La Candelaria is the historic neighborhood of Bogota. The city was founded by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada who was drawn to the area by the myth of El Dorado; his tomb is in Catedral Primada in Bolivar Square.
Other important sights in Bogota include Parque Simon Bolivar, Iglesia de la Candelaria and the Banco de la Republica museum complex which includes the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum. Villa de Leyva is a popular day trip from Bogota and commanding views of the city can be had from the top of Cerro de Monserrate.
Medellin
Medellin is the home town of Fernando Botero whose world famous works are enduringly popular in South America. 23 sculptures can be seen in Plaza de las Esculturas and other works can be found around the city.
Medellin is referred to as the city of eternal spring on account of the year round mild temperatures. The pleasant climate makes a walk around the landscaped paths of the botanical gardens a refreshing experience.
Other highlights include the Museo de Antioquia, Arvi Park and a climb up Piedra de Penol for dramatic views. Pueblito Paisa is a replica Antioquian traditional village located on Nutibara Hill.
Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias has a long history as a trading port and Spanish fortifications such as the city wall and Castillo San Felipe de Barajas contribute to the city’s unique character which creates a wonderful high point of any Colombia tour.
Old town or downtown is the centre for colonial architecture. The official entrance to the old city is the Puerta del Reloj (Clock Gate). Here visitors can get a carriage ride in Plaza de los Coches (Square of Carriages) or set off on foot to enjoy the colorful balcony houses, numerous squares and the impressive churches.
Bocagrande is an area known for beaches, bars and restaurants. Day trips to the Islas del Rosario and Playa Blanca are popular.
Santa Fe de Antioquia
This small town was founded in the 16th Century and is virtually unchanged since the 1800s. The narrow streets, white washed houses and ornate Antioquian woodwork seen here give visitors the sense of traveling back through time.
Highlights include the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor fountain and the Iglesia de Santa Barbara. The town has bars, eateries and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Barichara
Barichara is idyllically located looking down to the Rio Suarez. The Catedral de la Immaculata Concepcion in Parque Principal is a beautiful eighteenth century building with an imposing exterior. Visit the Cemetery in Capilla de San Juan de Dios for an atmospheric experience. Appreciate both sculpture and fabulous views from Parque par las Artes.
Many hikers on a Colombia tour walk the 9 km trail along Camino Real from Barichara to Guane.
Guane
The village of Guane is a popular destination on Colombia tours. The main square has a statue of Guanenta; the last Guane cacique. See tapia pisada houses alongside the familiar hallmarks of colonial architecture and the serene Santa Lucia Church.
Petroglyphs and cave paintings left by the Guane people in the region are sometimes recreated on the walls of establishments in the village demonstrating how the past resonates through to the present day. The Archaeology and Paleontology Museum contains fossils, religious art and other interesting exhibits.
Excellent travel advice and service
This is my second experience working with Adventure Life. I’m sold. Jess Heuermann is an experienced traveler and provides a lot of useful information when planning a trip. These are the questions I like to ask at the outset - What’s it like to go here, there, what would you suggest, what do people report, can we add any additional side trips? Jess took the time to answer my questions and seek additional information to share with me. Petchie Colina is outstanding in helping with travel logistics and final preparations. Adventure Life has excellent guides and offers private guides and small group adventures. We enjoyed the opportunity to talk with the guides and drivers to learn more about their countries, cultures and histories. A highlight was having the guides pick local restaurants where we could share meals together. Highly recommend.
Claire Cordon
2 days ago
Our six-day tour in Iceland went smoothly with one exception. We had asked for two rooms each night. Somehow we were booked with one room with three beds. It could not be fixed at the first hotel in Reykjavik because the hotel was fully booked. Once informed of the problem, however, Adventure Life rebooked for two rooms for the remainder of the trip. As an 85-year-old traveler, I appreciated that one could participate at different physical levels at many of the stops. Iceland is a great place to visit but on the expensive side.
Mary Warren
3 days ago
Jess was very easy going and answered all our questions. It’s not easy dealing with 6 people at once but she did an outstanding job!
Diane Foster
5 days ago
Kassandra and the Adventure Life team have been incredible! Kassandra was very knowledgeable and attentive to our asks while making sure we kept within our budget. This was our first experience with a travel agent and we were blown away by the booking/initial exploration service. We will use Adventure Life again.