Self-drive Maxi through Colombia

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

Transfer from Bogotá airport to the hotel.

Take a walk to discover the contrast between the modern and historic parts of Bogotá.
Stroll through the aisles of the Paloquemao market, full of vendors selling fresh local produce, taste a delicious fruit juice and be impressed by the colors of the outdoor flower market.
Take a stroll through the mythical La Candelaria district, built up with colorful 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 recognized artist.
Stroll 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.
Weather permitting, a short cable car ride will take you up the hill of Monserrate. From the top of the hill, you will be amazed by the impressive size of the city, which is home to more than eight million inhabitants.

You pick up your rental car at the previously agreed location.

You drive to the small village of Guasca, north of Bogotá, where you spend the night in a hacienda. Here you can go on a short hike through the green landscape of the plateau that surrounds the hacienda.

Our recommendations:

(1) Hike in Guasca

Guasca offers a magnificent mountain landscape. The hike takes you through Veredales and along mule tracks, from where you have a view of the Teusacá river valley, the Pionono mountain, which is known as a destination for paragliders, the Pico de las Aguilas, the Siecha river valley and part of the Tominé reservoir.

(2) Visit to the Guatavita lagoon

From Bogotá, drive to the Guatavita Lagoon, where you will take a short walk to the remains of the legendary Eldorado. Enjoy the beautiful view of the lake where the coronation ceremonies of the princess of the Muisca tribe took place. Immerse yourself in the stories about the coronation process and imagine the gold rush of the European conquerors who were in search of huge treasures.

You drive from Guasca to Villa de Leyva, the former summer residence of the bishops of Tunja. On the way, you can take a look at Lake Guatavita, where the legend of “El Dorado” originated. Along the way, you can also admire the typical flora of the region, in particular the famous frailejones, a tree that is very important for the region’s water reserves.

Our recommendation:

Visit the salt cathedral in Zipaquirá

You have the opportunity to visit the temple built in a salt mine on a private guided tour through the tunnels, which makes this cathedral unique in the world. Explanation of the country’s mining industry, the importance of salt in Colombian culture and the symbolic meaning of the cathedral’s three naves.

Our recommendation:

(1) Exploring the surroundings of Villa de Leyva

Explore the surroundings of Villa de Leyva on a beautiful hike in the surrounding hills (2 hours, easy level). The views of the old colonial city are magnificent. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to visit various historical sights, starting with the Santo Ecce-Homo monastery, which was declared one of the 7 Wonders of the Colombian World in 2007. Stroll through the charming and colorful garden of the monastery. If you are interested in fossils, you can then visit the paleontological research center. Your next stop could be La Candelaria Monastery, also known as the “Monumento Nacional del Silencio”, an Augustinian monastery built in 1604 and considered by some to be the oldest in South America.

(2) Hike to the Iguaque lagoon

Today you will go on a hike in the beautiful Iguaque Nature Park. Accompanied by your guide, you will discover the typical páramo of Colombia, an impressive and unique landscape that is also important for a natural water reservoir that supplies the surrounding villages. Your guide will take you to the Iguaque lagoon, where he will tell you the myths of the region. After this long day hike, you will drive to Villa de Leyva.

Today you continue your journey towards Barichara in warmer climes. You will cross lush pastures and then follow a gorge that stretches all the way to the Suárez River. You can make a few stops to visit a traditional refinery, try a typical guava mousse or taste the cuajada con melao, a cheese cream with sugar molasses. You reach Barichara, which lies at 1300 m above sea level. Stroll through the cobbled streets and colonial architecture of this perfectly preserved village, which has been declared the most beautiful village in Colombia.

Our recommendation:

(1) Hike to Guane

The trail connecting Barichara and Guane is one of the most iconic hikes in the region. This historic Camino Real Barichara–Guane combines natural beauty, historical significance, and a peaceful rural setting. In the company of a guide, you will follow an ancient royal road of pre-Columbian and colonial origin, later used and adapted for regional trade in the 19th century by the German engineer Geo von Lengerke. The route covers approximately 6 km and is mostly downhill, descending from around 1,340 m in Barichara to about 1,000 m in Guane. The hike takes around 2 hours, depending on pace. The path is largely stone-paved, with uneven steps, loose rocks, and some dusty sections. Proper footwear with good grip is recommended. Due to sun exposure and limited shade, it is advisable to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sufficient water. The continuous descent can be demanding on the knees, so a good level of fitness and balance is recommended. Along the way, you will enjoy wide views over the Suárez Canyon, as well as rural landscapes with fields, stone walls, and traditional architecture. Upon arrival in Guane, you can explore the main square, visit the colonial church and the archaeological museum, and take in the surrounding scenery. The return to Barichara is by tuk-tuk or jeep and takes approximately 20 minutes.

