From the Amazon to the Sea

Jour 1 : Bogota

Arrival at Bogota El Dorado International airport.

Transfer to your hotel in the Candelaria district and enjoy some free time to explore Colombia´s capital city at your own pace. Here you’ll find modern districts, the historic center, lush green parks and urban architecture. Overnight at Monserrat hotel in a Suite.

Jour 2 : Bogota

Full day to explore the capital city of Bogota, known for its colonial architecture and authentic atmosphere.

– Take in panoramic views of the city and it’s surroundings at Cerro de Monserrate, the 3152m high peak that flanks the eastern side of the city. At the top, there is a white church (accessible by cable car or by funicular railway), a sanctuary for pilgrimages and particularly crowded on holy days.

-The Candelaria district: Bogota’s historical center. You’ll take a walk along cobblestoned streets, discover colorful colonial mansions, carved wooden balconies as well and baroque style churches.

– The Gold museum displays one of the most dazzling collections in South America, bringing together around 34.000 pieces of goldsmith work and considered the world’s largest pre-Colombian collection of its kind. The artifacts come from different civilizations: Quimbayas, Taironas, Muiscas and Tolimas.

– Botero Museum dedicated to famous Colombian artist, Fernando Botero. The Museum features both his works (around a hundred of drawings, paintings and sculptures) as well as his private collection which includes 85 masterpieces from well known artists such as Dali, Renoir, Chagall, Picasso, Miro and more.

– Bolivar Square (la Plaza Bolivar) surrounded by Bogota’s most impressive buildings, including the Town Hall, the Palace of Justice, Primatial Cathedral, Congress Building…

*Note 1: Walking tour in the Candelaria colonial center (3 to 4 hour walk). Transporation is included for the visit of Montserrate.*

*Note 2: the order of visits may be modified depending on the weekday. (The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays. The Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays).*

*Note 3 : Montserrate is a very popular destination on Sundays.*

Overnight at Monserrat hotel in a Suite.

Jour 3 : Bogota

Transfer to Bogota airport for your domestic flight to Leticia . Arrival in Leticia and transfer by private boat on the Rio Amazonas (1h30 minute boat ride). Check into your ecolodge into your lodge.

After dinner soak up the noise with a nighttime jungle and discover species of insects and animals that only come out at night.

IMPORTANT : The Calanoa Lodge is an Eco-lodge that works closely with local communities.

Located in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, it is Eco-friendly: use of rain water and electricity only permitted between 3 PM and 11 PM. Meals are prepared according refueling and fishing trips.

The day’s activities are generally organized as follows: a 9 AM morning excursion with a return to the lodge late morning, lunch at the lodge, a second excursion between 3 – 5 PM. The order of activities may be reorganized with your guide depending on weather conditions or your interests.

Note 1: At Leticia airport you’ll be asked to pay an Amazon tourist tax (35000 COP / person to date).

Note 2: Possibility of spending the first night in Leticia and with a city visit. Travel to the Eco-lodge the next day.

Note 3: Excursions are organized with a local Spanish speaking guide. The lodge only has 4 bungalows, so the tour group never exceeds 6 to 8 people. For a private tour with a private guide, please contact us.

Notes 4 : During the dry season there is a small walk to reach the boats, porters will help you with your bags. This service is additional. A tip is expected, about 2,000 cop or about 50 cents. Overnight at Calanoa Lodge in a Bungalow.

Jour 4 : Calanoa Reserve

Overnight at Calanoa Lodge in a Bungalow. After breakfast, visit the indigenous community of El Vergel.

This community is mainly home to the Tikunas people.

Discover with the indigenous ancestral culture and handicrafts. Lunch at the lodge.

In the afternoon take a walk in the nature reserve surrounding the lodge. Your guide will show you the secrets of the flora and fauna, medicinal plants, and giant trees. You might come across families of micos (monkeys), parrots, armadillos and tropical birds.

Then return to the lodge by canoe, through the Quebrada Matamata, at the edge of the Amacayacu Park.

Note 1: Donations of school supplies and light clothing are welcome in the village El Vergel.

Note 2: About a two hour walk.

Note 3: Due to rain, the canoe trip back not be possible from July to November.

Note 4: Other possibilities for half-day excursions include: a visit of the village of Puerto Nariño, a pink dolphins safari, a ceramic and braided basket making workshop and fishing.

Jour 5 : Calanoa Reserve

Overnight at Calanoa Lodge in a Bungalow. In the morning, head to Puerto Nariño .

Cross the Tarapoto lake, a favorite spot for pink dolphins in the Amazon. Observe several species of caimans, many birds (parrots, toucans …), several species of monkeys (howler, capuchin …) and other mammals such as armadillos and tapirs. Take a swim if you’d like.

Lunch in Puerto Nariño, a village famous throughout Colombia for its eco-friendly initiatives. Free time in the village at the end of the day.

Note: Entrance fee and lunch not included.

