Discover Colombia | January 19th, 2024

$6299 $5999 per person

⭐⭐⭐⭐+

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and reflects early booking discount (land only) – Rates are based on a minimum of 18 guests

Single Supplement: $1900 CAD (If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details)

Early Booking Price Expires August 1st, 2023 or until sold out

OPTIONAL 3 NIGHT TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK - PRE-EXTENSION

4 Day/3 Night Tayrona National Park Pre Extension – $1599 CAD per person based on twin share (based on 6+ guests) Singles Add $500 CAD:

$250 CAD per person deposit, remaining balance due at final payment

Includes: Roundtrip flight from Bogota to Santa Marta, including all taxes. Private transfers & excursions with bilingual speaking guide. Arrival and departure transfers between Santa Marta Airport and your accommodation in Tayrona National Park. Our transfer rate includes transportation for one suitcase per person up to 23 kg (50 pounds) plus one hand luggage. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please notify us in advance to assign a vehicle with sufficient capacity for the transfer (at extra cost). Tips for porters at the airport and the hotel. Check-in time is from 3:00 pm and check-out between 11:00 am-1:00pm. Early check-in or late check-out are not included. One bottle of water per person, per day. Tips for drivers and guides from day 1 to day 4.

Not Included: Extra expenses not indicated in description

Tuesday, January 16th | Bogota to Tayrona National Park
Depart on a mid-morning flight from Bogota to Santa Marta (90 minute flight each way). Upon arrival at Santa Marta airport, be transferred privately to the EcoHabs property, your home for the next 3 nights. Enter the park at El Zaino, one of the main entrances and drive on a further 15 minutes to Cañaveral. Check-in and the rest of the day free to relax.

MEALS: – / – / –

Accommodation: Ecohabs Tayrona | Deluxe Bungalows

The Ecohabs is a colony of Tayrona huts, cabin style, on a coastal hill, located in Tayrona National Park, 15 minutes from the main entrance “El Zaino”.

The 14 Ecohabs are divided into:
3 Superior Ecohabs: with 1 double bed on the second level (up to 2 people) and a small living room with hammocks on the first level
11 Deluxe Ecohabs: with 1 double bed and 2 single beds on the second level (up to 4 people) and a living room with hammocks on the first level.

All have private bathrooms with hot water, minibar, coffee maker, satellite T.V., ceiling fans,safety box and telephone for internal calls. The Ecohabs have two floors: on the first floor is the bathroom, and on the second floor is the room. The stairs that connect both floors are located outside the Ecohabs.

In order to get to the cabins, it is necessary to climb stairs. The number of stairs will depend on the location of the Ecohab. The ones located on the top have a better view.

Wednesday, January 17th | Full Day Tayrona National Park – Cañaveral & Arrecifes
Leave from Cañaveral, walking through the forest and its different micro climates begin. Birds are in abundance and on some occasions might be possible to see squirrels and monkeys playing in the trees.

After roughly 45 minutes walking, arrive at Arrecifes, one of the park’s most scenic and beautiful areas, which will astounds you with its beauty and drama with restless seas crashing on huge boulders. Continue by walking along the coast to La Piscina, a naturally calm stretch of beach ideal for bathing.

Then, head on to El Cabo de San Juan de Guía which leaves an indelible mark on your memory due to its enormous boulders. Enjoy a free time in the beach to rest or take a bath. Return to Cañaveral in the afternoon.

MEALS: B / L

Accommodation: Ecohabs Tayrona | Deluxe Bungalows

Thursday, January 18th | Tayrona National Park

Image above courtesy of “Pro Colombia’

Free day to relax on the beach or enjoy individual activities such as mini treks to Pueblito, snorkeling, rent horses, bicycles or kayaks.

