Colombia Highlights

You arrive in Bogotá and transfer by private vehicle from El Dorado International Airport to the hotel, a drive of approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Set high on the Andean plateau, Bogotá serves as Colombia’s political, cultural, and economic center, blending historic districts with modern urban life through museums, street art, local markets, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Upon arrival at the hotel, you check in and settle in for the evening. If you arrive earlier in the day, you may choose to request an early check-in or arrange a private city tour before hotel access, subject to availability. Otherwise, the remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after travel or explore nearby neighborhoods independently.

You explore Bogotá on a private guided city tour that introduces the capital cultural, historical, and social contrasts. The experience begins at Monserrate, a mountaintop church that offers sweeping views across the city and highlights the scale and diversity of Bogotá. From there, you continue on foot into La Candelaria, where your local guide shares both official and unofficial perspectives on Colombia history while walking through streets lined with colonial architecture and street art. Along the way, you sample typical local snacks and coca tea and visit one of the city oldest handicraft markets, gaining insight into everyday traditions and local life. The tour lasts approximately five hours and provides a detailed introduction to Bogotá through direct interaction with the city and its culture.

After breakfast, you transfer from your hotel to the airport in Bogota, a drive of approximately 45 minutes. You fly to Pereira, a flight that takes about one hour. Upon arrival at Matecaña Airport, a private vehicle transfers you to Salamina, a drive of approximately three and a half hours.

After checking in, you explore Salamina on a guided walking tour that introduces the town's architectural character and cultural heritage. You walk through streets lined with traditional houses known for carved wooden windows and doors, entering three of these traditional homes to appreciate the interior architecture. You also visit key landmarks such as the church and cemetery. The experience includes a stop at one of the town's oldest bakeries, where you sample local snacks while learning about everyday life in Colombia's Coffee Region.

You start this full-day tour by climbing aboard a traditional local jeep for a one-hour drive through the Central Andes Mountains. Before reaching the reserve, you stop in the charming village of San Felix to admire its colorful facades and enjoy local coffee and snacks. You continue to the Samaria Valley, a region home to Colombia’s national tree, the giant wax palm. This area hosts three times as many of these sixty-meter giants as the famous Cocora Valley but sees a fraction of the visitors.

You explore the valley on a guided hike, learning about the trees from a host who runs a conservation project dedicated to protecting this endangered species. You observe the wax palms in their natural habitat, seeing everything from tiny seedlings to fully grown giants. After a hearty local lunch overlooking the valley, you return by jeep to your hotel in Salamina.

After breakfast, you meet your private driver at your hotel in Salamina for the transfer to Hacienda Venecia. This drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Upon arrival, you settle into the Main House and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. You can explore the grounds on your own, relax at the hacienda, or arrange an optional on-site activity.

You explore the working coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia to understand the entire production process. You walk through the plantation to see how the crop is grown and harvested, then visit the wet mill to observe how the beans are processed. In the Coffee Lounge, you learn about the history of the region and the specific roasting techniques that define Colombian coffee.

Later, you join a chocolate workshop where you pick a fresh cacao pod from a tree and taste the raw bean. You roast and grind the beans yourself to experience the transformation from fruit to chocolate, finishing by creating your own custom treat to enjoy or take home.

Meet your driver at Hacienda Venecia and transfer to the airport in Pereira, a drive of approximately one and a half hours. You fly to Cartagena, a route that typically includes a connection in Bogota and takes approximately four hours. Upon arrival at Rafael Nuñez Airport, a private vehicle transfers you to your hotel in the Historic District, a short drive of about 20 minutes.

Once settled, you explore the city on a private guided walking tour of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your guide leads you through cobblestone streets to visit the main historical sites while sharing insights into the city's architecture, art, and modern culture. This tour lasts approximately two hours and starts directly from your hotel.

After breakfast, you walk from your hotel to the Bodeguita dock, a stroll of approximately 15 minutes, and board a boat for the 30-minute ride to Tierra Bomba Island. You spend the day at Blue Apple Beach House, a private beach club. 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 before returning to Cartagena by boat

Note: You will need to pay a small port tax in cash at the dock before boarding the boat.

Your Colombia adventure concludes today. A private driver meets you at your hotel for the transfer to Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena, a drive of approximately 20 minutes. You arrive in time to check in for your international flight home.