Colombia November 8 22, 2019

Transcription

1 Colombia November 8 22, 2019

2 Expedition Overview Colombia, a country once torn by strife and long closed off from the outside world, is a study in contrasts from pristine rainforests echoing with bird calls, to lively modern cities like Barranquilla and Bogotá; from snow-capped peaks to verdant coffee-growing valleys; golden beaches to rainbow-colored rivers flowing alongside vast Serengeti-like savannah. There is something of everything in this rich and friendly country, which contains more bird species than any other on Earth. Join Apex on this 15-day journey, carefully crafted to showcase exquisite colonial architecture, ancient ruins and vibrant local culture, as well as stunning natural spaces and wildlife. Now is the time to visit Colombia, before the rest of the world catches on. Photos: (Cover) Bogotá, Caño Cristales, Coffee Beans

3 Itinerary Friday, November 8: Arrive Bogotá, Colombia Arrive in Bogotá, a vital and sophisticated capital city that sits at 8,660 feet, cradled by the magnificent Andes. Transfer to your hotel in the heart of the cobbled historic downtown. Overnight at Sofitel Victoria Regia. Saturday, November 9: Bogotá Meet your expedition leader and fellow explorers over breakfast at the hotel before heading out on a city tour, starting in the colonial quarter of La Candelaria. Amble past 300-year-old homes toward Plaza de Bolívar. Some of the city s most significant buildings surround this square, including La Catedral Primada, the Presidential Palace and National Capitol, and the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin. Visit the Museo del Oro, containing more than 55,000 pieces of pre-columbian gold. After lunch, round out the tour with a visit to Museo de Botero, named for Fernando Botero, Colombia s most famous artist. Over 120 of his pieces are on display, as well as his personal collection by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. Take the afternoon to explore at leisure. Gather again for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Sofitel Victoria Regia. Sunday, November 10: Bogotá Chingaza National Park Enjoy an early breakfast, then set off in vehicles for a trip to Chingaza National Park in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes. Climb up to 13,000 feet, entering the park s fascinating páramo ecosystem, a kind of highland wetlands endemic to the Andes. Páramos are evolutionary hotspots, among the fastest evolving on Earth. Here, see over 1,000 plant species, many endemic. The park also has 186 documented species of bird, including Andean Condors and Cocks-of-the-rock, and a handful of native mammals like deer, monkeys, Spectacled Bears and Ocelots. Hike around Monteredondo, then continue on to Lago de Chingaza, which, along with the park s Photos: Andean Condor,Catedral Primada, White-necked Jacobin

