Essence of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

Highlights:

• Bogotá – Historic district La
  Candelaria and Cerro de Montserrate


• Medellín – The city of eternal
  spring


• Colonial city of Cartagena de
  Indias

·        
Islas del
Rosario

Day 1 Arrival
to Bogotá – Airport pick up

Upon arrival in Bogotá in the afternoon or evening, we will transfer to the
colonial district of La Candelaria, where we will stay (2 nights). After a long
flight, you’ll have time to rest and acclimatize to the altitude since Bogotá
is located at 2,600 meters above sea level.

Day 2 Bogotá

Today we will head out to explore
Bogotá, visiting the historic district and its main landmarks. We’ll then take
a cable car to Cerro de Monserrate, offering a panoramic view of the capital.

In the
morning, after breakfast, we will explore Bogotá, a city of many contrasts. On
one side, you’ll find modern skyscrapers, and on the other, historic sites that
take you back to colonial and pre-colonial times. We’ll walk through the
historic district of La Candelaria, known for its narrow streets and colorful
houses dating back to Spanish colonialism. In the heart of La Candelaria is
Plaza Bolívar, paying tribute to Simón Bolívar, the leader of South American
independence. Here, we’ll also see the Cathedral Capilla del Sagrario, an
architectural gem, as well as the Parliament, the Palace of Justice, and City
Hall. We’ll visit the famous Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), which holds around
15,000 artifacts, most of them made of gold. Later, we’ll take the cable car up
to Cerro de Monserrate (3,210 meters), offering beautiful views of Bogotá. At
the top, you’ll find a Catholic basilica from 1925, as well as souvenir stalls,
textiles, refreshments, and restaurants serving typical Colombian cuisine.

Return to
the hotel (group or individual).

Day 3 –
Flight to Medellín

Depending on the time of your flight from Bogotá, we may visit the Paloquemao
fruit market. Then we’ll fly to Medellín. If time permits after our arrival, we
will go for a pleasant walk.

In the
morning, we’ll head to Paloquemao market, where we’ll discover and taste a
variety of tropical fruits. After that, we’ll transfer to the airport and fly
to Medellín.

Day 4
Medellín

Today, we will spend the day in Medellín. We will visit the historic center and
the famous Comuna 13, once notorious due to Pablo Escobar. In the evening,
we’ll enjoy the atmosphere of El Pueblito Paisa, a typical Antioquian town.

After
breakfast, we’ll explore Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city, also known
as the “city of eternal spring.” Twenty-five years ago, Medellín was the center
of Colombia’s drug cartel, led by the infamous Pablo Escobar. Once the world’s
most dangerous city, it is now a model city for the country, with one of the
lowest crime rates and recognized as the most innovative city in the world. We
will visit the historic center, starting with Plaza Botero, home to 23
sculptures by Fernando Botero. We’ll also see the Palace of Culture, Bolívar
Park, and the Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral, a Colombian national monument
since 1982. We’ll head to Comuna 13, once one of the world’s most dangerous
neighborhoods, now transformed with escalators and street art. In the evening,
we’ll visit El Pueblito Paisa, a typical Antioquian town, offering panoramic
views of Medellín, surrounded by mountains.

Return to
the hotel (group or individual).

Day 5 Flight
to Cartagena

The morning will be free for personal activities or visiting local markets.
Later, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to the colonial city of
Cartagena de Indias, located on the Caribbean coast.

In the
morning, enjoy free time or a trip to local markets such as Plaza America or
Plaza Minorista to shop for souvenirs. In the afternoon, we’ll head to the
airport for our flight to Cartagena de Indias on the Caribbean coast. Founded in
June 1533 and named after Cartagena in Spain, the city became one of the most
important ports in Spanish America. Due to its strategic location, the city was
frequently attacked by pirates, and it boasts one of the largest fortification
systems in Latin America and the Caribbean. Its historic center and
fortifications have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1984. We’ll stay
here for 3 nights.

Day 6
Cartagena

We will discover one of the most beautiful colonial cities in the Caribbean,
exploring the San Pedro district with its well-preserved buildings and the
largest Spanish colonial fortress.

In the
morning, after breakfast, we’ll explore Cartagena. The city’s main attraction
is its fortifications, one of the largest in the Caribbean and Latin America, along
with its colonial architecture. We’ll visit the walled city, see Plaza Bolívar,
and explore the San Pedro district, once home to nobles and officials during
colonial times. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral, San Pedro Claver
Church and Monastery, the Palace of the Inquisition, and the Santo Domingo
Church. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, named
after King Philip IV of Spain, the most powerful and largest fortress built by
the Spanish in their colonies, complete with original cannons, prison cells,
and tunnels. We’ll also visit the monastery on Cerro de la Popa, the highest
point in the city.

Return to
the hotel (group or individual).

Day 7
Cartagena – Islas del Rosario

We will take a full-day trip to the Islas del Rosario archipelago, known for
its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. We’ll enjoy a boat ride between the
islands and soak in the Caribbean atmosphere.

Today, we
will spend the day on the Islas del Rosario archipelago, located about 35
kilometers south of Cartagena. The archipelago consists of 27 islands
surrounded by coral reefs and clear turquoise waters. This area has been
designated as a national park. We’ll take a boat trip to one of the islands,
enjoy some relaxation time, and have lunch before returning to Cartagena in the
afternoon.

Day 8 Departure


Today, we will fly from Cartagena to Bogotá, where you will catch your
connecting international flight.

If your
international flight departs from another city, you may exchange this flight
for one to Medellín or consult other
destination.

In case
of your departure from Cartagena, we
can add an extra activity and transfer to the airport, depending on the
departure time.

Optional
Extra Day – Medellín – Guatapé

Guatapé is a
picturesque town in Colombia, about 80 kilometers east of Medellín. Its main
landmark is the massive rock formation known as El Peñón de Guatapé, which you
can climb via more than 700 steps to enjoy breathtaking views of the
surrounding landscape. The town is known for its colorful houses and detailed
decorations called zócalos, and for its scenic lakeside. The area was once
shaken by an earthquake during the construction of a hydroelectric plant, hence
its nickname, "Earthquake Lake." Guatapé is a popular tourist
destination for its natural beauty and cultural richness.

We’ll climb
the 700 steps of El Peñón for a stunning view, take a boat trip on the
reservoir with views of El Peñón, and see the remains of Pablo Escobar’s burned
house.

Lunch.

Visit to the town of Guatapé.

Return to Medellín.

Included:

• All domestic flights


• Cabin and checked luggage
  according to baggage rules


• Entry fees (except optional
  on-site admissions)


• All transportation during the
  tour except during free time


• 7 nights in 3* and 4* hotels


• 7 breakfasts


• 1 lunch on excursion to Islas
  del Rosario


• English speaking guide
  throughout the tour (except during free time)