Secret Colombia
: a tour off the beaten track

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 and historic districts, urban architecture and verdant parks. Overnight at Hotel The Orchids in a Deluxe room.

Visit 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.

– Fondation Botero , dedicated to the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, where his own works are on display (some 100 drawings, paintings and sculptures), as well as his private collection of no fewer than 85 masterpieces by internationally renowned artists (Renoir, Dali, Chagall, Picasso, Miro, etc.).) – The Candelaria district, Bogotá’s historic and cultural center, which has retained its authentic colonial atmosphere; the cobbled streets are lined with colourful facades, beautiful carved wooden balconies and Baroque churches – Plaza Bolivar, with its imposing buildings (City Hall, Palace of Justice, Cathedral, National Congress, etc.)….) Note 1: the Candelaria visit is on foot (3-hour walk in the city) Note 2: the order and content of the activities are given as a guide depending on the day of the week (Gold Museum closed on Mondays, Botero Museum closed on Tuesdays) Transfer to Bogotá airport for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Pereira. Arrival in the « coffee triangle » (made up of three departments: Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas). It is here, on the high Andean plateaus 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. Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a Standard room.

Departure for the outskirts of Filandia . This is an opportunity to learn a little more about the agriculture of this beautiful region. You’ll visit a coffee, banana and plantain finca that produces a large quantity of local fruit, followed by a visit to an authentic local trapiche (panela production). Afterwards, you’ll visit the colorful little 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. Immerse yourself in the world of guadua, the tall, green bamboo typical of the region. Finally, a detour to the department’s coffee cooperative to learn more about the organization of local producers and the coffee trade. This highly confidential visit shows how bags of coffee are transported, the beans carefully studied before being sold and roasted. Note: given the authentic, artisanal nature of the establishments visited, some may be closed on the day of the tour without prior notice. Overnight at Hotel Casa du Velo in a standard room.

Transport between the coffee region and Tatama National Nature Park. Morning departure for Tatama National Park. Situated in a mountainous area, this park attracts attention for its unspoilt biodiversity and the beauty of its landscapes. It is an unspoilt natural refuge for numerous plant and animal species. First day of walking and observation of the rich local flora and fauna. At the end of the day, check-in at the lodge (basic comfort). Note 1: approx. 3 hours’ drive Note 2: approx. 4 to 5 hours’ walk Overnight at the Montezuma lodge (basic comfort).

Transport between Tatama National Park and the coffee region. Second day in Tatama Park. Here, you’ll be able to observe numerous species of tree, including oak, encenillo, yarumo, encenillo, trumpet wood and the magnificent lilac-colored Tibouchina. These trees are usually covered with climbing plants, moss, lichen and various species of orchid. You can also observe a wide variety of birds, including the Aburria, Semillero, Tangara, Bicolor Wren, Souleyet’s Creeper and various species of parrot. Return to Pereira in the late afternoon. Note: approx. 3-hour drive Overnight at Hotel Sazagua in Junior Suite room.

Discover the Risaralda Valley on a horseback ride to enjoy the peace and quiet and admire the beauty of the landscape. Duration: 2h horseback ride After this beautiful ride, we propose to take you into the colorful world of exotic fruits, through a tasting guided by an expert! You’re sure to be surprised and amazed by the diversity of colors, tastes and textures! Transfer to Pereira airport for your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Medellin. 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. Welcome at Olaya Herrera national airport in Medellin, the city of eternal spring, and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at the Hotel Patio del Mundo in a Standard room.

Transfer to Medellin Olaya Herrera airport for your domestic flight. After a visit to Capurgana, a small village isolated from the rest of the world, you’ll set off on a walk to La Coquerita for lunch by the sea. Return to Capurgana in the late afternoon and check into your hotel. Note 1: Approximately 40 minutes by boat. Note 2: Depending on your domestic flight schedule, the program may be adjusted. Overnight in Verde Darien guesthouse in basic comfort.

