COLOMBIA , Jungle, coffee and paradisiacal beaches.

Itinerary

Day 1:

El Dorado Airport – Bogota

Welcome at El Dorado airport by your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel. Installation and presentation of your itinerary by your guide. Dinner on your own and rest.

Day 2:

Bogota – Paloquemao Market – Historic Center and La Candelaria Neighborhood – Monserrate – Gold Museum

Start your day with a traditional breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an excursion to the renowned Paloquemao market square. Here, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere as you taste exotic fruits. Following this, enjoy a panoramic tour of the city’s historic center, featuring iconic landmarks such as Teatro Colón, Nariño Presidential Palace, Bolívar Square with its Cathedral, and
the colorful graffiti of the Candelaria district.

Experience impressive sights of the Colombian capital by taking the funicular railway ride up to Monserrate. Enjoy a typical lunch, savoring the local specialty, Ajiaco, before continuing your adventure with a visit to the Gold Museum. Marvel at the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts, including alloys and ceramics from the indigenous Muisca and Tayrona cultures. (Note: Closed on Mondays). Return to the hotel for a relaxing evening. Dinner not included.

Day 3:

Bogota – Nemocon Salt Mines – Guatavita Lagoon

Breakfast at the hotel before embarking on an excursion to the Bogotá savannah. Your first stop is Nemocón, where you’ll explore a still-operational salt mine, discovering the significance of this precious mineral. Next, venture to the captivating Guatavita Lagoon, situated within the ancestral territory of the Muisca culture, where the legendary tale of El Dorado originated. Enjoy a scenic hike of approximately 40 minutes to reach the lagoon, followed by a panoramic tour of Guatavita town. Afterward, free time for lunch (not included) in town before returning to Bogotá. Dinner not included.

Day 4:

Bogotá – Leticia – Maloka Uitoto – Natural Reserve and Treehouse

Begin your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the El Dorado international airport for your flight to Leticia, the capital of the Colombian Amazon, bordering Brazil and Peru. Upon arrival, your English-speaking guide will greet you and take you to the Maloka Uitoto, where you can learn about the cosmogony, traditional foods and rituals of the Uitoto indigenous community, followed by a traditional lunch.

Afterwards, transfer to Tanimboca Nature Reserve in Leticia, where you’ll settle into one of the tree houses nestled deep in the forest. Experience a thrilling night walk in the reserve, encountering jungle wildlife and insects. Return for dinner and spend the night in the unique accommodation of the tree house.

Day 5:

Natural Reserve – Leticia – Puerto Nariño – Tarapoto Lakes and Pink Dolphins

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading to the port of Leticia. Along the way, explore the local market to discover an array of Amazonian products, including tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, and fresh fish from the Amazon River. Then, board a private boat with destination to the village of Puerto Nariño. Lunch by the river. Upon arrival (approximately a 2 hours journey from Leticia), check into your hotel.

Discover Puerto Nariño, the first Colombian town to ban motor vehicles (except for waste trucks), where you can admire sculptures of Amazonian fauna, climb up to the « Mirador » for a panoramic view of the Loretoyacu River, lakes, tropical jungle, and sunset.

In the late afternoon, embark on an indigenous canoe trip down the Loretoyacu River to the Tarapoto lakes to witness pink and gray dolphins. Return to Puerto Nariño for dinner and accommodation.

Day 6:

Puerto Nariño – Mocagua – Maikuchiga Foundation – Leticia – Santander Park

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before embarking on a boat journey to the village of Mocagua, home to the indigenous Tikuna community, along the Amazon River (approximately 1 hour).

Upon arrival, explore the village adorned with colorful houses depicting the rich fauna and flora of the Amazon. Then, take a 30-minute jungle walk to the Maikuchiga Foundation, meaning ‘History of the Monkeys’ in the Tikuna language. This foundation, also known as the ‘House of the Monkeys,’ is dedicated to rehabilitating and conserving primates, particularly the churuco monkey, a victim of
animal trafficking. Interact with the community and the foundation’s monkeys during your visit.

Return to Mocagua for lunch with an indigenous family before cruising back to Leticia via the Amazon River. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in town.

In the late afternoon, explore Leticia and its points of interest, including the Medicinal Plant Apothecary and Orellana and Santander parks. Witness the mesmerizing sight of hundreds of parrots returning to their treetop dormitories before sunset and taste a delicious Amazonian fruit ice cream along the way. Conclude your day with dinner and overnight stay in Leticia.

Day 7:

Leticia – Coffee Region – Armenia – Salento

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before being transferred to the airport at the agreed time for your flight to the famous Colombian coffee region.

Upon arrival in Armenia or Pereira airport, you’ll be greeted by your English-speaking guide and transferred to your hotel in the charming village of Salento. Salento holds the distinction of being the oldest municipality in Quindío, earning it the title of the ‘father of municipalities’ as the first to be founded in the region.

