommodation (double occupancy)
Domestic flights: Bogota - Cartagena
Luggage allowance Avianca: 1 bag of maximum 23 kg - Cabin: 1 bag of maximum 10 kg
Meals as defined in the itinerary
Private ground transport
Local English-speaking tour guides
Entry tickets to all tourist attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Daily insurance during the activities included in the tour

What's Not Included

International flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tips and other discretionary expenses
Early check in or late check out
Travel Insurance

Absolute perfection

Exceptional experience! Uncover Colombia has a perfect organization; nothing left to chance by the proposed hotel to the driver guides! Precision professionalism! The guides: Marta and Jorge not only guides but exceptional people; great advice great explanations. Practically friends!!

– Paolo, April 2025

Blown Away

I'll write 2 reviews. First the quick one; every detail was taken care of, the destinations are world class, communication was excellent. I would give them 6 out of 5 if I could.

The guide UC booked for us was exceptional. He knew his stuff, was very good with e-bird, he was an intersting guy and an overall good bean. Our tour actually started in Barranquilla - we were met at the airport, taken to the finest hotel in town. The next day we were taken on a city tour. I didn't know much about the city so I was very pleasantly by how much I liked it. The carnival museum is fabulous, we really enjoyed the boardwalk around a lagoon.

– Derek, April 2025

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Sol, our tour guide, was amazing. We did a three day tour of Medellin and local villages nearby. Sol shared her vast knowledge of the political and social recent history of the region. She led the tour at our pace. She was lovely to be with. The driver was very cautious. It was a great experience.

– Lynn, February 2025

Great to work with!

Uncover Colombia was fantastic to work with! We had a 12 day itinerary and everything went very well. The agency reps were very flexible before and during the trip even when we requested last minute changes. They always did their best to accommodate us. The assigned contact person during the trip was always reachable and responsive. Even later at night. She sent me our guides contact information before each leg of the trip and they also reached out as we were arriving . The guides were all good and the vehicles were comfortable. I definitely would use them again and refer my friends as well.

– Gary, December 2024

Great organization - even at short notice!

My girlfriend and I wanted to visit Colombia, but were late in the planning. We reached out to Uncover just a couple of weeks before our departure and they were able to organize the whole tour in just a few days, and for a more than fair price...

– David, December 2025

We highly recommend!

We had a FANTASTIC experience with Uncover. Nidia and her team organized the most magical 4-day trip to the Colombian Coffee Region. I am Colombian but needed assistance as I wasn’t familiar with the area. We went to the Cocora Valley, Rafting down a river, had a fabulous coffee farm experience and even visited a cacao farm where we got to make artisan chocolate. We traveled with our school aged children...

– Daniela, July 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2023

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

My mother and I did a 5-day trip to San Agustin, Tierradentro and the Tatacoa dry forest/desert with Uncover Colombia. It was absolutely brilliant. The communication was great and Nidia helped us to ensure that the trip was tailored to our needs and wishes. Our driver, Jesus, and guide, Jorge, were very friendly and Jorge was very knowledgable. I can highly recommend using Uncover Colombia for your trip!

– Nora, February 2024

Highly Recommended

Uncover Columbia, specifically Helena (who handled all logistical questions pre-trip) Sergio (our amazing guide) helped make an unforgettable 4 day experience as part of our honeymoon.

– Mates, July 2024

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

Uncover Colombia did a wonderful job of providing me with a itinerary covering some of the best of Colombia's many highlights covering cities and villages, mountains and beaches, and more, and accommodating my own wishes and preferences. Every day was a different experience and a chance to see something completely different from my own life, not a moment was wasted and I never felt rushed.

– Robert McTaggart, March 2024

3 Week Tour of Colombia

We feel very fortunate to have chosen Uncover Colombia. Your guides were passionate and professional and informative, the accomodation was exceptional at every stop and most impressively, we were aware of you constantly checking in our wellbeing. We return to Australia with an awareness of Colombia’s variety, vitality and positivity.

