Nature and history Colombia
Colombia

Adventure

Nature

Tailor-made

An atypical journey in the archaeological south of Colombia. Between history and nature, live an adventure in this South American country where colour, smell and happiness are mixed!

Additional text

Prices are variable and should be requested from the agency

Length of stay

12 days / 11 nights

Minimum number of participants

Private tour from 1 person, customised programme
Customisable programme

Highlights

Visit to the most important places in Bogota, including the Botero Foundation
Discovery of a sugar cane farm
The Rio Magdalena, the country's major river
Discovery of the archaeological park classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO
Meeting with locals
Visit to Cartagena and the Archipelago of the Rosary

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Day 1

France, Bogota

Arrival in Bogota and first visit

Arrival in Bogota and first visit

Welcome at Bogota's "El Dorado" international airport by your Spanish-speaking driver and your accompanying English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel (45 min).

Arrive at the hotel and check into your room.

Day 2

Bogota

Visit to Bogota

Visit to Bogota

Departure for a cultural visit of Bogota. A walking tour in Candelaria, the historical and colonial district of the Capital, which will allow us to feel what was the "Santa Fé of Bogota".

We will then go down to Bolivar Square or Plaza Mayor, a historical place in Colombia where we will see the Capitol, the City Hall, the Law Courts, the Primada Cathedral, the Sagrario Chapel and also "La casa Nariño" which houses the presidential residence.

In the morning, visit the Botero Foundation (closed on Tuesdays), a charming colonial house where you can admire the important collection of works by the most famous Colombian artist, alongside a large number of masterpieces by the greatest Impressionists and Modernists, such as Dali and Picasso.

Free lunch in a restaurant in the heart of Candelaria to discover local specialities such as Ajiaco Santafereño or Tamal.

Then we will walk along the famous pedestrian avenue "septima" to the gold museum.

Visit to the Gold Museum (closed on Mondays) to discover the largest collection in Latin America of gold coins and metalwork from the various pre-Columbian cultures. A visit that will plunge us into the history of the pre-Conquest period (2h visit).

Day 3

Bogota, Neiva

From Bogota to Neiva

From Bogota to Neiva

You will start the day with a diversion to the Paloquemao market to discover the incredible variety of Colombian fruits and flowers.

Then departure to Bogota airport and a domestic flight to Neiva.

FLIGHT AVIANCA AV 9273 - BOGOTA NEIVA 1h15

Reception at Neiva airport and departure for Villavieja in the middle of the Tatacoa desert.

Walk in the desert between red and white landscape...
Tasting of a typical Agua Panela with a breathtaking view of the site and in the early evening, departure for the astronomical observatory to learn more about the sky in this world-renowned site.

Return to the hotel and free dinner on the way back.

Day 4

Villa Vieja, San Agustin

Direction San Agustin

Direction San Agustin

Departure to San Agustin.

On the way, you will take a break to observe the Rio Magdalena, one of the major rivers of the country.

Lunch in San Agustin.

Check in at the hotel and visit an authentic trapiche (sugar cane farm).

Day 5

San Agustin

The archaeological park

The archaeological park

Your driver and guide will pick you up at your hotel reception for a departure to the Archaeological Park of San Agustín, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will discover the main sites such as "Las Mesitas", the "Bosque de las Estatuas", the "Fuente de Lavapatas", or the "Alto de Lavapatas".

Lunch at leisure on the outskirts of the park. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
Free dinner at the hotel or in the village.

Day 6

San Agustin, Popayan

Territory of the Paletara

Territory of the Paletara

Arrival on the territory of the Paletara to meet the Coconuco community. This community is descended from the Pubenencias who were established in Popayan before the Spanish invasion.

We will set up in the community house in order to start this moment of exchange with the Coconucos. We will discuss traditional medicine and ancestral rituals.

We will then be invited for lunch during which we will have the chance to watch a demonstration of Chirimia: traditional music and dance that is part of the folklore of the region.

Transfer to Popayán.
Check in at the hotel and then visit the city and its splendid colonial and architectural heritage.

Free dinner in Popayán.

Day 7

Popayan, Coffee Region

Sugar cane production

Sugar cane production

Transfer to the hacienda Piedechinche (3.5 hours transfer), an 18th century house that houses the sugar cane museum. After an initial tour that will allow us to understand the history and importance of sugar cane cultivation in this region, we will go to the gardens where small ranches are laid out presenting the techniques used in the different regions of Colombia to work the sugar cane (1h30 visit).
If this day falls on a Tuesday, we can go to the village of Silvia for a visit to the market (1h30 transfer). Every Tuesday, the Guambianos exhibit and sell traditional handicrafts, turning the market into a real meeting place and cultural discovery.
In the late morning, departure for the coffee region
Free lunch on the way.

Arrival at the hacienda and installation in the rooms. Dinner at the hacienda.

Day 8

Coffee region

Coffee region

Coffee region

Visit your hacienda in the heart of the coffee region where you will learn everything there is to know about Colombia's favourite plant, from seed to cup.
Then you will leave for Salento passing by the village of Filandia; then you will leave by Jeep Willis towards the Cocora valley for a hike in the middle of the wax palm trees.

