Day 1 BOGOTA
Upon arrival in Bogota, transfer from the airport to the hotel.
Day 2 BOGOTA (B)
Get to know Bogota’s most famous food market. In the heart of the city you find in the early morning a beautiful flower market. Enter the marketplace and smell the aromas; you will be surprised by the different kind of fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, seafood, chicken and meat. Take a break at one of the simple but delicious food stands and try one of the typical meals of the region.
Visit La Candelaria which is a historic neighborhood in downtown Bogotá. It is the equivalent to an Old City in other cities. The architecture of the old houses, churches and buildings are in the Spanish Colonial and Baroque styles. It houses several universities, libraries and museums. Walk across the main square Simon Bolivar, along the governments buildings and reach the famous Gold Museum which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold art. Visit also the Fernando Botero Museum, the well-known Colombian painter and sculptor. Drive between the main mountains of Bogotá up to the statue of Guadalupe. Here you can enjoy an incredible view over the town.
Day 3 BOGOTA (B)
Drive from Bogota via the fertile plateau to Zipaquirá. You visit the famous underground salt cathedral, 120 m (394 ft) long and more than 8,500 square metres. First there is the light of day, then darkness. Little by little, a multi-coloured phosphorescent light appears and illuminates the walls of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a monumental architectural masterpiece built by the miners’ own hands which became a beautiful temple. Inside you find monumental crosses, angels and the Madonna statue. In addition to the main cathedral, there are small chapels and Stations of the Cross; its 14 stations are interconnected through labyrinthine tunnels. Go on to a little village for a stop at the main square. Driving up to over 3,000 m (9.840 ft) to the entrance of the legendary lagoon of Guatavita. From here it is a half hour walk to the lagoon. According to the legend, every young ruler of the Muisca (a Chibcha tribe) brought a sacrifice to the sun god of the lagoon. The naked body of the prince was coated with a paste made of gold dust. The prince went on a raft in the middle of the lake and jumped in the water where the gold dust dropped into the lake together with emeralds and gold which were given to the priest. The gold is today located in the Gold Museum. From here you drive into the mountains, on an unpaved road, until you reach the house of local farmers where you have lunch and a chat with the family. You can walk around and experience the life of a farmer. In the afternoon take the road again back to Bogotá, on the way stop to taste typical arepas (corn bread).
Day 4 BOGOTA – RIVERA (B)
Transfer to the airport and flight to Neiva (flight is not included). After reception transfer to your hotel. Walk through the little village, founded in 1550. Here, time stood still. Visit a local family and learn how they make very famous crackers, loved in all of Colombia and visit a small private museum, where you will be surprised by what locals make from Totumo (gourd tree). In the late afternoon take a moto taxi and enjoy the airy ride to the entrance of the Tatacoa Desert. The landscape is crossed by ditches and canals between which grow large cactuses. The cracks in the eroded soil, the shadow of the sun that colours the site in orange and gray, and the roaring wind is the appeal of this landscape. Transfer back to your hotel.
Day 5 RIVERA – SAN AGUSTIN (B)
Today you drive along the river Magdalena, the largest river in the country and finally you reach the archaeological area of San Agustín. In the afternoon visit the archaeological Park of San Agustin with its significant graves and statues in a forest with a variety of sculptures. Transfer to the hotel.
Day 6 SAN AGUSTIN (B)
In the morning you visit a coffee farm to learn about the process of coffee production. In the afternoon visit the archeological park of “Alto de los Idolos”, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7 SAN AGUSTIN – POPAYAN (B)
Today you will have a 6 hour drive to Popayan. On the way you pass along the National Park of Purace which extends from an altitude of 2500 metres to 5000 metres. The hilly Paramo landscape is crossed by ravines and water courses, as well as volcanoes: their craters still smolder. Visit to the sulfurous hot springs of the volcano Purace “Termales Agua Hirviendos”.
Day 8 POPAYAN (B)
Today you will visit the bustling market of Silvia, it is where a colourful mix of Guambiano and Paeces native Indians, nuns and tourists meet each other. You have the opportunity to buy craftwork. In the afternoon back to Popayan to enjoy the colonial town.
Day 9 POPAYAN – CALI (B)
In the morning your journey continue northwards. Visit to a sugar cane plantation. Afterwards drive to Cali, the city of the Salsa. In the afternoon, you will explore the city and visit a social dance project for children.
Day 10 CALI – CARTAGENA (B)
Transfer to the airport and flight to Cartagena (not included). Upon arrival in Cartagena, meet and transfer to your accommodation. Rest of the time at leisure.
Day 11 CARTAGENA (B)
Today you get to know Cartagena. First to the monastery of La Popa. The monastery is situated on the highest mountain in the city. You also enjoy a magnificent view over the town as well as the bay. Next you will drive for a photo-stop at Fort San Felipe, whose mighty fortress dominates the city. From there continue into the colonial old town of Cartagena. You take a stroll through the city and its magnificent mansions, narrow alleys and churches. Finally, you visit the Jesuit church and its monastery of San Pedro Claver.
Day 12 CARTAGENA (B)
Depart from the main pier. With a motor vessel it takes about 45 minutes to reach the island. Long beaches with crystal clear water give you the possibility to swim, snorkel or just relax on the beach. Lunch included. In the afternoon return to Cartagena.
Day 13 CARTAGENA (B)
At due time, transfer to the Cartagena airport for your flight back home through Bogotá. Note that flight is not included.
Food Code = (B) – Breakfast, (L) – Lunch, (D) – Dinner.
LHSTBOG001 *Please note, prices based on twin share, per person, low season, 3 star rates. Optional tours not included and are at extra cost. The itinerary & pricing can change at any time due to availability & of activities. Please check our website for full terms and conditions*
