Essential Colombia

You will be picked up from your hotel by private vehicle and will be transferred to La Candelaria. Upon arrival, you will commence your walking tour with your private guide through the streets of La Candelaria Bogota. La Candelaria is Bogota’s heart and soul, from its humble beginnings this is the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar or Main Square are high on any visitor’s agenda. The Bolivar Square (La Plaza de Bolivar) is the focal point of this historic part of the city. Surrounding the square are several important Colonial and Republican style buildings including the Palace of Justice and Colombian Congress, they embrace the square infusing it with history and tales of old. The Plaza is also home to the Mayor’s office and the Primary Cathedral of Bogota that dominates an entire corner. Standing proud in the plazas centre is a statue of Simon Bolivar (The founder of Colombian independence) this was the first public monument to be erected in the city.

As you wander the streets of La Candelaria away from the main square and exploring other parts of this historic hub, your guide will not only explain the history of Bogota but also the intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. In order to understand Colombia you need to understand the history of its capital, your tour of the historic part of Bogota will lay the foundations for the rest of your trip helping you to understand how this complex and fascinating county ticks.

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

You will be met from your hotel by your driver and taken directly to Zipaquira for your full day tour of Zipaquira and the Salt Cathedral, a journey of about approximately 2 hours to reach Zipaquira. For some this is a religious monument, others a celebration of engineering or maybe even an artistic masterpiece. One of the marvels of Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is well worth the visit. For the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its earth and the hidden jewel beneath the earth’s surface, Zipaquira is a must during a stay in Bogotá. Travelling north of the city, through countryside once occupied by the native Muisca Indians, Zipaquira is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Colombia. Zipaquira is most famous for its Cathedral carved underground in a still functioning salt mines just west of the town. The subtle lighting pronounces the fourteen Stations of the Cross as you descend in to the mine, each station sculpted by a different artist. At the deepest point of the cathedral, 180 m below the earth’s surface, you encounter the nave and the north and south aisles dominated by the 16m high central cross. The illumination and execution of the work is a tribute to modern techniques and years of work from the miners and artists. Your guide will explain all about the cathedrals construction and how it and the mine still function in harmony. However you view this construction, you can’t fail to be impressed. Around the central square of the town of From Zipaquira we continue through the department of Boyaca to the town of Villa de Leyva. Lunch is included.

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.

Lunch at leisure (not included in tour price).

Private transfer from Villa de Leyva to El Dorado Airport in Bogota.

Domestic flight between Bogota and Medellin. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide- City or vice versa

Medellin is certainly a city with a history. From the valiant founding fathers trekking across the Andes, to the dark days of the drug cartels, to its rebirth as one of South America's most vibrant cities. This tour of the central part of Medellin can really help to bring the city to life and to help you understand why Medellin is so important to Colombia in terms of both commerce and culture. Take in all the principal sites including the "Parque Berrio", the famous Botero sculpture park where many works of Colombia's most famous artist, and Medellin born sculptor, Fernando Botero are exhibited. A ride on the city's famous cable car will not only provide great views of Medellin but will be a chance to understand a bit more about the geography and social make up of Colombia's second largest city. Other highlights of this tour include Botanical Garden and San Pedro Cemetery. 

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

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide- City or vice versa

Domestic flight between Medellin and Cartagena. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide from Airport to Hotel or within city and vice versa

You will be met at your hotel by your Bilingual guide to commence your walking tour through the streets of Cartagena. Your tour will take through the old town under the Puerta Del Reloj (Clock tower entrance), a symbol of Cartagena, into the Plaza de los Coches. Your guide will divulge the myths and legends, histories and stories of Cartagena from ancient times right up to the present. From the Plaza San Pedro Claver with its stunning Church, on through to the Plaza Bolivar; with its shady areas, where a fresh Lemon juice can be enjoyed whilst watching the world go by. Cartagena is steeped in history and a delight to stroll the streets with your own personal encyclopaedia of knowledge guiding you from one interest to the other.

Sleep in this morning and relax at your hotel.

Enjoy a day of leisure at the nearby beaches. Cartagena is nearly surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Small, coral stone protected beaches can be found only a few meters outside of the ancient Walled City.

Includes airport transfer with private vehicle, professional driver and local guide from Airport to Hotel or within city and vice versa