COLOMBIA ITINERARY FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS

Transcription

1 COLOMBIA ITINERARY FOR FAMILIES WITH TEENAGERS AGES TO TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA Minimum recommended age is 5 years old is recommend for travel to Columbia to take advantage of the itinerary program. TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA January April: medium crowds but fresh weather (24-31 C) June August: least crowds, but warmer weather due to higher humidity, occasional rain and lower winds (24-33 C) September November: highest rainfall of December this is the busiest time of CULTURE Many aspects of Colombian culture can be traced back to the early culture of Spain of the 16th century and its collision with Colombia s native civilizations (see: Muisca, Tayrona). The Spanish brought Catholicism, Africans, the feudal encomienda system, and a caste system that favored European-born whites. After independence from Spain, the criollos struggled to establish a pluralistic political system, between conservative and liberal ideals. FAMILY The family is, as it is with nearly all of Latin America, a highly important institution to Colombians as engraved by the traditional Roman Catholic church teachings. Members of the extended family are close and children rarely move far away from their parents. There is a deep sense of familial responsibility that stretches through many generations. DAY ONE Inbound Bogota Palomino Arrive at Santa Marta Airport (1h 35m from Bogotá), where a chauffeur will be waiting to drive you to the hotel in Palomino region, located 1h 40m from the airport. The Palomino region is in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, replete with tropical forests, crystalline rivers, beaches and spectacular flora and fauna. Relax at the hotel after a day of travelling Dinner is under your own arrangement. Overnight: Palomino DAY TWO Palomino Aboard inner tubes, go on a river safari down the river all the way to the ocean (3 hours). Surrounded by lush jungles, one can find monkeys, toucans, ducks and many other exotic birds from the area. Have lunch by the ocean and spend the remainder of the day lounging in the sun. At the end of the day, your driver will bring you to your hotel. Dinner is under your own arrangement. Overnight: Palomino DAY THREE /LUNCH/DINNER Palomino Depart on a nature walk learning all about the flora and fauna along the way (30 mins). Arrive at a waterfall where one can go swimming and enjoy a picnic lunch beside the waterfall. After a hammock siesta, spend the afternoon learning cool survival skills such as building a tent, using local resources, heal wounds, and other neat tricks! Enjoy a bonfire dinner by the river. Oernight:

2 TIME OF YEAR TO TRAVEL TO COLOMBIA January April: medium crowds but fresh weather (24-31 C) June August: least crowds, but warmer weather due to higher humidity, occasional rain and lower winds (24-33 C) September November: highest rainfall of December this is the busiest time of ELECTRICITY Electrical sockets (outlets) in the Republic of Colombia (República de Colombia) usually supply electricity at between 110 and 120 volts AC. If you re plugging in a U.S. or Canadian 120 volt appliance, or an appliance that is compatible with multiple voltages, then an adapter is all you need. CURRENCY Colombian peso BOGOTÁ Bogotá is Colombia s sprawling, high-altitude capital. La Candelaria, its cobblestoned center, features colonial-era landmarks like the neoclassical performance hall Teatro Colón and the 17th-century Iglesia de San Francisco. It s also home to popular museums including the Museo Botero, showcasing Fernando Botero s art, and the Museo del Oro, displaying pre-columbian gold pieces. DAY FOUR Private ground transfer from Palomino to (5 hours) Spend the remainder of the day relaxing and playing by the pool. Dinner at your leisure Overnight: DAY FIVE Go on a scavenger hunt throughout s Old City. Follow a set of clues that will teach you about the city s history, culture and traditions, and make you dance, eat and speak like the locals! After a relaxing lunch, redeem your prize at the Choco Museo while you have a hands-on session to make different types of chocolate treats. (1-2 hours) Dinner on your own Overnight: DAY SIX /LUNCH Visit the fishing village of La Boquilla, located 20 minutes from s Old City. La Boquilla is an impoverished community surrounded by spectacular mangrove forests and large beaches. Start the day by going on a canoe journey through the mangrove tunnels and lagoons, learning about the local ecosystem and the importance of preserving it. Continue to one of the community s school where children will participate in an activity with the local children: music lessons, painting the walls of a classroom, help build something required by the school (i.e. desks, park, benches, etc.), play fútbol (soccer), or donate an item and teach the local children how to use it. The activity at the school will be determined based on the needs of the school at the time. (Total duration: 6-8 hours, including lunchtime) Overnight: DAY SEVEN Aboard a 32-foot speedboat, depart on a 45-minute trip to the Rosario Islands archipelago, which consists of 30 islands with crystalline waters, white-sand beaches and coral reefs. Spend the morning island hopping, visiting various spectacular spots for swimming and snorkeling. Arrive at an island with a large beach, where one can enjoy a traditional Caribbean lunch and relax by the ocean. Return to in time for the sunset. (Total duration: 6-8 hours). NOTE: The boat is equipped with an English-speaking host, snorkeling equipment, floating devices, and a cooler with ice, water, fruits and snacks. Overnight: DAY EIGHT Home Or Extend Your Stay Your driver takes you to the airport for your flight back home.

