COLOMBIAN ODYSSEY 21 days

Transcription

1 21 days

2 Countries visited Colombia Tour Highlights Wander cosmopolitan ogotá The internationally acclaimed Museo otero The colossal Salt Cathedral Colonial gem of Villa de Leyva The surreal Tatacoa desert The mysterious statues of historic San Agustín The White City of Popayán Stay on an authentic coffee farm Traditional villages in the Coffee Triangle Marvel at Cartagena s beautiful architecture Relax on the stunning beaches of Tayrona National Park ID P a g e 1

3 Places visited ogotá Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Villa de Leyva Tatacoa desert San Agustín Popayán Pereira Valle de Cocora Filandia & Salento Colombia's Coffee Triangle Medellín Cartagena Santa Marta Tayrona National Park What's included Airport pick-up & drop-off All internal flights Ground transport Accommodation Entrance fees to sites Activity fees reakfasts and an occasional lunch/dinner (refer to itinerary for meal plan) Drivers and guides What's not included not mentioned in itinerary Drinks Visa fees Tips Camera / video camera fees Personal items (laundry, telephone, etc.) Medical expenses Any services not mentioned in itinerary All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking. ID P a g e 2

4 Your Itinerary Map ID P a g e 3

5 Your Itinerary Explained Date Place visited : The first part of the text in each day is the itinerary schedule and will explain what you will reakfast normally see/do during this day of your itinerary. --L: The part of the day s text in italics (and comes after the three dashes --- ) is background Lunch information on the places or sites on that day of your itinerary. It is not part of your D: itinerary and may mention places that will not be visited on your itinerary. If you have any Dinner questions please ask us. Travel times where noted are only meant as a guideline. Tour Itinerary Day 1 ogotá Arrival in ogotá Arrive at the airport in ogotá where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative. Transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore ogotá at your own pace. Overnight in ogotá. --Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), ogotá, or Santafé de ogotá to give it its full title, is a city of contrasts, with high-rise buildings standing next to colonial churches, museums and artisan cafés. Its influences range from Spanish and English to Indian. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone era. N/A Overnight in Hotel 3 Virrey, ogotá Day 2 ogotá: Local market and city tour In the morning, head to La Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao, one of the biggest and most recognised local markets in ogotá, where traditional products and ingredients of Colombian cuisine can be found. Try some of the exotic fruits, local doughs, and Colombian cheese, and get to know the vendors and the local cooking techniques. La Candelaria Afterwards, embark on a half-day visit to the historic centre of ogotá known as La Candelaria. Visit the Plaza de olívar, where a statue of the great liberator Simón olívar is located. The visit continues with the wonderful Museo del Oro. The rest of the afternoon is free for your to explore ogotá at your leisure. Overnight in ogotá. --- ID P a g e 4

6 La Candelaria is an historic neighbourhood in downtown ogotá. The architecture of the old houses, churches and buildings utilises Spanish colonial and baroque styles, with iron windows, sturdy wooden doors and internal patios with beautiful yet hidden gardens. This vibrant district hosts the otero Museum, which showcases not only the works of Colombia's most famous painter but also paintings by Monet and Picasso from otero's private collection. The 'barrio' is also home to the largest and most impressive gold museum in the world, showcasing an enormous assortment of pre-hispanic gold work, the church of Monserrate, with its stunning views over the city, many government buildings and an array of cafés and restaurants to suit every taste. ogotá's Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) has a permanent exhibition of approximately 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles that all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Museo del Oro is considered as one of the most important museums of its kind internationally and has been functioning since In 2007 it underwent a complete overhaul to make it an interactive museum that brings the objects on display to life. Overnight in Hotel 3 Virrey, ogotá Day 3 Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá ogotá - Zipaquirá - Villa de Leyva This morning, visit the renowned Museo otero before heading north through the ogotá savannah to Zipaquirá. After a journey of hours, reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true feat of engineering. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues to the dome. Next, reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. Later, we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock. Continue on a 2-hour trip to Villa de Leyva in the afternoon. Upon arrival to Villa de Leyva, check in at the hotel. Overnight in Villa de Leyva. --The Museo otero is a colonial house in ogotá filled with works of art created and donated by the renowned Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando otero. The museum houses one of Latin America's most important international art collections and there are over 100 of otero's works on show, in addition to artwork from his own personal collection that includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. ID P a g e 5

