Flavors of Colombia
Gastronomy tour

Welcome to Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast. Transfer to your hotel in the historic center and end of the day free to discover the unrivalled charm of this superb colonial city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Overnight at the Hotel La Passion in a Premium room.

Just a stone’s throw from the walls and chic of the colonial center, you’re off on an adventure through the streets of the bohemian Getsemani district to discover the « local » way of eating that true Cartageneros love. Whether you’re looking for a snack or something more substantial, a healthy starter or a sweet dessert, the streets of Cartagena offer it all! One of the best ways to get a glimpse of the daily life and culture of the local people, the tour will give you a more personal contact with the « authentic Cartagena », with street vendors filling your bellies with their delicacies and warming your hearts with their hospitality! On the program: tasting of tropical fruits, arepas, buñelos, chicharrones, limonada and other cocadas! Note: about 2 hours Did you know? Rum is Colombia’s favorite local drink. We’d like to take you into this world with an unusual tasting session. Head for a small bar in the Getsemani district, where the owner will be waiting to show you his collection of Colombian rums – and only Colombian rums – the largest in the country! You’ll discover a wide range of flavors, from bottles sold only in certain parts of the country to others sold only abroad! An original way to discover the history of Colombian rum! Note 1: tasting offered in English or Spanish. Possibility of being accompanied by a French-speaking guide for translation, please contact us. Note 2: after the tasting, possibility of buying bottles of rum (limited collection or not). To be seen on site. Bottles will be delivered to your hotel the following day. Note 3: private transport to the bar can be arranged (please contact us). Overnight at the Hotel La Passion in a Premium room.

Far from the walls of Cartagena’s « chic » colonial center, the « people’s market », unaccustomed to tourists, will delight you with its colors, flavors and Caribbean music. After shopping for fresh produce with your chef, head for the stoves to learn all the secrets of Caribbean cuisine. Choice of menu: ceviche, meat, coconut rice, patacon, salad, dessert, natural juice. Duration: 5 hours. Transport between Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta. From the road, you can admire the Cienaga Grande, the largest body of water in the country, home to many species of birds. Note: 4 to 5 hours’ drive. Overnight at Hotel El Cactus in a Master Suite room.

Morning drive to Neguanje beach in Tayrona Park. Board small lanchas (motorboats), which will take you to a magnificent beach in the park. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular coral reef (lobsters, parrot fish, moray eels, rays, etc.) and long stretches of sand for a relaxing day by the sea.

There are plenty of activities on offer: snorkeling to admire the magnificent coral reef, walks to meet howler and capuchin monkeys or to discover small waterfalls and freshwater pools in the heart of the forest, or simply relaxing in the hammocks and deckchairs available on the terraces! At lunchtime, you’ll be served a gourmet picnic. Return to your hotel at the end of the day. Note 1: your passport will be required at the park entrance Note 2: bring comfortable clothing and a bathing suit. Hiking shoes mandatory if you wish to do the jungle walk Note 3 : depending on your hotel location, transportation may vary between 45min and 1H30. Transfer to Santa Marta. Overnight at Hotel El Cactus in Master Suite.

After a detour to the small fishing village of Taganga, where you can choose your lunch from a local fisherman (fresh fish or live lobster), you’ll visit the historic center of Santa Marta. You’ll then discover the gold museum before meeting an authentic Wayuu weaver and learning more about their weaving technique. A French chef will be waiting for you to prepare your morning catch. Then off to Quinta San Pedro, where you’ll discover a beautiful garden, the last home of Bolivar, hero of South American independence, and a museum dedicated to him.

On the way back, enjoy a typical Raspao or a delicious home-made ice cream in the pretty Plaza de los Novios. Finally, to round off this beautiful day, we invite you to take a short boat trip on Santa Marta Bay to admire a magnificent sunset while sipping an aperitif. After this unforgettable day, return to your hotel for a well-deserved evening’s rest. Overnight at Hotel El Cactus in a Master Suite.

In the morning, departure for the outskirts of Santa Marta to discover the villages of the Sierra Nevada. You’ll visit a beautiful nature reserve located on ancient indigenous lands. This soothing place is home to a wealth of plants and trees from all over Colombia, as well as a few Amazonian fish. In the botanical garden, you’ll learn about the benefits of the many medicinal plants grown in Colombia. Lunch break at a nearby finca. In the afternoon, visit a traditional cocoa farm. The owners will introduce you to the cocoa harvesting process, right through to chocolate-making. If you wish, your guide will take you for a fresh-water bath in the nearby waterfalls. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel. Note: approx. 2-hour round-trip drive, much of it on a poorly maintained track. Overnight at Hotel El Cactus in a Master Suite room.

