Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Island Paradise

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).

Enjoy an exhilarating hike down to the beautiful Magdalena River and up the Middle Andean range, before heading onward to the archeological site of Alto Las Piedras. After breakfast, drive up to the East Andean range, near the beautiful La Chaquira site right by the magnificent gorge of the Magdalena River. The great river cuts through the East and the Middle Andean range at this spectacular location. Hike downhill to the river and cross it, before settling down to a mid-morning picnic to shore up your energy for the trek uphill. Reach the top of the verdant hills from which the great Magdalena plunges down, and get to your waiting transport. Visit the archeological sites of San Jose de Isnos, along with the popular site of Alto de las Piedras. Drive back to your hotel after your trip into a fascinating era of the history of the people of South America. (Full Day Tour; Fitness Level: Good; Please bring comfortable trekking or hiking boots; Lunch not included).

Indulge the nature enthusiast in you at this alluring slice of preserved forest area in the fragrant Coffee Region. The region’s Botanical Garden and Butterfly Park is a paradise for nature and bird lovers. The forested area is home to trees nearly two centuries old and 600 species of plant life! Visit the Insect Zoo, which offers a panoramic view of layers upon layers of vegetation from a 7-storey high viewing balcony. Make your acquaintance with a hundred avian species that reside on the highest treetops. Be prepared to be mesmerized by the fantastic Butterfly Park that holds almost two thousand butterflies of 50 different species. Make your way through innumerable, exotic flower-lined walkways in this wonderland. (Full Day; Fitness Level: Easy; 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).

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).