10.03.2024 - 27.03.2024 / 18 DAYS / DEPARTURES GUARANTEED
BOGOTA - PASTO - LAGUNA LA COCHA - SIBUNDOY - MOCOA - PUERTO LIMON - WATERFALLS FIN DEL MUNDO - CAQUETA - SAN AGUSTÍN - CALI - SALENTO - EJE CAFETERO - VALLEY OF COCORA - HOT SPRINGS SANTA ROSA DE CABAL - MEDELLÍN - GUATAPÉ - STONE OF PEÑÓN - SANTA MARTA - NP TAYRONA - CARTAGENA DE ÍNDIAS
ITINERARY:
DAY 1 / 10.03. / BOGOTA
Reception at El Dorado airport and transfer to the 5* Hotel de la Opera (2 nights, breakfast).
DA\ 2 / 11.03. / BOGOTA CITY TOUR
After breakfast, walking to the sacred MONSERRATE, ride the cable car and time to visit the local market, where you can taste typical products, such as coca tea, aromatica, canelazo, rompecalzón, or taste the local specialty ajíaco (thick soup ). Then walk to the center of BOGOTÁ and tour the historic center, visit the Gold Museum, where you will see the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmith art. A walk through Plaza Bolívar and a tour of the picturesque "LA CANDELARIA" neighborhood. We recommend visiting the Botero Museum.
DAY 3 / 12.03. / PASTO - LAGOON LA COCHA - SIBUNDOY
In the morning transfer to the airport and flight to the Antonio Nariño airport in the Andean city of PASTO and continuation to SIBUNDOY, on the way we will make a panoramic stop and a boat cruise through the LA COCHA lagoon, the second largest lake in Colombia and one of the most energetic points at this altitude! A short walk to a sacred waterfall with a native woman and a typical lunch. Arrival in the afternoon to Sibundoy. Accommodation in cabins.
DAY 4 / 13.03. / SIBUNDOY - ANCESTRAL HEALING (SHAMAN)
Light breakfast (For people taking medicine). Reception and cleansing of energies with incense to enter the maloca. Conversation around the Tulpa and delivery of cleansing drugs for people taking medicine. Light lunch (For people taking medicine). Conversation around the fire or ,,tulpa" as it is traditionally called to understand the medicine process and personal intention. Tour of the botanical garden to learn about medicinal plants and their uses. Preparation for taking the Yagé (Ayahuasca) remedy (Not included in the plan). At night Yagé (Ayahuasca) ceremony until early morning.
DAY 5 / 14.03. / SIBUNDOY - HOT SPRINGS WATERFALL EL SALADO - MOCOA
Rest for those who took the remedy. A part of the recovery stay can also be a climb to the EL SALADO thermal waterfalls, only for people in good physical shape. Arrival in the afternoon at MOCOA and accommodation at the Sumawasi 3* hotel (2 nights, breakfast, lunch, dinner).
DAY 6 / 15.03. / MOCOA - PORT OF LIMON - TUBING ON THE CAQUETÁ RIVER
After breakfast, we will head to the Amazon region to the CAQUETÁ River, which is a direct tributary of the Amazon, the largest river in the world! Small communities live along the Caquetá River, we will visit one of them, PUERTO LIMÓN, the grandfathers and grandmothers like to tell us about their lives. We will take a walk along the river through lush tropical nature, we will get to know the local fauna and flora and finally we will descend on the tires along the Caquetá River surrounded by the Amazon jungle. We will enjoy the most beautiful panoramas!
DAY 7 / 16.03. / WATERFALLS FIN DEL MUNDO - SAN AGUSTÍN
After breakfast, walk to the river, following the path that borders the river we will reach a cave where we will have the opportunity to have a small snack, among hanging vines and a view of the bubbling stream of water. During the tour we can take a bath, although the water is quite cold. After the walk, return to the hotel, time to relax in the pool and continue towards SAN AGUSTÍN. Accommodation at the MASAYA 3* hotel (2 nights, breakfast).
