Classic Colombia - 16 days
Classic Colombia - 16 days
Classic Colombia - 16 days
16 Days Starting in Bogota and ending in Cartagena
Visiting: Bogota, San Agustin, Popayan, Armenia, Santa Marta, Mompos, Cartagena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2053/CCOL
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
12-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating 16-day journey through Colombia, exploring its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. Begin in Bogota with a guided tour of the capital's historic sites and the renowned Gold Museum. Venture to San Agustin to marvel at ancient statues in the UNESCO-listed Archaeological Park. Discover the lush Coffee Triangle, learning about coffee production in Armenia, and hike among towering wax palms in the Cocora Valley. Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Cartagena's Old Town and the serene beauty of Tayrona National Park. Visit the birthplace of Gabriel Garcia Marquez in Aracataca and enjoy a wildlife-rich boat trip along the Magdalena River in Mompos. With seamless domestic flights and comfortable accommodations, this tour offers an unforgettable exploration of Colombia's diverse wonders.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Location: Bogota
Saturday. Hola Colombia! Upon arrival at Bogota airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon we embark on a guided tour through the city's cobbled streets, passing through the fascinating colonial area of Candelaria with its fine historical buildings, including churches and the presidential palace. Then we visit the Botero museum where we see the art and sculptures of Colombia’s most famous artist. Our final stop is the city's famous Gold Museum which houses more than 50,000 pieces of gold.
Please note: we recommend booking flights to arrive into Bogota before midday, in order to join the city tour which usually starts at approximately 2pm. Pre tour accommodation can be arranged upon request.
Day 2: Bogota
Location: Bogota
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today is free to spend at leisure or there are some optional excursions in and around Bogota on offer including a visit to the picturesque La Sabana countryside to the centuries-old Zipaquira salt mine - which lies 200 meters beneath the earth and houses the salt cathedral whose pillars and walls are made from the gleaming salt from the mines. The excursion continues to the Guatavita Lagoon, where there is a hike to the crater-lake‘s rim for amazing views of the surroundings.
Day 3: San Agustin
Location: San Agustin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bogota - San Agustin. After breakfast we’re transferred to the airport for a quick one-hour flight to Neiva. We then continue our journey with a 4-hour drive through emerald green hills and coffee plantations until we reach the town of San Agustin. This pretty little town, which was once the neutral ground used to trade and worship by Magdalena and Cauca indigenous cultures, is our base for the next three nights. The town is home to attractive colonial houses and churches, cobbled streets and shady plazas.
Day 4: San Agustin
Location: San Agustin
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend our day exploring the remarkable San Agustin archaeological park, which is home to over 100 statues, some of which date back to 3,300 BC. Alongside the statues are the burial houses which were used to make human sacrifices and offerings to the gods. We spend some time marveling at the beauty of the countryside and have the opportunity to hike into the surrounding area, to the Fuente de Lavapatas, a fountain set on a bed of carved rocks in the creek.
Day 5: San Agustin
Location: San Agustin
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we enjoy an excursion to the Magdalena Canyon passing through sugar plantations and steep gorges. We have time to explore the canyon and see the huge figures caved into the rocks of the canyons walls, with some free-standing stones sculpted into animals while the river crashes below us.
Day 6: Popayan
Location: Popayan
Meals Included: Breakfast
San Agustin - Popayan. This morning finds us driving through rugged hills until we descend to the university town of Popayan, a stately colonial town often referred to as the ‘White City’ due to the abundance of white-walled buildings and cathedral in the centre. The city was founded in 1537 by the Spanish Conquistador Sebastian de Belalcazar and played an important role in colonial times as a rest stop for the miners transporting the gold between Lima, Quito and Cartagena before it was sent to Spain. In March 1983 an earthquake shook the city, caving in the cathedral roof which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people, and despite other earthquakes since then the city has maintained its charm and character. We spend the night at leisure.