– Mal & Michelle, July 2023

4 day Amazonas Tour

It was actually two whole days plus two half days. Everything was well organized. I was accompanied by our guide Sergio from the first to the last minute. He was very nice, helpful and knowledgeable. The program was very exciting and I felt safe and in good hands at any time.

– Rob, February 2023

A perfect organization!

I'm the Italian President of CIGV (Club Internazionale Grandi Viaggiatori) and I decided to organize the trip to Colombia for 14 club members selecting Uncover Colombia agency. The program they made has been fantastic, touching the most interesting sites of this country but also their, guides, drivers and hotel selection I found simply perfect. Not a mistake, never a delay. I would recommend this agency to everyone...

– Luca, January 2023

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Myself and my wife did a private tour with Juan Carlos to the Salt Cathedral. The tour and Juan Carlos were both great. He had an intimate knowledge of the Salt Cathedral having worked there previously, and also knew a lot about the nearby town and local area. It's a really fascinating structure, and would definitely recommend visiting it if you're in Bogota.

– Barra M, January 2023

Arranged an incredible two week trip

We had an amazing two weeks tour arranged by Uncover Colombia for our honeymoon. Nidia suggested great hotels and activities and made adjustments based on our feedback. All our tour guides were friendly, knowledgeable and professional with excellent English. Great activities in a beautiful country. They've got a UK-base so are ATOL protected - reassuring given uncertainty with travel at the moment.

– Louise, October 2022

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

We selected Uncover Colombia after reading their great reviews online and it was definitely the right choice. They were the best communicators and within a few emails back and forwards, we had tailored our perfect tour. We spent 15 days traveling Colombia, with all connections, accommodation and activities being handled by Uncover...

– Ben, September 2022

7 extra days in Colombia

We needed a tailored tour to follow a wedding we were attending and wanted to make the most of our travels. Nidia was helpful, responsive and excellent in organising our trip from Periera to Medellin, Cartagena and Bogota. Everything worked like clockwork. Our 3 guides (one for each place) were also perfect, Andreas, Roberto & Camilo. They knew their stuff, were responsive and very personable.

– Daniel, August 2022

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

They Organized activities in Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena for the two of us. They modified the activities to our needs of seeing wilderness as well as a local culture. Been around the word a few times, we were a little demanding as well. They came thru on everything at a very reasonable price.. Pays to have local organizers like them who truly know Columbia and the needs of the Clients...

– Dolly, December 2021

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Expeditions bogota and cartagena highlights tour

Visit Two Spectacular Cities of Colombia

Bogota

Explore the beating heart of Colombia's capital city

Visit a Spectacular Architectural Masterpiece

Learn About the Legend of El Dorado at Guatavita Lake

Cartagena

Get lost in the romantic atmosphere of Cartagena

Learn how to fish with locals in La Boquilla

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Join tour in Bogota

DAY 2 Historic tour in Bogota and coffee tasting

DAY 3 Day Trip to Zipaquira and Guatavita

DAY 4 Travel to Cartagena and City Tour

DAY 5 Fishing in La Boquilla

DAY 6 Salsa class and dinner

DAY 7 End of the tour in Cartagena

Bogota

Hab Hotel

Cartagena

Hotel Alfiz

What's Included

What's Not Included

Absolute perfection

Blown Away

Tour of Medellin and local villages.

Great to work with!

Great organization - even at short notice!

We highly recommend!

3 Week Tour of Colombia

Amazing tour with Uncover Colombia - San Agustin, Tierradentro and Tatacoa

Highly Recommended

Every day a different experience and not a moment wasted

3 Week Tour of Colombia

4 day Amazonas Tour

A perfect organization!

Great tour of Salt Cathedral

Arranged an incredible two week trip

Fantastic 15 day Tour of Colombia

7 extra days in Colombia

Local experts of "Uncover Columbia" is the best

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