7 The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres under a halite mountain. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The name 'Salt Cathedral' is used principally to attract tourists; although it is a functioning church that receives up to 3,000 visitors on Sundays, it has no bishop and therefore no official status as a cathedral in Catholicism. The icons, ornaments and architectural details of the cathedral are hand-carved in the halite rock and impressive marble sculptures are on display within. At the entrance, there are 14 small chapels, representing the Stations of the Cross and illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. The main altar is found in the central nave, above which is the largest cross made of salt in the world, measuring 16 metres high and 10 metres wide, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. The Salt Cathedral is considered one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture and has been designated a 'Jewel of Modern Architecture'. The cathedral represents for the Colombian people a valuable cultural, environmental and religious patrimony. The cathedral is part of a larger complex including "Parque de la Sal" (Salt Park), as well as a small museum of mining, mineralogy, geology and natural resources. Total travel time : 3.5 hours Overnight in Posada de San Antonio, Villa de Leyva Day 4 Villa de Leyva Villa de Leyva and surroundings Enjoy this colonial jewel, discovering its cultural and ecological attractions. Visit the Fossil Museum, founded in 1977 and located 5.5 km away from Villa de Leyva. The museum was built exactly at the place where a Kronosaurus was discovered. On the outskirts of the town, visit El Infiernito, a pre-hispanic Muisca site, where around 30 stone columns known as megaliths are located. It is believed that these columns are about 2,200 years old, and that this space was reserved for the cult of fertility by the phallic shape of the stones. Others, on the other hand, believe that it was used as an astronomical observatory. Return to the hotel and overnight stay. --Declared a national monument in 1954, the beautiful town of Villa de Leyva was founded in 1572 by Hernàn Suàrez de Villalobos, who named it after Andrès Dìas Venero de Leyva, the first president of Nueva Granada. In colonial times, Villa de Leyva played a central role in independence developments, and the Viceroy and his entourage spent much time here. To this day, the town has been preserved in its entirety; virtually no modern architecture exists. The result is a colonial town par excellence - a place where the streets are still cobbled and the walls still whitewashed. Stroll through its unhurried streets where the locals will greet you with a welcoming smile. Swelled with visitors from ogotá on weekends, it is typically much quieter and more pleasant on weekdays. Discovered in 1977 not far from Villa de Leyva, you can visit an incredible fossil of a Kronosaurus, the most complete Kronosaurus fossil in the world. The fossil measures about 7 metres long (without the tail) and this creature with his tail would have measured about 12 metres in length despite not having reached its teenage years. Total travel time : 1 hours Overnight in Posada de San Antonio, Villa de Leyva ID P a g e 6