3 PALOMINO Palomino is located in the municipality of Dibulla part of the department of Guajira and is only 2 meters above sea level. It is one of the five towns that form the municipality of Dibulla. It is located on the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Colombia. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, declared as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, sits as an isolated mountain apart from the Andes chain that runs though Colombia. Reaching an altitude of 5,775 meters above sea level just 42 kilometers from the Caribbean coast, the Sierra Nevada is the world s highest coastal peak.the Sierra Nevada encompasses about 17,000 square kilometers and serves as the source of 36 rivers. Palomino is limited on the north by the Caribbean sea, south with the municipality of San Juan Del Cesar, east by the town of Mingueo and west by the department of Magdalena. Palomino is very close to the Venezuelan border. It borders both the department of Guajira and Magdalena and serves as the border for the municipality of Dibulla and La Punta de los Remedios. CARTAGENA is a port city on Colombia s Caribbean coast. By the sea is the walled Old Town, founded in the 16th century, with squares, cobblestone streets and colorful colonial buildings. With a tropical climate, the city is also a popular beach destination. Reachable by boat are Isla de Barú, with white-sand beaches and palm trees, and the Islas del Rosario, known for their coral reefs. COCORA VALLEY The Cocora valley (Spanish: Valle de Cocora) is a valley in the department of Quindío in the country of Colombia. It is located in the Central Cordillera of the Andean mountains. Cocora was the name of a Quimbayan princess, daughter of the local chief Acaime, and means star of water (Spanish: estrella de agua). The valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, incorporated into the existing national park by the Colombian government in It is the principal location of the national tree and symbol of Colombia, the Quindío wax palm (Ceroxylon quindiuense), as well as a wide variety of other flora and fauna (some endangered), all of which are protected under the park s national status. Coffee Region 3-Day Excursion DAY EIGHT Coffee Region Private transfer to airport, for a flight to the coffee region A private transfer will take you to the hotel, an hacienda located in the countryside of the Coffee Region. Go on a nature walk with a local guide, to explore the coffee or cacao plantations surrounding the property. Overnight: Coffee Region DAY NINE /LUNCH Coffee Region Take a bamboo raft down La Vieja river for a few hours and enjoy swimming and playing on the river banks. A picnic lunch will be served by the river. (Total duration: 6 hours) Dinner at your leisure Overnight: Coffee Region DAY TEN Coffee Region Cocora Valley Drive 50-minutes to the Cocora Valley to find some of the most breathtaking sights in Colombia. Hop on a traditional Willy s jeep and walk up to one of the best viewpoints, where a picnic will be waiting to enjoy with the sight of the tallest palm trees in the world. Continue to explore the colorful town of Salento and play tejo, the local game where one throws an iron ball to hit targets that make a loud explosion sound (no explosions involved safe for children). Return to the hacienda for a relaxing sunset by the pool. Dinner at your leisure Overnight: Cocora Valley DAY ELEVEN Depart for Home Private transfer to Armenia airport, for a 1-hour flight to Bogota, the hub for international flights.

4 H H H H FOUR STAR 7-DAY ITINERARY PRICING AND ACCOMODATIONS Colombia Cost Per Person for Family of Four Based on Double Occupancy... $3, Accomodations: Palomino Ecolodge 2 Private Bungalows, Three Nights, Breakfast Bastion Luxury 2 Superior Rooms, Four Nights, Breakfast H H H H H FIVE STAR 7-DAY ITINERARY PRICING AND ACCOMODATIONS Colombia Cost Per Person for Family of Four Based on Double Occupancy... $3, Accomodations: Palomino Ecolodge 2 Private Bungalows, Three Nights, Breakfast Sofitel Santa Clara 2 Classic Rooms, Four Nights, Breakfast Palomino H H H H Palomino Ecolodge 2 Private Bungalows Three Nights H H H H Bastion Luxury 2 Superior Rooms Four Nights H H H H Sofitel Santa Clara 2 Classic Rooms Four Nights Palomino Ecolodge has large gardens where children can play, and sand banks on a very calm river where children can swim and play safely. Each of the bungalows has air conditioning, DirectTV, outdoor showers with hot water, terrace with colorful hammocks and outdoor Jacuzzi. The Bastion Luxury Hotel has a large rooftop pool and comfortable rooms. The hotel is located near the Plaza Fernandez Madrid, and the Old City s walls, which are great places for children to explore. Sofitel Santa Clara has a very large pool and many spaces and gardens that are ideal for children. It is located near the hotel are Plaza San Diego, Las Bovedas and the Old City s walls, which are great places for children to explore.