Overnight in your private home. After breakfast, it’s time to explore the flora and fauna around Capurgana. Half-day walk and relaxation. You’ll walk along the beautiful beaches of Aguacate and Amarilla before arriving at Playa Soledad for lunch. On the way, you’ll be able to observe the famous yellow frogs and different species of monkeys, as well as enjoying the seabed. A picnic lunch will be served on arrival in this paradise-like setting. After lunch, departure by boat to Trigana, a small village south of Acandi. You’ll no doubt come across as many iguanas as inhabitants, and it’s in a sublime architect-designed house that we suggest you spend the night. Note 1: Approximately three hours’ walk during the day. Note 2: Snorkeling equipment provided. Note 3: Approximately 1 boat ride to Trigana. After breakfast, it’s time to explore the flora and fauna around Capurgana. Half-day walk and relaxation. You’ll walk along the beautiful beaches of Aguacate and Amarilla before arriving at Playa Soledad for lunch. On the way, you’ll be able to observe the famous yellow frogs and different species of monkeys, as well as enjoying the seabed. A picnic lunch will be served on arrival in this paradise-like setting. After lunch, departure by boat to Trigana, a small village south of Acandi. You’re likely to come across as many iguanas as inhabitants, and it’s in a sublime architect-designed house that we suggest you spend the night. Note 1: Approximately three hours’ walk per day. Note 2: Snorkeling equipment provided. Note 3: Approximately 1 boat ride to Trigana.

Overnight in your private home. You’ll set off on foot to discover the Bosque de los Gigantes . The opportunity to discover one of the largest trees in the world and enjoy a beautiful hike between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. The end of the day is free to enjoy the sublime setting of your accommodation. Note 1: A minimum of two hours’ walking, which can be adapted to suit your needs. Note 2: Between May and July, we can organize a night-time excursion to observe Cana and Carré tortoises. On foot, you’ll discover the Bosque de los Gigantes. The opportunity to discover one of the largest trees in the world and enjoy a beautiful hike between the mountains and the Caribbean Sea. Note 1 : A minimum of two hours’ walking, which can be adapted to your needs. Note 2 : Between May and July, possibility of organizing a night-time Cana and Tortoise Square turtle-watching excursion – Please contact us.

Transfer from Olaya Herrera national airport to Medellin international airport. After breakfast, departure for Capurgana and connection to your domestic flight. Domestic flight to Santa Marta. After breakfast, departure for Capurgana and connection to your domestic flight. Arrival in Santa Marta, on the Atlantic coast. Welcome at the airport and transfer to your hotel at the gateway to the beautiful Tayrona National Park. Check-in and end of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel Casa Los Naranjos in a Deluxe 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 are mandatory if you wish to take the jungle walk Note 3 : depending on the location of your hotel, transport may take between 45min and 1H30. Overnight at Hotel Casa Los Naranjos in a Deluxe room.

In the morning, departure for the town of Mompox. Arrival in Mompox, a small colonial town on the banks of the Rio Magdalena. Transfer to hotel. Free time to stroll the typical streets to the rhythm of the locals and enjoy a tropical fruit juice as night falls. Note: 6-hour drive. Overnight at Hotel Portal de la Marquesa in a Standard room.

Spend the day visiting Santa Cruz de Mompox, stopping off at the market to sample local specialities, visiting the Baroque churches (Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, Concepción…) and discovering the colonial architecture of the historic center (declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO). Lunch on the banks of the Rio Magdalena, before exploring La Cienaga de Pijiño (marshlands) aboard a traditional boat. Along the way, enjoy the picturesque scenery and observe the wildlife (egrets, herons, iguanas, monkeys, etc.) and abundant flora (mangroves). Note 1: approx. 2 hours sailing Note 2: swimming possible Overnight at Hotel Portal de la Marquesa in a Standard room.

Morning departure for the city of Cartagena de Indias. Transfer to the hotel and end of the day free to discover the unrivalled charm of this superb colonial city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Note: 6-hour drive. Overnight at Hotel Alfiz in a Junior Suite 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. Domestic flight to Bogota.