Treasures of Southern Colombia
Treasures of Southern Colombia
Treasures of Southern Colombia
11 Days Starting in Bogota, Colombia and ending in Cartagena, Colombia
Visiting: Bogotá, Tatacoa Desert, San Agustín, Popayán, Coffee Triangle, Cocora Valley, Cartagena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
12225
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 99
Tour operated in:
English , SpanishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the "Treasures of Southern Colombia" tour, exploring the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of this captivating country. Begin in the bustling metropolis of Bogotá, with its rich history and dynamic nightlife, before venturing into the striking Tatacoa Desert. Discover the ancient archaeological wonders of San Agustín and the colonial charm of Popayán. Experience the lush Coffee Region, where you'll learn about the coffee-making process and marvel at the towering wax palms in the Cocora Valley. Conclude your adventure in the historic city of Cartagena, with its colorful streets and rich culinary traditions. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, ensuring an enriching and memorable experience.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bienvenido A Colombia!
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Casa Deco
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel.
Welcome to Bogotá! Located at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) in the Andes, it is the cultural, economic, and political center of Colombia. With 8 million of inhabitants, Bogotá is a dynamic and modern metropole with numerous attractions, cultural events, and a thriving nightlife. The historic district can be found at La Candelaria, a pleasant quarter of cafés, churches, and museums.
Day 2 : Discovering Bogotá´S Treasures
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Casa Deco
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast at your hotel, you will have a whole day to explore some of the most attractive places of Bogotá.
Visit Bogotá’s largest food market: Paloquemao! This typical market serves as the supplier for most of the city's best restaurants, being a real labyrinth of odors and flavors.
Continue exploring La Candelaria, the heart of the historical center and first neighborhood of the city. This is a lovely historic quarter full of churches, renowned museums, and cafés.
In the afternoon, visit the Gold Museum (closed on Mondays) to see the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold objects. Next stop is the Botero Museum (closed on Tuesdays) where, paintings and sculptures of Colombia's most celebrated artist are exhibited with a private collection of Picasso and Braque.
Day 3 : Onto The South Of Colombia
Location: Tatacoa Desert
Accommodation Name: Casa Bohemia
Flight Bogotá – Neiva.
Visit the Tatacoa desert. This is the second largest desert in Colombia, and it has two large distinct geographical zones. The “Cuzco” sector, where the erosion carved canyons, ravines and labyrinths of ocher and glowing colors, and the “Los Hoyos” sector, where the ground is tinged with gray and anthracites.
Hike through this unusual dark red or light gray landscape dotted with small canyons.
Transfer to your hotel.
Day 4 : Discover The Coffee Process
Location: San Agustín
Accommodation Name: Akawanka Lodge
Transfer to San Augustin. You will be going along the Río Magdalena, emerging in the mountains, and opening into the Caribbean Sea.
On the way, make a stop in a traditional coffee plantation where you will be explained the whole process, from the harvest to the cup. This immersion will show you how the grains are selected, but also the drying and roasting process, until obtaining the final product. Finish the visit with a good cup of coffee.
Day 5 : Discovering The Indigenous Mythology
Location: San Agustín
Accommodation Name: Akawanka Lodge
Visit the Archaeological Park of San Agustín (closed on Tuesdays). This fascinating archaeological park, with more than 300 massive statues and sacred tombs, is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. You can discover El Bosque, a small museum, and the Mesitas where ancient dwellings, tombs, statues with remarkable finishing and artificial mounds are housed.
You will then visit the archaeological site of Alto de La Piedras to discover beautiful statues. In the middle of tombs decorated with geometric forms, some of them are among the most known of San Agustín.
Day 6 : Discovering Popayán
Location: Popayán
Accommodation Name: Camino Real
This morning you will travel to Popayan and check in at your hotel.
Popayan is considered as the religious capital of Colombia with the largest number of churches per inhabitants. It is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in the country although partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 1980s.
In the afternoon, you will visit the village of Popayan, and discover its baroque churches (Of San Francisco and Ermita), the Basilica Cathedral and the sumptuous stone streets. Discover the city and its colonial houses with white walls, wrought iron balconies and flowering bushes.
End this visit with the tasting of the famous “aplanchadas” at Doña Chepa. This sweet donut is a specialty of Popayan.
Day 7 : On The Way To The Coffee Triangle!
Location: Coffee Triangle
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Combia
Meals Included: Lunch
This is time to travel to the Coffee Triangle. On your way, take a break to visit the Finca El Diamante. You will be welcomed on the property surrounded by vegetation to take a break.
Taste the buffalo cheese they prepare at the hacienda, then walk through a forest of “guaduas”, a Colombian bamboo. With a little luck, you will have the chance to observe some birds, while walking along the river. Have lunch outside to taste a typical dish of the region, and continue your ride to the Coffee Region.
Day 8 : The Highest Palm Trees Of The World!
Location: Cocora Valley
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Combia
Today, you will discover the Cocora Valley. First, take a beautiful walk along the Quindío River that will allow you to discover the cloudy rainforest and admire the wax palms, the Colombian national tree, impressive by its height that can reach 70 meters.
Head to the village of Salento to enjoy its colonial architecture with its colorful balconies. Continue with the small village of Filandia known for its colorful houses and its square surrounded by coffee shops.
