Classic Colombia

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Colombia has been described as an entire continent encompassed in a single country and, indeed, it can boast an impressive resume including from Caribbean beaches and verdant rainforests to Andean towns and snow-capped mountains. Having languished in the shadows for some time, Colombia has recently emerged back into the spotlight with an exciting new makeover.

This comprehensive introduction to the country begins in Bogota, where you can explore some of its many highlights before moving ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy a tasting menu of local flavours and sunset cocktails over colonial Caribbean town of Cartagena
  • Hike to Tayrona National park and laze on a Caribbean beach with the rainforest behind you
  • Admire the ancient colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets of the prettiest towns in Colombia
  • Learn all about coffee whilst exploring staying in Colombia’s Coffee Region
  • Tour the capital’s historic centre and grand colonial buildings
  • Head deep underground into the cavernous Salt Catherdral of Zipaquira

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 BOGOTA

Day 1 BOGOTA

Upon arrival to Bogota you will be met at the airport and taken to your boutique hotel set in colonial building in Bogota’s historic centre. The rest of the day is then free to rest after the long arrival flight and perhaps go for a wander around the city centre.

Hotel De La Opera

Day 2 BOGOTA

Day 2 BOGOTA

A full day city tour of Bogota in on the agenda today, visiting some of the highlights of the city including the Gold Museum on the northeast corner of Parque Santander and includes 35,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold work in the collection. A highlight of today is the Bogotá Paloquemao market, offering a great insight into the life and customs of Bogotanos. The market is one of the most important in the country, where 750 merchants and a labyrinth of stands offer a large variety of local produce and flowers, one of Colombia’s biggest exports. Next, is a trip to the city’s finest viewpoint, the hilltop look-out and monastery of Monserrate, reached by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point, you will be able to see the different neighbourhoods of the city, set in the Andes mountains. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians who make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent.

Hotel De La Opera
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3 BOGOTA - ZIPAQUIRA - VILLA DE LEYVA

Day 3 BOGOTA - ZIPAQUIRA - VILLA DE LEYVA

Transfer by private vehicle into the cordillera to the small UNESCO town of Villa de Leyva. Along the way there will be a visit to the underground Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira. The mine houses an eerie and magnificent spectacle carved out directly from the rock salt. After a tour of the cathedral, continue on to the rural town of Villa de Leyva and your quaint, boutique hotel.

Casa Terra
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 VILLA DE LEYVA

Day 4 VILLA DE LEYVA

After breakfast, take a walking tour around the historical part of Villa de Leyva, strolling through one of the largest Plazas in Colombia and visiting some of the interesting buildings including the house of Antonio Nariño and the Monasteries de las Carmelitas Descalzas. After lunch, head out to the countryside to reach El Fossil, an impressive 120-million-year-old prehistoric marine reptile. You will also visit the ancient stone astronomy site 'The Observatory', which was used by the Indians to determine the seasons and the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery.

Casa Terra
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 VILLA DE LEYVA - ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION)

Day 5 VILLA DE LEYVA - ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION)

Transfer back to the capital in time for your domestic flight to Armenia, one of the capitals of Colombia’s Coffee Region or Zona Cafetera. Upon arrival in Armenia, your local guide will be waiting to take you to the charming Hacienda Bambusa for a three-night stay. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, the afternoon sees you enjoying a walking tour of the working farm and cacao plantation followed by a scrumptious cacao tasting.

Hacienda Bambusa
Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6 COFFEE REGION

Day 6 COFFEE REGION

A full day exploring the coffee region today takes you to some of the colourful, rural towns of the coffee highlands, distinct from the colonial, country town of Villa de Leyva. There will be a stop at the prized town of Salento where you’ll enjoy a special coffee art workshop at one of the town’s quaint cafes. Fairly close is the Cocora Valley where short hikes bring you to its star attraction a valley covered in Colombia’s national tree, the quindio. Another stop today will be at the lesser-visited town of Filandia for a tour of its bright plaza and colourful streets.

Hacienda Bambusa
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 COFFEE REGION

Day 7 COFFEE REGION

Get the morning going and off to a good start with a cup of fine Colombian brew and premium coffee tour to learn how it is processed from bean to cup at a local café in the region. The rest of the day is then at leisure to either enjoy a bit of downtime in the peaceful landscapes surrounding the hacienda or organise one of the many activities the ranch offers.

Hacienda Bambusa
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8 ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION) - TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Day 8 ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION) - TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

A driver will be ready to pick you up and take you back to the airport in Armenia in time for your flight to Santa Marta, up on the Caribbean coast, via Bogota. From here you will be taken to the Tayrona National Park, slightly further north, with the journey taking approximately one hour. The majority of the park is covered by virgin tropical forest and is inhabited by over 100 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. The Paujil, a kind of hen, is often represented in Tayrona gold work and is indigenous to the area, as is the majestic condor which nests in the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will be staying in one of the area’s most upscale offerings, just 2km from the entrance to the national park.

Villa Playa Tayrona
Breakfast

Day 9 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

Day 9 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK

There is no better place to relax and listen to the calming rhythms of the waves than Tayrona. As you sit on the white sands of Cañaveral and imagine what is behind you – a biosphere of tropical and deciduous forests, a population of nearly 26,500 indigenous people form tribes including Koji, Arhuaco and Wiwa, and the world’s highest coastal mountain range! In front of you the Caribbean ocean with its well-preserved coral reef, bays, inlets and to the side an extensive coast of fine beaches and scenery. Time can be spent relaxing on the beach or in a hammock, or wandering the beach and jungle trails, a true picture-perfect beach paradise.

Villa Playa Tayrona
Breakfast

Day 10 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK - CARTAGENA

Day 10 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK - CARTAGENA

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken down the Caribbean Coast to Cartagena de Indias, a journey of approximately 5 hours at a distance of 190km. The transfer passes through Barranquilla, famed for its carnival and most famous resident, singer Shakira. There will be opportunities to stop along the way for pictures and to stretch your legs if you wish. Arriving in time for lunch, you will have some time to relax before enjoying a leisurely walk around Cartagena’s colonial centre and port with a local guide, ending at a beautiful spot on the old town’s wall for sunset cocktails.

The Alfiz Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 11 CARTAGENA

Day 11 CARTAGENA

Enjoy a full day city tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day begins with an exploration of the city’s lively graffiti in the trendy Getsemani area. Whilst walking around the beautifully preserved colonial buildings infused with quintessential Caribbean colour, there will be a break for lunch where you can sample a tasting menu at a well-loved local restaurant. Then afternoon then continues with a visit to La Popa Convent, the highest point in the city, and ends at the San Felipe Fortress to appreciate views out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea, whilst learning of this point’s contrastingly troubled history.

The Alfiz Boutique Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 CARTAGENA

Day 12 CARTAGENA

Today is spent at leisure. You could choose to continue exploring the city and its culture; Colombia's living, breathing and pulsating museum with a colourful history and a fusion of African, indigenous and European cultures. Alternatively, a day exploring the nearby Caribbean islands is easily arranged.

The Alfiz Boutique Hotel
Breakfast

Day 13 DEPART CARTAGENA

Day 13 DEPART CARTAGENA

You will be taken to the airport in Cartagena for a morning flight to Bogota to connect on with your return international flight.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

13 days from £4,025

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 10566 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

WHY WILD FRONTIERS?

Meet the expert, Richard

Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.

Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640

Colombians are experts in the aesthetic. Even the humblest country home has a unique style, sublime touches, that give it character and true grace. Colombia is all about beauty, both natural and manmade.

OTHER ITINERARIES IN COLOMBIA