Colombia Undiscovered

Transcription

1 Activity Level: Occasional Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights Colombia Undiscovered Experience Colombia Despite its geographic standing as the puzzle piece linking the northern hemisphere with the south, and access to two oceans, Colombia has been little explored, leaving huge tracts of land unknown, ungoverned, and unmapped. It should have been the centre of the new world, a bright and shining example of what could be done in the Americas. What we found here is a country emergent, with brand new buildings and bike lanes, a restaurant scene that rivals some of our favourite New York City neighbourhoods and communities that are bursting with creativity and joie de vivre. There are a few places in Bogota that tip their hats to the old world, but on the whole, the place is buzzing with modernity. WHY TRAVEL WITH B&R? Places on the Verge (POV) trips are travel experiences initiated by B&R co-founder George Butterfield himself, with the goal of bringing interested travellers to up-and-coming destinations of the world. We get you in deep and up close, examining a region s challenges, roots and myriad complexities. Call us at the journey p.2 view > / notes from the road p.5 view > / the details p.6 view > / next steps p.7 view >

2 The Journey 2 the journey Day 1 Bogotá and Ciclovia WE WILL MEET THIS MORNING IN THE LOBBY OF OUR hotel and head out the only respectable way you can on a Sunday in Bogotá by bike! The tradition of Ciclovia, a cycleway or permanent bike path, stretches back to the 1970s and has now become an institution in itself, with over 100 km of city roads closed to traffic. After coasting through the city with our local guide Ricardo we ll stop for lunch before heading to the historical center of town, La Candelaria, to visit the Gold Museum and one of South Americas most important art collections, the Botero. Over dinner tonight at the eclectic, famous and exciting restaurant that is Andres Carne de Res we ll run through the week that lies ahead of us. HOTEL Sofitel Victoria Regia This hotel is in a superb location within easy walking distance to fine bars and restaurants in the trendy north end of the city. Located also close to the Andino Shopping Centera and only 15 km from El Dorado Airport. This hotel has all the facilities you would expect from the Sofitel group, a perfect option for those who are looking for style, sophistication and a full range of luxury hotel services. THE ACTIVITY Day 1: A gentle bike ride through mostly flat streets of Bogota along with some walking to take in the historic quarter of the city. Days 2, 3 & 4 The Coffee Triangle This morning we fly west from Bogota to the town of Pereira to start our exploration of the coffee region. We ll meet up with our Biologist friend Camilo who will walk us through the coffee estate at Hacienda Venecia. Coffee represents a huge source of income and employment for Colombia but also much, much more. This region has UNESCO World Heritage Site designation, an EU Protected Designation of Origin Status, and produces some of the world s best coffee! The FNC, the organization that represents Colombian coffee growers, is the worlds largest rural non-profit organization and as such is a huge source of pride and prestige for Colombians. After enjoying lunch on site we will head to our home for the next three nights, the hotel Sazagua where we will have dinner tonight.

3 The Journey 3 The following morning we will take a short transfer to the neighbouring department of Risaralda. Our walk will take us through eucalyptus, monster ferns and then on to the Nevados National Park. The woods and mountains here are howler monkey territory. From here we will descend through more farmland, typically onion plantations and other food staples, in the company of Camilo who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have. After a typical mountain lunch we will return to our hotel for a little down time before heading out for dinner in town. Today is our last day in the coffee region so we will head out to the Valle del Cocora, home of the magnificent wax palm tree. With cows grazing on the steep hillsides, comparisons to Switzerland are often made despite the presence of huge wax palms (ceroxlon quindiuense). The palm was declared a national monument as much as to protect it as the complex system of endemic species that depend upon it. Our walk will take us through primeval forest where we will learn all about the important conservation efforts that are being made here, past the wax palms in various stages of growth, and then on to a spectacular waterfall and natural pool. We ll return to the reserve for a traditional lunch before continuing on with an optional hike that takes us on to the colonial village of Salento, stopping of course for coffee at Café Jesus Martin. Dinner tonight will be with friends back in Pereira. HOTEL Sazagua Boutique Hotel Hotel Boutique Sazagua lies in the heart of Colombia s coffee region and is an exquisite manifestation of the region s hospitality and incomparable culinary arts. With beautiful surroundings, natural décor elements and hints of colonial and Spanish design, the hotel provides both a relaxing and cultural atmosphere. The lush gardens offer a beautiful collection of palms and tropical plants and the beautiful, unique full-service spa offers the utmost in tranquility. THE ACTIVITY Day 2: A gentle walk through the Hacienda Venecia and it s coffee estates Day 3: A walk through the ecologically diverse Manzano region with our biologist guide. The walk can be varied in length but is typically 5kms (3 miles) Day 4: A day discovering primeval forest and the ever present wax palms, culminating at a spectacular waterfall! The afternoon will be a short walk (up to 6 kms/4 mi) in the National Park of Los Nevados, including the opportunity to explore the village of Salento.