Explore Salento’s enchanting atmosphere (well represented by the Disney film Encanto), characterized by its traditional architecture, vibrant craft workshops, and colonial houses adorned with a kaleidoscope of colors. Take leisurely strolls along its narrow streets and immerse yourself in the warmth of the locals.

Enjoy some downtime to discover the village at your own pace, including its charming craft shops. Lunch and dinner are at your discretion, giving you the freedom to savor local cuisine as you explore the beauty of Salento.

Day 8:

Cocora Valley – Coffee Experience

Breakfast at the hotel. The Cocora Valley is renowned for the Wax Palm, Colombia’s national tree, which stands as the world’s tallest (reaching up to 70 meters). The beauty of the landscape offers a delightful hike of up to 2 hours along mountain trails. You can have lunch either in the Cocora Valley or directly in Salento (decide at the time of your reservation).

You will return to the town of Salento, the oldest municipality in the department. Before returning to the accommodation, we will enjoy our unique Colombian indigenous sport ‘Tejo,’ practiced since the time of the Muisca people. It involves throwing metal discs called ‘tejo’ towards a target or ‘bocín’ located in the center of a clay platform, accompanied by a
‘pola colombiana’ (Colombian beer). Alternatively, you can choose to visit a small family where you will learn about their dream of transforming from a small artisanal chocolate factory into a chocolate industry.

This transformation aims to process all the cacao produced in the region, becoming generators of wealth, job opportunities, and well-being for our beloved Quindío! You will have the chance to taste a dessert at the end. Return to the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 9:

Salento – Medellín ‘The City of Eternal Spring

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning transfer by land to Medellin, enjoying the mountains along the way. Lunch (not included) on the road.

Arrive in Medellin (total journey time: 5 hrs. 45 min.) and check into your hotel in the famous El Poblado district, the birthplace of Medellin.

In the late afternoon, a panoramic tour of the city and its most interesting sites: El Poblado park, Parc Lleras: famous for its nightlife, then a stop at Pueblito Paisa, a perfect reconstruction of a typical old Colombian village, where you’ll have the best view of the city. Visit Bolívar Park with its metropolitan cathedral and the Coltejer building, symbol of the city, and stop off at Plaza Botero, home to the 23 monumental sculptures donated by the famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero to his hometown. Return to the hotel, rest and dinner not included.

Day 10:

Medellín – Towns of Santa Elena and Guatapé

Begin your adventure in Santa Elena, where you’ll visit a local family renowned for crafting ‘silletas’ intricately adorned chairs adorned with vibrant flowers – a tradition deeply rooted in the Carnival of Flowers parade celebrated annually in Medellin. Immerse yourself in this cultural experience as you learn to create your own Colombian flower ‘silleta’ with the guidance of skilled artisans.

Next, journey to the picturesque town of Guatapé and Peñol. Set sail aboard the Majestic Yacht, Colombia’s first freshwater yacht, and cruise around Guatapé for approximately 2 hours. Lunch on the town.

Climb the 649 steps to the summit of Peñol Rock, soaring 220 meters high, and enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree sight of Guatapé Dam and the surrounding reservoir. Explore the vibrant streets and alleys of Guatapé municipality, accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will regale you with tales of the town’s rich history, including its iconic houses and ornate
skirting boards. Return to the hotel and dinner on your own.

Day 11:

Medellín – Cartagena – Getsemaní Neighborhood – San Felipe Fortress

Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Medellín airport for a flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel situated in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center.

In the morning, explore the historic center, known for its resilience against pirate attacks, including infamous encounters with Captain Francis Drake. Discover landmarks such as the Church and Monastery of San Pedro Claver, the Cathedral, colonial-era houses, and the vibrant Getsemani district renowned for its graffiti art and colorful streets. Free time for lunch in Getsemani (not included).

In the afternoon, delve into history at the impressive San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, a testament to Spanish military architecture built in 1536 for defending against pirates and privateers. Wander through its tunnels and underground galleries, immersing yourself in the city’s rich past. Return to the hotel for a relaxed evening. Dinner not included.

Day 12:

La Boquilla Community – Barú Peninsula or Rosario Islands

Breakfast and transfer to La Bodeguita port for a scenic sea journey to the Barú peninsula or Rosario Islands (one-hour trip).

Check-in at your hotel and enjoy a free day to bask in the sun and explore the beach. Lunch on your own. Optional activities such as snorkeling, canoeing, and kayaking are available for those seeking adventure.

Conclude your day with relaxation and dinner included.

Day 13:

Barú Peninsula or Rosario Islands

Enjoy breakfast on board before indulging in a day of leisure on the pristine beaches of Barú Peninsula or Rosario Islands. Engage in optional activities and relish in the beauty of your surroundings. Full board meals provided

Day 14:

Barú Peninsula or Rosario Islands – Cartagena

Savor breakfast and lunch before bidding farewell to the paradise of Barú Peninsula or Rosario Islands. Return to La Bodeguita port in Cartagena and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy free time for dinner (not included)

Day 15:

Cartagena – Return

Breakfast. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Bogotá or your international flight.

End of the experience, beginning of the memories..

The program includes: