Colombia by road: from Bogota to Cartagena de Indias

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 districts and historic center, urban architecture and green parks. Overnight at the Casa Deco hotel in a Standard room.

A day devoted to sightseeing in Bogotá, including: – Cerro de Monserrate , for a breathtaking view of the capital and surrounding area. Perched at an altitude of 3,152 metres, the Sanctuary (accessible by cable car or funicular) is a place of pilgrimage, particularly popular on religious feast days.

– The Paloquemao market, where you can sample exotic flavours and shop for Bogotanos’ favourite dish – The Candelaria district, Bogotá’s historic and cultural center, with its authentic colonial atmosphere, cobbled streets, colourful 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, ….) – Plaza Bolivar, with its imposing buildings (Town Hall, Palace of Justice, Cathedral, National Congress…) Overnight at Hotel Casa Deco in a Standard room.

Departure for the Boyaca department. On the way, you’ll stop in Zipaquira to visit its famous cathedral, carved out of the walls of an old salt mine. The building you are visiting today is a replica of the original cathedral, built in 1951 as a tribute to Our Lady of the Rosary. Situated 60 metres below sea level, it stretches over an impressive 8500 m2. Arrival in the friendly village of Raquira (30 km from Villa de Leyva), famous for its ceramics workshops. Nearby, visit the Covento del Desierto de la Candelaria, an Augustinian monastery built in 1661. Transfer to hotel and end of day free to enjoy the colonial atmosphere of Villa de Leyva. Transfer to hotel and check-in. End of day free to enjoy the colonial atmosphere of Villa de Leyva. Overnight at Hotel Casa Terra in Suite Deluxe room.

Depart for a morning hike through the heart of the Cebada river canyon, heading for some stunning waterfalls. You’ll be surrounded by tropical vegetation, and can observe bromeliads, orchids, oak forests, guaque (a tree native to Colombia) and other Andean trees. This hike in the heart of nature will offer you beautiful views of the Iguaque massif, the Saquenpiza valley and the Villa de Leyva surroundings. Afternoon dedicated to visiting Villa de Leyva and its surroundings. You’ll start with a 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.

afterwards, a walking tour of Villa de Leyva’s historic and cultural center; along the cobbled streets, you’ll discover: – The homes of the heroes of Colombia’s independence (Casa Antonio Nariño and Casa Antonio Ricaurte) – El Carmen church, which houses a small (but remarkable) museum of religious art, with beautiful pieces of silverware from the colonial era.

– The 14,000m2 Plaza Mayor is one of the largest paved squares in America. Overnight at Hotel Casa Terra in Suite Deluxe room.

Departing from Villa de Leyva, after a 1h40 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 the prettiest towns in Colombia. The Santander region of Colombia is renowned for its gastronomy.

on this half-day tour, you’ll take part in a complete cooking course: preparation of the drink (tropical fruit juice or sangria) and preparation of the meal based on local products (starter, main course, dessert), all accompanied by a Barichara chef. To round off this activity, you’ll taste what you’ve prepared. Overnight at the Casa Barichara hotel in a Superior room.

Hike between cacti and bucolic landscapes along the Camino Real. Upon arrival in the village of the same name, you’ll have the opportunity to discover the colonial houses and visit a museum housing numerous fossils dating back 60 million years, as well as a mummified princess.

afternoon at leisure to enjoy the region at your leisure: visit the village of Curiti, stroll through the botanical garden of San Gil, stroll through the historic town of Barichara. Overnight at Hotel Casa Barichara in a Superior room.

Barichara and the Santander region, in addition to offering some of the best coffee in Colombia, are home to the country’s largest tobacco plantations. This morning, you’ll set off to discover tobacco at the heart of a typical farm in the region, in the company of a person who is passionate about his region, his land and his profession. Walking tour of the plantations with a full explanation (from seed to harvested leaf). The tobacco leaves are then dried and processed, ready for export. A delicious meal prepared with quality local products will be served in a rustic setting. Afternoon free to enjoy the region at your leisure. Overnight at Hotel Casa Barichara in a Superior room.

A day devoted to exploring the depths of the Chicamocha Canyon on foot. Still relatively unexplored, you’ll set off with an expert guide, first by vehicle, then on foot, to the bottom of the canyon. First stop at Villanueva, where your vehicle will drop you off, then you’ll begin a walk, all downhill. This is an opportunity to take some magnificent panoramic photos. The landscapes become more arid and the colors change. You’ll taste the sweet, chili-like fruits of the cactus and arrive at the riverbed for lunch at the Shangrila hut. You’ll have the chance to cool off in a pool of mountain water, before continuing uphill on the Camino Real towards Mesa de Los Santos . A vehicle will be waiting for you at the top to take you to a magnificent hacienda where you will spend the night. Night at the Hacienda El Roble hotel in a standard room.

In the morning, departure for the town of Mompox, where you will check into your hotel. End of the day at leisure to stroll through the typical streets, following the rhythm of the locals. Night at Hotel Bioma in Superior 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…) and a chance to admire the colonial architecture of the historic center (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO).

after lunch, visit a goldsmith’s workshop renowned for its fine gold and silver filigree jewelry (filigrana momposina). Free time to stroll the typical streets to the rhythm of the locals and enjoy a tropical fruit juice as night falls. Overnight at Hotel Bioma in Superior room.

In the morning, you’ll explore La Cienaga de Pijio (the marshlands) aboard a traditional boat, enjoying the picturesque scenery and observing the wildlife (egrets, herons, iguanas, monkeys…) and abundant flora (mangroves…).lunch on the banks of the Rio Magdalena. Afternoon at leisure in the colonial town of Mompox to stroll the typical streets to the rhythm of the locals. Overnight at the Hotel Bioma in a Superior room.

Transport between Mompox and the Tayrona region. Late afternoon free to enjoy the Tayrona region, between Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean Sea: walking in the rainforest, lazing on the immense palm-fringed beaches… Overnight at the Villa Maria hotel in a Standard room overlooking the jungle.

In the morning, drive to Neguanje beach in the Tayrona Park. Board small lanchas (motor boats), which will take you to a magnificent beach in the park. You’ll be able to enjoy a spectacular coral reef (lobsters, parrot fish, moray eels, rays…) 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. Overnight stay at Hotel Villa Maria in a Standard Room with jungle views.

Departure for the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where you will take a small boat up the Don Diego River to reach the Tayronaka reserve. The city of Tayronaka is another lost city of the Tayrona Indians. This mythical city was the setting for the film Mission (1986) starring Robert de Niro. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll retrace the history of this ancient civilization. After touring the remains, you’ll float down the Rio Don Diego, where you’ll be able to observe howler monkeys and magnificent birds. The finish on the ocean is spectacular! Return to the reserve by boat for lunch. Afternoon free to enjoy the Tayrona region, between Sierra Nevada and the Caribbean Sea: walking in the rainforest, lazing on the immense palm-fringed beaches… Overnight at the Villa Maria hotel in a Standard room overlooking the jungle.

Departure for Cartagena de Indias, on the Caribbean coast. Transfer to the hotel 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 Hotel Alfiz in a Junior Suite room.

Free morning to enjoy Cartagena’s many attractions. In the afternoon, just a stone’s throw from the walls and chic of the colonial center, you’ll set 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! Overnight at Hotel Alfiz in a Junior Suite room.

Free morning to take advantage of 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 on the Rosario islands. Transfer to Cartagena airport for your flight to Bogota.