8 Day 5 Villa de Leyva - ogotá After breakfast, return to ogotá. On the way, stop at the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo. Founded by the Dominicans in 1620, this was an important point of evangelisation in a region populated by indigenous communities. The tour ends at your hotel in ogotá and the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Overnight in ogotá. Convento del Santo Ecce Homo Day 6 Tatacoa desert Total travel time : 3.5 hours Overnight in Hotel 3 Virrey, ogotá ogotá - Neiva - Tatacoa Desert - San Agustín In the morning, transfer to the airport in ogotá for your flight to Neiva. Arrive at Neiva airport, where you will be met by a local guide, and head north to visit the town of Villavieja and the Palaeontological Museum. Then, visit the surreal, lunar-esque Tatacoa Desert, crossing crevasses eroded by wind and water. The trip continues 217 km to the south over a paved road until you reach San Agustín. This scenic journey provides beautiful views of the extensive floodplains of the Magdalena River valley from 700 metres above sea level all the way up to 1,730 m.a.s.l. After a journey of approximately 6 hours, arrive in San Agustin and check in to the hotel. Overnight in San Agustín. --- The Tatacoa Desert, the second largest arid zone in Colombia after the Guajira Peninsula, is one of the most attractive landscapes in Colombia. It occupies 330 square kilometres with two distinctive colours: ochre in the area of Cuzco and grey in the Los Hoyos area. The Tatacoa, or 'Valley of Sorrows', was so named in 1538 by the conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, due to traces of deterioration he noted in its soil. It is not actually a desert, but a tropical dry forest. The Tatacoa Desert was once a garden with thousands of flowers and trees which has gradually been drying out over millions of years. The plants in this area are adapted to climatic conditions through the development of horizontal roots up to 30 metres and vertical roots of 15 metres that facilitate access to water. Cacti reaching between four and five metres high are common. Animals found in the Tatacoa Desert include turtles, rodents, snakes, spiders, scorpions, eagles, alligators and wildcats, many of whom hide during the day. Tatacoa is also an ideal spot for observing the skies and perfect for viewing the 88 recognised constellations and meteor showers. Total travel time : 6 hours Overnight in Hotel Akawanka, San Agustín ID P a g e 7

9 Day 7 San Agustín Archaeological Park Morning visit to San Agustín Archaeological Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in See the ceremonial Fuente de Lavapatas before heading up the hill to the Lavapatas terrace, from which you can enjoy remarkable views over the surrounding countryside. Pay a visit the small Museo Arqueológico to learn more about the history of the site and ongoing conservation efforts. San Agustín Afterwards, visit the wonderful Colombian massif and the source of the Magadalena River, a spectacular rocky gorge that forces the river to pass through a gap of just 2.2 metres. Return to the hotel. Overnight in San Agustín. --Ten hours south of ogotá lies the World Heritage site of San Agustín, a small town of 18,000 people with breathtaking scenery, great music and home to a key archeological area in South America. The pre-incan civilisation that lived here is shrouded in mystery; even their actual name is still unknown. The archaeological park sprawls over an area of 500 square kilometres and is considered the largest pre-columbian site in South America. ringing together cultural influences from peoples of the Andes, Amazonia and the Caribbean groups, not much is known of the cultures that created the statues, dolmens and carvings, but these relics tell a tale of their own. There are about 500 statues and tombs scattered in groups over an area on both sides of the Rio Magdalena Gorge, and there are most likely many more lying undiscovered; some experts speculate that huge Mayan-like pyramids and other structures remain buried throughout the area. Other than the amazing statues, you can see burial chambers and ritual edifices in the Parque Arqueológico and huge petroglyphs spread throughout the valley. As far as culture and society is concerned, archaeologists have determined that the San Agustín men treated women as equals and sometimes superiors (they had female leaders), they had a strong grasp of advanced mathematics, attempted complex surgeries and were obsessed with the idea of life after death. People were ritualistically sacrificed, burned alive and sometimes buried alive under the influence of hallucinogens. Total travel time : 7 hours Overnight in Hotel Akawanka, San Agustín Day 8 San Agustín - Popayán After breakfast, depart on an approximately 5-hour unpaved transfer to Popayán, the capital of the department of Cauca. Enjoy the journey surrounded by the Andean scenery of picturesque mountains and high-altitude plains. Popayán Upon arrival, embark on a half-day visit to the historic centre of Popayán, concentrating on Parque Caldas. Around the Parque Caldas are the main religious and government buildings, as well as the city s original buildings such as the Torre del Reloj, considered one of the symbols of the city, built between 1673 and 1682 and set in Continue towards the Puente de Humilladero, built in 1873 to facilitate access from the city centre to El Callejón (currently arrio olívar), particularly for those pilgrims making the journey on their knees. The Morro de Tulcán, Popayán s main archaeological site, is next and comprises a precolumbian truncated pyramid. Visit the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a baroque-style church designed by the Spanish architect Antonio García and commissioned by the Arboleda ID P a g e 8

