Compare Best of Colombia & The Coffee Triangle by Indus Travels vs Colombia in 8 days - Unmissable Cities of Nature - Superior by Exoticca

Make your way to the International Airport to board your flight to Colombia and enjoy in-flight meals and services. Upon arrival you will be met by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. The Colombian capital is located in the very center of the country at approx. 2650 meters above sea level in an area known as the Savanna of Bogotá (Sabana de Bogotá). The east side of the city is flanked by the Cordillera Oriental, which are foothills of the Andes Mountains. In terms of area, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest city: It extends more than 40 km from north to south, and 20km from east to west. It is not only the main economic and industrial center, but also the political heart of the country: The National Legislature, the Supreme Court of Justice and the residence of the President of the Republic (Casa de Nariño) reside here. With its 8 million inhabitants, the city is Colombia’s most populous and the huge cultural offer is among the best and largest in the country - Bogotá is home to numerous museums such as the famous Gold museum or the Botero museum, theatres and libraries.

Overnight in Bogota

Today you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to a tour of the city. This tour will take you to a guided visit to the City with Botero Museum. This guided visit to the Colombian capital starts in the Plaza de Bolívar (the city’s main square), which is surrounded by federal government buildings, and continues into the old colonial part of the city better known as “La Candelaria”, the San Francisco Church and the Botero Museum. The tour finishes with a trip in a cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill, which offers a spectacular view of the city. Later today you will have a half-day visit to Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Leaving Bogotá to the north, cross the savanna landscape to the town of Zipaquirá, about 50 km away. Upon arrival you will be able to visit the fully functioning Salt Cathedral. This unique building was constructed approximately 120 meters underground in a former salt mine. The trip ends with a visit to Zipaquirá’s charming central square.

Overnight in Bogota

This morning, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to Armenia. Upon arrival in Armenia you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Armenia is the capital of the Departamento Quindío located in the Coffee Triangle 290 kilometers west of Bogotá. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes, nature and ancient cultures, the region is a key player in Colombia's rich coffee culture. For anyone interested in nature and culture, Armenia and the Quindío department will be a highlight of their trip.

Overnight in Armenia

Today you will enjoy a full-day tour around the Cocora Valley and Salento With its breathtaking landscapes, the Cocora Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. Here you will find the impressive Quindian wax palm which reaches an amazing height of 60 metres. It is also the official Colombian national tree and one of the tallest species of palm trees in the world. You will have time to visit Salento, a picturesque village with artisanal shops. Afterwards visit ‘El Ocaso’, a coffee growing farm. The visit includes a technical and practical introduction to the whole coffee cultivation and production process, from harvest to the cup.

Overnight in Armenia

At the arranged time you will be transferred to the Armenia airport for your flight to Cartagena via Bogotá. Upon arrival to Cartagena you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. You will enjoy a city tour. This fascinating half-day tour starts with the visit of the most important monuments of Cartagena. Start at the Convent of La Popa* (the highest point of the city) and continue to the Castillo de San Felipe, an immense fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos, the “Old Shoes”. Certainly the most impressive monument is the gigantic defensive wall that surrounds the old city, and overlooks the sea and its well-preserved colonial architecture. During the rest of the visit you will see the city’s churches, museums, plazas, restaurants, shops and jewelry stores. This combination of treasures makes Cartagena deserving of the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site: You will never forget this wonderful destination.

*Note: If La Popa is closed, this visit will be replaced by San Pedro Claver Convent.

Overnight in Cartagena

Today you will have a full day at leisure to explore the city at your own pace or to enjoy at the beach. Cartagena de Indias was founded in 1533 and is probably the most attractive city in South America today. The old part of the city is also called “the walled city”, where Cartagena conserves the beauty of its' colonial past. Narrow streets flanked by heavy oak doors, gorgeous flowered balconies and the welcoming and friendly people make Cartagena the perfect combination of colonial history and cultural experience. Beautiful beaches close by, such as the Rosario Islands, invite visitors with their crystal clear waters and there ist a large variety of excursions and tours to choose from.

Overnight in Cartagena

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and, at the arranged time, you will be transferred to Cartagena Airport for your departure flight.

