Unknown paths | Cerros de Mavecure

Welcome to Colombia! Over the next few days, let yourself be inspired by the hospitality and the small everyday treasures of Colombia, try typical delicacies and the fresh fruit! Transfer from Bogotá airport to the hotel.

Take a walk to discover the contrast between the modern and historic parts of the city of Bogotá. Stroll through the aisles of the Paloquemao market, full of vendors selling fresh produce from the region, taste a delicious fruit juice and be impressed by the colours of the outdoor flower market. Visit the mythical neighbourhood of La Candelaria, built up with colourful colonial houses and located in the old town, the main square or Plaza de Bolívar. There you will find the Government Quarter, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Palace of Justice, the Parliament and the Mayor’s Office, an important place for its historical events. Visit the famous museum of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, where you will find an exceptional collection of contemporary art with artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and others, from his sculptures in different materials to the paintings that have made him a recognised artist. Stroll through the halls of the Gold Museum to see a unique collection of pre-Columbian gold jewellery made by the indigenous communities that inhabited Colombia. Weather permitting, a short cable car ride will take you up the hill of Monserrate. From the top of the hill, you will be surprised by the impressive size of the city, which is home to more than eight million inhabitants.

Transfer from the hotel to Bogotá airport., Puente Aereo. Flight from Bogotá to Puerto Inírida. In the following days you will have an adventure at the mountains of Mavicure, also you will get to know other natural and archaeological attractions in the department of Guania.After your arrival in Puerto Inírida, you will travel about 2 hours by boat upstream to the mountains of Mavicure, Pájaro and Mono, which belong to the indigenous reserves of “El Remanso” and “Venado”. On site you will be welcomed in the community of “El Remanso”. After lunch you will have the opportunity to make a first hike along the Mavicure Canal through the white sand savannah to reach a small rocky outcrop.to reach a small rocky outcrop and watch the sunset. You will then spend the first night in the indigenous reserve of the community “Venado” (simple cabin accommodation).

Today will bring you very close to the three mountains of Mavicure, Pájaro and Mono. At daybreak, you will set out to climb to the top of Mount Mono (Tepuy). The hike up the lowest of the three sugarloaf-shaped mountains takes about 1.5 hours. You will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the rainforest. In the afternoon you can take a trip by curiara (traditional indigenous boat) to the small arms of the river to observe the fish fauna. With a little luck you can also admire the pink river dolphins. Overnight in a simple cabin of the indigenous community “Venado”.

After breakfast you leave the community “Venado” and hike up the Cerro Flauta. Afterwards you head to the source of the Great Orinoco. Here the river star Inírida and the tributaries Inírida, Guaviare, Atabapo and Orinoco can be seen. On the way you will enjoy a bath in the waters of the Atabapo River in the Piedra de Maviso border area with Venezuela to finally reach the MORU Nature Reserve. Overnight stay in the nature reserve MORU in simple multi-bed cabins.

On your last morning in Guainía Department, you will have the opportunity to hike through the MORU Nature Reserve to explore the Mataven Jungle Forests in neighboring Vichada Department. Another option is the in-house canopy, the tour begins with a climb into the treetops to reach the first platform in the treetops. Here begins the exploration of the treetops on a 160m long path through the forest of the northeastern Amazon over bridges between the trees at dizzying heights of 15 meters.You will be transferred back to the airport in Puerto Inírida in time for your flight. Flight from Puerto Inírida to Bogotá. Transfer from Bogotá airport to the hotel.

Transfer from the hotel to Bogotá airport. Flight from Bogotá to Medellín. Transfer from José María Córdova airport to the hotel. This tour takes you to the most important touristic sights of the “City of Eternal Spring” –Medellín–. Explore downtown Medellín and the historical centre. Listen to local musicians and the traditional “Guasca” music while visiting Parque Berrío. Stroll through the hustle and bustle of downtown Medellin to the famous Botero Plaza with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo, which was once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts and allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized population. While enjoying the spectacular view you learn more about the transformation of Medellín from one of the most dangerous cities in the world to a fascinating melting pot of cultures with possibly the warmest and friendliest people in the world. (The details of the tour can be discussed with the guide on site according to your wishes.)

Travel to the mountainous region of eastern Antioquia, where you can enjoy impressive landscapes. You can ascend the Piedra del Peñol to observe the wonderful surroundings such as islands and green mountains inside a big blue lake. There you will enjoy a typical Colombian lunch on the shore of the Guatapé reservoir. Take your time to explore and wander around the town of Guatapé, a small and quiet place with a pleasant climate, it is famous for its church and colorful facades decorated with baseboards on the walls of all the houses.

From Medellín you will drive via Fredonia through fascinating landscapes of the Cauca Valley until you reach the idyllic finca near the village of Támesis, where you will spend the night. Today you travel to Fredonia in the southwest of Medellin and will visit Don Octavio’s family on their coffee farm and learn about the coffee process from seedling to steaming cup.During your excursion to a coffee plantation, you will learn everything about coffee: the entire process of coffee processing from harvesting to export. You will learn why Colombian coffee from this area is one of the best highland coffees in the world. Walk through the plantation and see seedlings, saplings and the fully grown bushes (growth stage depends on the season). At harvest time, you can watch the coffee pickers skilfully picking only the ripe coffee cherries. Afterwards, the processing of the harvested fruits will be explained. Finally, you will have the opportunity to taste different types of coffee. You will be amazed at what a multi-layered product coffee is.

Your route takes you through the mystical cloud forest of the San Antonio Nature Reserve. A pre-Hispanic stone path leads you deeper and higher into the impressive mountain rainforest. A local guide will show you waterfalls hidden behind rocks, underground rivers, caves and the best vantage points.

Your morning begins with a visit to an organic cocoa plantation, where you will learn more about the chocolate production process. Don’t miss the opportunity to make your own chocolate! The tour continues to idyllic Jericó. With its 16 chapels and traditional façades, this small town is one of the most beautiful town centres in Antioquia. From the Cristo Rey monument, you have a wonderful view of the town, the surrounding mountains, valleys and rivers. From Tamesis you will drive to Jericó through fascinating landscapes of the highlands of Antioquia.

You continue towards Medellín. Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia and is known as the city of eternal spring, as it has an average temperature of 22°C. After a relaxing day in Jardin, you will travel to the city of Medellin. The driver will take you on a road decorated with typical architecture. Here you will see small and charming villages that characterize the way to the city. Enjoy the afternoon free to explore the surroundings of your hotel on your own. Flight from Medellín to Cartagena. Transfer from Cartagena airport to the hotel.

The Coconut Workshop with Damartes is an art and empowerment experience in La Boquilla that lasts approximately four hours. You will have the opportunity to support a beautiful collective community micro-enterprise led by seven women -mothers and grandmothers who are heads of households in La Boquilla- who since 2008 have transformed the coconut handicraft tradition into a powerful tool for economic and social empowerment. Upon arrival at La Boquilla you will be warmly welcomed at a rustic restaurant on the beach. This workshop is a deeply human encounter with the art, history and feminine strength of a resilient community. These talented artisans create jewelry, accessories, vases and decorative objects with their hands from coconut shells and fibers, giving new life to natural materials with creativity and dedication. The project was born as a response to the entrenched machismo in the area, and over time, these women have gained economic independence and the respect of their community. In this space for cultural exchange you can learn about their inspiring life stories, share with them and create your own handcrafted piece: a bracelet, keychain, necklace or earrings, which you will take home as a souvenir of a transformative experience.

Transfer from the hotel to Cartagena airport. It’s time to say goodbye to Colombia. You will leave your hotel in order to return to Bogotá where you will wait for your international flight.