10 family, and the Iglesia de San Francisco, considered the most beautiful baroque church in town. Visit the Museo de Arte Religioso, which houses an interesting collection of religious art. Overnight in Popayán. --Popayán was founded in the year 1537 by Sebastián de elalcázar. ecause of its beautiful white colonial houses, it is known as the White City. Popayán has played a major role in Colombia's history dating back to the early days of the Spanish conquest and into the twentieth century. A number of Colombian presidents were born in Popayán including, most recently, Guillermo Leon Valencia who was in power from 1962 to In 2005, Popayán became the first city to be designated a City of Gastronomy as part of the UNESCO Creative Cities initiative. The typical dishes of the city are a legacy of Spanish and indigenous cultural interaction, integrating special ingredients and cooking styles from the region with fruits brought from Spain. Popayán is also widely known for the solemnity of its Easter processions, during which it commemorates the passion and death of Jesus Christ. Since the 16th century processions have passed through Popayán's historical downtown. During Easter week, Popayán is also home to the Festival de Música Religiosa (Festival of Religious Music), which began in the 1960s. Partially destroyed by an earthquake in 1983, Popayán s administration had the foresight to take their time with its reconstruction. Two decades later there is almost no evidence of the damage on the stunningly uniform white streets. Rich with impressive churches and colonial architecture, it s easy to spend hours wandering around this quiet and relaxed town where every street leads to another just as beautiful. Total travel time : 5 hours Overnight in La Plazuela, Popayán Day 9 Silvia market Popayán: Silvia Market Half-day visit to the small town of Silvia, located in a temperate mountainous area near Popayán and consisting of picturesque houses surrounded by vast sugar cane plantations. The indigenous Guambiano community with a population of 12,000 inhabitants lives in small mountain villages nearby. Every Tuesday, on market day, the village of Silvia is transformed into a colorful, bustling and picturesque place when the Guambiano indigenous people descend upon Silvia dressed in their traditional 'anacos', a blue kneelength skirt-like wraparound to sell, fruit, vegetables and handicrafts. Return to Popayán. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. Overnight in Popayán. Overnight in La Plazuela, Popayán Day 10 Pereira Popayán - Coffee region After breakfast, begin a 6-hour drive north to Pereira, through rolling countryside and traditional towns. On arrival at your hacienda (converted farmhouse) in the coffee region, you will check-in and have the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at your hacienda in the coffee region. --Pereira is the capital city of the department of Risaralda in Colombia. It is in the centre of the western region of the country, located in a small valley that descends from part of the western Andes mountain chain. It is an urban centre in the coffee-producing region and one of the principal gateways to this verdant region. ID P a g e 9

11 Total travel time : 6 hours Overnight in Hacienda Castilla, Pereira Day 11 Pereira hacienda - Valle de Cocora - Filandia - Salento - Pereira hacienda After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (not included), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway that takes you past the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Then enjoy a typical lunch and enjoy some free time here. L Valle de Cocora In the afternoon, continue 10 km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a tour that visits the Plaza de olívar with its colourful balconies, the Calle Real, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Then, transfer to the village of Filandia to enjoy a tour that includes a viewpoint, colonial homes, the Plaza de olívar and the coffee shops. Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel. Overnight at your hacienda in the coffee region. --In a country full of beautiful landscapes, the Valle de Cocora stands out as one of the most picturesque. The valley stretches east of Salento into the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural de los Nevados. Everywhere, you ll see the famous Quindian wax palm, Colombia s national tree and the largest palm in the world (up to 60 metres tall). Valle de Cocora is also home to a trout farm and the trout dishes are particularly good. Local fauna includes mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, pumas, sloths, yellow-eared parrots, black-billed mountain-toucans, Andean condors and hummingbirds. Filandia and Salento are two small pretty colonial style villages in the coffee region of Colombia, both set in stunning surroundings. Salento is the oldest village in the Quindio region with cobblestone streets and a wealth of restaurants, cafés and bars. Filandia is home to the beautiful María Inmaculada church and its streets are lined with colourful buildings with wooden balconies. Overnight in Hacienda Castilla, Pereira Day 12 Pereira hacienda - Half-day coffee process tour - Pereira hacienda Half-day visit to the Finca del Café, a place where coffee tastes better when you live the experience of the farm! On arrival, an expert guide will take you through the coffee production process, beginning with the planting, manual picking and pulping. After this, you will toast coffee beans in a wood stove in a typical farmhouse kitchen. During the tour, you will come to several viewpoints from which you can appreciate the verdant coffee landscape. Finally, learn about the innovative drying process of the coffee bean, then visit Colombia's the coffee processing centre. This tour includes three cups of freshly roasted coffee, from Coffee Triangle beans cultivated at the Finca del Café. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at your hacienda in the coffee region. --- ID P a g e 10

