Colombia - A Land of Coffee and Gold

11 days from £2850 per person

Brightly coloured colonial homes on a street in Bogota, Colombia

From capital Bogota and the lush coffee towns of the interior to the Caribbean coast and the pulsating city of Cartagena, this is the ultimate introductory journey for the first time visitor to Colombia. Starting in Bogota, this spirited and resolute city is a wonderful starting point with plenty to see and do. Visit Zipaquirá and its ‘salt’ cathedral then travel by air to Pereira and the country’s coffee region. The scenery here truly is superb, the coffee unrivalled and the towns of Filandia and Salento picture-perfect. End the journey in fabulous, laid-back and engaging Cartagena with its elegant historic centre, colourful bougainvillea and dazzling coastal location.

Route: Bogota – Pereira – Cartagena – Bogota

Itinerary Highlights

Bogota, home to most of the countries colonial landmarks is diverse and multicultural. The city is a vibrant hub brimming with charm and plenty of local flavour.

Pereira is the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, offering beautiful scenery and the opportunity to learn about the local coffee making process.

Cartagena’s Old Town has a fairy-tale like feel to it; with quaint cobbled streets, balconies overflowing with flowers and serene plazas that are overlooked by beautiful colonial buildings.

Itinerary: Colombia - A Land of Coffee and Gold

Day 1 Depart UK

Depart the UK on the non-stop Avianca flight to Bogota. (N)

Day 2 Arrive Bogota

Capital of Colombia, Bogota is a vibrant and dynamic city home to excellent museums, churches and Spanish colonial architecture. In the afternoon take a guided walking tour of the colonial centre including the historic area around La Candelaria. Also visit the exceptional Gold Museum which has one of the finest collections of pre-Columbian gold, textiles and pottery in the world. (N)

Accommodation in Bogota: Hotel de la Opera (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel Victoria Regia Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Bogota – visit Zipaquirá

Today drive north of the city to the town of Zipaquirá passing through land once occupied by the native Muisca Indians. Zipaquirá is famous for its ‘salt’ cathedral which is carved underground in a functioning salt mine. Visit the cathedral then head to the palm-fringed central square of Zipaquirá to appreciate the charming colonial buildings and Cathedral Diocesana de San Antonio. Return to Bogota where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Bogota: Hotel de la Opera (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel Victoria Regia Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Bogota to Pereira – by air

This morning transfer to the airport and fly to Pereira which is located in the heart of Colombia’s coffee producing region. In this lush and fertile region rural life continues much as it has done for centuries with the majority of people still involved in the growing and harvesting of coffee, plantain and papaya. (B)

Accommodation in Pereira: Hacienda Sazagua (or similar)

Upgrade option: Hacienda Bambusa (or similar)

Day 5 Pereira

After breakfast drive through some of the most stunning scenery in Colombia – a verdant landscape of rolling green hills and small farmsteads. Arrive at a coffee plantation and here learn about and follow the complete coffee making process from the seeding to the cup. In the afternoon return to your hacienda where the remainder of the day will be at leisure. (B)

Accommodation in Pereira: Hacienda Sazagua (or similar)

Upgrade option: Hacienda Bambusa (or similar)

Day 6 Pereira – visit Filandia and Salento

Today visit the picturesque towns of Filandia and Salento and the Cocora Valley. Start the morning in Filandia, a typical coffee town with brightly painted houses and pretty cobbled streets then continue on by car through the Cocora Valley. Colombia has many beautiful landscapes but Cocora is one of the most striking – a broad green valley, framed by sharp peaks and dotted with wax palm, the largest palm in the world. End the day in charming Salento, a sleepy little town noted for its fine traditional buildings. (B/L)

Accommodation in Pereira: Hacienda Sazagua (or similar)

Upgrade option: Hacienda Bambusa (or similar)

Day 7 Pereira to Cartagena – by air

Following breakfast return to Pereira airport and fly via Bogota to Cartagena. Founded in 1553 by Pedro de Heredia, this UNESCO protected city was once the main Spanish Caribbean port. After an attack by Sir Francis Drake in 1586, the city was fortified and to this day these defensive walls still stand, protecting and preserving some of the finest colonial architecture in the whole of South America. (B)

Accommodation in Cartagena: Ananda Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Cartagena

Today explore Cartagena – an effervescent, carefree city with a noble history and rich culture. Take a guided walk through the old town to see some of the city’s most beautiful colonial houses as well as the best of the wall fortifications including Las Bóvedas. Also visit two of the most iconic churches, Convento Santa Teresa and Iglesia de Santo Domingo. End the afternoon in the charming neighbourhood of San Diego – home to many of Cartagena’s most important architectural gems. (B)

Accommodation in Cartagena: Ananda Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Cartagena

Today you are at leisure to further enjoy Cartagena. Take a boat ride to the nearby tropical Rosario Islands and spend the day swimming in the tropical waters exploring the coral reefs or visit the imposing Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas hillside fortress which was built in the 17th century and features a complex tunnelling system. (B)
Accommodation in Cartagena: Ananda Hotel (or similar)

Upgrade option: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Cartagena to Bogota – by air/ Depart Bogota

After a morning at leisure you will be met and transferred to Cartagena airport for the flight to Bogota. Here connect onto the overnight Avianca flight non-stop to the UK. (B)

Day 11 Arrive UK

Arrive back into the UK. (N)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

International flights from the UK
Domestic flights
Private car and driver
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides

What's not included

Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

Colombia - A Land of Coffee and Gold

11 days from £2850 per person

Itinerary Highlights

Itinerary: Colombia - A Land of Coffee and Gold

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What's included

What's not included

Guide to Price

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