Free lunch in Salento where you will taste the local specialty, trout accompanied by Patacon, a green banana cake.
Then, visit the village of Salento, with its typical architecture and colourful balconies. You will be able to wander around the small local craft shops or enjoy the typical atmosphere of the small mountain villages of this magical region of Colombia.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Day 9

Coffee region, Cartagena

Direction Cartagena

Direction Cartagena

Head to Armenia airport for the domestic flight to Cartagena via a connection through Bogota.

AVIANCA FLIGHT AV 9840 - ARMENIA BOGOTA

AVIANCA FLIGHT AV 9548 - BOGOTA CARTHAGENA

Welcome by your driver and transfer to your hotel in the historical centre of Cartagena de Indias.

Free lunch in the historic centre.

Then a half-day visit to the Getsemani district and its very lively centre in the early evening, perfect for discovering the festive atmosphere of Cartagena de Indias.

End of the day and dinner in the historic centre.

Day 10

Cartagena

Visit to the city of Cartagena

Visit to the city of Cartagena

In the morning, departure for the visit of the Castle of San Felipe, an imposing stone fortress, described as the masterpiece of Spanish military engineering in America. The visit continues with the "Popa" convent, a cloister erected on the top of a hill that dominates the whole urban complex. The visit ends with a panoramic tour of the Bocagrande district, which surprises with its modernity and numerous towers (approx. 4 hours).

The city and its inhabitants withstood the siege of Admiral Edward Vernon in 1741 with 23,600 men and 186 ships, but Cartagena is also the site of the first insurrectionary movements that led to Colombian independence in 1819. The city has imposing defences, the fortress San Felipe de Barajas, designed by Antonio de Arévalo and built between 1639 and 1657, as well as the forts San Fernando and San José on the bay to the south. The old town itself is surrounded by 12km of walls, of which the Torre del Reloj gate is the main gate.

Lunch in three parts to discover the local gastronomy in the hands of a famous local chef.

In the afternoon, we will take you back in time to relive some of the highlights of the city's history, the first Spanish stronghold on the South American continent. Cartagena was repeatedly attacked by pirates, the most famous of whom was Captain Francis Drake! We discover on foot the beauty of its monuments, its squares, its churches, its walls, witnesses of past times but which still defy the horizon... The visit is done on foot (34h approximately). Discovery of the districts of Santo Domingo, San Diego, the church of San Pedro Claver, the Aduana square, the Torre del Reloj and the Palace of the Inquisition (entrance to the palace not included).

Return to the hotel.

Dinner in the historic centre and accommodation in the hotel.

Day 11

Cartagena, Archipelago of the Rosary

Rosary Island

Rosary Island

Departure on foot for the port of Cartagena (15 minutes).

Sea transfer to an island off Cartagena in the Rosario archipelago (45 minutes transfer).

The Rosario Archipelago is one of Colombia's 56 natural parks, located only 35 km from Cartagena - it consists of 27 coral islands.

Arrival on the island and welcome cocktail with tropical fruits. Relaxation and idleness on the beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters.

Lunch on the island.

Optional activities such as snorkeling, massages and diving. Return to Cartagena around 15:30 (depending on weather conditions, the return time may be brought forward).

Arrival at the port of Cartagena and return to the hotel.

End of the day and dinner at leisure.

Day 12

Cartagena, France

End of the journey

End of the journey

Free morning to enjoy the old town.

Free lunch in the historic centre.

Transfer to Cartagena airport for a flight to France.
International flight.

Price per person from €1240 including VAT

Participant base on table
Rates with hotels Casa Deco, GHL, Yuma, Akawanka, La Plazuela, Bosque des Saman, Monterrey:
  • Price per person
  • 2-3 pax
  • 4-6 pax
  • 7-10 pax

Ground services (excluding domestic flights)

  • 2225 €
  • 1610€
  • 1300€
  • Air service €250

Single bed supplement

  • 410 €
Rates with hotels La Opéra, GHL, Akawanka, Dann Monasterio, Patio del mundo, Charleston santa Teresa

Price per person

  • 2-3 pax
  • 4-6 pax
  • 7-10 pax
  • Ground services (excluding domestic flights)
  • 2410 €
  • 1790 €
  • 1490€

Air service

  • 250 €
  • Single room supplement
  • 590 €

This price includes :

  • Domestic flight on a scheduled Avianca or Latam flight, to be added to the land portion.
  • Local guides when included
  • All transport and transfers to the sites visited in the programme by private vehicle
  • The activities described and entrance fees for the sites visited in the programme
  • Nights in the hotels mentioned or equivalent with breakfast
  • Meals mentioned as included
  • Mineral water with meals
  • 1 bottle of water during long bus transfers

At your expense :

  • International flights
  • Meals mentioned as free
  • Optional activities
  • Assistance/repatriation insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Tips
  • And, in general, everything that is not indicated in "this price includes".

* Price from Paris. Please contact us for any other departure city.

For a group request (from 10 people) or to customize your trip, please contact us.