12 Colombia's coffee triangle is so named by the triangle formed by the region's three main towns - Armenia, Manizales and Pereira. etween these is the region that produces the majority of Colombia's coffee, arguably the best coffee in the world. Coffee growing contributes to more than one in three jobs in agriculture in Colombia, and coffee is an integral part of Colombian life and culture. UNESCO inscribed Colombia's "Coffee Cultural Landscape" into its World Heritage List in The harvest in Colombia takes around a year, although the main period is between October and May/June. Most of the plantations in Colombia cultivate Arabica beans, which produce a delicate and light-tasting coffee that is widely recognised and consumed. The process begins when the bean is planted and takes approximately 75 days to germinate. The seedling is then placed in a plastic bag and placed in partial sunlight until its base dries. Two years after plantation, the tree bears its first fruit, which is harvested when the bean is red in colour, dry and ripe. Once the fruit has been picked, the pulp is stripped away and the bean is cleaned and dried in the sun (the big haciendas now use special machinery to strip and dry the beans quickly). The beans are dried or exported in preparation for sale, before being ground up and prepared for human consumption. Overnight in Hacienda Castilla, Pereira Day 13 Medellín Pereira - Medellín After breakfast, transfer to the city of Medellín (a 6-hour drive). During the journey, stop at the Mirador del Pipinta for views over the Cauca River. Upon arrival in Medellín, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Medellín at leisure. Overnight in Medellín. --As the second largest city in Colombia, the bustling streets of Medellín are awash with features that highlight its historical and cultural significance. Medellín is also noted for its numerous sculptures from local artist Fernando otero. otero s sculptures frequently show people that have been purposely swollen and enlarged, something done to convey his negative attitude towards politics. Total travel time : 6 hours Overnight in Hotel outique La Campana, Medellín Day 14 Medellín Metrocable Medellín: Social transformation tour After breakfast, begin a half-day tour to visit the areas of Medellín that best represent the social transformation that has taken place in the city over the last 20 years. In the 1980s and '90s, Medellín was one of the most dangerous cities in the world, with the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar, and his Medellín Cartel operating at their peak. With his death in 1993, the reign of 'El Patrón' came to an end, but it took until 2002 for the city to start seeing real changes, when the government began to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Nowadays, the 'City of Eternal Spring' is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Visit the barrio San Javier, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín. Located 7 km from the city centre, it is an excellent example of the social transformation that has taken place over the last few years. Arrive here by the Metrocable ID P a g e 11

