The Best of Colombia

Day 1. Bogotá

Arrival in the city of Bogotá, assistance at El Dorado International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation.

Day 2. Bogotá – City Tour

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, pick-up at the hotel lobby to begin a panoramic tour of Bogotá’s Historic Center, also known as La Candelaria.

During the tour, we will visit the Gold Museum, home to approximately 34,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold and more than 25,000 pre-Columbian artifacts. Afterwards, we will visit the Casa de la Moneda and the Botero Donation, where works by master artist Fernando Botero are displayed, an internationally renowned Colombian artist known for painting, drawing, and sculpture.

The tour will conclude with a panoramic visit around Plaza de Bolívar, including the Primatial Cathedral, the Casa de Nariño, the Liévano Palace, and the Palace of Justice.

Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Duration: 4 hours

Includes: Professional Spanish-speaking tour guide, private transportation, entrance to the Gold Museum - Casa de la Moneda and Donación Botero

Important Note: Gold Museum closed on Mondays, Casa de la Moneda, and Donación Botero closed on Tuesdays

Day 3. Bogotá – Zipaquirá + Guatavita

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, pick-up will take place in the hotel lobby to begin a complete circuit through the so-called Bogotá Savanna.

The tour will start from Bogotá toward the town of Zipaquirá, home to one of Colombia’s main tourist attractions: the majestic Salt Cathedral, built 180 meters underground inside a salt mine.

Afterwards, we will continue to the Guatavita Lagoon, historically and internationally known for the legend of “El Dorado.”

Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Duration: 10 hours

Includes: Professional Spanish-speaking tour guide, private transportation, entrance to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, entrance to the Guatavita Lagoon, and typical lunch Medical assistance card.

Day 4. Bogotá – La Macarena

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, transfer to El Dorado International Airport to board a charter flight (included). The meeting time at the airport is 05:00 a.m.

Welcome to the Natural Paradise: Upon arrival in La Macarena, you will be welcomed by a local guide and receive an introductory briefing about the National Natural Park.

Navigation along the Guayabero River: Board a canoe for a 20-minute ride along the Guayabero River, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

Ascent to the Viewpoint: A 45-minute hike to El Mirador, a panoramic viewpoint over the Guiana Shield, offering majestic views and insights into the history of La Macarena.

Discovery at Caño Cristalitos: Enjoy a 45-minute walk to the crystal-clear waters of Caño Cristalitos, where you can take a refreshing swim surrounded by Macarenia clavigera, the plant responsible for the vibrant colors of Caño Cristales. Lunch will be served in this natural setting.

Return to La Manigua Lodge: A 50-minute hike back to the Guayabero River, followed by a 15-minute canoe ride to La Manigua Lodge.

Relaxing Afternoon: Free time at the lodge to observe monkeys from the cabins or relax at the bar overlooking the jungle.

Dinner in the Jungle: End the day with a delicious dinner at the lodge, enjoying local flavors in a peaceful natural environment.

Includes: Hotel–airport transfer in Bogotá, Spanish-speaking guide, dinner, and medical assistance card.

Note: It is essential that the Caño Cristales itinerary starts on Thursdays or Saturdays due to flight operations to La Macarena.

Day 5. La Macarena – Cajuche Spring

Energizing Breakfast: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast at the lodge, preparing for a day full of discoveries. Departure time is determined by the National Park, usually between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.

Journey to the Heart of the National Park: A 15-minute canoe ride followed by a 35-minute vehicle transfer, entering the majestic National Park to begin the adventure.

Exploring Caño Cristales: A 30-minute hike to the famous River of Five Colors, Caño Cristales. The experience includes trails ranging from 8 to 13 km and natural pools where you can swim and enjoy the site’s unique beauty.

Day of Exploration and Lunch: Spend 5 to 7 hours exploring the upper basin of Caño Cristales, alternating between refreshing swims, waterfalls, and lunch in a breathtaking natural setting.

Return to the Lodge: After a day full of adventure, return to La Manigua Lodge to relax and recharge.

River Serenade: In the afternoon, enjoy a unique cultural serenade while relaxing by the river at sunset, and with some luck, spot dolphins.

Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner at the lodge, sharing stories and experiences of the day in a cozy atmosphere.

Includes: Spanish-speaking guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and medical assistance card.

