Douce Colombie: slow travel

Arrival at Bogotá’s El Dorado international airport, at an altitude of 2,640 m. Transfer to your hotel in the Candelaria district and end of the day free to enjoy the Colombian capital at your leisure, with its mix of modern neighborhoods and historic center, urban architecture and verdant parks. Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega in a Standard room.

A day devoted to visiting Bogotá, including: – The Candelaria district, Bogotá’s historic and cultural center, which has preserved its authentic colonial atmosphere; along the cobbled streets, you’ll discover colorful facades, beautifully carved wooden balconies and Baroque churches; – The Gold Museum, one of the most dazzling on the continent. Nearly 34,000 pieces of gold are on display, making it the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold and silverware from the Quimbaya, Taironas, Muiscas and Tolimas civilizations.

– The Botero Foundation, dedicated to the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, where his own works (some 100 drawings, paintings and sculptures) are on display, along with his private collection of no fewer than 85 masterpieces by internationally renowned artists (Renoir, Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Miro, .discover an original project: Latin Latas, a Colombian music group that builds its musical instruments from recycled materials.

You’ll discover the energy of Bogotá’s youth through this unusual and comprehensive workshop: – a show by Andrea Latas, the group’s leader and singer, – a brief explanation of the project: Latin Latas is also an educational project on the environment and responsible consumption practices, – a fun musical instrument creation workshop with decoration and painting of instruments: you’ll have the opportunity to make your own handcrafted instrument and decorate it to your taste!

Note 1: the visit to Candelaria is on foot (3 to 4 hours’ walk in the city). Note 2: the order and content of the activities are indicative, depending on the day of the week (Gold Museum closed on Mondays; Botero Foundation closed on Tuesdays). Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega in a Standard room.

Head north. You’ll discover a different facet of the Colombian capital, with 3 distinctive neighborhoods: Usaquen, which was an old village far from Bogotá until the 1950s, and is now one of Bogotá’s trendiest and most upmarket districts, a veritable historical oasis amidst shopping and residential centers. Continuing on to Quinta Camacho, a district recovered from the drug trade, like Chelsea in New York, and now home to fine art galleries, luxury hotels (Casa Medina) and excellent restaurants.

Continue on to Zona Rosa, Bogotá’s most beautiful shopping mall, where you’ll find the famous Andrés D.C. restaurant, where you’ll have lunch on one of the 4 floors (hell, purgatory, earth and paradise). A unique experience at the heart of Colombian life. Afternoon at leisure to enjoy Bogotá at your leisure. Note: Gold Museum closed on Mondays; Botero Foundation closed on Tuesdays. Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega in a Standard room.

Drive from the capital to the boutique hotel La Nuit. On the way, stop off at the village of San Francisco and discover the enchanted hummingbird garden at the village gates. Check-in at the boutique hotel La Nuit. Note: Entrance to the hummingbird garden not included – 12,000 COP / pers. Note 2: Approx. 3-hour drive. Overnight at the boutique hotel La Nuit in a standard room.

On the way to Honda, you can stop off at the village of Guaduas, one of the 13 historic centers declared a national monument by the Colombian government in 1959. On the way back to Honda, you can stop off at the Pierra Capilar viewpoint, where you can see the Magdalena river and the 3 Nevados peaks in clear weather. Arrive in Honda, the country’s first river port and a city rich in history. Check-in at your hotel. Note: Approx. 3-hour drive Hike through an exclusive hacienda covering several hectares: Hacienda El Triunfo. You’ll make your way through a dry tropical woodland, passing along enchanting paths with a wealth of flora and fauna. Note: Between 3 and 4 hours’ walk. Overnight at Hotel Posada Las Trampas in a standard room.

On the way to Pereira, you can stop off at the Tierra Negra vivero nursery, one of Colombia’s largest. If you wish, you can also stop off at the Medina waterfalls. Note: Between 5 and 6 hours’ drive Note 2: Entrance to the waterfalls not included. Overnight at Hotel Sazagua in a Standard room.

