Charming Colombia
8 days/7 nights
$1486
P/P Double Occupancy
You’ll be swept away by Colombia’s beautiful country side and picturesque colonial towns. You’ll learn about the country’s main product: coffee. You’ll also have the chance to see the country’s most important archaeological site: San Agustín.
Day 01 Arrival in Bogotá
Upon arrival to Bogotá airport you will be transferred to your hotel. With its population of some eight million people, Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia, which makes it a great cultural center. Here you will find many parks, gardens, restaurants, and hotels. You can see the sights and historic structures or enjoy the nightlife. Bogotá offers something for everybody! Lodging at the Intercontinental Tequendama in Bogotá
Day 02 Bogotá (B)
Today you’ll have a city tour of Bogotá. You’ll see important spots such as the colonial center, (“La Candelaria”); Plaza de Bolivar, the city’s main square and some important buildings such as the presidential palace, some churches and the Gold Museum. Then you’ll take a cable car ride to the famous Monserrate Hill, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of the whole city. Lodging at the Intercontinental Tequendama in Bogotá
Day 03 Villa de Leyva (B)
Today you’ll head two hours north towards Boyacá Bridge, a very important Colombian monument, as that’s where Simon Bolivar won a crucial battle against the Spaniards. Then you’ll continue to Tunja and Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s colonial jewels. After a walk through town, lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Afterwards, you’ll continue to La Ráquira, a charming and multicolored village known for its handicrafts, especially pottery. Finally, you’ll visit Chiquinquirá, also known for its handicrafts and musical instruments. Its basilica is a huge pilgrimage center for the locals. Lodging at the Getsemani Hotel in Villa de Leyva
Day 04 Bogotá / Coffee Region (B)
You’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival you will be transferred to a charming coffee farm, where you’ll spend the next two nights. In the afternoon you’ll visit the famous National Coffee Park, a huge theme park built around coffee, its history and production. The place has many and quite varied attractions and activities. In the afternoon you’ll visit an actual coffee farm, where you’ll learn about coffee farming. Lodging at the Finca Villa Martha in the coffee zone
Day 05 Coffee Region (B)
Today you’ll visit some of the towns and cities of the coffee region: Barcelona, Pijao, Buenavista and Génova. The scenery along the way will be quite impressive! Afterwards you’ll visit the Guadua and Bamboo Experimental Center, where research is conducted in order to find various uses for bamboo. Then you’ll continue towards Armenia, where you’ll visit Quimabaya Museum, which contains a large collection of pre-Columbian objects. Lodging at the Finca Villa Martha in the coffee zone
Day 06 Coffee Region / San Agustin (B)
In the morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Neiva (flight makes a stop in Bogotá). Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to San Agustín, about 4-5 hours away. San Agustín is known for its famous pre-Columbian archaeological sites, and for this it has been declared a World Heritage Center. Lodging at the Hacienda Anacaona in San Agustín
Day 07 San Agustin (B)
Today you’ll visit San Agustín Archaeological Park, which contains statues and structures dating back to the year 100 CE. First you’ll visit the “Mesitas”, containing over 35 figures, some of which are up to 5 meters high (16 feet). Then you’ll continue to the Lavapatas Ceremonial Fountain, the Forest of Statues and to the Archaeological Museum. You’ll have the afternoon at leisure back in San Agustin Lodging at the Hacienda Anacaona in San Agustín
Day 08 San Agustin / Bogotá (B)
In the morning you’ll either take a horseback riding tour to visit the archaeological sites of “El Tablón” and “La Chaquira”, or visit the “Estrecho Del Magdalena”, where Colombia’s longest river passes through a narrow 2 meter (7 feet) rock strait, creating a strikingly beautiful effect. In the afternoon you’ll be transferred to Neiva for your flight back to Bogotá. Upon arrival you’ll be transferred to a hotel, or you’ll catch your international flight.
Prices Include
- Transportation throughout the itinerary in comfortable tourism vans or buses (with a/c in warm locations)
- Entrance fees to museums, national parks and attractions
- Lodging in suggested hotels (or similar)
- English speaking guide throughout the whole trip
- Helpful welcome material
- Daily breakfast
Prices Do Not Include
- Domestic flight tickets and domestic airport fees ($5 per person)
- Personal expenses and tips
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Country departure tax ($28 per person)
Notes
- Rates are per person - double occupancy
- Suggested Lodging:
- Bogota: Intercontinental Tequendama
- Villa de Leyva: Getsemaní
- Coffe Zone (Pereira): Finca Villa Martha
- San Agustín: Hacienda Anacaona