Comfort

CASA DECO Bogota, D.C 3*
Located in the Candelaria district, Hotel Casa Deco offers modern, comfortable rooms and excellent service. Its location means you are within easy reach of the city's main attractions and numerous restaurants and bars.
LA OPERA Bogota, D.C
This luxury Colonial hotel enjoys a prestigious location in Bogotá city centre, close to many attractions such as the Golden Museum, the Casa de la Moneda Museum, Plaza de Bolivar, the Colon Theatre and the Primada Cathedral.
The art deco-style rooms boast breathtaking views of Bogotá's historic centre and the Monserrate and Guadalupe hills.
GHL STYLE Neiva
GHL is located in the north of Neiva, close to the commercial, tourist and financial centres.
The hotel has 102 comfortable rooms with all modern technology.
It's the perfect place to rest before a visit to the desert or a trip to other towns in the south of the country.
YUMA San Agustín 2* SUP
Located just 2 minutes' walk from the village of San Agustín, Hotel Yuma is the ideal place to relax, enjoy yourself and connect with nature. In fact, the natural surroundings and the footpaths and horse-riding trails make this a haven of peace where you can come into contact with the flora and fauna of the Alto Magdalena valley. You'll also appreciate the warm atmosphere, friendly staff and quality service provided by this accommodation.
The hotel has 26 rustic rooms built from wood and with balconies overlooking the magnificent gardens, as well as a restaurant where you can enjoy the wonders of Colombian cuisine.
AKAWANKA LODGE San Agustín
Perched high on its mountain, Akawanka Lodge offers visitors an enchanting environment.
made up of beautiful nature and panoramic views of the surrounding area. The lodge is a haven of tranquillity, but also of discovery, particularly gastronomic, thanks to a cuisine based on local ingredients. You'll love the family-friendly atmosphere and the quality of service.
DANN MONASTERIO Popayan 4*
Located in a former monastery, the charm of this hotel is sure to win you over. Nearby you will find the Museum of Religious Art, the Humilladero colonial bridge, the Guillermo Valencia Municipal Theatre...
You'll love its colonial architecture, beautiful rooms, excellent restaurant, swimming pool and sauna.
LA PLAZUELA Popayan
Hotel La Plazuela is located in the heart of Popayan's historic centre, just a stone's throw from Las Caldas Park, the city's first meeting point. Built in a typical "casona", this hotel boasts charming colonial architecture with balconies and numerous arcades.
The hotel's rooms are simple and comfortable, and all have cable TV and a minibar. The restaurant serves typical dishes from the Cauca region.
BOSQUE DEL SAMAN ALCALA Alcala
Located in the heart of Colombia's coffee-growing cultural landscape, the Finca hotel El Bosque del Sáman is part of the coffee-growing heritage, with its typical colonial and rustic house.
The Finca's rooms have been built on the former farm buildings and bear witness to the region's past. The Finca also offers its guests a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Turkish bath, all set in idyllic natural surroundings.
CASA SAN CARLOS LODGE Pereira
This upmarket hotel in the heart of the countryside combines comfort, authenticity, charm and magnificent surroundings.
One of the best addresses in the region.
MONTERREY Cartagena 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* 3* Carthagena
Located in the historic centre, opposite Independence Square, where so much of Cartagena's history was played out, the Hotel Monterrey boasts an ideal location and unrivalled charm. This former colonial house, restored with taste and respect for the traditional architecture of the period by the famous and talented French architect Gaston Lelarge, today offers quality service, rooms harmoniously decorated with wrought-iron furniture of Spanish heritage, a brasserie serving dishes from local, international and French cuisine, all in a refined family atmosphere. Enjoy the beautiful panoramic views from its terrace, bar and rooftop swimming pool.
CHARLESTON SANTA TERESA Cartagena
Situated in the historic centre, this beautiful hotel, housed in a former convent, is clearly one of the city's best addresses, with its beautiful rooftop swimming pool.

Climate and equipment

Colombia, a large South American country crossed by the equator in the southern part, has several types of climate, although in the plains it is warm all year round, and everywhere temperatures vary little during the year. The main differences are due either to the altitude, which varies the temperature, or to the distribution and quantity of rainfall. In fact, there are arid and rainy areas, grasslands and forests, lowland cities with sweltering heat and high-altitude cities with mild climates, pristine coasts with warm seas and snow-capped peaks in the Andes. On the plains, however, and up to about 1,000 metres above sea level (tierras calientes), it is warm all year round, while the tierras templadas are pleasantly warm, and the tierras Frías above 2,000 metres are cool or cold.

Health

Be in possession of a certificate of good physical health.
Mandatory vaccination: yellow fever.
Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, B and typhoid.
Anti-malarial treatment recommended.
Water: drink only bottled mineral water.
More information on the Pasteur website.
SUFFICIENT FUNDS. YELLOW FEVER VACCINE RECOMMENDED FOR THE AMAZON REGION.

Formalities

PASSPORT & VISAS
PASSPORT VALID FOR AT LEAST 6 MONTHS AFTER THE END OF THE STAY.

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