Discover the Risaralda Valley on horseback, enjoying the peace and quiet and admiring the beauty of the scenery. A gourmet picnic will be served halfway through. Duration: 2-hour horseback ride Overnight at Hotel Sazagua in a standard room.

A day dedicated to discovering the villages and landscapes typical of the coffee region. On the program, a Willys tour through the verdant Cocora Valley and a hike among the wax palms (Colombia’s national tree). Then you’ll head 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. Lunch break at a magnificent traditional hacienda. In the afternoon, visit the village of Salento: panoramic tour, discovery of local architecture and typical bamboo constructions (guadua). Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. Return transfer between the villages of Salento and Filandia. Note: Approx. 1-hour drive. Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a standard room.

Early morning departure for the Barbas Bremen reserve, where you may be lucky enough to spot numerous birds, dragonflies, flowers typical of the region and howler monkeys. You’ll also see archaeological remains of the Quimbaya culture, as well as beautiful waterfalls. Afterwards, you’ll visit the small, colorful village of Filandia, which has nothing to envy its neighbor Salento, where you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in one of the town’s best restaurants. In the village, you’ll be immersed in the world of guadua, the tall, green bamboo typical of the region. You’ll learn about the different construction methods used for housing, as well as the craft of basket making. Return to your hotel. Note 1: walk approx. 2km. Note 2: we recommend an early start to increase your chances of spotting animals. Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a standard room.

Return transfer between the villages of Filandia and Salento. Note: approx. 1h drive 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. Free time in the coffee region before setting off for Cali. Note: 3h30 drive Overnight at Hotel Puerta de San Antonio in Superior room.

Departure for a tour of Cali: you’ll start with the statue of « El gato del Rio », one of the city’s most important symbols being its cat, located at the end of a small lined promenade. This modern bronze statue by artist Hernando Tejada is the pride of the municipality. You then continue through the city center and the pretty San Antonio district, passing by the Merced church to reach Caicedo square, the « heart of the city », with its municipal theater. You then reach the Cristo Rey. Like the Christ of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, it overlooks and protects the city with arms wide open. At night, you can’t forget its presence, as green lighting makes it phosphorescent. Finally, climb up to the mirador Sebastian de Bel Alcázar, founder of the city, for a view overlooking the entire valley. Your visit to Cali wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Salsa! A private one-hour class will teach you how to dance to the Latin rhythms for which Colombia is famous! And to round things off, a couple of dancers will demonstrate the frenzied rhythms of Salsa Caleña! Note: Approximately 4 hours tour. Entrance fees to museums and churches not included. Afternoon free to enjoy Cali at your leisure. Night at Hotel Puerta de San Antonio in Superior room.

Road between Cali and Popayan. Overnight at Hotel La Herreria Colonial in a standard room.

Visit the city and its splendid colonial and architectural heritage. The historic center can be explored on foot, with its typical narrow streets, religious buildings and monuments testifying to Colombia’s past. Highlights include the Parc Caldas (starting point for Holy Week processions), the churches of La Ermita (the city’s oldest) and Santo Domingo (remarkable carved stone decoration) and the Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. Note 1: some sites are closed on Mondays. Note 2: tour lasts approx. 2 hours. Free afternoon in Popayán. Overnight at Hotel La Herreria Colonial in a standard room.

In the morning, departure for San Agustin. Afternoon dedicated to a visit to the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit revolves around the main sites: – « Las Mesitas », artificial esplanades housing crypts, figurines and funerary dolmens; – the « Bosque de la Estatuas », populated by statues representing mostly anthropomorphic male figures, sometimes with feline features; – the « Fuente de Lavapatas », a religious monument carved into the bed of a river and considered a sacred site reserved for religious ceremonies. – « Alto de Lavapatas »: San Agustin’s oldest site (3300 BC), guarded by impressive statues (referring to the Double Self), with a unique view over the entire valley and the various archaeological sites. Note: 3h30 drive approx. Overnight at Hotel Casa de Francois in a standard room.