MEALS: B / – / –

Accommodation: Ecohabs Tayrona | Deluxe Bungalows

Friday, January 19th | Flight from Santa Marta to Bogota to commence “Discover Colombia” small group departure.
Transfer to the Santa Marta airport for your departing flight back to Bogota

MEALS: B / – / –

January 19th to February 1st, 2024

Join Gerry Tiede, Past President of BCRTA and ACER-CART, to uncover the beauty and diversity of Colombia! The second most biodiverse country in the world. Gerry and his wife, Jeanie, have led several BCRTA group departures to Portugal, Morocco, Egypt and Croatia! We hope you will join us!

Join us on this amazing trip to Colombia! We will be limiting this group departure to 24 participants.

3 Nights: Bogota – Sofitel Victoria Regia (5*)

3 Nights: Coffee Region (Pereira) – San Carlos Lodge (4*)

1 Night: Guatape – Hotel Los Recuerdos (3*)

2 Nights: Medellin – Hotel Park 10 (4*)

4 Nights: Cartagena – Hotel Nacar Cartagena (4*)

Highlights:

Admire the city of Bogota from Monserrate Hill
Welcome Dinner at Criterion, awarded best restaurant in Colombia multiple times
Coffee Tour and tasting in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle
Experience the incredible beauty of Cocora National Park. Home of the Wax Palm tree, the national tree of Colombia
Witness the incredible transformation of Comuna 13 in Medellin
Experience a birds eye view of Medellin as you travel across the city by Metro Cable Car
Enjoy a boat cruise on the lakes of Guatape
Stay 4 Nights in the Old Walled City of Cartagena
Full day excursion to the Rosario Islands
Farewell Dinner in one of Cartagena’s Top Restaurants

What’s Included:

All sightseeing and meals as per itinerary (26 meals – 13 Breakfasts, 9 lunches, 4 Dinners), all tipping for drivers and guides, all entrance fees as per itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, private English Speaking guide throughout the entire trip, local specialty guides, all taxes, 3 domestic flights within Colombia (Bogota to Pereira | Pereira to Medellin | Medellin to Cartagena)

Not Included:

*International airfare

*Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway

Out of Country Cancellation and Medical Insurance is mandatory (proof of insurance coverage will be required)

Optional Pre Extension:

3 Night Tayrona National Park Pre-Extension – $1599 CAD per person based on twin share (based on 6+ guests) Singles Add $500

$250 CAD per person non-refundable deposit, remaining balance due at final payment

Terms and Conditions:

$500 per person deposit | If you cancel prior to July 1st, 2023, then $250 per person is refunded and the remaining $250 per person becomes a Future Travel Credit to be used on any TMJ group departure up to 2 years beyond original date of travel. Deposit becomes non-refundable and cannot be converted to a Future Travel Credit after July 1st, 2023

Final Balance: November 19th, 2023 (100% non-refundable after final payment)

Call for assistance: 1-800-481-9739 ext 3

Mention Group Booking Number: BCRTACOLOMBIA

Reservation Form

14 Days/13 Nights

26 Meals

Group Departures

Guided Tours

South America and Antarctica

Trip Merchant Journeys Group Departures

Destination

Colombia
Arrival City

Bogota, Colombia
Departure City

Cartagena, Colombia
Activity Level

You must be in good physical condition to comfortably enjoy this tour. Certain portions are at high altitude, involve walking up stairs, cobblestones and/or on uneven ground, and combine some longer and shorter days.
Passenger Limit

24 Guests

From Our Gallery

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Friday, January 19th: Welcome to Bogota, Colombia

Depart from home. Please ensure that any flights booked arrive into Bogota by Friday, January 19th. The best flight schedule to get to Colombia connects through Toronto. The overnight flight from Toronto arrives into Bogota at approximately 5 am. Upon arrival proceed through customs and collect your luggage. As the flight arrival into Bogota is approximately at 5 AM, we will start your journey with a visit to a local market called "La Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao"', one of the largest and most recognized local markets in Bogotá, where all traditional products and ingredients of Colombian cuisine can be found.