Jour 6 : Leticia

Domestic flight to Bogota.

Domestic flight to Medellin . After breakfast, departure for Leticia in a private boat.

Note: According to your flight schedule, you can include a visit to the city of Leticia. You can then reach the airport (located 10 minutes from the city) by Cocotaxi . Arrival at Medellin and transfer to your hotel. End of the day free to enjoy Medellin, the city of eternal spring. Overnight at hotel Sites 45 in a Loft room.

Jour 7 : Medellin

Transfer to Olaya Herrera airport (Medellin’s national airport) for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Bahia Solano (Additional contact us). Welcoming at the airport and transfer by jeep, riding along the Pacific Coast , to your lodge.

Free afternoon to relax and enjoy the charms and treasures of this natural paradise.

Note 1: At Bahia Solano airport, you’ll be charged a tourist tax of 30 000 COP per person when you enter and an airport tax of 8 000 COP per person when you leave ( cash only)

Note 2: Luggage is limited in weight (10 kg/person). Surplus baggage surplus can be paid directly at the airport.

Note 3: The transfer between the airport and the lodge is about a 40 minute drive, half of it off trail. Overnight at El Almejal hotel in a Bungalow room.

Jour 8 : Bahia Solano

Overnight at El Almejal hotel in a Bungalow room. Explore the surroundings of Bahia Solano: walk through the tropical vegetation, take a boat trip where you might cross Humpback Whales. This area of Colombia is also known for its turtles and dolphins. During your stay, visit Nuqui national park, home to one of the most incredible natural landscapes of the country. There the tropical forest meets sandy beaches that merge with the crystal clear waters.

Note 1: The order of the visits will be decided on site.

Note 2: During the visit of Utria National Park, entrance fees (42 000 COP/person to be paid on site) and lunch are not included.

Jour 9 : Bahia Solano

Overnight at El Almejal hotel in Bungalow room. Explore the surroundings of Bahia Solano: walk through the tropical vegetation, take a boat trip where you might cross Humpback Whales.

Jour 10 : Bahia Solano

Domestic flight to Medellin (additionnal, contact us). Arrival at Olaya Herrera national airport of Medellin airport and transfer to your hotel. Transfer to Bahia Solano airport for your domestic flight.

Note 1: At Bahia Solano Airport, you’ll be charged a local tax of 8 000 COP/person.

Note 2: Baggage is limited in weight (10 kg/person). Surplus baggage can be paid directly at the airport. Overnight at hotel Sites 45 in a Loft room.

Jour 11 : Medellin

Free morning in Medellin. Transfer to Medellin airport for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Cartagena. Arrival in Cartagena de Indias, the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast, a city of romance, legends and superbly preserved beauty lying within an impressive 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls. Cartagena’s old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site – a maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, and massive churches that cast their shadows across the plazas.

Transfer to your hotel in the historical center. Free time to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Overnight at Casa Canabal hotel in Deluxe double room.

Jour 12 : Cartagena de Indias

Half day dedicated to visiting the historic center and the main sites of Cartagena. Walk along the cobbled streets and discover the past and present of Cartagena by visiting the most beautiful monuments of the city such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia.

Notice the different architectural influences – Romanesque, Moorish, Colonial, Military, Arab, Spanish and North American – that have shaped Cartagena.

Discover the Palace of the Inquisition, one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, or the San Pedro Claver sanctuary, formerly dedicated to Spanish priests and missionaries.

Depart for an adventure in the Getsemani district, a stone’s throw from the walled city… You’ll take walking tour of the streets of this Bohemian district to discover local Colombian food… authentic dishes that Cartageneros love!

Whether you are looking for a snack or something slightly more filling, a healthy appetizer or a sweet dessert, the streets of Cartagena offer everything! This is one of the best ways to get insight into daily life and local culture.

Experience the hospitality of Colombia’s street vendors as you get in touch with authentic Cartagena. Sample tropical fruits, arepas, buñuelos, chicharrones, limonada and more. Note: About 2 hours

Overnight at Casa Canabal hotel in a Deluxe double room.

Jour 13 : Cartagena de Indias

Transfer between your hotel and the port of Cartagena. Free day of relaxation in the heart of the beautiful Rosario archipelago.

Today’s itinerary: relax on the sandy beaches, swim in the heart of the Caribbean sea, explore the mangroves and sample local fish and coconut rice dishes.

Note 1: Upon your arrivale at Cartagena port, you’ll have to pay a tax (19 500 COP to date).

Note 2 : 2 hour boat ride. Transfer between the port and your hotel in Cartagena . Overnight at Casa Canabal hotel in a Deluxe double room.

Jour 14 : Cartagena de Indias

Transfer to Cartagena airport for your flight to Bogota . Connexion to your international flight.

IMPORTANT : Depending on your flight schedule, make sure you have the time for connection. Otherwise, choose to stay overnight in Bogota the day before departure.