Classic Colombia
Example Itinerary
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Overview
Colombia has been described as an entire continent encompassed in a single country and, indeed, it can boast an impressive resume including from Caribbean beaches and verdant rainforests to Andean towns and snow-capped mountains. Having languished in the shadows for some time, Colombia has recently emerged back into the spotlight with an exciting new makeover.
This comprehensive introduction to the country begins in Bogota, where you can explore some of its many highlights before moving ...
Colombia has been described as an entire continent encompassed in a single country and, indeed, it can boast an impressive resume including from Caribbean beaches and verdant rainforests to Andean towns and snow-capped mountains. Having languished in the shadows for some time, Colombia has recently emerged back into the spotlight with an exciting new makeover.
This comprehensive introduction to the country begins in Bogota, where you can explore some of its many highlights before moving on to visit the stunning underground Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira and the beautiful UNESCO town of Villa de Leyva. Moving on to the famed coffee region of Armenia, you have an opportunity to enjoy a three-night stay at a traditional hacienda and pay a visit to the Los Nevados National Park.
Travelling up the coast, then journey to Cartagena, a city that was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and today is a living, breathing testament to the rich mix of Colombia's African, European and indigenous cultures and influences.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Enjoy a tasting menu of local flavours and sunset cocktails over colonial Caribbean town of Cartagena
- Hike to Tayrona National park and laze on a Caribbean beach with the rainforest behind you
- Admire the ancient colonial buildings and cobblestoned streets of the prettiest towns in Colombia
- Learn all about coffee whilst exploring staying in Colombia’s Coffee Region
- Tour the capital’s historic centre and grand colonial buildings
- Head deep underground into the cavernous Salt Catherdral of Zipaquira
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 BOGOTA
Upon arrival to Bogota you will be met at the airport and taken to your boutique hotel set in colonial building in Bogota’s historic centre. The rest of the day is then free to rest after the long arrival flight and perhaps go for a wander around the city centre.
Day 2 BOGOTA
A full day city tour of Bogota in on the agenda today, visiting some of the highlights of the city including the Gold Museum on the northeast corner of Parque Santander and includes 35,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold work in the collection. A highlight of today is the Bogotá Paloquemao market, offering a great insight into the life and customs of Bogotanos. The market is one of the most important in the country, where 750 merchants and a labyrinth of stands offer a large variety of local produce and flowers, one of Colombia’s biggest exports. Next, is a trip to the city’s finest viewpoint, the hilltop look-out and monastery of Monserrate, reached by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point, you will be able to see the different neighbourhoods of the city, set in the Andes mountains. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians who make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent.
Day 3 BOGOTA - ZIPAQUIRA - VILLA DE LEYVA
Transfer by private vehicle into the cordillera to the small UNESCO town of Villa de Leyva. Along the way there will be a visit to the underground Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira. The mine houses an eerie and magnificent spectacle carved out directly from the rock salt. After a tour of the cathedral, continue on to the rural town of Villa de Leyva and your quaint, boutique hotel.
Day 4 VILLA DE LEYVA
After breakfast, take a walking tour around the historical part of Villa de Leyva, strolling through one of the largest Plazas in Colombia and visiting some of the interesting buildings including the house of Antonio Nariño and the Monasteries de las Carmelitas Descalzas. After lunch, head out to the countryside to reach El Fossil, an impressive 120-million-year-old prehistoric marine reptile. You will also visit the ancient stone astronomy site 'The Observatory', which was used by the Indians to determine the seasons and the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery.
Day 5 VILLA DE LEYVA - ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION)
Transfer back to the capital in time for your domestic flight to Armenia, one of the capitals of Colombia’s Coffee Region or Zona Cafetera. Upon arrival in Armenia, your local guide will be waiting to take you to the charming Hacienda Bambusa for a three-night stay. After a chance to freshen up and have some lunch, the afternoon sees you enjoying a walking tour of the working farm and cacao plantation followed by a scrumptious cacao tasting.
