[{"title":"Day 1: Bogota","name":"Bogota","description":"Bienvenidos! Welcome to Bogota. Sitting at 2644 m above sea level, Colombia's lofty capital is a charming, yet hectic mix of old and new. With a wealth of cosy cafes, interesting museums and old churches, there’s plenty to do and see here. Your adventure begins with an orientation walk with your leader and group around Candelaria at 1 pm. There will also be a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. After, why not head out to dinner with your new travel companions and get to know the local cuisine. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Bogota - La Candelaria Walking Tour</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Bogota - Montserrate cable car</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Gold Museum</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral + Guatavita sacred Lagoon Day Tour</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Villa de Leyva Magic Town Day tour</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - La Chorrera waterfall hike Day tour</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Museo Nacional</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Local Graffiti Tour</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Zipaquira Salt Cathedral Tour</description>","lat":"4.598056","lng":"-74.075833"},{"title":"Day 2: Salento","name":"Salento","description":"This morning, immerse your senses in the flavours and colours of Colombia on a visit Paloquemao Market – home to Bogota’s biggest selection of exotic fruits, fresh vegetables and food stalls – and maybe indulge in a delicious Arepa (Colombian style tortilla). After, take a short flight and transfer to the village of Salento. When you arrive, stroll through the streets to admire the colours of 'paisa' architecture at its best. For some local food, trout is the way to go here – there are lots of ways to enjoy it, but it's most often served with a rich, garlicky cheese sauce. Tonight, try your hand at Colombia's national sport, tejo – a popular pastime in Salento, made even better with a free beer. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Salento - Traditional Tejo Game</description><br/>-<description>Bogota - Visit to Paloquemao market</description>","lat":"4.637376","lng":"-75.570777"},{"title":"Day 3: Coffee Estancia","name":"Coffee Estancia","description":"Travel by jeep out to the magnificent Cocora Valley – home of the towering wax palm (Colombia's national tree). Spend the morning walking among the region's incredible scenery, maybe hiking up to Acaime Reserve where the hummingbirds feed. The hike to Acaime is quite strenuous, with some steep and slippery sections, so you'll need good walking shoes as well as plenty of water and snacks (a boxed lunch will be provided). If you'd rather take it easy, you can explore the valley as you please, then take a jeep back to town. Later, travel deep into Colombia's coffee region for a two-night stay in a traditional coffee estancia, where you'll have a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this wonderful bean. ","lat":"5.067132","lng":"-75.518288"},{"title":"Day 4: Coffee Estancia","name":"Coffee Estancia","description":"Thanks to its tropical altitude and fertile volcanic soil, Colombia is one of the world’s largest coffee producers. You’ll get to know this addictive little bean a whole lot better on a guided tour of the coffee plantation and processing centre. Dig into the history of the plant, learning the inside story of the industry that's long buoyed the country's economy. See how the beans are grown, harvested, processed, dried, roasted and ground, then sample firsthand what all the fuss is about. Try different types of coffee grains and get a lesson on preparing different types of coffees – finishing it all off with a steaming cup of freshly brewed joe. After, relax amid the estancia's beautiful surrounds of sloping green hills and valleys. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Coffee Hacienda- Coffee plantation tour & tasting</description>","lat":"5.067132","lng":"-75.518288"},{"title":"Day 5: Medellin","name":"Medellin","description":"Leave the coffee estancia this morning and take a transfer to the small town of Chinchina, where you’ll board a comfortable public bus for the journey to Medellin. Along the way, learn a little more about the town's interesting history – having spent the 1980’s and 90’s with an international reputation as one of the world's most dangerous cities (due to Pablo Escobar's infamous drug cartel), Medellin has turned itself around to become one of the most exciting cities in South America. And with some of the country's finest museums, parks and architecture, it's easy to see why its popularity is increasing. When you arrive, explore the city on an orientation walk with your leader. ","lat":"6.235925","lng":"-75.575137"},{"title":"Day 6: Medellin","name":"Medellin","description":"Today you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Medellin and its surrounds during a cable car ride up to Santa Elena. Sail up the mountain over brick houses, watching as the corrugated metal roofs give way to vistas of green valleys and forested peaks. Thanks to the elevation, things are usually a little cooler up here. Enjoy an included tour of a flower garden where a local family will showcase the flower displays that are traditional to the region. Back in Medellin, take a barrio transformation