(2) Walking tour Barichara

Barichara is ideal to explore on foot, walking through its streets to discover unique places that fall in love with each of its details. On this tour you will visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of San Antonio and the Chapel of Santa Barbara, where you can see its carved stone and yellow, a way to enjoy its unique architecture. Next to the chapel of Santa Barbará there is an open-air museum with views of the mountains and the gorge of the river Suárez is the Parque de las Artes Jorge Delgado Sierra. Here you can walk along a path lined with 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 gorge, the Yariguies National Park, the communities of Galan, La Fuente and Zapatoca, enjoy unforgettable sunsets and trails that tell stories that captivate every visitor. Visit places that work the region’s materials such as stone, clay, fique or cotton. In this foundation of mothers who are heads of families, they work on the manufacture of paper by using 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 the following trades: Bookbinding, Guane backpack weaving, horizontal cotton weaving, ceramics, baking, cooking and music.

Day at leisure.

Our recommendation:

Coffee tour at Café Alfanía

You set off early in the morning to reach the Alfanía farm after a short 1.5-hour hike through Barichara. Once there, you will be welcomed by the coffee farmers, who will share their knowledge about the cultivation and processing of the black gold with you on a walk through the coffee plantations. The experience ends with a delicious cup of coffee and a brunch of typical tamales, chorizos and arepas in the main house.

Early in the morning you leave Barichara in the direction of San Vicente de Chucurí and drive through the Canyon del Chicamocha. You will have the opportunity to look back over the canyon and after a short break you will drive to San Vicente de Chucurí. The route is characterized by the Topocoro reservoir, which was created in 2014. The lake is part of the Hidrosogamoso project, a large hydroelectric power plant that generates energy from the Sogamoso River. A newly built road runs along the eastern shore of the reservoir and offers impressive views of imposing bridges. The new road has considerably shortened the journey time, making San Vicente, the center of Colombian cocoa cultivation, easily accessible.

Today’s program is a gourmet tour of the cocoa plantations. Accompanied by a local producer, you will discover the different colors of the cocoa fruit, from yellow to purple to green, and learn all about the transformation of a precious bean into delicious chocolate. You can grind your own chocolate and take a sample home with you. After this great experience, you will return to your hotel.

You leave the Colombian capital of cocoa and travel to Puerto Araujo in Santander before driving along the Magdalena River to Puerto Triunfo in the Río Claro reserve.

In the Río Claro nature reserve, you can enjoy a variety of activities. At the start of the day, watch the toucans from the balcony of your room or try to spot the monkeys in the trees. You can hike through the narrow gorge, enter the cave of the guacharos, a bird species, or float down the river. Find out on site what is possible depending on the weather and water level.

Leave the crystal-clear rivers of the Rio Claro reserve behind you and take a 4-hour drive to the colorful and picturesque town of Guatapé.

Travel to the mountainous region of western Antioquia, where you can enjoy impressive landscapes. You can climb the Piedra del Peñol to observe the wonderful surroundings with its islands and green mountains in a large blue lake. There you will enjoy a typical Colombian lunch on the banks of the Guatapé reservoir. Take time to explore the town of Guatapé, a small and quiet place with a pleasant climate, known for its church and the colorful, baseboard-decorated facades of all the houses.

After getting to know the colorful Zocalo and the history of Guatapé, it’s time to drive about 2 hours to the next city, Medellín, the city of “Eternal Spring”.

Medellín – the “city of eternal spring” – is located in the Andean highlands of Antioquia and is today the most innovative city in Latin America. Its recent past has been strongly linked to the life of Pablo Escobar and violent gang fights. In the last twenty years, Medellín has undergone some drastic changes. An innovative urban development program, combining modern public transport and the construction of public parks and recreational areas for the population, has transformed Medellín from the most dangerous city in the world into a modern example of urban transformation. Explore the Colombian Andean capital and get an insight into the city’s history by visiting the “Pueblito Paisa” and enjoy a perfect view of the city. Explore the famous Botero Plaza in the city center with an exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a symbol of the city. Take the Metro cable car up to Santo Domingo, once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was built to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts and gives visitors an insight into the lives of the marginalized population. In the Comuna 13 district, with its unique escalators, you will see another innovative project that has improved the quality of life for people in Medellín. (You can agree the exact route with your guide on the spot.)

