Discovering Colombia & Jungle

AM: Welcome to Colombia, a country that captivates with its diversity, color, and warmth. Located at the northern tip of South America, Colombia is a vibrant tourist destination that combines lush nature, rich culture, and unmatched hospitality. An international flight will bring us to Bogotá! Upon arrival, we will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel, where we will spend the first nights of our journey.

After settling in our hotel, we will take a tour to Bogotá’s historic center, where will walk through the narrow, cobblestone streets of La Candelaria and immerse ourselves in a labyrinth of colonial charm. Together, we will discover the Chorro de Quevedo, considered the founding site of Bogotá. We will visit Bolívar Square, which, surrounded by the Primatial Cathedral and the National Capitol, is a place where the past and present converge.

Located 2600m above sea level at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains is Colombia’s capital and one of South America’s leading cultural destinations. The historic district of La Candelaria boasts many of these offerings as well as some truly breathtaking historic architecture. Must-see attractions in Bogota include the weird and wonderful Museo Botero; famous Museo del Oro, filled with astonishing displays of gold items and pre-Hispanic art; and the atmospheric, grandiose Church of San Francisco, with origins dating to around 1557.

AM: Today we will bid farewell to the city and head to the airport to catch a flight to Leticia. Upon arrival, transportation will be waiting to take us to the river, where we will transfer by boat to the lodge. As an introduction to our adventure, on the first night we will have a nocturnal walk in the primary forest of the Calanoa Natural Reserve, guided by expert natives who possess ancestral knowledge and will lead us to discover the night of this world that never rests, with the sounds of thousands of insects, the songs of frogs, owls, and nocturnal monkeys, plants that bloom at night, and phosphorescent fungi.

PM: Known as ‘Amazonia’ to locals, the Colombian Amazon sprawls across 400 000 square kilometers – roughly 35% of the country’s total surface area – and offers incredible adventure and wildlife experiences to the intrepid traveller. It is part of the colossal Amazon Jungle – which makes up approximately 50% of the world’s rainforests and is renowned for its dazzling biodiversity – including resplendent avian species, rare flora and exotic creatures such as jaguars, ocelots, caimans, anacondas and piranhas. Highlights of Colombia’s Amazonia include canopy tours

in the Tanimboca Reserve, river boat trips to the virgin jungle of Monkey Island, and Amacayacú National Park.

AM: In the morning, we will visit a nearby indigenous village to learn about the daily life of its people (El Vergel or Mocagua).

PM: In the afternoon, we will take a walk through the Calanoa Natural Reserve to the Matamata stream, on the border with the Amacayacu Natural Park, where a canoe will pick us up to return to the lodge via the river (if the water level permits). We will be able to observe high jungle and stream landscapes, birds, monkeys, and possibly some mammals, the adaptations of plants and insects, learn about medicinal plants, and hear legends and mythsfrom the indigenous perspective of the forest. During the high-water season, we will be able to navigate through the flooded forest, a wonderful experience.

AM: Today, we will walk on Mocagua Island, considered part of the Amacayacu National Park, with unique species of flora and fauna. You will see lakes with the beautiful Victoria Amazonica, the largest water lily in the world. During the high-water season, the tour is conducted by canoe.

PM: In the afternoon, we will depart by boat to the Peruvian shore in search of pink dolphins and to enjoy the sunset from the Amazon River, always unique and displaying all the colors of the universe.

AM: Today is our last day in the Amazon, and we will have the option to rise early for birdwatching around 5:30 am (provided our departure flight allows). We will return to Leticia and head to the airport for a domestic flight to the Coffee Cultural Landscape via Bogotá.

PM: Upon arrival a private transfer will be waiting for us, to take us to the hacienda where we will stay for the next couple of nights.

Colombia is known to produce some of the world’s best coffee – in a picturesque mountain region called the Zona Cafetera - meaning the Coffee Triangle. Encompassing the Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío regions, Zona Cafetera has embraced tourism and offers a wide range of authentic hotels or traditional farmsteads, from which travelers can tour the area’s emerald-green hilltops, fertile valleys and famous high-altitude coffee plantations. Visitors can spend time on the farms, learning about the coffee growing process, which is especially fun during the harvest seasons that run from April to May and October to December.

