11-Day Colombia Highlights Tour with Tayrona, Cartagena and Medellín
About This Tour
Embark on an 11-day journey through Colombia's diverse landscapes and cultures, from the Caribbean charm of Santa Marta and Cartagena to the stunning scenery of...
Duration: 11 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Easy · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Cities: Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta, Medellin, Pereira, Villa de Leyva, Zipaquirá, Guatapé, Salento, Rosario Islands, Tayrona National Natural Park, Barichara · Languages: English
Know before you go: All participants must book travel insurance within 72 hours of booking this tour. At a minimum, such insurance must cover cancellations, medical expenses, evacuations, flight loss or delays, and 24/7 assistance.; 1-2 persons for one room: $1,658; 3-4 persons for two rooms: $3,316; 5-6 persons for three rooms: $4,974; 7-8 persons for four rooms: $6,632; 9-10 persons for five rooms: $8,290; International airfare is available for those holding VIP membership; details are available upon request.
About Pereira
Pereira
A volcanic land of thermal springs and coconut palm groves that’s famed for its legendary coffee crops, Pereira is a veritable jewel of the Columbian highlands. Check it out with a local local guide.
What's Included
- Lodging: accommodation provided
- English-speaking tour guides: included in the package
- All ground and water transportation: covered throughout the itinerary
- All activities in the itinerary below: included in the package
- All entry fees: covered
- Your on-call concierge: available for assistance
- Breakfasts: provided
- Lunch x 1: included in the package
Not Included
- Airfare
- Alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Government-imposed visa fees
- Any items or expenses not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary
Itinerary
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1Day 01
Arrival in Santa Marta and Evening City Atmosphere
Our tour to Colombia starts in the Caribbean town of Santa Marta. Although there are some relics of historic architecture, Santa Marta is best used as a base from which to make a day trip to Tayrona National Park. At least on the weekends, Santa Marta boasts a very vibrant nightlife scene. Performers in the main square entertain guests, and people walk the streets checking out local bands playing inside the restaurants. We are scheduled to take a guided tour in the early evening.
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2Day 02
Tayrona National Park by Horseback and Boat
Before relocating by land to the colonial city of Cartagena, we make a day trip from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park. Upon arrival, we go on a horseback ride to reach what is considered the prettiest beach in all of Colombia. After walking to a viewpoint and swimming, we take a boat ride along the scenic coast to return to Santa Marta.
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3Day 03
El Totumo Mud Bath and Cartagena Exploration
Our day starts with a day trip to El Totumo Volcano. There, we dip inside its mud pool and are then scrubbed by an experienced local. After being washed down, we return to Cartagena and explore. Characterized by beautiful balconies, rich architecture, stone-paved alleyways, charming cafes, and romantic restaurants, Cartagena is undoubtedly Colombia's showcase destination.
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4Day 04
Cartagena's Colonial Streets and Island Option
We spend the day exploring Cartagena. This UNESCO-designated city grows on us rather quickly: cheerful and colorful sites, ambiance, food, and a great nightlife scene. Its landmarks and colonial streets will enchant you. If you have more time, consider adding a day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands. Although there is not anything specific to see, spending the day snorkeling and going from tropical island to tropical island puts a smile on most people's faces.
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5Day 05
Flight to Pereira, Cocora Valley, and Salento
We relocate by flight from Cartagena to the city of Pereira and immediately head to Cocora Valley. There, we find the most stunning mountainous landscape the country has to offer. There, we also have the opportunity to take photos with artistic objects such as flower displays, a colorful car, a tall hand statue, and more. We are then taken to a colonial town called Salento. There, we walk the historic streets and get views from attractive lookout points.
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6Day 06
Coffee Region, Filandia, and Thermal Waters
There is a lot to see before relocating by flight from Pereira to the city of Medellín. Our morning starts with a visit to a coffee plantation. There, we are provided with a guided tour followed by samplings of some of the region's best coffees. We are then taken to the colonial town of Filandia. There, we are provided with a guided tour as well as a walk up to a stunning lookout point. We are then taken to a thermal pool located in the village of Thermales. There, we relax in the naturally warm waters before checking out the waterfall.
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7Day 07
Guatapé, Piedra del Peñol, and Medellín Nightlife
We make a day trip from Medellín to the colonial town of Guatapé. First, we head to a nearby natural attraction known as Piedra del Peñol. There, we take a flightseeing tour over this giant rock and the calm waters surrounding it. We then head back to town and are provided with a guided tour. When we return to Medellín, we are to take a guided nightlife tour. There are few places on Earth that have a nightlife as vibrant as here, spreading in every direction for several blocks.
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8Day 08
Medellín's Lookouts, Downtown, and Comuna Transformation
Before relocating by flight to Bogotá, we spend the whole day exploring Medellín. We take a cable car ride to visit the most popular lookout point. We visit the downtown area, which is home to churches, parks, street stalls, and some historic buildings with decorative interiors. We also head to what was once the most dangerous neighbourhood in Colombia, if not in the world. Today, it is an area that symbolizes peace. It hosts several art galleries and a museum that displays objects or devices used during times of war. Above this neighbourhood is a nice lookout point, reached by an escalator. While we are there, hopefully, a music band and/or a dance group will perform. They bring a lot of good energy to the area.
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9Day 09
Villa de Leyva and the Salt Cathedral
We make a day trip from Bogotá first to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva. Then, we proceed to the Salt Cathedral. Along with Barichara, which is relatively far away from the country's highlights, Villa de Leyva is the prettiest of Colombia's small historic towns. It is best explored on foot. The Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground in a halite mountain. It is a tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage in the country.
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10Day 10
Bogotá Landmarks and Stylish Districts
We spend the day checking out the capital of Colombia. Highlights include a viewpoint called Montserrat, the Gold Museum, and the Cathedral. Nonetheless, Bogotá's historic attractions are not its greatest draw. The city features relatively wealthy neighborhoods, comparable to Beverly Hills in the United States. We spend time in the area checking out the restaurants, shops, and nightlife. Locals dress to impress in this district of Bogotá. Prepare to go people-watching.
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11Day 11
Departure from Bogotá
We will provide you with transportation to the airport in Bogotá.
Meeting Point
Meeting point: Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia · Tour start: Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia — Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
