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Colombia's Colonial Charm



Day 1: Arrive Bogotá, Colombia | City of Contrasts

Arrive in Bogotá, where you are met and transferred to your hotel. In this city of contrasts, skyscrapers stand side by side with old single-story houses, and cars share modern expressways with mule carts.

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota
Day 2: Bogotá | La Candelaria

Explore the well-preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria. Pause at Plaza de Bolivar for photos of Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace and the colonial church of El Sagrario. View a display of the world’s greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts at the Gold Museum. Take a break with coffee and pastries before stopping to see the contemporary art collection at the Fernando Botero Museum. Afterward, head to Cerro de Montserrat for spectacular views and lunch. Later, visit the statue of the Fallen Christ, a famous site for pilgrimage. Gather this evening for cocktails and a festive welcome dinner.

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota   |   Meals: B L D
Day 3: Bogotá | Salt Mine Wonders

Drive to the small colonial town of Zipaquirá and explore the extraordinary Salt Cathedral, where religious sculptures and cavernous pools are hewn from salt mine tunnels under the Halite Mountains. Tour the city’s historic main plaza before continuing to scenic Cajica, a delightful Colombian town nicknamed “the stone fortress.” Enjoy a traditional lunch and this vibrant community’s panoramic views; then return to Bogotá, stopping to visit the little town of Usaquen, known for its quaint, Spanish-colonial style of architecture.

JW Marriott Hotel Bogota   |   Meals: B L
Day 4: Pereira | Heart of the Coffee Triangle

Fly to Pereira, located in Colombia’s best-known coffee production region, to visit an authentic working coffee plantation — the Hacienda Venezia. Learn about coffee culture and the production process, and then savor the aromatic brew at a tasting session.

Hotel Sazagua   |   Meals: B L D
Day 5: Salento/Cocora National Park | The Wax Palm

Drive to beautiful Salento, a typical paisa (coffee-region) town known for its bahareque architecture, and stop for a caffe latte demonstration at Cafe Jesús Martín. Enjoy a Colombian-style lunch, and then head into Cocora National Park by local Jeepao (Jeep parade) to see the wax palm, Colombia’s protected national tree.

Hotel Sazagua   |   Meals: B L D
Day 6: Pereira | A Special Breed of Excitement

After breakfast, travel to a Colombian Paso horse farm to learn about the art of training these magnificent animals. Return to Pereira for an afternoon and evening at leisure.

Hotel Sazagua   |   Meals: B L D
Day 7: Cartagena | Walk the Walled City

Board a morning flight to Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and set out with an architecture expert on a walking tour of the 500-year-old walled city. Wander the streets of the Badillo neighborhood that lead to the old shopping malls along the docks. Bask in the romantic atmosphere and balmy climate that helped inspire the writings of beloved Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez. Later, sip on champagne as you enjoy a relaxing carriage ride.

Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara   |   Meals: B L D
Day 8: Cartagena | Rum and Chocolate

After breakfast, explore the city’s historical monuments. Drive to the 17th-century Convent of La Popa for beautiful views of the city and the bay. Continue to San Felipes Fort and stop at Las Bóvedas, once a dungeon, now home to shops and boutiques. After lunch, sample an assortment of authentic Colombian rums and quality chocolates led by an international sommelier. Your evening is at leisure.

Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara   |   Meals: B L
Day 9: Cartagena | Cocktail Cruise and Farewell

This morning, embark on a gastronomic tour led by a personal chef who takes you to a local market to gather the fresh ingredients needed to prepare the typical regional dish that will become your lunch. This colorful experience was designed by a highy-regarded local chef and restaurant owner and was once featured on a popular television culinary program. Your time is then free until this evening, when you embark on a sunset cocktail cruise of the bay that takes you to Club de Pesca and your farewell dinner.

Hotel Sofitel Santa Clara   |   Meals: B L D
Day 10: Depart Cartagena


Meals: B

