View of the village of Barichara

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For travellers seeking a more exclusive and off-the-beaten-path experience, this carefully curated journey combines the Caribbean charm of Cartagena with the cultural treasures of Colombia’s heritage-rich interior.

Venture beyond the well-trodden routes to discover the enchanting colonial town of Barichara, widely regarded as one of Colombia’s most beautiful villages. Here, cobbled streets, whitewashed facades, and a thriving community of artisans create an atmosphere that feels untouched by time. Guests can immerse themselves in local traditions, explore a flourishing gastronomic scene, and experience the authentic character of rural Colombia. A particular highlight is an unforgettable stay at Casa del Presidente, the former residence of President Belisario Betancur, now transformed into an elegant retreat that celebrates the region’s history, craftsmanship, and culture.

The journey culminates in complete seclusion within the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where spectacular mountain landscapes descend towards the Caribbean Sea. Surrounded by nature and far removed from the crowds, guests enjoy the comforts of a private sanctuary, including the services of an in-house chef, personalised hospitality, and breathtaking panoramic views stretching from lush peaks to the coastline. This is Colombia at its most authentic, sophisticated, and unforgettable.

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Fast Facts

Duration: 13

Days

Destinations: Andean Region

Departs From: Bogotá

Ends In: Cartagena

Travel Styles:
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Tour Map


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Tour Itinerary


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Day 1

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

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Location: Bogotá

Accommodation: Four Seasons Casa Medina

Type:

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 2

Take a walk to get to know the contrast between the modern and historical part of the city of Bogotá. Walk through the passages of the Paloquemao market, full of merchants offering fresh products from the countryside that gives this region, taste a delicious fruit juice that calls your attention and be impressed with the colors of the outdoor flower market. Walk through the mythical district of La Candelaria, decorated with its colorful colonial houses, located in the old center of the city, in its main square or Plaza de Bolívar. There you will find the government district, the Cathedral of Colombia, 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 from his sculptures in different materials, to the paintings that have made him a recognized artist, additional know an exceptional collection of contemporary art, with artists like Van Gogh, Picasso, among others. Walk through the halls of the Gold Museum, to see a unique collection of pre-Columbian gold jewelry, made by the indigenous communities that inhabited Colombia. If the weather is good, a short cable car ride will take you to the hill of Monserrate. From the top, you will be amazed by the impressive size of the city, which is home to more than eight million inhabitants.

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Location: Bogotá

Accommodation: Four Seasons Casa Medina

Type:

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 3

Transfer from hotel to Bogotá airport. Flight from Bogotá to Bucaramanga. Transfer from Bucaramnga airport to the hotel. You continue your journey in warmer areas towards Barichara. It leads through the Canyon del Chicamocha, where conditions permitting, you will be able to cross the canyon by cable car and enjoy a fantastic view of the deep gorge.  Arrive in Barichara at an altitude of 1300m and stroll through this perfectly preserved village that has been declared the most beautiful village in Colombia.

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Location: Barichara

Accommodation: Casa del Presidente

Room Basis: Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 4

Barichara is perfect to explore on foot, walk through its streets to discover unique places that with each of its details fall in love. On this tour visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the chapel of San Antonio and the chapel of Santa Barbara, where you can see their carved stone and yellow, a possibility to enjoy its unique architecture. Next to the chapel of Santa Barbará there is an open air museum with a view of the mountains and the canyon of the river Suárez is the Parque de las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra. Here you can walk along a path lined by twenty-two sculptures carved in stone by artists from the region and eleven countries. From the viewpoint at the top of the town, you can see the Suarez River Canyon, Yariguies National Park, the municipalities of Galan, La Fuente and Zapatoca, enjoy its unforgettable sunsets and trails that tell stories that seduce each of its visitors. Visit places that transform the materials of the region such as stone, mud, fique or cotton. In this foundation of mothers who are heads of families, they work in the production of paper through the use of natural fibers. Visit the Barichara Workshop School Foundation in a beautiful house that used to be a school and now trains technologists and technicians in trades such as: bookbinding, Guane backpack weaving, horizontal cotton loom weaving, ceramics, baking, cooking and music.

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Location: Barichara

Accommodation: Casa del Presidente

Room Basis: Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 5

Today enjoy an easy walk accompanied by your guide, begins from Barichara to the small village of Guane (about 2 hours). You will pass through tobacco fields and pastures along this road called the Camino Real. Appreciate the fabulous view of the Suarez River valley and the surrounding mountains. Take advantage of a stop at the Guane Fossil Museum to discover the relics of the indigenous tribe of the same name. If you want to refresh yourself after the effort, try the local specialty: Sabajon. A liquor made from milk, jam, and brandy. Surprising but unavoidable once you arrive in Guane! To return to Barichara, you will take the bus or a tuk-tuk, typical transport in the area.

