Expeditions best of colombia tour

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: None

Today, we will visit Plaza de Paloquemao, one of the largest and most popular markets in Bogota. You will be amazed by the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables found there. At the market, you will have the opportunity to try some fruits, fruits juices and various Colombian snacks.

After the market, 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.

During your Bogota tour, you will have the opportunity to uncover the city's secrets with our expert local guide!

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

Overnight: Bogota
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

We will pick you up from your hotel to start our journey towards Villa de Leyva. Along the way, we will visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and Raquira. The Salt Cathedral is located 50km north of Bogota and was built within the tunnels of a salt mine. The cathedral is situated 180m underground and has three sections representing the birth, life and death of Jesus Christ. It is an amazing work of architecture and engineering.

After visiting the cathedral, we will continue our trip towards Raquira, a small a colourful village with brightly painted facades and a jumble of crafts shops. This beautiful village is famous for its pottery and handicrafts made of clay. An interesting spot for shopping. We will have lunch on the way to Raquira. Then, we will continue our journey towards Villa de Leyva. 

Villa de Leyva is a small Spanish-style town founded in 1572 was home to many important politicians, artists and wealthy families of during the colonial period. This lovely town built in the classic Spanish colonial style with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and terracotta roofs has been remarkably well-preserved.  Its main plaza, the largest in Colombia and one of the largest in South America, is surrounded by magnificent colonial buildings.
Upon arrival in Villa de Leyva, we will to the hotel.

Overnight: Villa de Leyva
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Early in the morning, we will go to a farm located one hour from Villa de Leyva. At the farm we will have a traditional Colombian breakfast, followed by a cooking experience to learn how to make “almohabana”, a traditional Colombian corn pastry. During this experience, you will have the opportunity to interact with the family at the farm and also learn from them a bit of history on how the ancient indigenous used to process and cook food made of corn.

After this interesting gastronomic activity, we will go to another farm to learn everything about the production of Panela, a product derived from sugar cane. At this farm, you will learn all about the sugar cane process and the important consumption of Panela in the Colombian gastronomy. Then, we will have lunch.

After lunch, we will go to Convento Santo Ecce Homo, founded by the Dominican fathers in 1620. This is a spectacular stone-and-adobe construction with a lovely courtyard and floors paved with stones quarried in the region, containing ammonites and fossils, including petrified corn and flowers. At the end of the visit, we will go back to Villa de Leyva. 

You will have the rest of the afternoon at leisure for your own exploration.

Overnight: Villa de Leyva
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

You will have the morning to explore more of Villa de Leyva.  Around midday, we will start our journey back to Bogota. 

On the way to Bogota, we will stop at Boyaca Bridge, a very important historical place where the most important battle of the Colombian War of Independence took place. In the evening, you will take a flight to Pereira, one of the main cities in Colombia's Coffee Region.

Upon arrival in Pereira, we will transfer you to the hotel.

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today we will take a day trip to the Valle de Cocora (Cocora Valley) Natural Park. The cloud forest at Valle de Cocora is a prime example of the amazing diversity of fauna and flora special to Colombia’s Coffee Region.

While trekking across the valley, surrounded by the famous and unique palmas de cera (wax palms), we will hear stories about this amazing place and its meaning for the native tribes that inhabited the area before the Europeans came to America. We may also have the opportunity to see different bird species, specially hummingbirds.

The coffee region is also famous for its beautiful and picturesque Paisa towns and, Salento is a clear example of that. Salento is adorned by colourful houses with colonial architecture surrounded by the natural landscape of the Andes and the smell of freshly roasted coffee. This town is the perfect place for a gentle stroll or for enjoying a delicious cup of Colombian coffee. 

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, we will visit a coffee plantation to learn about coffee-making, from planting and hand-picking ripe cherries to drying beans under the sun. You will also have a tasting session, during which you will experience the bold, aromatic flavours of Colombian coffee in action. 