Day 7-9: Armenia
Location: Armenia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Popayan - Armenia. From Popayan it's a 5-hour drive to the heart of the coffee region where we spend three days relaxing and walking along the trails of colourful flora, fauna and fresh coffee. On arrival there is a guided tour of a local farm where we gain insight into the regions agriculture and learn about fruit and coffee production including the picking, de-pulping, washing, drying and roasting of the beans.
Day 8 will be spent driving to the traditional village of Salento, where we have free time to wander through the streets and admire the houses adorned with balconies bursting with flowers, and sit back and bask in the view of the Cordillera Central mountain range emerging from behind the buildings. The afternoon finds us heading east of Salento to the beautiful nature reserve of Valle de la Cocora, home of Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm which grows over 3000m. We follow the well market path to the top of the valley for views of mountains’ foothills.
On the last day in the region there is an optional visit to the Botanical Gardens at Calarca and follow the series of natural trails, passing tropical flowers until we reach the insect museum and enclosed butterfly garden. Alternatively, there is the option to explore the surrounding areas on a horse-riding excursion.
Day 10-11: Santa Marta
Location: Santa Marta
Meals Included: Breakfast
Armenia - Santa Marta. Flying via Bogota we arrive at the oldest city in Colombia and the first one settled by the Spanish, Santa Marta, which is our base for the next two nights. The city has an important historical centre and a beautiful old town, and it is most famous for being the birthplace of the great liberator Simon Bolivar. We spend the rest of the evening at leisure exploring the city.
On day 11 we embark on an excursion to the beautiful Tayrona National Park, which was once home to the indigenous Tayrona Indians and has some of the best coastline on the continent. Tayrona is perfect for a spot of escapism. We have the day here to follow the tree-covered trails through the tropical forest, with monkeys swinging above our heads, until we reach the secluded beaches where roads and cars have no access. You can snorkel in the reefs, visit some of the local villages in the nearby mountains or hike through the dense rainforest, stumbling across ancient pre-Columbian ruins reclaimed by the jungle.
Day 12-13: Mompos
Location: Mompos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Santa Marta - Mompos. We board our bus this morning and make our way to the provincial town of Aracataca, the famous birth place of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of Latin America’s most famous writers. Born in the town in 1927, his family home is now a museum and we take some time to follow in the footsteps of this iconic writer.
Our afternoon journey continues past banana and palm oil plantations until we reach the 16th century town of Mompos. Situated on the eastern banks of the Magdalena River the town resembles something out of one of Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s novels, with the whitewashed colonial mansions and buildings which were once home to Spanish merchants, who used the town as a stopping off point on the trade route to Cartagena. The rest of the day is at leisure.
On day 13 we embark on a boat trip along the banks of the wildlife-rich Magdalena River, which is home to cormorants, white heron and iguanas. Our last night in Mompos is at leisure.
Day 14: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Mompos - Cartagena. Today we travel back to the Caribbean coast and the famous city of Cartagena. Our final destination, is one of the most interesting colonial towns on the continent. On arrival we have the rest of the day to wander the streets of the city and soak up the mix of Caribbean and African influences. There are several interesting sites to see such as Castillo San Felipe and the fortress on San Lazaro hill. Beneath this fortress is a maze of tunnels and there are still cannons in place along the battlements. Also worthwhile is a trip up La Popa hill to visit the colourful convent with great views over the city. The Boca Grande area of Cartagena is where Colombians come for their beach holidays and it is full of shops, nightclubs and bars. Near Cartagena is the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo, a mud volcano where you can relax and wallow in the mud, which is believed to be a good treatment for the skin.
Day 15: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our morning is spent walking through the streets of the Caribbean’s most romantic colonial city. Founded in 1533, this city quickly became the main Spanish port in the Caribbean, and a prime target for pirates when native treasure was stored in the city while waiting to be shipped back to Spain. In a bid to protect their loot the Spanish constructed walls around the city which still encircle the town. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Make your way to the old town square to watch some of the Cumbia dance performances or sit in one of the cafes lining the walkway to sip on a drink and look out onto the sea.