DAY 8 / 17.03. / ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK OF SAN AGUSTÍN
A full-day walk through the archaeological park of SAN AGUSTÍN, (UNESCO). This is the largest acropolis in the world! This park contains the largest concentration of pre-Columbian sculptures in the region. It brings together numerous tribes belonging to the so-called "Augustinian culture", which existed around 1,500 BC. and which reached its peak between the years 200 and 800 AD. There are more than 500 statues spread throughout St. Augustine. Some of them are simply sketched anthropomorphic figures, while others, up to 7 meters high, are well defined and represent masks or sacred animals such as eagles, jaguars or frogs. During the day, in addition to the most famous Archaeological Park of San Agustín, we will visit two other extremely important sites that are also part of the complex protected by UNESCO, such as: "El Alto de los Ídolos" on the other bank of the Magdalena River near from the small town of San José de Isnos, about 24 km from San Agustín and from "El Alto de las Piedras" another 7 km, where you can also admire, among other things, the famous statue called "Doble Yo" as well as numerous tombs covered with large stone slabs.
DAY 9 / 18.03. / SAN AGUSTÍN - STRAIT OF THE MAGDALENA RIVER - PALETARA - CALI
After breakfast, we will head north to the most inaccessible part of the Cordillera along the roads of the "Colombian Massif", which are characterized by a beautiful Andean landscape. We will pass through PALETARA, where we should not miss the opportunity to taste the typical "aguapanela", a typical Andean drink that consists of an infusion of panela (pressed cane sugar), which is drunk instead of tea accompanied by a typical regional cheese. We will dedicate a brief stop to visit the "STRAIT OF MAGDALENA", a spectacular natural phenomenon! This beautiful landscape is created by the Magdalena River, which is suddenly forced to shrink drastically until it reaches a width of only 2.20 meters to slide between the stones in a whirlpool of water. We will pass through the town of Coconuco, famous for its sulfurous hot springs. In the afternoon arrival to the city of salsa CALI. Accommodation at DANN CARLTON 4* hotel (1 night, breakfast).
DAY 10 / 19.03. / CALI - EJE CAFETERO - SALENTO
In the afternoon arrival at the most important area of coffee plantations "EJE CAFETERO" to the small town of SALENTO, which serves as the gateway to the "Los Nevados" National Park, which culminates in the glacial stratovolcano "Nevado del Ruiz" with its height. above sea level of 5,321 meters. There are many cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops in the city. Accommodation at the SALENTO REAL 3*+ hotel (2 nights, breakfast).
DAY 11 / 20.03. / SALENTO - VALLEY OF COCORA - FINCA EL OCASO (COFFEE)
After breakfast, we will go out to explore one of the most picturesque parts of the region, "EJE CAFETERO" covering 6 Colombian departments, which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011 for its unique beauty and the preservation of its original culture, although originally until the beginning of the 20th century rubber cultivation prevailed here. Departure in "Willys Jeeps", very typical of this area and which are mainly used to transport coffee and bananas. We will arrive at the base from where we will have the opportunity to take a walk to the wax palms and to the viewpoint. Wax palms grow up to 70 meters in good conditions. It is the largest monocotyledonous plant in the world. Its leaves are dark green and grayish, with petioles of more than 2 meters long. The trunk is cylindrical, smooth and covered in wax. As the leaves die and fall, they leave a black ring around the stem. It is a protected species. Ceroxylon quindiuense grows extremely tall and lives for over a hundred years. It was studied by Alexander von Humboldt in 1801. It is a plant that is in danger of extinction. It is the national tree of Colombia! We will be able to have lunch in one of the typical local restaurants. Return to the jeeps and transfer to the coffee farm "EL OCASO", where we will learn about the coffee growing process. Did you know that coffee berries are sweet? After the excursion, tasting of the best coffee and shopping opportunities. Return to Salento.
DAY 12 / 21.03. / SALENTO - HOT SPRINGS SANTA ROSA DE CABAL - MEDELLÍN
After breakfast, we will drive along a winding panoramic road with impressive views until we reach the thermal pools of SANTA ROSA DE CABAL, an area also famous for the best chorizos. They have first place in the Guinness Book of Records, this is where the longest sausage in the world comes from with a length of 1,850 meters! After a hot bath, we will make a stop to taste a good chorizo and then we will begin the trip to MEDELLÍN, the city of eternal spring. Today, Medellín has the most modern infrastructure in the country and is the center of Colombian fashion. The city has its own metro and metrocable (cable car) that connects the city center with the remote slums located on the city's slopes. Accommodation at POBLADO PLAZA 5* hotel (2 nights, breakfast).