After getting to know the history, culture and art of the city of Medellín, you will drive to Jardín, a picturesque town with colorful houses and balconies where you can enjoy the floral splendor. During the drive, you will be able to admire the spectacular landscapes that characterize this region of the country.

The center of Jardín has been declared a national monument. Colorful balconies adorn the beautiful little houses. Don’t miss out on trying Doña Mariela’s award-winning sweets. Take the cable car to the other side of the valley and walk back to the town. Simply enjoy the rural side of Colombia.

Today you leave the municipality of Jardín and drive towards Salento. You drive through the narrow valley of the Cauca River until you reach the rolling hills of the coffee-growing region. On the way, you will pass through small villages typical of the region and have the opportunity to stop and buy souvenirs or try an arepa, a flatbread made from ground corn dough or baked flour. It can be found everywhere and can be served with various fillings such as cheese (quark) and avocado.

Today you will go on a 3-hour hike through the “Bosque de Palmas”, which will take you to the Acaime Nature Reserve, a place where you can have direct contact with nature and observe various species, including birds such as the hummingbird, the cusumbos and the troglon. There you will drink aguapanela with cheese and then start the return journey.

Optional: Coffee tour at Finca El Ocaso

You will have an authentic coffee experience with an expert guide. You will learn about the extensive process required to produce real coffee. Immerse yourself in the coffee culture and experience the process of making a specialty coffee, from sowing the seeds to enjoying it in your cup.

From the coffee zone, you continue your journey along the Cauca River across the central Andes mountain range. Your route takes you through the Cauca Valley past rice fields to Cali, one of the oldest cities in America and the heart of salsa. Before you arrive in Cali, you should make a stop in Buga, where the famous Basilica del Señor de los Milagros is located.

You leave the city of salsa and head south to the “white” city of Popayán. Popayán is a beautiful colonial city, known as “Ciudad Blanca” because of its two-storey, snow-white facades. In colonial times, Popayán was the most important town between Bogotá and Quito, a trading center and bishop’s seat. On a walk through the lively little streets, you will experience the meeting of modern and historic Colombia.

From Popayán, it takes around two hours to drive to the small village of Silvia, and on the way you will spot the “chivas” typical of this region. These buses travel through the mountains with everything that can be accommodated, people, furniture and animals, and are an important means of transportation for many rural regions.

In Silvia, you will visit the reserve of the Misak indigenous group. Get involved in a special exchange of culture and ideas in the houses of the Misak, where traditional musicians and craftswomen live. You will get to know their culture and later taste typical dishes with a family from the community.

Your route takes you from Popayán through the Puracé National Park to San Agustín. If the weather permits, you can see the active Puracé volcano in the distance. The winding road takes you through the typical landscape of the páramo (moor) in one of Colombia’s most water-rich regions. Four of the country’s largest rivers have their source here. You make a few stops to enjoy the views and the vegetation. In particular, you will discover the famous frailejones, plants that can only be found at high altitudes in Ecuador and Colombia.

Today you will take a trip back in time and visit the San Agustín Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Accompanied by your guide, you will get to know the most important and largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in Colombia and South America. This site, which was only discovered in the 17th century, still puzzles archaeologists today due to the mountainous terrain and the lack of written records. Admire the highlights of this archaeological collection, such as the “Ceremonial Fountain” and the fascinating “Forest of Statues”.

You will visit the Magdalena Strait, which is considered the narrowest part of the river. Let yourself be captivated by the power of the water and enjoy a magnificent view of the heart of the Colombian Macizo. After a car ride, you will reach the La Chaquira platform to admire the view of the Magdalena River, which offers a magnificent view of the canyon.

You drive from San Agustín to Neiva. The Río Magdalena accompanies you to Neiva, on your way the narrow valley opens up more and more until you reach the flatter and warmer land in the Huila.

The Tatacoa Desert is the second largest arid zone in Colombia after the Guajira Peninsula. It is one of the most fascinating natural landscapes in Colombia. Its ochre and gray land with cactus-green brushstrokes is what makes this landscape so attractive. It is a fantastic place to live an experience full of colors, landscapes and history. You will find natural conditions that will make you feel like you are on another planet during the day and bring you closer to the universe and its celestial phenomena at night. The desert is waiting for you!

You drive from Neiva to Bogotá. On the way, you will see how the barren landscape is increasingly being replaced by overgrown areas.

Drop off your rental car at the previously agreed location.

Transfer from the hotel to Bogotá airport.