4 40 other glacial lakes, provides 80% of Bogotá s drinking water. Return to Bogotá, stopping at a hummingbird observatory for hot chocolate and a stroll to spot some of the 14 species of hummingbird buzzing around. Dinner at a local restaurant, and overnight at Sofitel Victoria Regia. Monday, November 11: Serranía de la Macarena National Park This morning, transfer to the airport for a flight south to La Macarena, deep in the Plains (or Llanos) region. Just across the Guayabero River from town stands the immense Serranía de la Macarena National Park, the unique meeting point for the flora and fauna of the Orinoco, Amazon and the Andes. Head straight to the park facilities for a briefing on local conservation efforts, then spend the afternoon visiting the Cristalito and Guayabero Rivers. The group may split up according to activity level for walks or hikes in the area. Enjoy lunch at a local outdoor kitchen. Dinner and overnight at the rustic Hotel Punto Verde. Tuesday, November 12: Serranía de la Macarena National Park After breakfast, embark on a many-tiered journey to the famed Caño Cristales, known affectionately as the Liquid Rainbow or River of Five Colors for the brilliant yellows, greens, blues, blacks, and especially reds (from the endemic Macarenia clavígera plant) that blanket the riverbed at this time of year. To get there, head to the dock by your hotel and take a boat down the Guayabero River. Look for monkeys there are 8 species present here as well as Hoatzín and caimans. About 20 minutes in, board four-wheel drive vehicles and head over the mountains to the spring of Cajuche, the starting point for a moderate hike that takes you along the river, climbing over driftwood, then through the forest toward Caño Cristales. Swim in the many natural pools along the river. Notice the hollowed-out riverbed rocks, or giant s kettles, along the way. Late this afternoon, return to La Macarena for dinner and overnight at Hotel Punto Verde. Jonathan Rossouw Wednesday, November 13: La Macarena / Pereira This morning, head back onto the Guayabero in search of Pink River Dolphins, fewer in number here than on the Amazon, but still present. Also look for turtles, anteaters, deer, parrots, toucans, the rare Gray Tinamou and over 500 more birds. Have lunch at the hotel, then transfer to the airport for a flight west, via Bogotá, to Pereira, in the Zona Cafetera, Colombia s principal coffee-growing area. Overnight at Casa San Carlos Lodge. Thursday, November 14: Pereira Valle de Cocora After breakfast, head south, stopping for a visit in the sleepy, colonial town of Filandia. After lunch, depart for the Cocora Valley. Hike among the towering Quindío Wax Palms, Colombia s national tree and the tallest palm in the world, reaching up to 200 feet. Continue into the cloud forest, looking for the endemic Yellow-eared Parrot, Chestnut Wood Quail and Masked Trogon, among many other birds. Join in the Ritual de la Palma, or planting of a wax palm as part of restoration efforts. This afternoon, transfer via World War II Willys Jeep to neighboring Salento, a shining example of local colonial bahareque architecture. Tour Salento s colorful, centuries-old buildings along Calle Real, the main street lined with restaurants and shops. Return to Pereira for dinner and overnight at Casa San Carlos Lodge. Jonathan Rossouw Photos: Guayabero River, Hoatzín, Caño Cristales, Pink River Dolphin,

5 Friday, November 15: Pereira Otún Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary Early this morning, head east, stopping in La Florida for buñuelos, or cheese fritters. Transfer to four-wheel drive vehicles, and continue up the mountain to Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. This reserve is considered one of the best in Colombia for birding. Upon arrival, hike along the river trail looking for Cauca Guans, Torrent Ducks, Multicolored Tanagers, Green Jays and Red-ruffed Fruitcrows, along with Howler Monkeys, Mountain Tapir and Central American Agoutis, or Guatín. Enjoy lunch at the visitor center, then depart for a tour of nearby Finca del Café. Walk the plantation trail and learn about the coffee-making process, from bean to cup. This evening, return to Pereira for dinner and overnight at Casa San Carlos Lodge. Gary Krosin Saturday, November 16: Pereira / Tayrona National Park After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight north (via Bogotá) to Santa Marta, the Pearl of America, nestled between the sparkling Caribbean Sea and the dramatic Sierra Nevada, the world s highest coastal mountain range. Santa Marta is South America s oldest European-founded town, dating back to 1525, and its historic center has been meticulously restored. Eat lunch in town, before heading to Tayrona, possibly the best-known national park in Colombia, covering over 50 miles of golden beaches and montane rainforest. Check in to your hotel, located on Cañaveral beach beside the park s entrance. Dinner and overnight at Ecohabs Tayrona. Sunday, November 17: Tayrona National Park Apart from the park s natural beauty, it s also rich in cultural history, as it was home to thriving pre-columbian tribes. After breakfast at the hotel, take a guided tour of ancient Taironaka ruins. See remnants of their intricate drainage systems, terraces, stairs and houses, as well as a small museum housing more than 300 pieces of pottery found on site. Enjoy lunch at the reserve and the chance to meet with the descendants of the Tayrona people, the Kogis, and visit with a Kogi shaman, or Mamo. Afterwards, head to the adjacent Rio Don Diego and climb into inner tubes for a relaxing float down the river. Return to the hotel, and take the afternoon at leisure, or join in a hike to Arrecifes Beach, with views over the jungle-clad mountains. Dinner and overnight at Ecohabs Tayrona. Monday, November 18: Tayrona National Park / El Dorado Reserve Birders have deemed this area the Northern Colombia Birding Trail. This morning, visit the scrublands in Tayrona to look for Lance-tailed Manakin, Scrub Greenlet, Buff-breasted Wren, and, with a lot of luck, one of Colombia s rarest endemics, the Blue-knobbed Curassow. Then, head south, up the foothills of the San Lorenzo ridge, stopping in Minca for lunch and a transfer to four-wheel drive vehicles. Continue straight up (to 6,500 feet) to El Dorado Reserve s lodge, known worldwide for its magnificent endemic bird populations. Spend the rest of the day exploring the lodge grounds, looking for very rare Black-fronted Wood-Quails in the compost pile, and endemic Santa Marta Screech-owls and Santa Marta Antpittas at a feeder, as well as Black-backed Thornbills, Santa Marta Woodstars, Santa Marta Blossomcrowns and more. Enjoy dinner at the lodge, followed by the coaxing of Lemurine Night Monkeys and Kinkajous, down from the trees for a feeding. Overnight at El Dorado Lodge. Photos: Howler Monkeys, Coffee Plantation, Tayrona, Santa Marta Antpitta Kevin Clement Kevin Clement

