The Andes, coffee & the Caribbean

Welcome to Colombia! Over the coming days, let yourself be enchanted by the country’s warm hospitality and its small, everyday treasures. Discover the richness of the local cuisine, try typical specialties, and enjoy the fresh, tropical fruits! 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.

It’s time to leave the capital for the old colonial town of Zipaquira. You will visit the impressive underground church, which is completely carved out of salt stone, and learn more about the history of salt in the region from the time of the indigenous people to the present day. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, about 50 km north of Bogotá, is located 180 meters underground. This architectural marvel is located in an underground salt mine and combines history, art, spirituality and geology in a unique space. Along the way you will find the 14 Stations of the Cross. The cathedral’s landmark is a huge cross carved in salt and illuminated by dramatic lights. The guided tour lasts around 2 hours.In the late afternoon, you will reach Villa de Leyva, the former summer residence of the Bishop of Tunja. Take a walk through the cobbled streets and admire the impressive Plaza Mayor. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, about 50 km north of Bogotá, is located 180 meters underground. It is an architectural marvel located in a subway salt mine, combining history, art, spirituality and geology in a unique space. Along the tour you will find the 14 Stations of the Cross, the most emblematic point of the cathedral is an immense cross carved in salt illuminated by dramatic lights. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Spend a hands-on and culturally rich day in Villa de Leyva, combining traditional craftsmanship with one of Colombia’s most unique national pastimes. Begin your experience with a clay workshop led by local artisans, where you’ll learn about ancestral techniques and create your own piece using natural materials sourced from the region. This immersive activity offers a deeper connection to the area’s artistic heritage and rural traditions. In the afternoon, shift from creation to friendly competition with a lively game of tejo, also known as “turmequé.” Deeply rooted in Colombian culture, this traditional sport blends skill, precision, and social fun. Players throw a heavy metal disc from a distance of around 20 meters toward a clay-filled box fitted with small powder targets that create a satisfying pop when hit. Whether you’re aiming for accuracy or simply enjoying the atmosphere, tejo is an unforgettable way to engage with local culture. This day tour perfectly balances creativity, interaction, and entertainment, offering an authentic glimpse into the traditions that shape life in this charming colonial town.

After a walk in Villa de Leyva you will drive directly to the airport in Bogotá, where you will take your next flight. Flight from Bogotá to Pereira. Transfer from Pereira airport to the hotel.

This full-day tour to the Cocora Valley and the town of Salento offers an authentic experience that combines nature, culture, and unique landscapes in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Region. In just four hours, you will admire the majesty of the Cocora Valley, home of the wax palm of Quindío —Colombia’s national tree—, and enjoy the colonial charm and colorful atmosphere of Salento, one of the most emblematic towns in the Quindío region.The tour begins with the transfer from Armenia to the Cocora Valley, located in the municipality of Salento, at an altitude between 1,800 and 2,400 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, you will start a gentle walk of approximately 2 hours, ideal for those who wish to enjoy the scenery without great physical effort.During the walk, you can admire the green meadows, mist-covered mountains, and the towering wax palms, which rise up to 60 meters high. Along the trail, there are stops at natural viewpoints to take photos, appreciate the biodiversity of the Andean ecosystem, and learn about the history and ecological importance of the Cocora Valley as a habitat for unique species.On the way back, the tour continues with a stroll through the picturesque town of Salento, known for its traditional bahareque architecture, colorful balconies, and bohemian atmosphere. The walk includes a visit to the Calle Real, where you can explore craft shops, local workshops, and cozy cafés that reflect the essence of the Coffee Cultural Landscape.The tour concludes at the Salento Viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the valley, the Quindío River, and the surrounding mountains.It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing, a waterproof jacket, suitable footwear for walking in the mountains, and to bring water and sunscreen.

Hacienda Venecia is located in a privileged setting, surrounded by coffee plantations, forests, and abundant nature. This wonderful coffee tour is a unique sensory experience that allows you to learn about the entire coffee production process, from the seed to the cup. During the tour, you will be told stories about the local coffee tradition, the culture of the farm, and rural life in the Colombian Coffee Region.The tour will take you among the coffee plants, observing how the beans grow and learning to differentiate the various types of plants and fruits. You will discover how the harvest of ripe beans is carried out and how the best fruits are selected to produce high-quality coffee.You will also learn about the stages of processing, fermentation, drying, and roasting of coffee, gaining knowledge of artisanal techniques that ensure an exceptional final product. At the end, you will be able to taste the freshly prepared coffee, appreciating its aromas, flavors, and notes that make it unique in the region. To make the most of your experience, wear comfortable shoes and light clothing, as you will walk along trails and coffee plantations. Starting early in the morning is usually ideal to better enjoy the activity and the freshly harvested coffee. Afterwards you will leave the green hills of the coffee zone and drive through impressive landscapes to the city of Medellín, known as the “City of Eternal Spring”. There you will be able to visit various places that will take you on a journey through a part of Colombia’s history.