Day 6 COFFEE REGION
A full day exploring the coffee region today takes you to some of the colourful, rural towns of the coffee highlands, distinct from the colonial, country town of Villa de Leyva. There will be a stop at the prized town of Salento where you’ll enjoy a special coffee art workshop at one of the town’s quaint cafes. Fairly close is the Cocora Valley where short hikes bring you to its star attraction a valley covered in Colombia’s national tree, the quindio. Another stop today will be at the lesser-visited town of Filandia for a tour of its bright plaza and colourful streets.
Day 7 COFFEE REGION
Get the morning going and off to a good start with a cup of fine Colombian brew and premium coffee tour to learn how it is processed from bean to cup at a local café in the region. The rest of the day is then at leisure to either enjoy a bit of downtime in the peaceful landscapes surrounding the hacienda or organise one of the many activities the ranch offers.
Day 8 ARMENIA (COFFEE REGION) - TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
A driver will be ready to pick you up and take you back to the airport in Armenia in time for your flight to Santa Marta, up on the Caribbean coast, via Bogota. From here you will be taken to the Tayrona National Park, slightly further north, with the journey taking approximately one hour. The majority of the park is covered by virgin tropical forest and is inhabited by over 100 species of mammals, 200 species of birds and 50 species of reptiles. The Paujil, a kind of hen, is often represented in Tayrona gold work and is indigenous to the area, as is the majestic condor which nests in the highest peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will be staying in one of the area’s most upscale offerings, just 2km from the entrance to the national park.
Day 9 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
There is no better place to relax and listen to the calming rhythms of the waves than Tayrona. As you sit on the white sands of Cañaveral and imagine what is behind you – a biosphere of tropical and deciduous forests, a population of nearly 26,500 indigenous people form tribes including Koji, Arhuaco and Wiwa, and the world’s highest coastal mountain range! In front of you the Caribbean ocean with its well-preserved coral reef, bays, inlets and to the side an extensive coast of fine beaches and scenery. Time can be spent relaxing on the beach or in a hammock, or wandering the beach and jungle trails, a true picture-perfect beach paradise.
Day 10 TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK - CARTAGENA
After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken down the Caribbean Coast to Cartagena de Indias, a journey of approximately 5 hours at a distance of 190km. The transfer passes through Barranquilla, famed for its carnival and most famous resident, singer Shakira. There will be opportunities to stop along the way for pictures and to stretch your legs if you wish. Arriving in time for lunch, you will have some time to relax before enjoying a leisurely walk around Cartagena’s colonial centre and port with a local guide, ending at a beautiful spot on the old town’s wall for sunset cocktails.
Day 11 CARTAGENA
Enjoy a full day city tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day begins with an exploration of the city’s lively graffiti in the trendy Getsemani area. Whilst walking around the beautifully preserved colonial buildings infused with quintessential Caribbean colour, there will be a break for lunch where you can sample a tasting menu at a well-loved local restaurant. Then afternoon then continues with a visit to La Popa Convent, the highest point in the city, and ends at the San Felipe Fortress to appreciate views out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea, whilst learning of this point’s contrastingly troubled history.
Day 12 CARTAGENA
Today is spent at leisure. You could choose to continue exploring the city and its culture; Colombia's living, breathing and pulsating museum with a colourful history and a fusion of African, indigenous and European cultures. Alternatively, a day exploring the nearby Caribbean islands is easily arranged.
Day 13 DEPART CARTAGENA
You will be taken to the airport in Cartagena for a morning flight to Bogota to connect on with your return international flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Hacienda Bambusa, Armenia
The working coffee farm and plantation sits in the countryside around Armenia in Colombia’s coffee zone, surrounded by the Central Andes Mountain Range. The hacienda, built from bamboo and clay, is utterly charming and the grounds, filled with banana, orange and pineapple trees, are large and peaceful. The building conserves the traditional architectural style of the historic coffee mansions of the area. There are a menu of tours that can be arranged both on the property and in the surrounding areas such as cooking classes, coffee tasting, ziplining and horse riding. Guests can also opt to relax by the outdoor pool, wander the grounds or chill in any of the hotel’s public areas and hammocks. Rooms either overlook the pool or the garden and are spacious and stylish with a distinctly Mediterranean feel.
