Begin your expedition in Bogotá, a sophisticated capital city that’s home to 8 million people, Museo de Botero and Museo del Oro, the world’s most important gold museum. Then head to Zipaquirá for an underground tour of the famous Salt Cathedral. Fly to Medellín, an example of social and cultural transformation, and enjoy flower-filled mountain scenery, street art and great shopping. Visit the Coffee Triangle and have a tasting in Pereira. Then tour the beautiful Cocora Valley and proceed to Cartagena to discover its rich history. Trek through Tayrona National Park, a rainforest with abundant wildlife along the Caribbean coast before returning to Cartagena for your trip home.
Language
Spanish
Time Zone
GMT -5
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP)
Average Temp
74° F
Colombia Expedition
Colonial Cities, Coffee Plantations & Country Retreats
Inspire Your Expedition with Our Sample Itinerary
Day 1 – BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA
Arrive in Bogotá
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia
Day 2 – BOGOTÁ – ZIPAQUIRÁ
Full day private tour:
- Panoramic view of the city
- Zipaquirá – Underground Salt Cathedral,
Colonial town
- Heart of Bogotá – Plaza de Bolívar: Cathedral, Congress Palace, City Hall
- Museo del Oro
- Museo de Botero
Accommodations: Hotel Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 – BOGOTÁ / MEDELLÍN
Private transfer to airport for flight to Medellín
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Park 10
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – MEDELLÍN
Full day private tour:
- “History of Transformation” Tour – Plaza Botero, Parque Barrio, Metro Cable San Javier
- “Graffiti” Tour – Comuna 13 local artists & street art
Accommodations: Hotel Park 10
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 – MEDELLÍN / PEREIRA
Private transfer to airport for flight to Pereira
- “Zona Cafetera” – coffee-growing area
- Hacienda San Alberto – Coffee-tasting, Hacienda tour
Accommodations: Hotel Casa San Carlos Lodge
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 – PEREIRA – COCORA VALLEY
Full day private tour:
- “Ritual de la Palma” – preservation of wax palm trees
- Salento – Colonial Bahareque Architecture
Accommodations: Hotel Casa San Carlos Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7 – PEREIRA / CARTEGENA
Private transfer to airport for flight to Cartagena
Private transfer to hotel
Accommodations: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 – CARTAGENA
Half day private tour:
- Convento de la Popa
- Castillo de San Felipe
- Las Bóvedas
Accommodations: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 – CARTAGENA
Free day to enjoy Cartagena on your own
Accommodations: Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 – CARTAGENA / SANTA MARTA
Private transfer to hotel on Caribbean Mata de Plátano Beach near Tayrona National Park
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Maria Tayrona
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 – TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK – ARRECIFES
Private transfer to Arrecifes (Reefs) sector of Tayrona National Park:
- Guided 4-hour walking tour through rainforest
- See birds, monkeys, squirrels & other wildlife
- Swimming at Playa la Piscina beach
Lunch at Cabo San Juan de Guía beach
Accommodations: Hotel Villa Maria Tayrona
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 12 – SANTA MARTA / CARTAGENA / HOMEWARD BOUND
Private transfer to Cartagena airport to connect to flight home
Meals: Breakfast
Starting at $7,200 per person
(two travelers, double occupancy, airfare not included)
Itineraries are customized to travelers’ interests and preferences.
Final prices will vary based on dates of travel and number of travelers.
This was our sixth time to Costa Rica with NEI and the first trip for our extended family, ages 25-31. Thank you for organizing such a terrific trip. There was not one glitch: everything was perfect, including planning the itinerary. I cannot think of anything which could have improved our experience. It was all perfect.
Mark S.
Hamilton, ON
When to go:
Year-round (best times are from December to March)
What to eat:
Ajiaco (chicken, corn & potato soup), Cazuela de Mariscos (seafood stew), Sancocho (potato & yuca stew with meat & corn on the cob)
What to pack:
Light-weight clothing; light jacket or sweater; shawl or scarf; swimwear; comfortable walking & hiking shoes; waterproof shoes; sunscreen, sunglasses, hat; insect repellent; camera equipment; binoculars; universal adapter