6 Tuesday, November 19: El Dorado Nature Reserve Overall, twenty endemic bird species have been found at El Dorado, and exploring at various elevations is key to seeing as many of them as possible. Start very early this morning, heading up the Cuchilla de San Lorenzo to look for Santa Marta Parakeets, Rusty-headed and Streak-capped Spinetails, Santa Marta Bush-tyrants, Santa Marta Mountain Tanagers, Yellow-crowned Whitestarts, Santa Marta Warblers, White-tipped Quetzals and Santa Marta Foliage-gleaners, all endemic or near-endemic to this reserve. Drop down to the Experimental Station for an attempt to lure in the elusive Santa Marta Antipitta. Return to the lodge for lunch and the afternoon spent exploring the lodge trails. The views from the lodge are simply spectacular, with humid montane forest stretching in all directions and the Caribbean below. Dinner, Kinkajou feeding and overnight at El Dorado Lodge. Kevin Clement Wednesday, November 20: El Dorado / Barranquilla / Cartagena This morning, head back down the mountain, and down the Caribbean coast, stopping in the large port city of Barranquilla, known as the birthplace of Gabriel García Márquez and the site of Colombia s largest Carnival celebration. Have lunch and explore the 1920s Viejo Prado neighborhood, the first planned urban development in the country. Take note of the republican architecture for which the city is known, at the Museo Romantico, Amira de la Rosa Theater, Fine Arts building, and Metropolitan Cathedral. Visit the Museo del Caribe, detailing the culture, history, nature and people of Colombia s Caribbean. Continue down the coast to the romantic and superbly preserved Cartagena, standing behind an impressive eight miles of colonial stone walls. Check into your hotel, then head out for a sunset cocktail at one of the baluarte bars located on the city walls. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Bastión. Thursday, November 21: Cartagena This morning, start your city exploration from on high, visiting the Augustinian Convento de la Popa, located at Cartagena s highest point, followed by the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, considered the greatest fortress ever built by Spaniards. Travel through the upscale Bocagrande district, then head to old El Centro for a walking tour. Enter through the imposing Clock Tower Gate and walk through the Plaza de los Coches and Plaza de La Aduana. Head to Plaza de Bolívar, home to the Government Palace, newly restored Catedral, and Palacio de la Inquisición, one of the city s finest buildings despite its grisly history. It is now a museum, displaying the Inquisitors instruments of torture, as well as pre-columbian artifacts. End your tour at the baroque Convento de San Pedro de Claver, named for a Jesuit priest who spent his life ministering to slaves. Enjoy lunch at El Santísimo, and take the afternoon at leisure. This evening, toast the trip with fellow travelers at farewell dinner. Overnight at Hotel Bastíon. Friday, November 22: Depart Cartagena Transfer to the airport for your international flights home. Photos: Clown Grasshopper, Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, Fruit Sellers, Cartagena Street

