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San Pedro Claver Plaza, Cartagena

Colombia Highlights

Bogota to Cartagena - Example 9 Day Tour
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On this 9-day tour, you'll enjoy some of the favorite destinations in Colombia. Start your journey in the vibrant city of Bogota, where you'll find spectacular churches, learn about local food, and dance the traditional salsa. Next, head deep into Salamina, one of Colombia's splendid and historical towns, and visit the Wax Palm reserve. Learn about the coffee world and explore the Hacienda Venecia coffee farm, where you will experience every stage of the coffee production process as it happens and enjoy an authentic glimpse of life on a coffee farm. Lastly, discover Cartagena's rich culture and well-preserved colonial architecture, arts, music, food, and culture. Visit multiple parts of Colombia and see the best that each place has to offer. 
Sunset over CartagenaThe colorful streets of CartagenaArchitecture of CartagenaSunset over Cartagena, ColombiaSan Pedro Claver Plaza, Cartagena
Highlights
  • Enjoy a guided tour through the vibrant city of Bogotá
  • Explore spectacular churches in Bogota
  • Visit Mirador Valle de la Samaria Wax Palm in Salamina
  • Learn about Colombia's coffee culture and visit local coffee farm
  • Discover Cartagena's rich culture and well-preserved colonial architecture
  • Experience swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters of Tierra Bomba Island
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Bogota

Upon arrival at El Dorado Airport, a private vehicle will transfer you to your hotel in Bogota. This afternoon is a great opportunity to stretch your legs after your flight and do some exploring on your own, book an optional on-site activity, or simply relax and enjoy yourself at the hotel.
 

Day 2: Bogota City & Monserrat Tour

Bogota is a lively city, brimming with color, contrast, and history. Today, in this five-hour tour your host will take you on a private walking tour to the most iconic locations in Bogota. The walking tour begins in the historical center of the city, at Monserrate, a church at the top of a mountain. The views from Monserrat will provide an appreciation of how big and diverse Bogota is. Next, head to the barrio (neighborhood) La Candelaria, where your host will share both the official and non-official, but arguably just as important, history of the country. Along the way, try some typical snacks and coca tea while exploring one of the oldest and most traditional handicraft markets downtown.

Day 3: Fly to Pereira | Salamina

After breakfast, a private transfer will take you to El Dorado airport with an approximate travel time of 30 minutes, to catch your flight. 

A private vehicle will take you from Matecaña Airport to your hotel in Salamina to settle in. 

Explore an authentic small Colombian town on this walking tour, experiencing the coffee region’s architectural and cultural charm. Discover delightful old houses, and famous carved wooden windows and doors, and visit key sites like the church and cemetery with your guide. Stop at Salamina’s oldest bakery to sample local snacks along the way.

Duration: 3 hours approximately.

Day 4: San Felix | Mirador Valle de La Samaria Wax Palm Tour

Depart from Salamina aboard a traditional local jeep for a scenic one-hour drive through the Central Andes Mountains of Colombia. First, explore the charming village of San Felix, known for its colorful facades and welcoming locals.

After enjoying coffee and snacks in San Felix, continue to the Samaria Valley, renowned for its giant wax palms, Colombia’s national tree. Unlike the crowded Cocora Valley, Samaria boasts three times as many of these impressive 60-meter-tall trees and attracts fewer tourists. Embark on a guided hike through the valley's forests, led by a host dedicated to conserving and protecting these endangered species. Marvel at the hundreds of wax palms thriving in their natural habitat, including seedlings that illustrate their remarkable growth.

Conclude with a hearty local lunch overlooking the valley before returning to Salamina by jeep.

Day 5: Manizales | Hacienda Venecia Farm

Following breakfast, get ready for transfer to Hacienda Venecia. A private car and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Salamina and take you to Hacienda Venecia. Spend the rest of the day settling in and exploring the surroundings.

Approximate duration: 2.5 hours.

This is your chance to venture out independently, opt for an on-site activity, or unwind and indulge in the hotel's amenities.

Day 6: Hacienda Venecia Farm

Embark on the Hacienda Venecia Coffee Tour, an immersive journey into the world of coffee and exploration of a working coffee farm. Experience every stage of coffee production firsthand against the backdrop of this picturesque farm.

The group tour begins at the Coffee Lounge, nestled in the heart of the plantation. This building showcases traditional regional architecture with a blend of industrial and natural materials like bamboo. Throughout the tour, delve into various aspects of coffee, a symbol of the region and Colombia known globally. Topics covered include origin, history, global distribution, coffee species, cultivation and harvesting (with a walk through the coffee plantation), processing (visiting the operational wet mill on weekdays), marketing (including the Juan Valdez brand), roasting techniques, coffee aromas and properties, Cafe de Colombia and its institutions, and the Coffee Cultural Landscape (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

This interactive experience allows you to explore, touch, taste, and appreciate coffee and its production process fully. Engage with your knowledgeable guides and workers, ask questions, and uncover the nuances of this beloved beverage.
 

Day 7: Fly to Cartagena | Walking City Tour

From the hotel, a private transfer will take you to Matecaña Airport with a travel time of around 1 hour and 30 minutes to catch your flight to Cartagena. 

A private vehicle will take you from Rafael Nuñez Airport to your hotel. Travel time would take 20-30 minutes.

Designated as a UNESCO Heritage site in 1984, Cartagena is celebrated for its vibrant diversity and well-preserved architecture.

Join a guided walking tour through Cartagena's stunning old town with the expert English-speaking guide. Explore key landmarks and discover the city's rich history and contemporary charm. Your guide will highlight architecture, art, music, cuisine, and culture. This 2-hour tour features various street food tastings, so come with an appetite!

Day 8: Blue Apple Beach

What’s a Caribbean visit without a beach day? Start your morning with a 30-minute boat ride to Tierra Bomba Island in the Rosario Islands.

Spend the day unwinding in a beach chair with turquoise waters at your feet at Blue Apple Beach House, an exclusive private beach club. Enjoy fresh, local seafood at their top-notch restaurant. Relax by the pool in a hammock, sip cocktails at the bar, or indulge in a beachside massage. Take a swim in the clear Caribbean waters at your leisure.

Return by boat around 4:00 or 5:30 pm, soaking in the serene atmosphere as the sun sets.

Day 9: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
A private car and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Rafael Nuñez Airport in time for your flight. Travel time is 20-30 minutes, 

Accommodations

Bantu Boutique Hotel

Hotel Entrance
Hotel Reception Area
Hotel Colonial Architecture

La Casa De Lola Garcia Hotel Boutique - Salamina

Hacienda Venecia Coffee Lodge

Hacienda Venecia Coffee Lodge
Hacienda Venecia Coffee Lodge
Outdoor Swimming Pool

HAB Hotel

Lobby
Cafe
Bar

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,421 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 3 Dinners
  • 8 Nights Accommodations
  • 5 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Domestic Flights
  • Carbon Offset Fee 
  • Professional local English speaking guides throughout your tour
  • Street food tastings
  • Guided hikes. 
  • Entrance into wax palm tree forest.
  • Round trip transfer from Salamina in Jeep
  • Insurance is included in the Mirador Valle de La Samaria Wax Palm Tour.
  • Entry into three patrimonial houses
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • International Flights
  • Entrance Fee to Cartagena Old Town

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
Justin Chappelle

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