Hotel De La Opera, Bogota
Located in the historic centre, La Candelaria, most of the city’s major sites, museums and architectural highlights are within walking distance. Housed in a colonial building, the hotel and surrounding area is full of history, close to where Simon Bolivar is said to have escaped an assassination attempt. Split over two buildings, part of the property’s colonial past is evident, with rooms encircling the Spanish-style courtyards. Views across the other red-tile-roofed, historic buildings of the area can be enjoyed from the upper floors. Inside the accommodation however, the 42 rooms move into the modern era with laminated flooring and contemporary, Italian-made, wood furniture. Rooms also feature high ceilings and some have private balconies. Facilities at this four-star hotel include a small gym and an indoor swimming pool and spa. Also boasting two restaurants and a bar, guests do not need to leave the hotel for dinner.
The Alfiz Boutique Hotel, Cartagena de Indias
The Alfiz Boutique Hotel is one of Cartagena’s best kept secrets. The colonial house was built over 300 years ago and has recently been restored into a charming hotel which perfectly blends character and comfort. A particularly special feature of Alfiz is the design of its eight uniquely themed rooms featuring antique pieces that reflect the most important stages in the history of the city, from the conquest to independence, to give each guest insight into the city’s fascinating past within a stylish resting place. The hotel also features a small outdoor pool, a terrace, an antique-style reading room and a garden where breakfast is served, made up of exotic fruit juice, homemade bread, local dishes and Colombian coffee. The small hotel offers a friendly and personable service, perfect for couples.
Villa Playa Tayrona, Tayrona National Park
With a lack of luxury accommodation options in the protected national park, Villa Playa Tayrona offers one of the most high-end ways to experience the surrounding natural beauty. The boutique property features only six suites making the allowing for a very personable service. Rooms are either Suites or Deluxe Suites (Cabanas) measuring approximately 45m² and all come with both a king-sized bed and a single bed. Suites have a cool, light-coloured, airy design whilst Cabanas have high, thatched-roofs and a more rustic appeal. Villa Playa Tayrona offers common mod-cons such as Wi-Fi, hot water and air-conditioning often not found in the area. Neighbouring the national park and found two kilometres from its entrance, the hotel has an ideal location to explore the natural beauty in addition to enjoying its own unique views at the mouth of the Rio Piedra joining the Caribbean Sea.
Casa Terra, Villa De Leyva
This boutique property houses just nine rooms, allowing for spacious living quarters and an attentive service. The décor mixes colonial features such as tiled flooring, whitewashed walls and terracotta roofs with rural Colombian life including barn-style window coverings and wood-beam balconies and ceiling support. Furniture throughout the hotel is modern and stylish with excellent amenities. A location roughly three blocks from the main plaza means that lack of a restaurant isn’t an issue. Breakfast is served in the peaceful gardens which also make a great spot for some downtime. Loungers and seating can be found dotted around the grounds to enjoy the hot midday sun in addition to an outdoor fireplace for use during the chillier altitude evenings. A beautiful country estate with the perfect location and wonderful service make Hotel Casa Terra the perfect option combining character, convenience and comfort.
Hotel Rating
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Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
Up-to-date knowledge and advice from our experienced consultants on the best places to stay, things to do and regions to visit to make your holiday the trip of a lifetime.
EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Richard
Richard is our Latin America expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Richard by calling
1(833) 200-4640
OTHER ITINERARIES IN COLOMBIA
Check out our group tours in Colombia
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Colombia. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Colombia