7 Expedition Map Colombia A Bogotá B Chingaza National Park C Serranía de la Macarena D Pereira E Tayrona National Park F El Dorado Nature Reserve G Cartagena By Air By Road

8 Your Expedition Leader Kevin Clement Not many people can say they live year-round inside Alaska s Glacier Bay National Park (the actual number is about 10), but Kevin Clement is one. He also lived for many years in Denali National Park. Nowadays, however, he spends most of his time guiding ecotourism and adventure travel trips on all seven continents. Kevin has served as the Denali Foundation instructor for natural history and as a boat operator in Glacier Bay s wilderness waters. For several years he worked with the sled dogs of Denali, rebuilding sleds in the summer and patrolling in the winter. As a Certification Instructor for the Wilderness Education Association he led month-long outdoor leadership courses under the auspices of the University of Alaska. He has lived in several other national parks and has guided groups in whitewater rafts, on cross-country skis, by dog sled, and on foot, earning certifications in scuba diving, swiftwater rescue, and wilderness medicine, as well as a Coast Guard Master s license. Most recently he s been coordinating and leading sea kayaking excursions in Antarctica and the Arctic. Kevin is the consummate Renaissance Man, possessing a poetic and artistic take on the world that adds a fascinating dimension to his interpretation as you explore alongside him. Judy M., Hawaii And as he always has, he still draws and paints. His first career was as an illustrator, and his work has appeared in various juried art shows, several times winning juror s or people s choice awards. He never travels without his sketchbook. Or his sense of humor.

9 Expedition Details Colombia November 8 22, 2019 $12,470 Per Person Rate $14,085 Solo Rate 15 Days Trip Length 10 Guests Group Size Bogotá / Cartagena Start/End Included Apex Expeditions rates include all accommodations; all meals, activities and excursions as described in the itinerary; air within Colombia, including private charter flight to and from La Macarena, as noted in the itinerary; services of an Apex Expeditions leader and local guides throughout the itinerary; local beer & wines at lunch & dinner; all gratuities; airport transfers; permits and entrance fees; all taxes. Not Included Costs not included in the price of your Apex expedition include travel to and from the start and end point of trip; premium brand drinks and liquor; travel insurance (Trip Cancellation and Interruption, as well as Emergency Medical and Evacuation insurance, are highly recommended); airport departure taxes; equipment rental; excess baggage fees; passport and/or visa fees; items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); and independent travel arrangements pre- or post-trip. Payments & Terms 20% of the trip cost will confirm your place on the expedition. The final balance is due 150 days prior to departure. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and must be paid in U.S. dollars. Per person pricing is based on double occupancy. The solo rate is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations and is subject to availability. If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. However, if a roommate is not available, the published solo rate will be charged. Upon confirming your reservation you will be required to pay the published Solo Rate, if we are able to pair you with a roommate, the applicable difference will be refunded at the time that the final trip payment is due for all participants. Please note that solo accommodations are limited and cannot always be guaranteed throughout. For our full set of Terms & Conditions, please visit our web site at One-of-a-kind adventures to the world s most fascinating places. Join us.

10 Reservation Form Colombia November 8 22, 2019 Person 1: (Primary Contact) Passport Name: Preferred Name: Date of Birth: Address: Mailing Details: Address: City: State: ZIP Code: Country: Home Phone: Mobile Phone: Double Solo Person 2: (If applicable and at same address, otherwise please submit a second Reservation Form.) Passport Name: Preferred Name: Date of Birth: Address: Deposit Information: My deposit check is enclosed (20% of total tour fare) Charge my deposit to my: VISA MasterCard American Express Card #: Expires: CCV Code: Name on Card: Signature: Please return this completed form to Apex Expeditions. info@apex-expeditions.com or Mail: 4130 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116