A day dedicated to visiting the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its surroundings: – « Las Mesitas », artificial esplanades containing crypts, figurines and funerary dolmens; – « Alto de Lavapatas »: San Agustin’s oldest site (3300 BC), guarded by impressive statues (referring to the Double Self), with a unique view over the entire valley and the various archaeological sites.

– the Alto de los Ídolos archaeological park, characterized by the presence of numerous funerary complexes with dolmen-shaped slabs, sarcophagi and statues guarding access; Note: approx. 3-hour walk Note: It is compulsory to have an official park guide at the San Agustin Archaeological Site. If you have requested a bilingual guide, you will be accompanied by a local archaeological site guide and a translator. Note 2: The San Agustin site is closed on Tuesdays. You are usually in San Agustin for 2 days, so if the visit to the archaeological site falls on a Tuesday in your program, the days of the visit will be reversed. Overnight at Hotel Casa de Francois in a standard room.

Departure for the Tatacoa desert. Note: 4 to 5 hours’ drive Important note: due to roadworks on the road to the desert, driving time may vary between 4 and 7 hours. Reception and check-in at the hotel in the village of Villavieja, at the gateway to the Tatacoa Desert. Starry evening from the astronomical observatory. Overnight at the Hotel Colonial Villavieja in a standard room.

Morning stroll through the dunes and cacti of the Tatacoa desert to discover the sites of El Cuzco and El Hoyo. Then on to Neiva, the capital of Huila department. Transfer to the airport. Note: 1-hour drive Transport between Neiva and Bogotá. Note: between 7 and 8 hours drive. Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega in a Standard room.

Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and will be at your disposal to discover the region. Note: Your driver is at your disposal and the program is of course modifiable according to your expectations. This program gives you a few keys to discovering the region’s essentials. Road to Guatavita Note: Guatavita Lagoon closed on Mondays Departure for the Boyaca department. Departure for Chingaza, on the outskirts of Bogotá. Covering 76,000 hectares, this natural park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species (Andean condor, spectacled bear). During the hike, you’ll enjoy the rich ecosystem, between sacred lagoons (Siecha and Guasca are important sites in Muisca mythology) and frailejones (typical high-altitude shrubs, above 3,000 meters). Note 1: approx. 5-hour round-trip drive. Note 2: hike on uneven terrain; approx. 3 to 4 hours’ walk; moderate to difficult level.

Note 3: lunch (midday) included, in the form of a packed lunch. Park info: cold/temperate climate (4° C to 21.5° C); 800 to 4,020 msnm altitude Then arrival at your glamping site near Guatavita. Note 1: 3 hours’ drive in total. Note 2: Lagoon closed on Mondays. Overnight at the Bajo El Cielo eco-dome hotel. Dinner included.

Transfer to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva. Note: approx. 2-hour drive Free afternoon to stroll the cobbled streets of Villa de Leyva, discovering beautiful facades with whitewashed walls and chiselled wooden balconies. Art galleries and craft stores punctuate the visit to churches and colonial homes with their rich historical past. Options: (on request) – Hike to Paso del Angel (half-day), – Visit the village of Raquira, – Horseback ride around the town… Overnight at Hotel Casa Terra in Standard room.

A day dedicated to visiting Villa de Leyva and its surroundings: – Visit to the Convent del Santo Ecce Homo , founded in 1620 by Dominican monks. The monastery buildings feature numerous fossils scattered throughout the stonework. The original chapel boasts an impressive gilded altar, while religious objects and works of art dating from the 16th to 19th centuries are on display.

Walking tour of Villa de Leyva’s historic and cultural center, taking in the narrow cobbled streets, including: – The homes of the heroes of Colombia’s independence (Casa Antonio Nariño and Casa Antonio Ricaurte) – El Carmen church, home to a small (but remarkable) museum of religious art, with beautiful pieces of goldsmith’s and silversmith’s work from the colonial era.

– The Plaza Mayor, with a surface area of 14,000m2, is one of the largest paved squares in America. Note: English-speaking guides are subject to availability. Overnight at Hotel Casa Terra in a Standard room.

