¡Bienvenidos a Bogota! Colombia’s colourful capital is a lively arts and culinary hub brimming with cultural heritage.
Upon arrival at Bogota's El Dorado International Airport (BOG), you'll be transferred to your hotel ahead of your welcome meeting. Tonight, step out and find your own dinner as you explore the local neighbourhood.
After breakfast, leave for either bustling Plaza Distrital de Mercado Siete de Agosto or the renowned La Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, Bogota's largest local market of fresh Colombian produce and cuisine. Here, admire exotic fruits, drop by the flower vendors or sample from the popular food stalls to feel like a true local.
Continue to the Botero Museum – a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero’s works of art and pieces from his personal collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti — before concluding at the captivating Museo del Oro or ‘Gold Museum,’ where pre-Colombian history unfolds in glittering grandeur. Stop at a local restaurant for a traditional lunch, and perhaps try ajiaco – a hearty potato and chicken soup – then spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
This evening, join your fellow travellers for a fiery feast at Andrés DC, a four-story venue inspired by Dante’s Inferno and Paradiso.
Today is yours to explore freely. You might spend some time discovering La Candelaria, Bogota’s historic centre, and visit the impressive Plaza de Bolivar, marvelling at the Catedral Primada and its smaller baroque neighbour, Capilla del Sagrario. The altter houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vasquez de Arce y Ceballos. Perhaps instead you’ll join an optional tour to the sacred lagoon of Lake Guatavita and the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (additional charges apply).
Optional activities:
- Half-day Monserrate visit (A$80 per person).
- Half-day tour of Lake Guatavita (A$118 per person).
- Half-day tour of Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (A$162 per person).
- Full-day tour of Guatavita lagoon and Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira (A$265 per person).
This morning, gather your energy over breakfast before transferring to the airport, where you’ll take a domestic flight to Pereira in the dramatic Andean foothills. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia is the historic heart of the country's coffee-growing tradition, centred on the nuanced Arabica bean.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for the remainder of the day.
This morning, depart for Cocora Valley, located in the central Andean region of Quindio. On arrival at nearby Salento, take a 4WD transfer to the valley, where you’ll embark on an two-hour hike through the forest and into the clouds. Admire the region’s astounding biodiversity and take in the illustrious Quindio wax palm, the national tree of Colombia, which you’ll then have the opportunity to plant during your walk. As you look to these towering trees – the tallest palms in the world – watch for the many species of bird that flit about, including gem-like hummingbirds and elusive Andean condors.
On your return, stop once more at Salento for a well-earned lunch. Take a tour of this charming city’s sandstone streets, colourful balconies and traditional handicraft shops, then learn how to play the explosive Colombian throwing game of tejo.
Later, return to your hotel in Pereira for a restful evening.
With another day in Pereira, head to Finca del Café for an interactive coffee experience you won't soon forget. Guided by an expert, you'll be taken through the coffee plantations and shown the process of planting, hand-picking and pulping. After learning the intricate art of toasting the beans, witness the innovative drying process before taste-testing the aromatic final creation.
After stopping for lunch, you’ll return to your hotel, where the remainder of the afternoon is yours to explore Pereira at leisure.
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for a domestic flight to Cartagena, a city famed for its romantic colonial architecture and Caribbean culture. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, it’s time for a tantalising tour of Cartagena’s savoury street food, from delicious arepas to refreshing ceviche and comforting carimanolas, or stuffed cassava fritters.
Following breakfast this morning, you’ll have the day to explore as you choose. From panoramic views atop the Monasterio de la Popa to Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a fortress located on San Lazaro hill, take your time discovering the enchanting streets and old-world architecture that has earned this coastal city its romantic reputation. For those seeking a glimpse into the Caribbean Sea, opt to join a full-day excursion to the picturesque Rosario Islands.
This evening, toast to the end of your Colombian adventure with a farewell feast at Mirador Gastro Bar.
Optional activities:
- Full-day Rosario Islands excursion (A$215 per person).
After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG). From there, your tour comes to an end and you'll be able to continue your onward journey.