Colombia History & Adventure

You will be picked up from your hotel by private vehicle to begin your tour. La Candelaria is Bogota’s heart and soul, from its humble beginnings this is the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar (Main Square) are high on any visitor’s agenda. As you wander the streets of La Candelaria away from the main square, your guide will not only explain the history of Bogota but also the intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. There will be time for a refreshment stop in one of the cities coffee houses. After this short break you will head on to the Botero Museum. This is a permanent exhibition of works or art by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist who’s "oversized” art is instantly recognisable. The museum not only houses work by Botero but also other world famous artists such as Dali, Monet and Van Gogh. You will stop in one of the local restaurant close to the square for a chance to sample some local Colombia cuisine. The next stop after lunch will be the Gold Museum. The Museum has one of the finest collections of Pre Hispanic gold in the world, with more than 35,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold work in the collection.  Next you will visit the finest view point of Bogota, the hill top look out and monastery of Monserrate. The summit can be reached by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point the view across the city will enable you to see the different sectors of Bogota. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians whom, during Easter week, make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent at the summit.

Private transfer from Bogota to Villa de Leyva.

Half day walking tour of the historic centre of Villa de Leyva. Witness its enormous plaza (one of the largest in South America), along with interesting historical building such as the house of Antonio Nariño, and the Monasteries de las Carmelitas Descalzas.

A short drive from Villa de Leyva ascending through mountainous slopes, Tunja has a very impressive centre with beautiful churches and other examples of fine Spanish Colonial Architecture. The tour will start in the large expansive Plaza de Bolivar with the cathedral dating from the end of the 16th century, a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish styles. The Casa de la Cultura is located opposite the cathedral and houses many reproductions of European masterpieces and it is in this house that Simon Bolivar stayed before the battle of Boyaca. A visit to the Casa del Fundador Suarez Rendon is to step inside one of the few remaining mansions of a Spanish Conquistador still in existence with its attractive courtyard and fine views as well as an interesting collection of portraits of Colombian presidents. The church of Santo Domingo is one of the most remarkable with its richly carved wood and side chapel that glistens with glass and gold. Depending on your level of interest your guide can show you further fine churches or you can alternatively sit in one of the many coffee houses and watch the citizens of Tunja in including the many university students go about their business.

Your guide will collect you from your hotel and walk you to where your vehicle will be waiting. The first point of interest during this half day excursion will be the Pozos Azules; this mineral enriched lagoon with its vibrant turquoise waters. Then from the Lagoon you will drive through the desert like terrain towards El Fossil (The fossil). This 120 million year old 12 meter Kronosaurus fossil is on show in a small palaeontology museum with other artefacts that have been found in this fossil rich area. From the museum you will continue your journey towards the Astrological site of El Enfiernito. This site was once the central to the local Muisca Indians and was used by them to predict seasons and hold rituals. The site has 30 cylindrical stone monoliths sunk vertically into the ground. From the comfort of your vehicle is a great way to see the local area and this half day trip takes in a number of the sites around Villa de Leyva. You will finish the tour back in to town in time for an early lunch.

This spectacular drive is one of the gems of Colombia. Leaving the uplands of Boyaca your journey will take you into the rolling green valleys of Santander with its striking mountains, tumbling rivers and immaculately preserved colonial towns. Both departments were the cradle of Colombian independence, were the site of the first rebellions against Spanish rule and where the first constitution was signed. Santander was a sovereign state from 1857, but became a department of the new state of Colombia in 1886. There are many reminders of those turbulent times, but today it is a region of Colombia that is famous for its tranquillity, the beauty of its landscape and the forthright hardworking attitude of its people who are very proud of their homeland and extend a warm welcome to visitors. Strategically located on the route to the Caribbean and Venezuela, Santander was where many European immigrants settled, mainly Germans which gave impetus to its development. The region is also famous for its delicious cuisine with the famed cooked ants being a local delicacy, either served fried as a snack or as part of a sauce to accompany meat dishes.

As you head north through this dramatically beautiful landscape, along winding roads that present new and marvellous vistas at every turn, you will arrive at San Gil, a pretty colonial town set in the deep valley of the Rio Fonce and home to a very pleasant climate.

This 5 hour tour is a heavy mixture of caving, canyoning, rappelling and a mixture of waterfall and rock climbing. Starting with an overview of the day and a full safety instruction on the equipment the expertly trained local guides will accompany you on this adventure into the local countryside where you can test your skills and enjoy the challenges presented by the various activities.

Accompanied by your guide & driver, travel the short distance to the historic village of Barichara

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Transfer to Bucaramanga, the capital city of Santander, and to Palo Negro airport.

Depart for your flight from Bucaramanga to Bogota. Flight duration is approximately 55 minutes.  This flight operates at various times throughout the day starting at 05:50 with a last flight of 20:50. A mid-morning flight will be booked for you unless otherwise noted. Please note that flight times and prices are subject to change without notice.