DAY 13 / 22.03. / MEDELLÍN
That day we will visit the second largest city in Colombia, MEDELLÍN. We will visit the "Pueblito Paisá" viewpoint, this is a replica of a typical town in the Antioquia region with a small market and food stalls on the Nutibara hill, from where we can observe the entire city. Continuing towards Plaza Botero, where we will admire the sculptures of Fernando Botero, an important Colombian painter and sculptor who became famous for his creations of large people and animals. Visit to commune 13, where the boys introduce us to their "graffiti art" and their "street dance". This commune today is unrecognizable, while a few years ago not even the most inveterate tourist would have ventured here, today it is packed with tourists. The local population has thus found a new way of life and is proud to be able to welcome visitors. In the afternoon, I return to the hotel.
DAY 14 / 23.03. / GUATAPÉ - STONE OF PEÑOL - SANTA MARTA
After breakfast, departure to GUATAPÉ, where we will discover the colonial architecture of this beautiful town and enjoy the views of the famous Peñol reservoir. You will love it! During the journey to Guatapé, approximately two and a half hours, we will enjoy the mountainous landscapes of eastern Antioquia. We will take a boat ride through the reservoir and then a walking tour through the town of Guatapé. During the walk through this town of colonial origin, we will see its most emblematic places, such as the parish of Nuestra Señora del Carmen or the colorful Plaza de los Zócalos. The last stop will be the Piedra del Peñol. It is a gigantic rock monolith more than 200 meters high. You will have approximately an hour and a half of free time so that those who wish can reach the top of the rock by climbing a 740-step staircase. At its summit you will enjoy excellent panoramic views of the Peñol reservoir. Then transfer to Ríonegro airport and flight to Santa Marta, and transfer to El Rodadero. Accommodation at the BLU HOTEL BY TAMACÁ 3* (3 nights, breakfast).
DAY 15 / 24.03. / NATIONAL PARK OF TAYRONA - CAPE SAN JUAN DEL GUÍA
This day you will have a wonderful experience in the TAYRONA National Park. The path to the entrance gate to the park and a two-hour walk to the most photographed place “CABO SAN JUAN DEL GUÍA”, where we will spend the rest of the afternoon. On the way we will pass through beautiful places such as Arrecife, La Piscina and other magical corners. Optionally you can rent a horse and arrive earlier. It's an authentic experience! The way back to the entrance door can be done again on foot or on horseback.
DAY 16 / 25.03. / NATIONAL PARK OF TAYRONA - CRISTAL BEACH
Today we will return again to the Tayrona National Park. A bus trip to Neguanje, from where we will sail by boat to the beach “PLAYA CRISTAL” and as its name indicates, the place is proud of its crystal clear waters. The beach will delight you with its virgin nature and its crystal-clear waters that invite you to practice snorkeling. Underwater you will find many types of fish and corals.
DAY 17 / 26.03. / CARTAGENA DE ÍNDIAS
After breakfast, transfer to CARTAGENA DE ÍNDIAS (UNESCO), tour of the walled city, with a population of around one million inhabitants and located in the extreme north of the country on the coast of the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia on the site of the Calamares Indian village. Cartagena was one of the first cities in the New World and thanks to its advantageous geographical location it experienced rapid development and became the most important Spanish port in the Caribbean, which was coveted by pirates who besieged the city on several occasions. Of the many sieges, it is notable that Sir Francis Drake, who led the most famous attack in 1586, set fire to the city and held it hostage for over a hundred days. After this terrible attack, the Spanish, once Cartagena was liberated, began to build a large fortification called “Las Murallas” made up of more than 11 kilometers of stone walls. The city preserves a series of monuments from an important colonial past, all in excellent condition. Tour of the San Felipe fortress and panoramic tour of the modern district of Bocagrande. Accommodation at the DON PEDRO DE HEREDIA 3* hotel (1 night, breakfast).
DAY 18 / 27.03. / TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT OF CARTAGENA
Transfer to the airport of Cartagena and ,,Hasta pronto en Colombia".
PRICE INCLUDES:
All land and boat transfers
17 x bed and breakfast
Bilingual guide
4 x lunch, 4 x dinner
All tours
All entries
PRICE NOT INCLUDES:
The flights
International health insurance
Contribution to communities
Tips
Other expenses not mentioned