13 that joins the north-east area with the city centre, the installation of which has been lifechanging for many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar and explore Medellin s newest invention: the outdoor escalators in the Comuna 13 district. Discover stories about the district's past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see graffiti that acts as a form of artistic expression for the community. Enjoy beautiful views over the city from San Javier. Then, continue to La Plazoleta (renamed Plaza otero) located in the city centre. This area fell into decline in the 1980s but today houses 23 sculptures by Fernando otero. The artist donated the sculptures to the city in 2000 and thus contributed to the cultural transformation of the city. After the tour, the rest of the day is at leisure for you to explore Medellín at your own pace. Overnight in Medellín. Overnight in Hotel outique La Campana, Medellín Day 15 Medellín: El Peñol rock and Guatapé Today, you head to the town of Guatapé to visit the enormous El Peñol rock. The journey to El Peñol takes around two hours, during which you will have time to appreciate the outstanding landscape of Antioquia. Visit the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colours and after lunch, visit the Guatapé reservoir, with a 30-minute boat tour. For those who wish to climb El Peñol for outstanding views, there will be time for this. Return to Medellín and overnight at your hotel in Medellín. Guatapé and El --Located on the outskirts of Medellín, the town of Guatapé is known for its brightly Peñol rock coloured houses and is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Medellín. One of the town's main attractions is its reservoir, created by the Colombian government for a hydroelectric dam, and the huge El Peñol rock that stands within it. It is possible to climb El Peñol, with a zig-zagging staircase winding its way to the top with over 600 steps. The reward for the climb is panoramic views of the whole Guatapé reservation. L Total travel time : 4 hours Overnight in Hotel outique La Campana, Medellín Day 16 Silleteros of Santa Elena Medellín - Santa Elena flower experience - Cartagena Medellin is well known for its pleasant climate and annual flower festival, and just an hour away from the city is Santa Elena, a small town from which the silleteros hail. These master florists are responsible for the symbolic annual silleteros' parade, the main event at the festival. The most important tradition for them is the production of silletas (chairs) with flowers grown in their own gardens. The word silleta goes back to colonial times, when the Spanish nobles were carried by native Indians on their backs using a wooden structure shaped like a chair. This tradition continues to this day, but to carry produce rather than people. The tour begins early in the morning, as you head to the east side of Antioquia, passing along the Corredor de Las Palmas, the main highway to the international airport. On the ID P a g e 12

14 way, visit a typical craft market to appreciate the local handicrafts or taste a typical snack of the region. Arrive in Santa Elena to visit an authentic flower farm, where you will have the opportunity to meet local farmers and connoisseurs of the silleteros art. Please keep in mind that this is a rural area and roads to plantations aren t always paved. Transfer to Medellín airport to catch a flight to Cartagena. On your arrival in Cartagena, you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Check-in and enjoy a free evening in this picturesque city. Overnight at your hotel in Cartagena. --Meander through Cartagena s picture-perfect streets, and admire the city that is famous for both its beauty and its history. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the main port on the Caribbean coast during Spanish rule. Treasure was stored in the city until it could be taken to Spain and for this reason, in the 16th century, Cartagena suffered five sieges including one led by Francis Drake in This is why the Spaniards then built the forts (Fuertes) and walls (Las Murallas) that still encompass the old town. The Puerta Del Reloj (Clock Gate) signifies the entrance to the inner part of the walled city, also called Calamari. Just behind this is the Plaza de los Coches which used to serve as a slave market. The Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de olivar also have fascinating historical context as well as the numerous churches, museums, convents and monuments. Total travel time : 2 hours Overnight in Kartaxa Lifestyle Hotel, Cartagena Day 17 Cartagena: Half-day panoramic city tour egin your half-day city tour with panoramic views of the city from the Convento de La Popa. Continue to the Castillo San Felipe and walk around the fortress, learning about the castle's construction, the feats of engineering to build it, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then, continue to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of the San Pedro Claver compound, built in the 17th century. Lastly, head to ovedas, a collection of archways built into Cartagena's city walls and used until the end of Convento de La the 18th century to house armaments, then later as a prison. Nowadays, it s an artisan centre where handicrafts can be browsed and purchased. Popa The afternoon is free for you to explore Cartagena at your own pace. Overnight in Cartagena. --Meander through Cartagena s picture-perfect streets, and admire the city that is famous for both its beauty and its history. Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the main port on the Caribbean coast during Spanish rule. Treasure was stored in the city until it could be taken to Spain and for this reason, in the 16th century, Cartagena suffered five sieges including one led by Francis Drake in This is why the Spaniards then built the forts (Fuertes) and walls (Las Murallas) that still encompass the old town. The Puerta Del Reloj (Clock Gate) signifies the entrance to the inner part of the walled city, also called Calamari. Just behind this is the Plaza de los Coches which used to serve as a slave market. The Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de olivar also have fascinating historical context as well as the numerous churches, museums, convents and monuments. ID P a g e 13