Try some of the exotic fruits, local doughs, and Colombian cheese. Known to the vendors and the local cooking techniques; visit the flower market and the popular food stalls to feel a true local experience. Afterwards enjoy an early lunch at "La Herencia". They opened their doors in December 2011, to satisfy the desires of lovers of Colombian gastronomy. Their dishes are like those of yesteryear, cooking with the secrets of their grandmothers. After lunch you will be transferred to your hotel, the charming Sofitel Victoria Regia, in the northern section of Bogota located in an area known for its great restaurants. Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)

Sofitel Victoria Regia offers the exclusive Basilic Restaurant which specializes in French cuisine, 24 hour room service, a bar, disabled facilities, self-service business center, dry cleaning service, a fitness centre, beauty salon and massage area. The property is known for its elegance, comfort and its exceptional personalized service. It has a key location in the northern area of Bogota at La Cabrera neighbourhood, walking distance from La Zona Rosa. This area is well known within the city for its selection of designer boutiques, numerous restaurant and entertainment options, night life and shopping centres.

Meals Provided: Lunch

Saturday, January 20th: Bogota - Full Day City Tour - Welcome Dinner

This morning transfer to the historic centre of Bogotá, known as "La Candelaria". This archaic suburb is of great significance to the country's history due to its cultural heritage and is a prime example of Spanish colonial architecture. Visit the main square "Plaza de Bolivar", where a statue of the great emancipator Simón Bolívar is located. The plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes. It served as a marketplace, a bullring and also the site where many public executions were held.

The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza, is constructed on the same spot where the first church was built in Bogotá in 1539. The church houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artworks collected over over four centuries. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns. The central area of the Capitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. In the internal squares are busts of former presidents such as General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera, president over four terms, and Rafael Núñez, the composer of the Colombian National Anthem. Around the Plaza de Bolívar are buildings such as the Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices called the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in the country called "San Bartolomé and the Casa de los Comuneros", named after the leaders that participated towards the end of the XVII Century in some of the first movements towards independence from Spain and the formation of the Republic. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti.

Continue with the visit in the Sanctuary of Monserrate, a symbol of Bogotá. Take the cable car or funicular up to Monserrate at 500 metres above the city. The site offers the incredible panorama of the city on one side and the Andes on the other. Return to the hotel.

This evening enjoy a welcome dinner at "Criterion". The three-time Best Restaurant in Colombia from 2013 to 2015, Criterión is the flagship of the Rausch brothers, who own more than 10 restaurants across the country. Founded in 2004, it was one of the first in Colombia to serve a tasting menu and now offers two options: one focused on classics and another showcasing the bestselling dishes since the restaurant’s inception.

Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner

Sunday, January 21st: | Bogota – Half Day Zipaquira and Salt Cathedral

In the morning depart from Bogotá and head north, towards Zipaquirá. Travel through the Bogota Savannah and as you travel by, glance at the many flower crops along the way. Flower production is an important industry for the hundreds of people that live in the region.

After a journey of approximately 75 minutes reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true achievement of engineering. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues on to the dome. The dome is lit in such a way that it allows one to contemplate the universe and the relationship between man and nature. Later, reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, above which is the cross that measures 16m in height and 10m in breadth, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. This is the largest cross made from salt in the world. Next we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, January 22nd: Bogota – Pereira (Gateway to the Coffee Region)

After breakfast, transfer to El Dorado airport for a short domestic flight to the coffee region (Pereira). Enjoy the rest of the day to relax at your hotel set amidst its beautiful surroundings.

This region has been along the Central Andes Mountain Range which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers the perfect climatic conditions for coffee growing. This evening you will have an included dinner at your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel San Carlos Lodge, Coffee Region (Superior)

A natural environment to feel the silence and reconnect with the power of nature offered by the four elements, earth, air, water and fire are present in rivers, mountains, valleys and roads that are part of Casa San Carlos Lodge, a reserve where the exuberance of Colombia lives in one place.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Tuesday, January 23rd: Pereira – Half Day Coffee Tour and Coffee Tasting

After breakfast you will visit the Finca del Café, a place where coffee tastes better when you live the experience of the farm. Once you reach the farm, the tour begins with an expert who will take you through the coffee plantations, showing you how is the process from planting, manual picking and pulping.

