Beautiful Colombia: 12-Nights

After breakfast, half day visit to the historic centre known as La Candelaria. This antiquated barrio is of great architectural and cultural heritage and is made up of old “stately homes” or large Spanish colonial buildings with iron windows, thick and sturdy wooden doors, balconies and internal patios with beautiful yet hidden gardens. Visit the Plaza de Bolívar, where a statue of the great liberator Simon Bolívar is located. This Plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes, as a marketplace, and at one time as a bullring and a gallows. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the remains of the first church built in Bogotá in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artefacts such as textiles and artwork that has been collected over four centuries. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and, it is the first republican piece of civil architecture. Around the Plaza de Bolívar are the Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices called the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in the county called San Bartolomé and the Casa de los Comuneros named after those who participated in the XV II Century in some of the first movements towards independence from Spain and the formation of the Republic. The visit continues with the Museo Botero, a colonial house filled with works of art done by and donated by Fernando Botero in addition to artwork from his own personal collection that includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Next is the Museo del Oro which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold.. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, return to Bogotá. On the way, take a break in the Saint Ecce Homo Monastery. Founded by the Dominicans in 1620, this was an important point of evangelization in a region populated by infidel Indigenous communities. Arrival at El Dorado Airport in Bogotá for departure flight to Pereira. Upon arrival, transfer and check in the hotel. Overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. Here you will see the "Quindin Wax Palm", the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (not included), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway which takes one past the tallest wax palms in the world.  Then you can have a typical lunch (not included) and enjoy some free time here. In the afternoon, continue 10km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colorful balconies, the calle real, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Then, transfer to the traditional village of Filandia to enjoy a city tour that includes the viewpoint, the colonial homes, the Plaza de Bolívar and the coffee shops.  Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Transfer to Pereira airport for departure flight to Cartagena (via Bogotá). Upon arrival, transfer and hotel checkin. Overnight stay.

Start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon. From here you enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port. Continuing to the San Felipe fortress. It was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn about how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground passageways. Then, go on to the Old Walled City to visit the Convent and Church of the San Pedro Claver compound which was built in the middle of the XV II century.  Lastly, follow to the handicrafts zone of the Bóvedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison. Free afternoon for individual activities. Overnight stay.

Free day for individual activities. A full day tour to the Archipiélago del Rosario is recommended. Overnight stay

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Accommodation: Hotel Cayena Beach Villa, Tayrona (Superior)

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Meals Provided: Breakfast

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Free day to relax, for beach activities or to organize excursions such as a walk to Pueblito, snorkeling or horseback riding. Overnight stay in the lodge.

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Accommodation: Hotel Cayena Beach Villa, Tayrona (Superior)

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Meals Provided: Breakfast

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Morning transfer to Santa Marta airport after breakfast.