Departure for the Santander department, with its impressive landscapes and powerful rivers. Leaving Villa de Leyva, after a 1h40-minute drive, we pass the village of Barbosa, renowned for its production of bocadillos (local fruit jellies). Just before arriving in Barichara, we stop at the pretty colonial village of El Socorro. Check-in at the hotel in Barichara, considered one of Colombia’s prettiest towns. Note: 4 to 5 hours drive Visit Barichara, considered one of Colombia’s prettiest towns.

Stroll through the cobbled streets, visit the churches (Immaculate Conception and Santa Barbara Cathedrals), discover local workshops (stone-cutters, cigar makers). The walk ends at the mirador offering a splendid panorama from the Rio Suarez to the Cordillera de los Cobardes. Note: Barichara city tour: 3 hours, on foot. Overnight at Hotel Casa Canela in a Standard room.

Hike between cactus and bucolic landscapes along the Camino Real. In pre-Columbian times, this ancient paved road was the main thoroughfare for the Guane people. Upon arrival in the village of the same name, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the colonial houses and visit a museum housing many 60-million-year-old fossils, as well as a mummified princess. Afterwards, enjoy a country lunch at the Finca San Pedro with a tour of the property and its vegetable garden.

Note 1: approx. 3-hour walk Note 2: 30-minute round-trip drive Note 3: the Guane museum is closed every Wednesday. Afternoon free to enjoy the region at your leisure: hike the Camino Real trails, visit the village of Curiti, stroll through the San Gil botanical garden, stroll through the historic town of Barichara. Overnight at Hotel Casa Canela in a Standard room.

In the morning, departure for the town of Mompox. Arrive and settle into your hotel. End of the day free to wander the streets at your leisure. Note: approx. 8 hours’ drive, part of which is on dirt roads. Overnight at Hotel Casa Amarilla in a standard room.

Spend the day visiting Santa Cruz de Mompox, including a trip to the market to sample local specialties, a tour of the Baroque churches (Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Concepción, etc.) and a chance to admire the colonial architecture of the historic center (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

After lunch, visit a goldsmith’s workshop renowned for its fine gold and silver filigree jewelry (filigrana momposina). Finally, free time to stroll the typical streets to the rhythm of the locals and enjoy a tropical fruit juice as night falls. Spanish-speaking guide. Night at Hotel Casa Amarilla in a Standard room.

In the morning, you’ll set off to explore La Cienaga de Pijio (the marshlands) aboard a traditional boat. Along the way, you’ll enjoy picturesque scenery and observe wildlife (egrets, herons, iguanas, monkeys, etc.) and abundant flora (mangroves). Lunch on the banks of the Rio Magdalena. Spanish-speaking guide. Half-day at leisure in the colonial town of Mompox to stroll the typical streets at the pace of its inhabitants. Night at Hotel Casa Amarilla in Standard room.

Departure from Mompox for the Caribbean coast. Transfer to your hotel in the colonial center of Cartagena de Indias. End of the day free to discover the unrivalled charm of this superb colonial city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Note: approx. 6-hour drive Overnight at Hotel Casa Pizarro in Standard room.

Half-day tour of Cartagena’s historic center and main sights. We invite you to discover Cartagena’s past and present on foot, visiting the city’s most beautiful monuments, such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia. During the tour, you’ll notice the different influences – Romanesque, Moorish, colonial, military, Arab, Spanish and North American – that have shaped Cartagena.

You’ll also discover the Palace of the Inquisition, one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, or the San Pedro Claver sanctuary, formerly dedicated to Spanish priests and missionaries. A stone’s throw from the city walls and the chic of the colonial center, you’ll set off on an adventure through the streets of the bohemian Getsemani district to discover the « local » style of food 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: approx. 2 hours Overnight at Hotel Casa Pizarro in Standard room.

Morning at leisure to enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions. You can visit the historic city at your own pace and enjoy its unique atmosphere, discover the modern district of Bocagrande, store for handicrafts in Las Bovedas, take a day trip to relax in the Rosario Islands. Transfer to Cartagena de Indias airport for your international flight.