Essential Colombia - 9 Days
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Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
This is the start of an exciting journey through a country that has so much diversity and beautiful places it will take your breath away. We will give you a warm welcome at the airport and your private driver will bring you to your centrally located hotel in the capital city of Colombia. (-/-/-) Day 2: City Walking tour & Biking Tour Tour Bogotá
Today you will take part in the Ciclovia and explore the city of Bogota by bike. The “Ciclovia” takes place on Sundays and holidays in the capital city and about 200km of main roads are closed for everyone who wants to be active with his bike, jogging, on rollerblades, going out with the dog or the whole family! In many parks there are also free aerobic classes where everyone can take part! Enjoy a great local unique experience by being part of Bogotá’s Ciclovia! You will also visit Usaquen. This area is Locality number 1 in Bogotá and is located to the northeast of the city. Until 1777 it was an indigenous village and its inhabitants were displaced to the south due to a local law emitted by the Spaniards. Today is a bohemian area with lots of bars and restaurants, keeping its charm from colonial times. Your visit to this area of the city includes a walking tour around it, visiting the church, main square and main streets. On Sunday mornings there is a nice market to visit where you can find handicrafts and fruits from all over the country. Today you will also visit the historic downtown of Bogotá “La Candelaria” with its magnificent churches, the government palace and the "Plaza Bolivar.” Furthermore, you will visit the museum of Botero (closed on Tuesdays) where you can marvel at the many great art works of the famous Colombian artist – for example the “Mona Lisa” in exaggerated shape and the famous and Unique Gold Museum Bogotá is an inspiring city that has something new to offer every day. In 2010, Bogotá was selected as a Must See Destination by the renowned newspaper The New York Times. Dive into a city that offers a variety of art & culture, recreation, sports and science. (B/-/-) Day 3: Visit of the salt mine Nemocon
Today you will visit the salt mine of Nemocon. This adventure leads you 60 meter underneath the ground with shafts of a total length of 2.500 meters. Be amazed by impressive rock and salt formations, the mirror like lakes and fond of wishes. Furthermore you will visit the chapel “La Virgen del Carmen” and the heart of the Nemocon mine. Then you will back to Bogotá to catch your flight to the coffee region. Now it is time to try the best coffee of the world and get to know Colombia’s coffee plantations. You will continue your journey to one of the most beautiful regions of Colombia: the coffee triangle. (B/-/-) Day 4: Visit wax palm forest Valle del Cocora & colonial town Salento
Today you will go on another tour visiting the colonial town of Salento and Valle del Cocora. The area of Salento will impress you with great scenery - led by the stunning nature of Valle de Cocora. Wax palms, which are among the highest in the world and can reach a height of up to 70 meters, will catch your attention. Enjoy a walk in this beautiful environment of Colombian´s national tree. Besides you will visit the small town of Salento, in which you can explore the interesting and ancient architecture. Also enjoy a "traditional meeting with the Colombian drink at Cafe Jesus Martin" which includes a discussion group about specials coffees, coffee brewing, art late sample and cappuccino and cake tasting. (B/L/-) Day 5: Coffee Farm Experience and Orchid Farm visit
Today you will head into the direction of Manizales and visit an orchid farm which is run by a local family for over 40 years with the largest collection of orchids in Colombia, situated among the mountains, in the heart of the coffee region. Learn about the unique orchid species and enjoy the magnificent scenery. One of the family members will take you through the amazing collection of orchids which by the way has also won many prices and will make this an even more unique experience. Furthermore you can observe hummingbirds in this lovely finca. You will also learn everything about the world of coffee. The entire process - from the bush until the finished cup of coffee – during this unique tour you can experience this process on a coffee plantation first hand. Your coffee expert will share his whole knowledge of coffee with you and will reveal some secrets of planting, harvesting, washing and drying the coffee. Get carried away by the smell and taste of one of the best coffees of the world – the Colombian one! In the afternoon you will continue your journey to Medellín from Pereira. Flight not included. (B/-/-) Day 6: City Tour with focus on transformation of the city
Slightly more than 20 years ago, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90s, hunting on Pablo Escobar, the head of Medellin's drug cartel was at its peak. Thus the reign of “El Patrón” came to its end. |
2017 Prices per person, in US$: (double occupancy): $1510 per person with 3* hotels, $1545 per person with 4* hotels Included:
*All transfers, entrance fees and excursions as mentioned in the description *Accommodation as mentioned in the description (DBL STD room) *Local English speaking guides for tours & Spanish speaking drivers for transfers *Meals as mentioned in the description / Hotels always have breakfast included Not Included: *Domestic and International flights *Optional Tours *Soft and alcoholic drinks *Tips, extras and personal expenses *Meals non mentioned in itinerary *Activities - items not mentioned in itinerary Hotels:
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Until the turn of the millennium, the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education - successfully. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Join us on an exciting tour through the history and present of Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis. (B/-/-)
Day 7: Walking Tour in Cartagena
After exploring this beautiful region of Colombia, you will continue your journey to the Caribbean Coast to Cartagena (flight not included) which is one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia, also known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean". It preserves the past and the memories of the struggles of that time. Besides you will experience the attractions, Cartagena offers such as cultural festivals, beautiful beaches, fine dining, a lively nightlife and a significant hotel and tourism infrastructure.