Day 6. La Macarena Mountain Range Trail – Bogotá

Breakfast and Check-out: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the lodge as you prepare to say goodbye to this paradisiacal place.

Final Visit to Caño Cristales: A 15-minute canoe ride followed by a 35-minute transfer in a 4x4 vehicle, and then a 30-minute hike to the lower basin of Caño Cristales, a more jungle-like area where Macarenia clavigera turns an intense green. Here, you can swim in one of the most beautiful natural pools in Caño Cristales. The scenery along this trail is different and will surprise you with the lush plant carpet covering the river, creating a visual spectacle unlike previous days.

Return to La Macarena: After the hike, return to La Macarena with time to shower and freshen up.

Lunch and Transfer: Enjoy a final lunch before transferring to the airport to board your return flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of this magical experience.

Arrival in Bogotá, assistance at El Dorado International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight stay.

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Does not include: Dinner.

Day 7 – Bogotá – Pereira

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to El Dorado International Airport to board a flight (not included) to the city of Pereira.

Arrival in Pereira, assistance at Matecaña International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Overnight stay.

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Does not include: Lunch and dinner.

Day 8 – Pereira – Visit to Salento and Cocora Valley

Breakfast at the hotel. Assistance at the place of origin by a Spanish-speaking guide. Private transfer to the Cocora Valley with a welcome cocktail.

Guided walk to admire the Wax Palm, the flight of the Condor (if lucky), and a seedling planting activity alongside an eco-guide.

Afterwards, visit to Salento for a walking tour through its colonial streets, artisan workshops, and the Cocora Viewpoint.

Return to the place of origin. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Duration: 7 hours.

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide, environmental interpretation, lunch at a local restaurant, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Does not include: Dinner.

Day 9 – Pereira Coffee Farm Visit + Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs

Breakfast at the hotel. Spanish-speaking assistance and private transfer to Santa Rosa de Cabal, Risaralda. At the Coffee Farm, enjoy a guided tour through specialty coffee plantations, explaining the process from planting to pulping.

The beans are roasted in a traditional kitchen, offering an authentic experience. The tour includes viewpoints to admire the landscape and coffee tasting. A visit to the drying process and processing area follows, ending at the main house with coffee lemonade.

Transfer back to the place of origin or connection with another tourist activity as agreed, with time for lunch (included).

Afterwards, assistance by the Spanish-speaking guide and private transfer to the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs. Entrance to the thermal baths and free time to enjoy the facilities and relax in the warm thermal waters.

At the scheduled time, assistance and transfer back to the place of origin or connection with another regional activity. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.

Duration: 8 hours.

Includes: Private transportation, Spanish-speaking guide with environmental interpretation, interactive coffee process, assistance by expert farm staff, lunch, entrance to the hot springs, accommodation, and medical assistance card.

Does not include: Dinner.

Day 10 – Pereira to Cartagena

Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, transfer to Matecaña International Airport to catch a flight (not included) to the city of Cartagena. Arrival, assistance at Rafael Nuñez International Airport, and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Accommodation.

Get ready for a journey back in time and discover the most iconic landmarks of La Heroica. This tour is designed for history lovers, allowing you to relive epic battles and learn about the figures who left their mark on Colombia.

But that’s not all! You will also enjoy a panoramic tour through Manga, Bocagrande, and the majestic San Felipe Fortress.

Join us on this adventure full of history, knowledge, and spectacular views!

Duration: 4 hours

Operating Days: Every day

Includes: Professional Spanish-speaking tour guide, private transportation, entrance to the mentioned places.

Day 11 - Cartagena – Isla del Rosario (Enchanting Island) in shared service

Breakfast at the hotel.

Just one hour by speedboat from Cartagena, the paradise of Barú Island welcomes you to the Hotel Isla del Encanto, the perfect place to enjoy a day of relaxation by the Caribbean Sea.

Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Duration: 8 hours.

Operating Days: Every day

Includes: Hotel–pier–hotel transfer, round-trip speedboat transportation, tour of the island complex, typical Caribbean lunch, accommodation, and medical assistance card

Not included: Pier departure tax (USD equivalent of COP 28,500 per person), subject to change by Corpoturismo Cartagena, and dinner.

Day 12 - Cartagena – Next destination

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, assistance at the hotel and transfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport for a flight (not included) to the next destination.