Day 1: US - Bogotá

It's time to say 'adiós' to the US and 'hola' to Colombia as you head to your departure airport, ready for a flight* to Bogotá. Arrive and transfer to the hotel, ready to get some rest before your adventures begin in the morning. Overnight stay in Bogotá. * If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Day 2: Bogotá

Breakfast at the hotel. Get to know Colombia's most iconic cities with an action-packed panoramic tour of Bogotá. Discover the atmospheric streets of the historical La Candelaria neighborhood and soak up the artistic culture at the Botero Museum, home to the works of the best-known Colombian master. Enjoy people-watching in Plaza de Bolivar, home to majestic buildings such as the Palace of San Carlos, the Cathedral, and the Lievano Palace. End the tour with a fascinating visit to the Gold Museum to admire ancient pieces of Pre-Colombian goldsmiths. Return to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Dive into the glitzy nightlife of the Zona Rosa district or enjoy the laid-back ambience of the old town. Overnight stay in Bogotá. Note: On Monday the Gold museum is closed and on Tuesday the Botero museum is closed.

Day 3: Bogotá - Leticia - Tabatinga

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time transfer from the hotel to the airport to take the flight to Leticia in the Colombian Amazon. Reception at Leticia Alfredo Vasquez Cobo International Airport and transfer by taxi to the hotel. Lunch. At the appointed time transfer by land to visit the border of Tabatinga (Brazil) where you can appreciate the Amazon River and do some shopping. On the way back, at sunset, we will start walking through the city of Leticia, visiting the Orellana Park, the market, the pharmacy of medicinal plants and the Santander Park, where it is possible to observe and listen to hundreds of parrots that have their bedroom there. Dinner and overnight stay in Leticia.

Day 4: Leticia - Wochine - Lagos Tarapoto

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure at 7:30 am from hotel to walk to the dock and take a shared boat on the Amazon River in a journey of approximately two hours, arrival at Puerto Nariño, tour by population and continue by jungle path to the Wochine reserve, where you can appreciate the Victoria Regia, the Pirarucus and other species of fish. Lunch and visit to a nearby community. At the agreed time visit to the Tarapoto Lakes where you can appreciate the landscape and the ecosystem with the possibility of observing pink and gray dolphins. Return from Tarapoto Lakes to Leticia by shared boat and walking from the dock to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Leticia.

Day 5: Leticia - Bogotá - Cartagena

Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer from the hotel to the airport to take the flight to Cartagena de Indias via Bogota. Arrival, assistance at the airport and transfer in private service to the chosen hotel. Overnight stay in Cartagena.

Day 6: Cartagena

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, get to know the colonial past and colorful present of the city. Set off on a panoramic tour of Cartagena, passing through the main neighborhoods of the city: Boca Grande, Castillo Grande and Manga until you arrive at the majestic Castillo de San Felipe, an important feat in military engineering. Visit the Church of San Pedro Claver and end the tour with a short walk through the walled area where you can admire its pretty squares, narrow streets and houses with balconies beautifully decorated with flowers. The city's charms are undeniable. Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Perhaps you'll head down to the beach for a lazy afternoon or enjoy a drink in one of the lively plazas. Overnight stay in Cartagena.

Day 7: Cartagena

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy the day at your leisure. Explore the beaches along Manzanillo Bay, soak up the charms of Cartagena's old town or simply kick-back by the pool. We recommend an optional excursion to the paradise shores of Isla del Encanto, in the Rosario Islands National Park.* Overnight stay in Cartagena. * Optional Rosario Islands Tour: In the morning, self-transfer to the pier to board a shared speedboat service to the National Natural Park of the Rosario Islands. Admire the views of the Bay of Cartagena and Boca Chica, before arriving at the idyllic islands and taking the time to enjoy the beach and surroundings. Lunch included. (Does not include transfer hotel-pier-hotel, approx. $7 p.p. pier tax and optional entrance to San Martin Aquarium $14 p.p.) Price per person: $80.

Day 8: Cartagena - US

Breakfast at the hotel. After an unforgettable getaway in Colombia, it's time to head home. At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the US. Arrive in the US and end your trip.