Colombia: Cities and Coffee

The Colombian capital city of Bogota offers an eclectic and cleverly juxtaposed mix of the old and the new. Experience the unique life of its citizens in the pulsating heart of its bustling marketplaces. Soak in the sights, smells and tastes of Bogotá’s Paloquemao with its typical fruits, vegetables and other fresh produce native to the region. Visit the Plaza de Bolívar, the center of the downtown district of La Candelaria. Walk down cobbled streets, admiring medieval cathedrals, old colonial buildings and important modern landmarks such as the Town Hall. Visit the famous museum housing the priceless works of contemporary artist, Fernando Botero; and admire the gold collection of the ancient Muisca Empire in the Gold Museum. Ride up to the Cerro Monserrate or Guadalupe Mountain for panoramic views of the city spread out below, amid spectacular Andean peaks towering all around. (Duration: between 6 and 7 hours, Private Activity & Transfer; Please bring comfortable walking shoes; Gold Museum closed on Mondays).

After a scenic drive from Bogota, explore the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, created inside a former salt mine. Walk the ‘Way of the Cross’ represented by a collection of chapels showcasing noteworthy moments from Jesus' life. Accompanied by your guide, expect to see hollowed-out crosses and altars built by erstwhile miners who prayed for their safety. Further ahead, marvel at the magnificent salt cupola, naves of the main cathedral and the lofty carved cross, all illuminated by eerie blue lights. Later, head to the charming Guatavita town through the picturesque Cundinamarca countryside. Visit its submerged old town nearby, which is now a reservoir famous for water sports. Hike to the pristine Lake Guatavita, embraced by a beautiful nature reserve. As you traverse forest trails passing by highland vegetation, learn about the former sacred site of the indigenous Musica people, famed for the legend of El Dorado. Enjoy stunning panoramas of the crater and admire the lake from multiple vantages before returning to Bogota. (Full Day; Duration: 10 hrs; Private Activity & Transfer; Please note that Zipaquirá is closed on Sundays)

Take an informed, deliciously caffeine-induced journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site at Colombia’s Coffee Region. Learn everything there is to know about the globally loved Colombian coffee on this guided day tour. The region’s altitude, soil quality, moisture levels and a host of other geographical factors make it the best stretch of plantation land for growing the aromatic, mild and balanced coffee beans that the country is known for. Get to know all about planting, harvesting and processing Arabica and Robusta coffee beans in these lovely plantations. Sample a variety of this well-loved beverage and learn to recognize distinct coffee bean characters and tones under expert guidance. Savoring a steaming cup of coffee could never get better than this! (Half Day, Morning Tour; Private Activity & Transfer; Fitness Level: Easy with stair climbing; Please bring comfortable walking shoes).

Begin the day visiting the lovely town of Finlandia before heading to the Cocora Valley to discover the Quindío wax palm tree, Colombia’s national symbol and tree. Set at an altitude of over 2,000 meters (above 6,500 feet) this beautiful cloud forest is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. An easy, hour long trek through a lush landscape leads you into the heart of this valley. You can take a lunch break in a charming little restaurant overlooking the valley, on your way down, before heading back up to the picturesque little town of Salento. Take a leisurely walk through the streets to reach up to the vantage point of Alto de la Cruz, for a mesmerizing, panoramic view of the Cocora Valley spread out beneath, surrounded by the Andean mountains of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. (Full Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch not included; Fitness Level: Moderate; Please bring comfortable walking or trekking shoes).

Taste delicious local street food in the vibrant streets of Medellin on a culinary walking tour. Stroll through the bustling streets and reach a small local market area. Taste the exotic fruits on display and wash it down with a jugos or fresh juice. Give your tastebuds a workout with traditional delights such as arepas, Patacones made from mashed green plantains, piping hot Buñuelos, circular Churros, Chicharrones, and the wafer-life Obleas. Try out local combinations such as bite-sized empanadas with fresh Picante sauce. As you walk, observe and learn about the urban regeneration projects in the city, and its thriving street-art culture. (Half Day; Private Activity & Transfers; Lunch, coffee and water included; Please note that this activity includes a bilingual guide and entrance fees. Children below eight years are not permitted on this tour.)

Take up the unique opportunity of encountering multiple environs on this tour of the National Aviary in Baru. A dream trip for any nature and bird lover, be part of this wonderful ecotourism initiative in Colombia. Accompanied by your local guide, ride to the aviary, which displays a variety of exhibits to replicate tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests and desert landscapes. Explore over a hundred species of exotic bird life, marveling at the natural beauty surrounding you. (Private Activity & Transfers; Fitness level: Easy; Please bring sun hats and comfortable walking shoes).