Medellín – the “city of eternal spring” – is considered the most innovative city in Latin America today. Its history is closely linked to the life and work of Pablo Escobar and extreme gang violence. In the last twenty years, however, Medellín has undergone a drastic transformation. An innovative urban development programme has transformed the face of one of the world’s most dangerous cities into a model of urban change. Explore the second largest city in Colombia. Wander through the colourful hustle and bustle of the city centre to the famous Plaza Botero and marvel at the statues of Fernando Botero, which have since become the city’s landmark. Take the cable car up to the Santo Domingo district, once notorious for its gang violence. The cable car was developed to connect the city centre and the poor districts and thus involve the people living there in city life. Afterwards, you will admire Medellín’s latest innovation to improve the quality of life of the population – the unique open-air escalators of Comuna 13 (the details of the tour can be arranged on site with the guide according to your wishes).

Transfer from the hotel to José María Córdova airport. Flight from Medellín to Santa Marta. Nestled between lush tropical vegetation and the Caribbean coast, Hotel Villa Tayrona offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the entrance of Tayrona National Natural Park. Surrounded by nature, this charming eco-style property provides a relaxed atmosphere ideal for travelers looking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the region’s biodiversity. The hotel features comfortable rooms designed with natural materials and local touches, blending simplicity with functionality. Guests can enjoy open-air spaces, a refreshing swimming pool, and tropical gardens that attract birds and wildlife, creating a serene environment throughout the property. Its strategic location makes it a perfect base for exploring Tayrona’s iconic beaches, hiking trails, and rich ecosystems, while still offering easy access and a tranquil setting away from the crowds. Whether you’re preparing for an adventure in the park or unwinding after a day of exploration, Hotel Villa Tayrona delivers an authentic and relaxing Caribbean experience.

Tayrona National Natural Park is a sanctuary of biodiversity, where unspoiled beaches, tropical forests, and archaeological remains of the Tayrona culture come together. This natural setting, of high biological, scenic, and cultural value, invites visitors to disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in the peace and beauty of this Caribbean paradise.In the Neguanje sector, the experience begins with a stop at the Siete Olas (Seven Waves) viewpoint, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Caribbean Sea, with rows of waves breaking rhythmically on the shore—hence the name. From there, the route descends to Neguanje Bay, whose name comes from an ancestral Indigenous language meaning “Sea of deep and crystalline waters.” This bay, still used today by Indigenous communities for spiritual rituals, maintains its sacred atmosphere and sense of seclusion.Surrounded by hills that seem to melt into the sea, the landscape creates a tranquil and introspective environment.From Neguanje, a short 5-minute boat ride takes you to the highlight of the tour: Playa Cristal, also known as “Playa del Muerto.” With its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs, it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful destinations in the park—ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying nature. For those seeking more adventure, Playa Cristal is also a perfect spot for snorkeling, offering the chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and observe a wide variety of tropical fish.The tour departs from Santa Marta toward the park’s western entrance. After about 30 minutes on a paved road, the journey continues on an unpaved track through the dry tropical forest of the Sierra foothills, reaching Neguanje Bay (approx. 1 hour total). From there, the group boards a boat to Playa Cristal. You’ll have plenty of free time to swim, relax by the sea, enjoy a local lunch, or simply unwind in the shade of the coastal trees. Around 4:00 p.m., the return to Santa Marta begins, concluding an unforgettable visit to one of Tayrona’s most iconic places.

After spending time in the landscapes of Tayrona, crossing the Magdalena River, through the fishing villages, and arrive in the pearl of the Caribbean, Cartagena. Upon arrival you can relax at the hotel or take a walk through the colorful streets and learn about the daily life of this city.

Cartagena is a beautiful city that exhibits all the charm of its colors, climate, warm people and historical legacy. With this city tour of Cartagena, you will have the opportunity to discover the most incredible places of the city in a short time, accompanied by a guide who will open the doors to the city and its history. This tour begins with a visit to the San Felipe Castle, a fort built by the Spanish on top of a mountain to gain control of the bay. There, you will have the opportunity to discover the impressive architecture and history behind it.You will continue with a pleasant walk through the Historic Center where you will visit the Clock Tower in the Plaza de la Aduana, a place used for the trade of enslaved Africans during the colonial period. Then you will walk to the square in front of the San Pedro Claver Church, a historic church that exhibits art and religious history. In that square we will have a short break for a refreshing juice or coffee. From there, we continue to Plaza de Bolivar surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic colonial buildings.Finally we will leave through the Clock Tower to pass by Centenario Park, a beautiful oasis in the middle of downtown where free sloths, marmosets, iguanas and other animals live and finish our tour in Getsemaní, a special neighborhood, very colorful, full of graffiti, flowers, colorful houses and music everywhere.

After a leisurely breakfast, take a stroll through the historic old town – the alleyways characterised by colonial architecture, pastel-coloured houses with lush flowering balconies and the old city walls invite you to explore and take photos. A visit to the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas fortress not only provides a historical insight, but also a sweeping view over the city and the Caribbean Sea. Later in the day, a sundowner on one of the rooftop bars – with a view of the cathedral or the sunset over the sea, for example – rounds off the afternoon. In the evening, Cartagena pulsates in the streets: Whether it’s a live salsa band on the Plaza de la Trinidad, street food from local stalls or a romantic candlelit dinner – the day ends in a lively, sensual and unforgettable way. Cartagena is a city full of colour, warmth and vibrancy – a day off here feels like a short journey to another, more magical time.

Transfer from the hotel to Cartagena airport. It is time to say goodbye to Colombia. You will leave your hotel and begin your journey home.