AM: After breakfast, we will visit Cocora Valley. This valley, located in the Andes mountain range, is 60 kilometers from the hacienda, a journey of approximately 2 hours. It is famous for being home to the wax palms, the tallest species of palm tree in the world and a national symbol of Colombia. The majestic wax palms, rising into the sky like towering guardians, will give us the opportunity to capture unforgettable images. These palms, which can reach extraordinary heights, create a unique and surreal landscape. Their presence in the valley is so special that these palms are considered a natural and cultural heritage of Colombia. On a hike through its trails, we will discover the diversity of flora and fauna that thrive in this unique environment.

PM: Next, we will visit Salento and Filandia, both towns nestled in the rolling hills of Colombia’s Coffee Region. They emerge as charming towns that combine the authenticity of rural life with the vibrancy of their colorful architecture and lively traditions. They will captivate us at first sight with their brightly colored houses. The vibrant facades, adorned with wooden balconies and painted doors, create a picturesque and welcoming scene. We will stroll through their cobblestone streets and discover the architectural richness that reveals the history of these towns. The authenticity of daily life in the villages of this region is reflected in the kindness of its people. We will take a well-deserved break for lunch at a typical local restaurant, where we will enjoy the local cuisine and recharge our energy to continue exploring.

AM: We will have this day at leisure to discover the surroundings of this charming zone of the country, we can explore nearby towns or simply relax and enjoy our hotel facilities to prepare for tomorrow’s activities.

AM: In the morning, we will head back to Armenia’s Airport to catch a flight to Medellín. There, private transportation will be waiting to take us to our hotel, located in the El Poblado area.

Once considered one of the world’s most dangerous cities, Medellin has since shed its bad reputation and is now more commonly referred to as “The City of Eternal Spring”, treating residents and visitors to consistently warm temperatures. Medellin is in Aburra Valley and is surrounded by seven hills that provide excellent views of the city. Back in town, visitors can experience the work of world-famous artists such as Fernando Botero in local parks and plazas, wonder at the beautiful display of Christmas lights during the festive season, and celebrate as the city is overrun with color during the 10-day Feast of Flowers festival.

AM: Today, we will embark on a full-day tour of the most iconic places in Medellín, discovering how resilience and creativity are the very essence of this ever-evolving city. We will begin our journey by visiting the Parque de la Inflexion and Plaza Botero, where the imposing sculptures of the renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero bring this vibrant outdoor space to life. Each piece, with its characteristic voluminous style, invites reflection and admiration, turning this place into an outdoor gallery that is impossible to overlook. After admiring these masterpieces, we’ll take a well-deserved break for lunch at a traditional city restaurant, where we’ll enjoy authentic local cuisine and recharge our energy for the next part of our adventure.

PM: Next, we’ll ride part of the Metro Cable, and from its cabins, we’ll enjoy an unparalleled panoramic view of the city while learning about the fascinating history behind its transformation. Our tour will then take us to Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has undergone an incredible metamorphosis. Here, we’ll discover how the Hip Hop project has been much more than an artistic expression; it has become a force for change, helping rebuild the social fabric, instilling hope, and contributing to a brighter future for this resilient community.

AM: We will have the morning at leisure, then a private transfer will pick us up at the hotel to take us to Medellín airport, where we will embark on a flight to Cartagena. Once we arrive, we will be transferred to our hotel, and we will have the rest of the day to explore this historical city.

The port city of Cartagena is set on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It is a popular beach destination boasting a balmy tropical climate. This Caribbean coastal city offers visitors a mix of the enchanting old and the exciting new. Step into the cobbled streets of the walled city, a World Heritage Site with 400-year-old stone walls covering 13 kilometers and explore an intricate maze of pastel-hued homes, colonial architecture, churches, and historic sites such as the Palace of the Inquisition. Outside the old city lies the chaotic bustle that is typical of most South American cities – an experience best sampled by visiting the Mercado Bazurto central market.