15 Castillo San Felipe de arajas is a fortress located on the Hill of San Lázaro, built by the Spanish. It was built there because its strategic location dominated access to the city by land or sea. The fortress has been expanded over the years and was named in honour of King Philip IV of Spain. It has been attacked many times throughout history by French, ritish and Spanish forces. The blocks used to build the castle are said to be splattered with the blood of slaves as Cartagena was a major port during the Slave Trade. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the city of Cartagena. The Convento de La Popa sits on the tallest hill in Cartagena. It boasts panoramic views of the city as well as having the most beautiful cloisters in the country. Legend has it that the convent was founded by the Augustinian monk, Alonso Paredes, who was fasting in the desert when he had a vision in which the Virgin Mary demanded that he build a monastery on the tallest point in Cartagena. When he went to carry out the demands, he found that a pagan sect had already built a shrine on the same spot so he threw their idol from the top of La Popa and replaced it with a statue of the Virgin de la Candelaria which still stands there today. Overnight in Kartaxa Lifestyle Hotel, Cartagena Day 18 Cartagena: Free day Free day to spend exploring Cartagena as you wish. Overnight in Cartagena. Overnight in Kartaxa Lifestyle Hotel, Cartagena Cartagena street ID P a g e 14

16 Day 19 Cartagena - Tayrona National Park After breakfast, embark on a four- to five-hour transfer to Tayrona National Park. On the way, stop in Santa Marta and visit to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino with its beautiful gardens, where Colombia's liberator Simón olívar passed away in Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and continue with the transfer to Tayrona National Park. Santa Marta L On arrival, check in to your unique accommodation within the national park. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore at your own pace. Overnight in Tayrona National Park. --Tayrona National Park is located on the jungle-covered coast east of Santa Marta and is one of Colombia s most popular national parks. Once inhabited by the Tayrona indigenous people before they were forced out, the only remnants of their civilisation are the ruins of the town Chairama (Pueblito) which is pre-hispanic and is thought to have been the central settlement for the Tayrona people. The coast in Arrecifes is spectacular and is dotted with massive boulders. A 40-minute walk on from here is the beautiful cape, Cabo San Juan de la Guia. Total travel time : 5 hours Overnight in Ecohabs Tayrona, Tayrona National Park Day 20 Tayrona National Park Tayrona National Park and Arrecifes After breakfast, walk through the forest, spotting myriad bird species and possibly squirrels and monkeys in the trees. After about 45 minutes walking, arrive at Arrecifes, one of the park s most scenic and beautiful areas, which will astound you with its beauty and the drama of restless seas crashing on huge boulders. Continue to walk along the coast to La Piscina, a naturally calm stretch of beach ideal for bathing. Then, head to El Cabo de San Juan de Guía to admire the enormous boulders strewn along the white-sand, palm-fringed beach. Enjoy free time at the beach to rest or bathe. Return to Cañaveral and your accommodation in the afternoon. Overnight in Tayrona National Park. L Overnight in Ecohabs Tayrona, Tayrona National Park Day 21 Departure At a suitable time, transfer to Santa Marta airport to catch your flight to ogotá for onward travel. --- Total travel time : 1 hours Flight ID P a g e 15