Day 9 : On The Road To The Pearl Of The Caribbean
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Alfiz
In the morning, you will be transferred to the airport of Pereira for your flight to Cartagena. You will be picked up and driven to your hotel for checking in.
Welcome to Cartagena! Go back in time and relive some of the highlights of the city’s history with a walking tour. Cartagena has suffered repeated attacks from pirates, like the notably Captain Francis Drake. Discover the church and the monastery San Pedro Claver, the Cathedral also called Minor Basilica and the colonial houses which border the alleys of the historical center. End the visit with a homemade ice cream.
Day 10 : Cartagena At Your Rhythm
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Alfiz
Free day. Additional activities in option.
Day 11 : ¡Hasta Pronto!
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, visit the Bazurto Market (from Monday to Saturday).
During this culinary journey, you will be visiting the colorful, authentic, and hectic alleyways of the market to discover the gastronomic and cultural tradition of the city. Enjoy breakfast with your guide at a restaurant in Getsemani.
Cartagena’s cuisine is one of the richest and most varied in Colombia and one of the most original in America thanks to its history and the fusion of three communities: indigenous, Spanish and African. Each of them brought its products and its eating habits. The result is marvelous.
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport.
National and international flights (not included).
¡Hasta luego!
What's Included
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English-speaking support on arrival at Bogotá airport
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The meals mentioned in the program
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Accommodations in the hotels mentioned (or similar)
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The visits and excursions mentioned in the program with an English/Spanish speaking guide are subject to availability
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The private ground transfers mentioned in the program with a Spanish-speaking driver (unless otherwise specified in the program)
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Domestic flights mentioned in the program (prices estimated to date and subject to change)
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24 hours assistance during the trip – English-speaking telephone hotline
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Tucaya Colombia has decided to follow Tucaya Panama and Costa Rica and get involved in the development of community projects. Through a contribution of US 5 $ travelers and Tucaya support 3 foundations across the country (see description below) aiming at
What's Not Included
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International flights
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Optional activities
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Other meals drinks tips and other personal expenses or services not specified on the program
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Alcoholic beverages
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Additional luggage on domestic flights
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Personal expenses
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Assistance and repatriation insurance
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Voluntary tips for guides or drivers
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Anything not mentioned in "THIS PROGRAM INCLUDES"
Mode of Transport
Enjoy private ground transfers with a Spanish-speaking driver, domestic flights, and guided tours to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural sites of Southern Colombia.
Accommodation
Stay in charming hotels such as Casa Deco in Bogotá, Casa Bohemia in Tatacoa Desert, Akawanka Lodge in San Agustín, Camino Real in Popayán, Hacienda Combia in the Coffee Region, and Alfiz in Cartagena.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of support can I expect upon arrival in Bogotá?
Upon arrival at the Bogotá airport, you will be greeted by an English-speaking guide who will assist you and transfer you to your hotel.
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What can I expect to see and do in Bogotá?
In Bogotá, you will explore the city's largest food market, Paloquemao, and visit the historic district of La Candelaria. You will also visit the Gold Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold objects, and the Botero Museum, which features works by Colombia's most celebrated artist, Fernando Botero, as well as pieces by Picasso and Braque.
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What is unique about the Tatacoa Desert?
The Tatacoa Desert is the second largest desert in Colombia and features two distinct geographical zones: the 'Cuzco' sector with ocher and glowing canyons, and the 'Los Hoyos' sector with gray and anthracite-colored ground. You will hike through these unusual landscapes dotted with small canyons.
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What will I learn during the visit to the coffee plantation?
During the visit to the traditional coffee plantation, you will learn about the entire coffee-making process, from the harvest to the cup. This includes the selection of grains, drying, and roasting processes, and you will finish the visit with a cup of freshly brewed coffee.
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What can I expect to see at the Archaeological Park of San Agustín?
At the Archaeological Park of San Agustín, you will see more than 300 massive statues and sacred tombs. The park includes El Bosque, a small museum, and the Mesitas, which house ancient dwellings, tombs, and statues with remarkable finishing. You will also visit the archaeological site of Alto de La Piedras to see beautifully decorated tombs and statues.
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What is special about Popayán?
Popayán is considered the religious capital of Colombia and is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, despite being partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 1980s. You will visit its baroque churches, the Basilica Cathedral, and the city's colonial houses with white walls and wrought iron balconies. You will also taste the local specialty, 'aplanachadas,' a sweet donut.
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What will I experience in the Coffee Triangle?
In the Coffee Triangle, you will visit the Finca El Diamante, where you can taste buffalo cheese and walk through a forest of Colombian bamboo. You will also have lunch outside to enjoy a typical dish of the region. Additionally, you will visit the Cocora Valley to see the world's tallest palm trees and explore the villages of Salento and Filandia, known for their colorful houses and coffee shops.
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What will I see and do in Cartagena?
In Cartagena, you will take a walking tour to explore the city's historical highlights, including the church and monastery of San Pedro Claver, the Cathedral, and colonial houses. You will also visit the Bazurto Market to experience the local culinary traditions and enjoy breakfast at a restaurant in Getsemani. The tour will end with a homemade ice cream.
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What kind of assistance is available during the trip?
You will have 24-hour assistance during the trip with access to an English-speaking telephone hotline.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.