During your walking tour through the old city you will pass the representing streets and squares of the colonial city. Visit the church and the monastery of San Pedro Claver, the palest of inquisition, the gold museum of Zenú (closed on Mondays), the cathedral, the church of Santo Domingo, and the barricade of Santo Domingo, Santiago and San Francisco Javier as well as other famous places.
Enjoy strolling through charming, romantic alleys and admire impressive colonial buildings as well as the city wall and the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, which was built during Spanish colonial times. The Inquisition Palace and the historic clock tower also bear memories of old times which make them liven up again in current times. Besides enjoy the nice warm breeze and relax in one of the beautiful natural parks in Cartagena. Cartagena de Indias is an impressive city that holds the secrets of its history in its walls, in the balconies of its buildings and its narrow cobblestone streets. (B/-/-)
After exploring this beautiful region of Colombia, you will continue your journey to the Caribbean Coast to Cartagena (flight not included) which is one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia, also known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean". It preserves the past and the memories of the struggles of that time. Besides you will experience the attractions, Cartagena offers such as cultural festivals, beautiful beaches, fine dining, a lively nightlife and a significant hotel and tourism infrastructure.
During your walking tour through the old city you will pass the representing streets and squares of the colonial city. Visit the church and the monastery of San Pedro Claver, the palest of inquisition, the gold museum of Zenú (closed on Mondays), the cathedral, the church of Santo Domingo, and the barricade of Santo Domingo, Santiago and San Francisco Javier as well as other famous places.
Enjoy strolling through charming, romantic alleys and admire impressive colonial buildings as well as the city wall and the castle of San Felipe de Barajas, which was built during Spanish colonial times. The Inquisition Palace and the historic clock tower also bear memories of old times which make them liven up again in current times. Besides enjoy the nice warm breeze and relax in one of the beautiful natural parks in Cartagena. Cartagena de Indias is an impressive city that holds the secrets of its history in its walls, in the balconies of its buildings and its narrow cobblestone streets. (B/-/-)
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Day 8: City Tour in Cartagena
Today you will explore Cartagena which is one of the main tourist attractions in Colombia, also known as the "Pearl of the Caribbean" and it is the main destination for culture and history. 1984 Cartagena has been declared as a World Culture Heritage by the UNESCO. The city combines an impressive, modern and colonial architecture created by the Spanish. It preserves the past and the memories of the struggles of that time. During your city tour you will visit two monuments which are of great historical value outside the old city. San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress in order to defend the city. The monastery and the church of La Candelaria on the hill de La Popa are outstanding examples of religious and colonial architecture. From here you will enjoy an amazing view. (B/-/-) |
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Day 9: Flight to Bogotá / departure
Today it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful country of Colombia which has surely enchanted you with its diverse, beautiful landscapes and its friendly people. You will return to Pereira and will be taken to the airport, where you will take your flight and head back home with a lot of new impressions and experiences that will last a lifetime. (B/-/-)
Today it is time to say goodbye to the beautiful country of Colombia which has surely enchanted you with its diverse, beautiful landscapes and its friendly people. You will return to Pereira and will be taken to the airport, where you will take your flight and head back home with a lot of new impressions and experiences that will last a lifetime. (B/-/-)