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Location: Barichara

Accommodation: Casa del Presidente

Room Basis: Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 6

Day at leisure in Barichara.

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Location: Barichara

Accommodation: Casa del Presidente

Room Basis: Half Board – Dinner, Bed and Breakfast

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Day 7

Continue your journey from Barichara to Bucaramanga. You will traverse lush pastures and then follow a ravine that extends towards the Suárez River until you will drive to the airport of Bucaramanga. Flight from Bucaramanga to Santa Marta. Transfer from Santa Marta airport to the hotel in Minca. This village is considered the heart of the world by the indigenous Arhuacos, Wiwas, Kakuamos, or Koguis. You will appreciate the temperature of the place, cooler than on the coast.

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Location: Minca

Accommodation: Casa Oropéndola

Room Basis: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

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Day 8

Discover the wonderful landscapes of the Tayrona National Natural Park. In the company of your guide, begin a two-hour hike through the tropical rainforest that covers the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. On the way you will visit the beaches of Arrecifes, Arenilla and La Piscina, before arriving at the beaches of El Cabo San Juan, where you will have the opportunity to refresh yourself and rest in the middle of a paradisiacal landscape. Towards the end of the afternoon you will walk back to the Cañaveral sector to take the transfer service that will take you to your accommodation.

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Location: Minca

Accommodation: Casa Oropéndola

Room Basis: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

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Day 9

Day at leisure in Minca.

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Location: Minca

Accommodation: Casa Oropéndola

Room Basis: Full Board – Dinner, Bed, Breakfast and Lunch

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Day 10

Today you change the scenery, without leaving the region; heading for Cartagena, in the caribbean and you will be able to start discovering this Colombian jewel.

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Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Casa San Agustin

Type:

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 11

Get to know the picturesque streets of Cartagena, its republican and colonial architecture full of history such as the Plaza de la Aduana, where the slave market, the Plaza de Bolívar and the Gold Museum used to be, admire the Inquisition Palace and appreciate the architecture of the Heredia Theatre. In the old city meet the convent and church of San Pedro Claver with its construction of the mid-seventeenth century, walk through Las Bóvedas place that houses a colorful craft market. Visit the Castle of San Felipe, one of the most important forts in the city built on the mountain by the Spanish, during the tour you will be able to contemplate a spectacular view of the city and its coasts. Climb to the highest point of the city to visit the old Convent of La Popa and enjoy the panoramic view of the city. Optional: Local cuisine cooking workshop Colombian cuisine is one of the most extensive and varied in Colombia and one of the most original in the Americas, thanks to its history and the fusion of three peoples: the Indians, the Spanish and the people from Africa, who each brought their own products and eating habits to create a dish where the flavours are balanced and harmonious, without one overpowering the others.this culinary adventure begins with a cook and a teacher at the Bazurto market, where you will taste different typical fruits of the season. You will then stroll through the colourful, festive, authentic and culinary aisles of the market to buy your own ingredients and learn about the city’s gastronomic and cultural tradition Immerse yourself in the vibrant culinary scene of Cartagena with an authentic cooking workshop in the charming neighborhood of Getsemaní. This historic district, once a hub for artists and bohemians, now offers a picturesque backdrop for your culinary adventure. At a stunning venue boasting panoramic views, you’ll embark on a gastronomic journey through Colombia’s diverse flavors. Led by expert chefs fluent in both English and Spanish, you’ll learn to prepare an array of local dishes that capture the essence of Colombian cuisine. From refreshing ceviches and hearty soups to the aromatic coconut rice and the intricate “posta cartagenera” with its sugarcane sauce, each day brings a new menu to tantalize your taste buds.

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Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Casa San Agustin

Type:

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 12

Your guide will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to the pier. Leave the Santa Cruz dock in Cartagena in a private boat to the private beach of Acasi. There you can escape from daily life and enjoy an encounter with nature. Enjoy the exquisite local gastronomy and let the sea breeze disconnect you from your daily life. Transfer from the pier to the hotel.

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Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Casa San Agustin

Type:

Room Basis: B&B: Bed and Breakfast

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Day 13

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

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Location: Cartagena

Accommodation: Casa San Agustin

Type:

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Private transport with Spanish speaking driver.

Local bilingual guides.

All domestic flights.

International flights.

Tips.

Local port and airport taxes.

Entrance fees not specified in the itinerary.

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