Contrasts of Colombia

Day 1 Bogota  
Welcome to Colombia’s capital city! Transfer from the airport to your hotel in time for a welcome meeting this evening.    

Day 2 Bogota    
Explore the city, starting with a visit to the farmers market at Paloquemao, with its overwhelming array of smells and colours. In the afternoon walk the colourful colonial streets of La Candelaria, before visiting the Museo Botero and the Gold Museum.    

Day 3 Bogota to Armenia  
Today fly to Armenia, an important coffee growing centre in the foothills of the Andes range. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the surrounding area.  

Day 4 Armenia to Cocora Valley  
After breakfast drive to Salento, a tiny town nestled in the central department of Quindio. Continue to Cocora Valley in the foothills of the Andes and enjoy amazing views while hiking amongst a multitude of towering wax palms. After a traditional lunch back in Salento, explore this charming town and its colourful architecture.    

Day 5 Cocora Valley  
Visit the local market at Santa Rosa, buying necessary ingredients for 'sancocho', a typical Colombian soup. Return to your hacienda where a local chef will assist you in making the dish, alongside some other tasty appetizers and drinks. This afternoon visit a coffee farm and learn about the entire process whilst indulging in a fresh coffee.    

Days 6-7 Cocora Valley to Medellin  
This morning fly to Medellin where you discover the city’s colourful past and present history, including its most infamous resident, Pablo Escobar. Travelling on foot and by cable car you will get to learn about the country's transformation. Day 7 is free for you to continue your explorations.  

Day 8 Medellin to Guatape Town  
Drive to the picturesque lakeside town of Guatape and marvel at gloriously painted houses. Visit the enormous rock of El Penol and get spoiled with stounding views of the town, the lake and neighbouring mountains.  

Day 9 Guatape Town to Santa Marta    
Fly to the colonial city Santa Marta, located on the Caribbean. This afternoon is free to explore the charming city, perhaps visit the Paseo el Camellon - the city's sea front.  

Day 10 Santa Marta to Tayrona NP  
Take a leisurely hike through rainforest paths and past rugged beaches before enjoying a swim at the national parks best beach, Cabo San Juan - a haven of luxurious emerald water and outstanding views of the tropical rainforest behind.  
NB: If Tayrona is closed, you will instead visit the Taironaka Nature Reserve, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, on the banks of the Don Diego River.    

Day 11 Tayrona NP to Cartagena  
Drive to Cartagena, where you can enjoy the afternoon at leisure before heading out in the evening to discover the city’s cobbled streets and sample the fantastic nightlife.  
   
Days 12-13 Cartagena  
Discover Cartagena’s beauty this morning, visit the ancient plazas, churches and colonial convents.    
The afternoon is free with many optional activities to choose from. Your tour comes to an end after breakfast on day 13.