4 The Journey 4 Days 5 & 6 Medellin After an early breakfast and flight we will trade the hills of coffee country for the urban revitalisation that defines Medellin. As recently as twenty years ago Medellin was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world and so it s transformation into a beacon of urban renewal is all the more remarkable. In the hands of local historian Markus we will explore the cities more memorable projects that have spearheaded this renewal, and earned the City of Eternal Spring such International praise. We will include a visit to the once infamous Comuna 13 before stopping for lunch in a favourite local restaurant. That afternoon we will see the city from a different angle, meeting up with the artists who represent the Casa Kolacho group. These performers, mainly of rap, hip hop and breakdance, are the perfect ambassadors as we tour the cities colourful graffiti and learn more of the cities recent history. Dinner tonight will be in the happening local restaurant Carmen. This truly gritty and urban feeling city does however offer its inhabitants parks and green spaces that would be the rival of many large cities! This morning we ll head out for the green hills that encircle the city, specifically for the eco trail La Miel that leads us along a lush riverbed or creek to a beautiful waterfall. Continuing on this afternoon we ll take to bikes for a gentle exploration of the recently created Arvi Nature Reserve. This reserve is an important step in preserving not only local flora and fauna but also indigenous archaeological sites. Dinner tonight will be a real treat in another of Medellins exciting restaurants, El Cielo. HOTEL Park 10, Medellin A modern boutique style hotel, perfectly located and with great attention for detail. This is currently the place to stay in Medellin and makes for a great base to explore. THE ACTIVITY Day 5: A full day of city touring on foot with some vehicle transfers. Day 6: A 4 km (2.5 mi.) winding hike along a creek before a very gentle afternoon bike ride.

5 The Journey 5 Day 7 Cartagena Today we bid an early morning farewell to Medellin in order to fly on to Cartagena. This passionate and vibrant city with some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of South America exudes character; mix in African rhythms and indigenous influences with the Spanish colonial splendour and Cartagena is truly an incredible destination. In the afternoon, our national guide will introduce us to the delights of historic Cartagena. Carved from a colourful history rife of piracy, sultry Caribbean heat, with fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is Colombia s living, breathing and pulsating museum. Tonight we will get together for a truly special final evening together that caps off our journey through Colombia! HOTEL Hotel Casa San Agustin The hotel Casa San Agustin is generally regarded as one of the best boutique hotels in Cartagena. Located in the heart of the historic old town in front of the main university and next to a small plaza, its position is very much a social hub during the day. Day 8 Adios! We ll say our goodbyes over breakfast this morning before seeing you off to the airport or helping with further travel arrangements. Cartagena is a great place to extend your trip! THE ACTIVITY Day 7: An afternoon of exploring the historic quarter of Cartagena on foot.