tour to see how the city is now more than its dark history. Tonight, you might want to search out one of the city's lively salsa bars (many count Medellin's nightlife as the best in Colombia). <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Medellin - Barrio Transformation Tour</description><br/>-<description>Medellin - Flower Garden tour</description><br/>-<description>Metrocable to Acevedo station and up to Santa Elena</description>","lat":"6.235925","lng":"-75.575137"},{"title":"Day 7: Medellin","name":"Medellin","description":"Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. Maybe visit the Museo de Antioquia to see some of Botero's famous works or get more modern at the beautiful Museo de Arte Moderno. If you’re not sure how to spend your day, your local leader is always on hand with some great tips! <br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Medellin - Comuna 13 Tour</description><br/>-<description>Medellin - Guatape + Penol Rock Day Tour</description><br/>-<description>Medellin - Violence + Posconflict Tour</description><br/>-<description>Medellin - Museo de Antioquia entrance fee</description><br/>-<description>Medellin - Historic Downtown Tour</description>","lat":"6.235925","lng":"-75.575137"},{"title":"Day 8: Cartagena","name":"Cartagena","description":"Fly to Cartagena – one of South America's most historic cities. When you arrive, you’ll have some free time to explore the Old City. This inner walled town is the main attraction in Cartagena and is packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Its walled fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built to protect both shipping and the slave trade. Maybe visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle, the largest of the fortresses, or head out of town for a mud bath at Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Maybe end this adventure people-watching in the heart of Getsemaní at Plaza de la Trinidad, where kids play football and singers strum their guitars. This evening, maybe head out with your leader and travel mates for an optional dinner in town to celebrate this great adventure in Colombia. <br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle</description>","lat":"10.387337","lng":"-75.519663"},{"title":"Day 9: Cartagena","name":"Cartagena","description":"Today is a free day in Cartagena. Maybe explore the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, which features lots of colourful street art and is perfect for a self-paced walking tour. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting to meet the new travellers joining you on your next leg of the adventure. Then, head out for a walk with your leader to get a feel for the city better and see anything you may not have had time to see. Tonight, why not sit down with your group for an optional dinner. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Cartagena - Orientation walk of hotel neighbourhood</description><br/><br/>Optional Activities:<br/>-<description>Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle</description><br/>-<description>Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City</description><br/>-<description>Cartagena - Walled city + Getsemani District Tour</description><br/>-<description>Cartagena - Mangroves Tour</description><br/>-<description>Cartagena - Gabriel Garcia Marquez Walking Tour</description><br/>-<description>Cartagena - San Basilio de Palenque Full Day Tour</description>","lat":"10.387337","lng":"-75.519663"},{"title":"Day 10: Santa Marta","name":"Santa Marta","description":"Today begins with a scenic private transfer to the historic coastal city of Santa Marta – your gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park. When you arrive, settle in and enjoy the hotel’s relaxing atmosphere. Then, head out with your leader for a walk through downtown Santa Marta, where you'll learn about the layered history and experience some of the vibrant local culture. Stroll past the Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, as your leader shares insights into the city's heritage. As the sun sets, you'll have some free time to unwind or explore further. For dinner, ask your leader for some restaurant recommendations and explore the local dining scene. <br/><br/>Included Activities:<br/>-<description>Santa Marta – Orientation walk</description>","lat":"11.24725","lng":"-74.20166"},{"title":"Day 14: Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta","name":"Lost City Trek/ Santa Marta","description":"It’s your last day in the mountains and time to return to Santa Marta. You’ll wake up bright and early this morning and walk back to Machete, stopping at Adam campsite to recharge your batteries with a few snacks and maybe a dip in the natural pool. Continue your descent, then have lunch, before hopping in your private transfer back to Santa Marta. When you arrive, you have a free evening to rest or head out to an optional farewell dinner with your fellow travellers to celebrate the end of an epic adventure. ","lat":"11.24725","lng":"-74.20166"},{"title":"Day 15: Santa Marta","name":"Santa Marta","description":"Today after breakfast, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time after check-out. Consider extending your stay in Santa Marta to relax in this paradisical port city, taking full advantage of the beautiful beaches. If you do decide to stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. ","lat":"11.24725","lng":"-74.20166"}]