After this, you will toast the beans of special coffee in a wood stove in the typical kitchen of the country house, here you can have an authentic coffee experience. During the tour, you will have several stations with viewpoints made in bamboo where you will appreciate the coffee landscape and the natural environment of the place.

Finally, you will go to the innovative drying process of the coffee bean and then to the coffee processing center. Return to the hotel. Free afternoon and overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel San Carlos Lodge, Coffee Region (Superior)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Wednesday, January 24 : Pereira – Full Day Valle del Cocora, Salento & Filandia

After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. This makes part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados and is the ideal place to marvel at the “Quindian wax palm” (Ceroxylon quincense), the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. Around here a great number of species of birds live, in particular some types of hummingbird and the orejíamarillo or the palm parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti) which is endangered.

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. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Then you can have a typical lunch 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 Bolivar and the coffee shops. Enjoy a lunch from a scenic location here to admire the beauty of the surrounding countryside.

Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel San Carlos Lodge, Coffee Region (Superior)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Thursday, January 25th: Pereira – Medellin - Guatape

After breakfast, transfer to Pereira airport for a domestic flight to Medellín. Upon arrival transfer directly to Guatape, a colourful town and overnight at your lakeside hotel.

Day at leisure. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Los Recuerdos: Guatape (Medium/Comfortable)

Hotel Los Recuerdos is located in Guatape directly on the man made lake. Which was created as a result of flooding that took place to complete the Hydroelectric dam. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi and Wi-Fi.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Friday, January 26th: Guatape – Full day El Peñol and Guatape – Medellín

This morning wake up rested and after a leisurely breakfast embark on a boat cruise of Guatapé reservoir. Many wealthy Colombians own lakeside homes here. Also see one of Pablo Escobar's former mansions "Hacienda Manuela", named after one of his daughters. In the middle of the reservoir is the Peñol Rock. Walk up the stairs if you are full of energy (OPTIONAL - there are 654 steps to get to the top – entrance fee not included), to view the entire Guatapé reservation, this is an optional activity.

Then stop at the village of Guatapé and enjoy an included lunch.

After lunch we will make our way to Medellin. This drive is approximately 2 hours. We will then check into our hotel in "'El Poblado", an upscale suburb of Medellin. This lively area is filled with chic cafes, fashion boutiques, and high-end restaurants (without the high priced tags).

Accommodation: Hotel Park 10: Medellin (Superior)

This elegant, all-suite hotel in an upscale neighborhood is 3 km from the Museo de Arte Moderno de Medellín. Featuring wood floors and furnishings, the polished 1-bedroom suites offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as living rooms, desks and marble bathrooms.

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Saturday, January 27th: Medellín – Full Day City Tour in Medellin.

After breakfast, start a full day visit to Medellin, visiting the areas wherein the social transformation that has shaped this beautiful city has been most profound. The tour allows participants to learn the history of a city that has been truly transformed since the 1980´s, when it was known to be one of most dangerous cities in the world as a result of drug-trafficking. Following the footsteps of Medellín’s history back in time about 20 years, find yourselves in what used to be one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In the early 90s, hunting for Pablo Escobar, the head of Medellín’s drug cartel, was at its peak. When the reign of “El Patrón” finally came to an end, struggles and fights for his succession started. In 2002, however, the city began to undergo a deep transformation. Local politicians gave it a try and started to invest in infrastructure and public education. The city is still reaping the rich rewards today. Medellín has turned into one of the most innovative cities in the world.

Take the Metro Cable to San Javier, which in its past was an area of violence and gangs in Medellin. The cable car was built to make the city centre more accessible to people from the suburbs, and allows visitors a glimpse of the life of the marginalized population. Travel through Medellín history and learn more about the transformation of the fascinating “City of Eternal Spring”. Discover more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar and also get to know the innovative transport-system in the poorer neighbourhoods at first hand. Visit the district Comuna 13 and its ingenious electric stairs, where you can see another innovative project that has improved the lives of its inhabitants. Have another beautiful view of the city from the balconies of San Javier, enjoy street art and graffitis, which are not only artistic expression, but also have a strong cultural and political component.

