Primely positioned directly over the equator and home to snow-capped peaks and glistening beaches, Colombia is a diverse country teeming with passionate culture. This nine day itinerary immerses you in a spectrum of historical interest, recreational fun and refined artistry. Begin with the top attractions of the nation’s high altitude, colonial era capital of Bogata, including the elegantly memorizing Gold Museum and panoramic views of the famed Montserrate sanctuary. In the rolling green hills of the coffee growing region, explore a variety of outdoor activities and perfect Caribbean cooking. Complete your adventure in magic with a visit to Old Cartagena, a16th century walled city of pastel hued pueblos and cobblestone streets where wandering is like time travel.
DAY;
1
ARRIVE BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
Welcome to Colombia! Upon arrival in Bogata, your guide greets you and privately transfers you to your hotel, the luxury, Spanish colonial style Four Seasons Casa Medina. In one of the most luxurious hotels of Bogota, no two rooms are alike; some feature high beamed ceilings and hand-crafted doors, while others boast details such as aged leather and nail-head trim, reflecting the roots of tradition, yet maintaining a sense of lightness and a contemporary edge. The effect is comfortably residential with the sophisticated polish and all the modern conveniences one expects of a hotel of this calibre.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Four Seasons Casa Medina
Meals
DAY;
2
BOGOTA CITY TOUR
Today, enjoy a full-day private guided tour of Bogota. Your expert guide introduces you the city’s highlights and the social and cultural issues of Colombia. Learn more about the daily life of Bogotanos and sample the best street food and tropical fruits of a South American market. Visit the Montserrate sanctuary, symbol of the Colombian capital, located on the Andes Mountain at 3,152 meters above sea level and offering a unique view of the city. Next, visit the Gold Museum, which houses up to 34,000 pieces of gold from 13 pre-Hispanic civilizations. As you walk the streets of La Candelaria, a traditional neighborhood that has seen the country’s history, admire the works of the greatest Colombian contemporary artist at the Botero Museum.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Four Seasons Casa Medina
Meals B
DAY;
3
BOGOTA TO COFFEE REGION
Privately transfer from your hotel to Bogota airport for your nonstop flight to Armenia in the Coffee Region. Flight: Bogota to Armenia Upon arrival, your guide will greet you at the airport and privately transfer you to Hacienda Bambusa (approx. 30 min away). After settling in, enjoy a 2.5-hour welcome hike on the property with a naturalist guide, passing through the cacao plantations and bamboo forest, and including some birdwatching.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hacienda Bambusa
Meals B,D
DAY;
4-5
EXPLORING THE COFFEE REGION
Spend two full days enjoying activities in the Coffee Region from Hacienda Bambusa with a private guide at your disposal during your entire stay. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking, visit local coffee plantations and villages, go bamboo rafting down the river with a picnic, visit the scenic Cocora Valley, and more! Or simply relax in the stunning natural setting and enjoy the Colombian countryside; mix activities with relaxation time as you wish.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Hacienda Bambusa
Meals B,L,D
DAY;
6
ARMENIA - BOGOTA - CARTAGENA
Take your private transfer to Armenia airport for your flight to the Caribbean coast today, via Bogota. Flight: Armenia to Cartagena, via Bogota Upon arrival, your guide greets you and privately transfers you to your boutique hotel (about a 15 minute drive) within the historic walled city. In the afternoon, enjoy a private guided introductory walking tour (approx. 3 hrs) in Old Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Casa San Agustin
Meals B
DAY;
7
BAZURTO MARKET / CARIBBEAN COOKING LESSON / LEISURE TIME
AM: Bazurto Market + Caribbean cooking lesson (5 hrs), with lunch. The Bazurto market is a traditional Caribbean open-air market, barely visited by tourists. Walk through a maze of alleys, where your tour guide will introduce you to different kinds of local fruits, herbs, vegetables, music, fish, seafood and meat. At the end of the tour, learn how to cook seafood, coconut rice and other specialties of Cartagena’s gastronomy. Our chef offers a presentation of ingredients before teaching you how to prepare some typical dishes. PM: At leisure. Have some time at leisure in the afternoon to explore the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Overnight Casa San Agustin
Meals B,L
DAY;
8
LA BOQUILLA / DAMARTES / PROBOQUILLA
This morning, start your half day tour to explore the fisherman village of La Boquilla and visit the project DAMARTES (‘Women and Mothers of Art’) which began with an association composed of 7 women. These days they produce jewelry, containers, vases, belts and accessories and are the first women of La Boquilla who live with their own incomes. Be invited to a very special workshop and make your own souvenir out of coconut. It is also possible to craft bracelets, keychains, earrings or necklaces. The workshop takes place in a rustic restaurant right on the beach of La Boquilla. Afterwards, visit a local foundation called Proboquilla, founded to provide quality education to children of La Boquilla. A representative describes more about the foundation´s daily challenges and you may possibly interact with some of the children. This afternoon is yours to further explore the city as you wish and at your leisure. Feel free to ask your Latin Excursions travel designer or hotel concierge for things to see, do, and eat!
Optional Activities:
Overnight Casa San Agustin
Meals B,L
DAY
2
Quito
This morning, you are picked up for your half-day private guided tour of Quito, including a walking tour of its historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, the afternoon is at your leisure to spend relaxing or exploring the city further on your own.
Optional Activities:
Private tour of Quito’s colonial churches or insider’s look at the country’s finest Pre-Columbian art collection
Spectacular horseback ride in the high Andes near Quito
2-3 hour hike and birdwatching with Naturalist guide through nearby cloud forest to see hummingbirds and flora
Overnight Casa Gangotena, Plaza Grande, or similar
Meals B