9 Day – Colombia
The beautiful Rosario Islands archipelago
INCLUDED:
- 3 Internal flights
- Accommodation in Comfort hotels
- English Speaking Guides.
- All Entrance Fees
- Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- All Ground Transportation
- Boat Transportation
- Bottled water daily
RECEPTION IN BOGOTA
Once you landed in Bogota your guide will be waiting for you to start the transfer to your hotel. We will provide Lunch and walk tour and afternoon drive to TEQUENDAMA FALLS; this is a natural waterfall that is formed by the waters of the Bogotá River. The landscape that counts is impressive; this is a drive of 30 km south from Bogota to the municipality of Soacha, province of Tequendama in the Department of Cundinamarca, the Height of the Waterfall It is approximately 157 meters above a rocky abyss of the circular shape forming the waterfall. (B, L)
BOGOTA WALKING TOUR AT THE OLD QUARTER OF LA CANDELARIA
This morning we have a walking tour in the heart of old Bogotá, known as La Candelaria, hosting many restored 300-year old homes and public buildings. Our tour includes Plaza Bolívar, San Francisco Church, the lively pedestrian street Calle 11, bursting with local restaurants, some family-owned for eight generations, and perhaps the 17th-century Santa Clara Convent. The day’s highlight is a visit to the famous Gold Museum, which houses some 33,400 gold pieces from Colombia’s most relevant pre-Hispanic cultures. We learn about how they used gold in political and social occasions, their metallurgical techniques, and as expressions of their Cosmo vision, myths and offerings. This is our first introduction to the vast amount of gold belonging to pre-Hispanic cultures, and the Spanish lust for it, following the 1502 landing party led by Vasco Nunez de Balboa. Also afternoon visit the Emerald District in Bogota (B, L)
VISITS TO THE SALT CATHEDRAL OF ZIPAQUIRA
Leaving Bogota through the north side of the city you will find the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, a place to discover, and see how the miners took all that salt from the interior of a mountain a created a tribute to their faith and religion. This night you will be transfer to the Airport of Bogota in order to take your flight to Medellin, your next destination. (B, L)
MEDELLIN AND CITY EXPLORATION
After great Breakfast, explore the city of Medellin was awarded in 2012 for its innovation and sustainable public transportation, as one of the cities with “Top Transport Systems in the World”. We grab our cameras and head out to capture the real Medellin! We arrive to “Comuna 1” via cable car, and walk the streets of this once infamous neighborhood. Banned for 2 decades as the fortress of the drug king Pablo Escobar, and considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world during the 90´s, Medellín has reinvented itself through sustainability, innovation, literacy projects and art spaces housed in architecturally acclaimed properties once belonging to narcos and druglords. We make a stop at Fernando Botero Square, where the massive, famous sculptures of this 20th century artist are freely exhibited in public space. We continue to walk uphill through the houses of the “Comuna 13” neighborhood (B, L)
VISITS TO THE TOWN OF GUATAPE
Leaving the city through the unique landscapes of the mountains of the Andes a huge rock will stand just in front of your way. Challenge yourself to climb the 637 steps to reach the top of the rock an experience a magic unique view of the area. Make your way back and get to explore the town of the “Zocalos” – Guatape has special decorations made on the base of the facades of all the houses of the place, and every single one has a different meaning. This afternoon we fly to the Caribbean coast to finally land in Cartagena de Indias (B, L)
CARTAGENA AND STREET FOOD TOUR
After good rest and great breakfast this city that combines within its walls centuries of history, culture and flavors product of Spanish miscegenation. The landing of thousands of slaves from West Africa and migrations late nineteenth century make this a very diverse region. Walk with us through “Seven Paradises” street food, unnoticed by tourists and worshipped by locals. Tempt yourself at every stop with the original recipes that inspire the new Colombian cuisine, and enjoy the product of this unhurried life in a tête - à - tête with Caribbean Cartagena cuisine. (B, L)
VISIT TO THE MONASTERY OF LA POPA, FORTRESS OF SAN FELIPE AND GETSEMANY AREA
Start the day with a visit to the fortress of San Felipe, a masterpiece of military strategy against pirates and corsairs, the head up to la Popa Monastery, located on top of the highest spot of Catrtagena, here you can have a 360° view of both modern and historic Cartagena. Our next step will visitBarrio Getsemaní, just outside the legendary walls of Cartagena's historic Old City the once-seedy district is now the coolest, most stimulating and genuine, up-and-coming talk of Cartagena. Getsemani is so authentically charming and on the border of commercial explosion. Come down and see for yourself and get lost within the Spanish colonial architecture, dance halls, graffiti drawing, boutique hotels, food merchants, public courts, and poets (B, L)
VISIT TO THE ISLAS DEL ROSARIO
Today enjoy a full-day shared excursion to the beautiful Rosario Islands archipelago. After a transfer to the pier, you board a large-vessel motorboat for the ninety minute journey south. The 23 separate Rosario Islands are a National Natural Park, and one of the most important coral reefs of the Caribbean Colombian coast. Your time is at leisure to enjoy a swim or snorkel in the beautiful crystal clear waters or laze in a hammock on the white sandy beaches. You return to Cartagena by boat, arriving by late afternoon with the remainder of the day and evening at leisure. (B, L)
LAST DAY AT THE BEACH AT PLAYA CASTILLO GRANDE AND EVENING LEAVE COLOMBIA
After great Breakfast Within a long list of excellent beaches to visit, the preferred one for those tourists who want to get away from the cement one of the most secluded in the circuit of beaches is Bocagrande and El Laguito. They have extensive beaches; the sea is quite clear and clean. If the idea is to spend a quiet day, visiting the naval club is ideal since there are not so many street vendors, there is more space to take advantage of the beach as well as being one of the best places to see the sunset in Cartagena. Today at the schedelud time we will transfer you to the airport for your international flight from Bogota. (B,L)
Key: (B)reakfast (L)unch (D)inner
HOTELES: Are listed in each day, you can get more information by entering to their Web page.
*Please note that exact pick up times and tour start times will be reconfirmed daily with your the Guide.
*For more extended tours, it will be our pleasure to help you, just contact us and we will give you the best option.
*Hotel upgrades are available; please contact us to discuss your best options.
Notes: All hikes will be at a leisurely pace and would qualify as moderate although altitude makes a difference. None are long. You have the option to stay in town instead of participating on any hike.
- rain jacket
- water bottle
- sunblock
- sun hat
- Insect repellent
- Close for beach and swimming
- Cell Phone, Phone Charger
- Bank Card (ATM is a great way to get cash in local currency)
- Passport
- Camera
- Reading and Sun Glasses
- Cash USD and not broken dollar bills
- Small day backpack
- Water Bottle to refill
- Comfortable walking shoes and shoes you can hike in.
- Waterproof jacket
- Wind proof jacket, mostly clothes for mild weather 60-70 degrees F.
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for high altitude evenings.
- Camera and extra battery and memory card
- Good flash light
- 220/ 110V ( plug) adaptor
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Any other non-mentioned item