17 Accommodation ogotá : Hotel 3 Virrey (Hotel) 3 nights Located close to Parque El Virrey in the desirable Chico area of north ogotá, Hotel El Virrey is a modern, stylish boutique hotel with a strong focus on environmental sustainability. It has an eye-catching facade, which is covered in a vertical garden, and rooms are decorated in a simple but chic manner. Rooms at Hotel 3 Virrey are equipped with a flat-screen TV, work desk and private bathroom with hairdryer. Facilities at the hotel include Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, currency exchange and bicycles. El Tres ar and Restaurant offers light meals, snacks and cocktails. Phone : Address : Carrera 15 No ogotá Website : Villa de Leyva : Posada de San Antonio (Hotel) 2 nights The hotel has kept it original colonial structure and has retained traditional features such as the courtyard and wooden beams. The hotel is located in the city centre by Nariño square, one of the main squares in Villa de Leyva. The uniquely decorated large rooms have en-suite bathroom, mini-bar, cable TV and wifi. Phone : Address : Carrera 8 Nº 11-80, Villa de Leyva, Colombia Website : San Agustín : Hotel Akawanka (Hotel) 2 nights Hotel Akawanka is a delightful lodge located in San Augustin, surrounded by beautiful gardens in which organic produce is grown and served in the hotel restaurant. The gardens have stunning architecture, landscapes and a natural waterfall and are perfect for relaxing in. The lodge also offers many activities and entertainment, including music, dance, and the work of local artists. Phone : Website : ID P a g e 16

18 Popayán : La Plazuela (Hotel) 2 nights Colonial mansion from XVIII century located in the historic centre of Popayan. Comfortable rooms, some with private balcony, mini bar, cable TV and room service free of charge 24 hours. Phone : Address : Calle 5 No. 8-13, Calle 5, Popayán Website : Pereira : Hacienda Castilla (Converted farmhouse) 3 nights Located just 15 minutes from Pereira Airport in the Risaralda department of Colombia, Hacienda Castilla is a traditional converted farmhouse built in With just 12 rooms, wide corridors, high ceilings and a picturesque courtyard, the hacienda is an atmospheric base from which to explore the coffee region. The main house is surrounded by large gardens featuring mango and guava trees, orchids and lilies, and is home to more than 30 species of birds. There is an on-site bar, restaurant and swimming pool. Phone : Address : Km 10 Vía Pereira-Cerritos Pereira - Risaralda Website : Medellín : Hotel outique La Campana (Hotel) 3 nights This cosy boutique hotel is located in Medellín's exclusive La Poblado neighbourhood, close to restaurants, bars and shopping malls. The hotel also functions as an art gallery featuring Colombian artists, with the works on show changing every three months. The hotel has 23 rooms, each with a minibar, Wi-Fi access, safe and cable TV. Phone : Address : Calle 11A #31A 70 Medellín Website : ID P a g e 17

19 Cartagena : Kartaxa Lifestyle Hotel (Hotel) 3 nights Paying homage to the first name given to Cartagena, used during the 18th and 19th centuries due to the influence of the asque people in the city, Kartaxa Lifestyle Hotel has a strong focus on the city's artists and bohemians of the 1930s. The hotel is located in Cartagena's historic centre, where artists used to gather. With just 26 rooms, you can be sure of a high standard of personalised service. All rooms come equipped with a TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Facilities at the hotel include a swimming pool, restaurant, bar/lounge area and a spa. Phone : Address : Cra 9 A # , Calle de las óvedas. Cartagena, Website : Tayrona National Park : Ecohabs Tayrona (Ecohab) 2 nights Nestles within Tayrona National Park, these unique bungalows are built with native wood and high roofs covered in palm leaves, a design inspired by the ancient Tayrona tribes. Each bungalow has a flatscreen TV, ipod dock, a bathroom tucked underneath at ground level and a private deck with hammocks providing stunning views of the Caribbean Sea and green hills. Facilities include a gourmet restaurant offering local and international cuisine and a spa. Address : Tayrona National Park All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking. ID P a g e 18 Powered by TCPDF (