Transport between the center and Santa Marta airport . Domestic flight to Medellin. Welcome in Medellin and transfer to your hotel. Departure in the early evening for an original tour of the city of Medellin. Medellin is famous for its nightlife, especially in the trendy El Poblado district. You’ll start with a panoramic tour taking you to the mirador for a beautiful view of the city, then on to a small village in the vicinity for a walk through the park to the main square. After a tasting of traditional « piquadeos », you’ll return to Medellin and more precisely to the very select Zona Rosa district, known for its many bars and restaurants. You can stay for dinner or return to your hotel with your guide. Note: If you decide to stay in the Zona Rosa district for dinner, the transfer back to your hotel is not included. However, you can easily find cabs on the street. Mountain bike rental Overnight at the Hotel Boutique Celestino in a standard room. Note: as the hotel is located in the heart of the trendy Poblado district, nights can be noisy from Thursday to Sunday.

A half-day devoted to the heritage of maize, the main source of food for pre-Columbian tribes and civilizations. 45 minutes from Medellín, we invite you to discover the village of Amagá. After a half-hour walk, you’ll start with a visit to an arepa factory. This product is part of the daily diet of the Paisas (inhabitants of Medellin). You’ll have the chance to learn how arepas are made by following all the steps involved, before tasting your own arepa. Afterwards, you’ll continue your visit by crossing the famous viaduct, where the rails of the old railroad are still visible. You’ll pass through six tunnels on your way to finally reach another of these traditional farms. Here, you can sample typical corn-based products such as mazamorra and aborrajado. These snacks will be accompanied by a cool lemonade. Note 1: The tour can also be done by bike, at extra cost. Please contact us for further details. Note 2: Between 45 min and 1 hr walk during the day. Departure for a traditional coffee plantation in the hills above Medellin, just 20 minutes from the city center. The coffee grower welcomes you to his finca to show you his coffee plants of different varieties, as well as the production and roasting process. The Capilla Rosario finca produces responsible, high-quality coffee, and the producer has extensive knowledge of the various stages of the process. As a bonus, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Medellin. Overnight at the Celestino boutique hotel in a standard room. Note: as the hotel is located in the heart of the trendy Poblado district, nights can be noisy from Thursday to Sunday.

Transfer to Medellin Olaya Herrera airport for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Pereira. Note: Easyfly is a low-cost airline. Baggage allowance is 15 kg per person. Any extra kilos must be paid for at the airline’s airport counter. Arrival in the « coffee triangle » (made up of three departments: Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas). It is here, in the Andean highlands of western Colombia, that almost 10% of the world’s coffee is grown, at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,800 m. Welcome and transfer to your hotel. We’ll take you into the colorful world of exotic fruits, with a guided tasting by an expert! You’re sure to be surprised and amazed by the diversity of colors, tastes and textures! Overnight at the Hotel Gran Azul in a standard room. Note: The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the village of Salento. You can also ask reception to reserve a jeep for you.

Half a day dedicated to discovering the typical villages and landscapes of the coffee region. By Willys jeep, you’ll head off to the Cocora Valley for a hike. During the walk, you’ll pass through bucolic landscapes, among wax palms skirting the crystal-clear waters of the Rio Quindio, with the impressive peaks of the Cordillera Occidental as a backdrop. Note: approx. 3 to 4 hours’ walk; moderate level You’ll set off to discover the avocado plantations of the Cocora Valley. We’ll explain everything you ever wanted to know about avocados. You’ll also enjoy a tasting of their best selection. During a cooking class, you’ll learn how to prepare a dish typical of the coffee region. You’ll then be able to taste what’s been prepared. A half-day devoted to Colombian coffee, whose production can be just as complex and sophisticated as wine. On site, you’ll have the opportunity to walk among the coffee trees, be introduced to the harvesting and roasting processes, before tasting the beverage produced on site. Overnight at Hotel Gran Azul in a standard room. Note: The hotel is a 15-minute walk from the village of Salento. You can also ask reception to reserve a jeep for you.

Transfer to Pereira airport for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Bogota. Arrival at Bogota’s El Dorado international airport. Check-in for your international flight.