Day 16: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sunday. Transfer to Cartagena airport for your onward flight or consider extending your stay to relax by the coast. We can book post tour accommodation upon request.
What's Included
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Accommodation
3 star -
15 breakfasts
Enjoy 15 breakfasts during your stay.
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15 nights 3 star hotels
Stay for 15 nights in 3-star hotels.
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Domestic flights: Bogota to Neiva and Armenia to Santa Marta
Domestic flights from Bogota to Neiva and Armenia to Santa Marta are included.
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Bogota airport arrival transfer on day 1 and Cartagena airport departure transfer on day 16
Transfers from Bogota airport on arrival and to Cartagena airport on departure are included.
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Bogota: city tour and Gold Museum
A guided city tour of Bogota and a visit to the Gold Museum are included.
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San Agustín: Archaeological Park and Magadelena Valley excursions
Excursions to San Agustín Archaeological Park and Magadelena Valley are included.
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Coffee region: tour of coffee farm, Salento and Cocora Valley
Tour of a coffee farm, Salento, and Cocora Valley in the coffee region is included.
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Tayrona: visit to the national park
A visit to Tayrona National Park is included.
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Aracataca: Marquez museum
Visit the Marquez museum in Aracataca.
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Mompos: boat trip
A boat trip in Mompos is included.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included.
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Tipping – an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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Items of a personal nature, additional meals and drinks
Items of a personal nature, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Age Policy
Minimum age 12. If booking a family please contact GH to request/check triple rooms / rooms next to each other before confirming the bookingThere is no maximum age. Those 70 or over will be required to fill out a tour suitability tour.
Accommodation
Experience a blend of comfort and charm with stays at Hotel Casa Deco in Bogota, Akawanka Lodge in San Agustin, Hotel La Plazuela in Popayan, La Casa Amarilla in Mompos, and Hotel 3 Banderas in Cartagena. Each offers unique amenities like Italian furniture, WiFi, and stunning terraces or gardens, ensuring a delightful stay throughout your Colombian adventure.
Mode of Transport
Travel seamlessly across Colombia with domestic flights from Bogota to Neiva and Armenia to Santa Marta, complemented by airport transfers on arrival and departure days. Enjoy scenic drives through lush landscapes and comfortable transportation for all excursions, ensuring a hassle-free journey from start to finish.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is included in the tour?
The tour includes domestic flights from Bogota to Neiva and Armenia to Santa Marta, as well as airport transfers on arrival and departure days. There are also scenic drives through lush landscapes and comfortable transportation for all excursions.
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
You will stay in a blend of comfort and charm at 3-star hotels such as Hotel Casa Deco in Bogota, Akawanka Lodge in San Agustin, Hotel La Plazuela in Popayan, La Casa Amarilla in Mompos, and Hotel 3 Banderas in Cartagena. These hotels offer unique amenities like Italian furniture, WiFi, and stunning terraces or gardens.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 15 breakfasts during your stay.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an experienced tour leader with the services of local guides.
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What activities are included in the Coffee Triangle region?
In the Coffee Triangle region, you will have a guided tour of a local coffee farm where you will learn about coffee production, including the picking, de-pulping, washing, drying, and roasting of the beans. You will also visit the traditional village of Salento and the Valle de la Cocora.
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What can I expect to see in Tayrona National Park?
In Tayrona National Park, you can follow tree-covered trails through the tropical forest, with monkeys swinging above, until you reach secluded beaches. You can also snorkel in the reefs, visit local villages in the nearby mountains, or hike through the dense rainforest to discover ancient pre-Columbian ruins.
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What is the significance of the town of Aracataca on the tour?
Aracataca is the birthplace of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, one of Latin America's most famous writers. His family home is now a museum, and you will have the opportunity to explore it and learn more about his life and works.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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