6 Notes From the Road 6 Notes from The Road By Jonathan Lansdell It s no secret, at least internally, that we ve had our eyes on Colombia for years now. A country that was borne of revolution in the days of Simon Bolivar has spent much of the 20th century wrestling with itself. The country had become synonymous with violent internal wranglings, our TV screens filled with images of notorious drug cartels and gun-toting FARC rebels. Despite its geographic standing as the puzzle piece linking the northern hemisphere with the south, and access to two oceans, Colombia has been little explored, leaving huge tracts of land unknown, ungoverned, and unmapped. It should have been the centre of the new world, a bright and shining example of what could be done in the Americas. But as history unfolded, this didn t prove so. Pizarro and the boys stopped in on their way to Peru in search of glory and gold, the coca crop business brought a lot of pain and suffering to the country, and miles of jungle made the land hard to inhabit. That peace that has returned to Colombia is no small feat given the country s most recent history. Outside of Bogota a capital city riding a rapid wave of cultural B&R TRIP PLANNER Jonathan Lansdell Born and raised in Britain, John claims to have become a travel researcher at the age 16 the summer he first went backpacking through France on scholarship funds. Nowadays, this creative thinker keeps busy organizing our portfolio of trips in South East Asia, Africa, the Americas and the Middle East. resurgence a tough domestic policy on the cocaine trade over the past few years has cracked down on cartels who were once more powerful than small European countries, making it much easier (and of course, safer) to move from region to region. And since the Spanish only made it to Cartagena, Bogota and a few other locales, much of the country has not been peopled for hundreds of years making for some truly exceptional exploring. Our journey then is one of discovery and celebration a poignant combination that highlights everything that makes this country great.

7 The Details 7 Caribbean Sea Cartagena PANAMA VENEZUELA Medellin Pereira Bogota Bogota COLOMBIA COLOMBIA ECUADOR BRAZIL PERU 2015 Dates Nov Duration 8 days / 7 nights Start Bogotá Sofitel Victoria Regia 9:00am Finish Cartagena Hotel Casa San Agustin After breakfast 2015 Price US$6,995 ($700 single supplement) the details LEVEL OF ACTIVITY This trip is rated Occasional We walk and ride bikes on this trip but the focus is very much on cultural immersion. All of the walks will be accompanied by local experts, along with your B&R guides, so the pace will be slow as we stop to look and learn. The two bike rides we have scheduled are similar in nature and offer flexibility. This is an active trip but on the light side! WHAT S INCLUDED All hotel accommodation All meals, including wine, beer and local drinks. Services of B&R guides and support vehicles. All special events, private tours, numerous national guides and local experts. Use of local bikes All baggage transportation All transportation from rendezvous to drop-off Detailed maps, route suggestions and water bottle All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service MORE INFO This is a Places on the Verge itinerary to an exciting destination that is rapidly changing so small changes to the itinerary could and should be expected! SOFITEL VICTORIA REGIA This hotel is in a superb location within easy walking distance to fine bars and restaurants in the trendy north end of the city. Located also close to the Andino Shopping Centera and only 15 km from El Dorado Airport. This hotel has all the facilities you would expect from the Sofitel group, a perfect option for those who are looking for style, sophistication and a full range of luxury hotel services. ARRIVING IN BOGOTA Bogotá is easily reached by a multitude of airlines and from various cities in the US and Canada. Many flights from North America arrive in the afternoon or evening so you may wish to consider arriving a day early in order to be rested for your trip. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations Butterfield & Robinson Management Services Inc.

8 Your Next Steps 8 Weather: Bogotá your next steps month high low Jan/Feb Mar/Apr May/Jun Jul/Aug Sep/Oct Nov/Dec At Butterfield & Robinson, the guiding starts while you re still at home. We make sure you know everything you need to know before you ve even left your living room. READY TO BOOK? Call or a Travel Advisor (or your travel agent) with any remaining questions, and to reserve your space / Reserve your flights to and from the region. Book your night before hotel. Make sure your passport is up to date. Enquire after travel insurance. Once you are confirmed on a B&R trip, you will receive a Confirmation that links to tons of information to help you prepare for your trip. Then, about a month before you leave, we will send you a list of your fellow travellers, final rendezvous instructions and your hotel contact numbers. FIND US ON FACEBOOK Like B&R on Facebook and get the latest news and photos from the road, updates from guides and more. STAY IN TOUCH! Sign up to receive The Slow Road our newsletter that is full of travel news, unique offers and B&R insider info. PHOTO CONTEST While on your trip, keep in mind you can win some great prizes with the B&R Photo Contest. We ve created three categories that capture the true spirit of B&R adventure: Faces, Places and Moments. Submit your top shots and show us how you see the world with B&R. Full details are at In the meantime, if you have any questions about your B&R experience big, small or downright quirky please call a Travel Advisor, or consult your Travel Professional. We are always happy to help. The itinerary information may vary slightly for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Inclement weather may also necessitate minor alterations Butterfield & Robinson Management Services Inc.