5 HHHHH COFFEE REGION 3-DAY EXTENSION PRICING AND ACCOMODATIONS Colombia Cost Per Person for Family of Four Based on Double Occupancy... $1, Accomodations: Bosque del Saman Rural Hotel Superior, Three Nights, Breakfast Coffee Region HHHH Bosque del Saman Rural Hotel Superior Three Nights Bosque del Saman Rural Hotel has been built in the style of a traditional coffee finca (farmhouse), with expansive grounds and facilities. Standard tipica rooms are located in and around the main building with a traditional finca feel, where you find a simple ranch-style restaurant. All rooms are simple but comfortably furnished with basic en suite bathrooms, television and safes, as well as free wifi. Surrounded by coffee plantations, the property has great views and many activities available. These include coffee tours and canopy tours, or learning about the farm and even helping to feed the animals.

6 WHAT S INCLUDED Accommodation with daily breakfast, service charge & government taxes Sightseeing as indicated in the itinerary, including entrance fees Meals as stated in the itinerary All transfers and transportation by private vehicle Services of a driver and a private English speaking guide during all transfers and sightseeing (a different driver and guide in each city) Performances as stated in the itinerary Domestic flights when specified Porterage at hotels and airports Final documents WHAT S NOT INCLUDED International flights Any accommodations, sightseeing or meals not indicated in the itinerary Excess baggage charges Gratuities to the guides and drivers Travel insurance (recommended) Any expenses of a personal nature such as laundry, minibar charges, telephone charges, etc. Visas if applicable Drinks during meals unless mentioned otherwise International and domestic air flights unless mentioned otherwise Room taxes if applicable PAYMENT POLICIES & CANCELLATION POLICIES Global CommUnity Payment/Deposit Terms: A non-refundable deposit of 25% of the trip total is due a booking. Non-refundable balance due 90 days before departure. If you cancel more than 90 days out from departure, you may lose up to 40% of the deposit (because our hotels and travel providers keep it to feed their children), but 60% of the deposit can be applied toward another Global CommUnity trip taken within 12 months. Travel insurance is recommended to cover non-refundable costs. For reservations made within 90 days of the departure date, full and non-refundable payment is required when the reservation is confirmed exceed this number may require a luggage truck at an additional cost. In case of human or computer error, Global CommUnity reserve the right to re-invoice for the correct price or service. Airport taxes and Fees subject to change prior to ticketing If the suggested hotels are not available at the time of confirmation, Global CommUnity will offer alternative hotels with new rates. Tours/services: prices valid only if booked in advance before departure. We do not guarantee the same prices if tours/extensions are confirmed after client s arrival at their destination. SPECIAL REQUESTS Specific requests should be advised at time of booking. Please note that every effort will be made to secure special requests, however; they cannot be guaranteed. Any modification of the itinerary will most likely change the price of the trip. TRAVEL INSURANCE Global CommUnity strongly recommend all clients take out comprehensive travel insurance prior to date of travel. This insurance should cover cancellation and curtailment, all medical expenses including evacuation/ repatriation, personal baggage, personal liability, death and permanent disability and travel document insurance. Global CommUnity cannot be held responsible for any costs arising from such loss or injury. PHOTOGRAPHY Room images, hotel images, activity images are representative and may not be exact depictions of the rooms or sights you will experience. INFORMATION RESOURCES Wikipedia PRICING NOTES All prices listed are per person, in US Dollars and valid for 2017 This is a quotation and does not guarantee availability of service. Prices are subject to change without notice Accommodation is subject to availability unless otherwise stated No actual reservations have been made yet unless stated All rates are subject to reconfirmation if an actual booking is made Rates are subject to change for high season, holidays or festivals held in that particular destination All pick ups and drop offs are for one point only, either airport or one hotel. Any special requests or stops shall be quoted accordingly. Please, note that in each destination we use a local supplier; therefore, vehicle types and capacities may differ. Transfers are calculated on a base of 1 piece of luggage per passenger; groups that