Then you will have a brief review of what "Las Berracas" are, a community project in the Comuna 13 that empowers woman victims from the violence and single mothers that every day invent new ways to take the community forward. Learn how the project was born, its approach and future prospect. You will visit "Las Berracas" house to get to know all the information about the book “El caso de las Berracas de la 13” (The case of Las Berracas of the 13th) and understand the context of this social project, what have been the contributions to the community until today and how they intend to continue advancing by the hands of the community women. Here you will enjoy a typical lunch.

Have a look at the history of the city by visiting the Cerro Nutibara, its "Pueblito Paisa" and enjoying a panoramic view of the city. Explore Berrio Park and the famous Plaza Botero with an exhibition by the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose 23 sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Enjoy the rest of your evening at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Park 10: Medellin (Superior)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Sunday, January 28th: Medellin – Cartagena - Salsa Lesson

Transfer to Medellin airport for your flight to Cartagena. Cartagena is one of the world's most beautiful cities! When you enter into the old walled city, you will know why! Founded in the 16th century, filled with squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings and located on the Caribbean coast. Upon arrival, reception and transfer your hotel within the old walled city. In the afternoon, enjoy a salsa lesson in a place walking distance from the hotel. Overnight stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar Cartagena 4* (Deluxe)

Housed in a restored historic landmark, our hotel features two towers offering an authentic, colonial ambiance as well as a modern elegance. The Walled City, Torre del Reloj, and Plaza Santo Domingo are less than a km away and we’re six km from Rafael Núñez International Airport. Enjoy snacks and cocktails by the pool and city views from our terrace bar.

Meals Provided: Breakfast

Monday, January 29th: Cartagena – Full Day city tour in Cartagena

In the morning, start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Constructed in 1606 this church and monastery are located high above Cartagena, from where one can enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean.

Continuing to the San Felipe Fortress, erected in honour of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa” It was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways.

Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convert and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, 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 in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center where one can appreciate local handcraft.

After lunch, visit the city’s colonial district, starting in Bolivar Park, shaded by large trees and with four fountains the park has a statue of the great Liberator at the centre. Around the square is the Inquisition Palace, recognized for its large baroque style door. The Inquisition held its meetings here and it was also the prison and torture chambers of presumed heretics, opponents of the Catholic Church.

The visit continues to the Santo Domingo Church, the Cathedral and ends with 1-hour walking tour in Getsemani, an alternative, cool and cultural quarter, that will give you a deeper insight towards Cartagena.

Here the stories are told with present graffiti paintings with images of tropical scenes, palenqueras, and local flora and fauna.

Go to the street of La Sierpe (where all the murals are), the famous Umbrellas Street and the Trinidad Plaza, which has an historical, cultural and national value. Lunch at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel and enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar Cartagena 4* (Deluxe)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Tuesday, January 30th: Cartagena – Full day to Rosario Island

All day excursion to one of the islands of the Archipiélago del Rosario, located approximately one hour (45km) by boat from Cartagena. During the transfer, observe the impressive and beautiful landscapes of the islands with its clear waters and gentle breezes. Upon arrival to one of these islands, you will have free time to enjoy the beach, snorkel (not included) and relax. Lunch is served on the island and in the afternoon, return to Cartagena.

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar Cartagena 4* (Deluxe)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch

Wednesday, January 31st: Day of Leisure in Cartagena - Farewell dinner

Enjoy a full day of leisure to explore on your own.

This evening cap off this fabulous trip at Baruco restaurant, one of the top restaurants in the city!

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar Cartagena 4* (Deluxe)

Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner

Thursday, February 1st: Cartagena - Depart for home or ask us about an Island extension

After breakfast depart for your flight back home or perhaps add on an extension to one of the local islands for some sun and sand! Ask up about options.

Meals Provided: Breakfast