AM: After enjoying our breakfast, we will embark on a fascinating guided tour of Cartagena`s historic center. We will explore the colonial architecture of the old town, considered one of the finest examples of its kind in the Americas.

This walking tour is designed for those who wish to explore the city at their own pace, allowing us to immerse ourselves in Cartagena`s rich history and culture in a flexible and unhurried manner. We will stroll through the main streets, imbued with colonial charm, where vibrant buildings, enchanting squares, centuries-old churches, and iconic landmarks tell the story of this historic gem.

Our tour of Cartagena features key historical and cultural landmarks. We’ll start at the iconic 18th-century Clock Tower and visit the Church and Plaza of San Pedro Claver, dedicated to the defender of enslaved people. We will walk along the 17th-century city walls, once built to guard against pirate attacks. The route includes Bolívar Square, the city’s cultural heart, and the Palace of the Inquisition, known for its colonial architecture and somber past. We’ll also see the Church of Santo Domingo and Botero’s sculpture; La Gorda Gertrudis which adds a modern touch to the historic setting. The tour ends at the Heredia Theatre, an early 20th-century gem that still hosts cultural events.

AM: We will have this day at leisure to explore the city at our own pace, walk around the historic center walls or simply relax and enjoy our hotel facilities.

AM: Today, we bid farewell to the charming city walls and head to La Bodeguita Pier, where we will board a shared boat bound for Hotel Las Islas, located in the stunning Barú Peninsula. This hotel is a hidden gem nestled within a tropical rainforest, surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs. It offers guests private bungalows strategically situated at sea level or among the treetops. Here, we will spend the next few nights enjoying a well-deserved rest. We will have free days to relax and make the most of the hotel’s wonderful facilities and its paradisiacal beach before returning home.

During our stay, we can also participate in exciting optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, a fascinating nighttime tour of the bay, and a visit to the aquarium.

Forming part of the Islas del Rosario, Isla Baru is located just one hour outside of Cartagena, Colombia. This tropical paradise is home to the famous palm-fringed beach, Playa Blanca, boasting powder-fine white-sand and lapped by impossibly blue Caribbean waters. Visitors can jump on a boat trip to the nearby Islas del Rosario, snorkel through an underwater wonderland, wake up in an airy beachfront room to the sound of the waves, laze in a seaside hammock, and sample ‘arepas’, a traditional Colombian bread. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Avario Nacional de Colombia, a bird sanctuary home to an array of birdlife including flamingos, condors, peacocks, and macaws.

AM: Today, we bid farewell to the charming city walls and head to La Bodeguita Pier, where we will board a shared boat bound for Hotel Las Islas, located in the stunning Barú Peninsula. This hotel is a hidden gem nestled within a tropical rainforest, surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs. It offers guests private bungalows strategically situated at sea level or among the treetops. Here, we will spend the next few nights enjoying a well-deserved rest. We will have free days to relax and make the most of the hotel’s wonderful facilities and its paradisiacal beach before returning home.

During our stay, we can also participate in exciting optional activities such as snorkeling, diving, a fascinating nighttime tour of the bay, and a visit to the aquarium.

Forming part of the Islas del Rosario, Isla Baru is located just one hour outside of Cartagena, Colombia. This tropical paradise is home to the famous palm-fringed beach, Playa Blanca, boasting powder-fine white-sand and lapped by impossibly blue Caribbean waters. Visitors can jump on a boat trip to the nearby Islas del Rosario, snorkel through an underwater wonderland, wake up in an airy beachfront room to the sound of the waves, laze in a seaside hammock, and sample ‘arepas’, a traditional Colombian bread. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Avario Nacional de Colombia, a bird sanctuary home to an array of birdlife including flamingos, condors, peacocks, and macaws.

AM: Today marks the end of our extraordinary journey through magical Colombia. A comfortable transport will pick us up at the hotel and take us to Rafael Núñez International Airport, where we will embark on our flight back. This conclusion signifies the end of unforgettable days, full of discoveries, experiences, and the unparalleled cultural and natural richness that Colombia has to offer. See you soon, Colombia!