Visiting a coffee farm in Colombia's coffee region is an incredibly rich sensory experience. You will learn from the experts how to appreciate an exceptional cup of coffee while also learning about the tradition and passion passed down through generations. This coffee experience highlights the coffee's cultural significance and the dedication behind every cup. 

You will have the afternoon free to relax or carry on exploring this region of Colombia

Overnight: Coffee Region
Meal Plan: Breakfast

We will go to the airport early in the morning for your Medellin flight. Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport to start exploring the second-largest city in Colombia.

During our tour in Medellin, we will visit the city's most iconic areas, including Plaza de Botero, El Pueblito Paisa and Parque Lleras. The Plaza de Botero is a medium-sized plaza full of sculptures created by the famous Colombian sculptor, Fernando Botero (originally from Medellin). He is famous for his painting style, which makes everything look "chubby." The Parque Lleras and El Pueblito Paisa are two of Medellin's must-see quarters. The Pueblito Paisa, a small replica of a typical Antioquia township, located on top of the 80m hill "Cerro Nutibara" is the perfect place to get a great panoramic view of the city. The Parque Lleras is one of Medellin's most popular areas for entertainment and nightlife. 

We will also visit Comuna 13, previously one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in Medellin. The area is safe to explore now, thanks to the government’s promise to improve the neighbourhood and the community’s commitment to sharing this unique part of Medellin with visitors. 

In Comuna 13, you will ride multiple elevators installed on the side of a mountain to help people move through the community easier. The walls of Comuna 13 are adorned with bright graffiti representing their difficult past and their hope for a better future. You will witness how one community, once home to so much struggle and conflict, has blossomed into a colourful spot in Medellin.

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

We will pick you up from your hotel in Medellin and drive about 2.5 hours to reach the town of Guatape. With its vibrant colours and proximity to the water, Guatape serves as a popular holiday spot among Colombians. The main plaza features a beautiful traditional church and small shops that sell handicrafts and souvenirs. 

Only a few minutes from the town is El Peñol de Guatape. This 200m-high granite monolith was once worshiped by Indigenous people. Workers installed a staircase along the side of the rock so visitors can climb more than 600 steps to reach the top. The climb is not difficult, but people with bad knees might find it challenging. Once at the top of the rock, you will see the picturesque emerald-green water below.

At the town, you will also participate in an interactive workshop where you can create and paint your own zócalo. This workshop will allow you to express your creativity and take home a unique and personal souvenir from your visit. Led by local artisans, this workshop will give you an interesting perspective into the rich history and cultural significance of these traditional artworks.

We will also take a boat ride through the reservoir that surrounds Guatape and El Peñol. Your tour guide will teach you more about the importance of this body of water, and you will see other tourists and locals take part in water sports and activities. A boat ride is a great way to enjoy a new perspective of the area while relaxing after climbing so many stairs.

Late in the afternoon, we will go back to the hotel in Medellin.
 

Overnight: Medellin
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

At the required time, we will go to the airport in Rionegro for a flight to Santa Marta. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, you will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to the hotel near Tayrona Natural Park.

Santa Marta is a vibrant city known for its rich history and stunning natural beauty. Founded in 1525, it is the oldest surviving city in Colombia. This city is the gateway to Tayrona National Natural Park, one of the country's most cherished natural reserves. Tayrona Park boasts pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife, making it a paradise for nature lovers. The park's breathtaking landscapes and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination in Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Around 3:30pm, we will start the journey back to the main entrance.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Cartagena; the total journey will take approximately 4.5 hours.  Cartagena de Indias, nestled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that pulsates with a vibrant history and a lively cultural spirit.

As you step into the heart of Cartagena, the Ciudad Amurallada, you are immediately transported back to a bygone era, with its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured colonial buildings, and imposing stone walls that once protected the city from pirates and invaders. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of street performers, making every stroll an immersive experience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour covering 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. 

You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or carry on exploring the old city, admire its architecture and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

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: Santa Marta
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

The tour ends today. At the time required, we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast