UNA EXPERIENCIA COLOMBIANA 1
ITINERARY PELECANUS 2017 THE BEAUTY OF THE MOUNTAINS 6 D E S T I N A T I O N S 2 2 D A Y S, 2 1 N I G H T S K N O W T H E M A G I C T H A T E A C H O N E O F T H E R E G I O N S O F C O L O M B I A H A V E T O O F F E R Y O U Dirección Departamental De Turismo de Nariño, JUNE 2017 3
DAY 1 ARRIVAL - BOGOTÁ PELECANUS 2017 ARRIVAL IN BOGOTÁ Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, a professional guide will pick you up at the international arrivals exit to escort you to the hotel. A private driver will take you to the Four Seasons Casa Medina Hotel (45-minute drive approximately). We will hand over all the necessary documents for the trip. You have the rest of the day free to begin exploring the area and the excellent gastronomic offerings of Bogota. Meals included: No Services included: Private transport and guide from the airport to the hotel Hotel: The Orchids Hotel Pelecanus, AUGUST 2017 4
DAY 2 - BOGOTÁ B I K E T O U R A N D G R A F F I T I T O U R In the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel and the bikes are at your disposal. With a local guide, you will make a bicycle tour through different places of Bogotá, visiting parks, squares and even the oldest cemetery in the city. The tour ends in the historic neighborhood "La Candelaria", where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will begin a tour of the center of Bogota focused on street art. In recent years, Bogota has become a very important place for this type of art worldwide. Finally, the guide will escort you back to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private guide all day and bike rental in the morning Hotel: The Orchids Hotel Pelecanus, AUGUST 2017 5
D A Y 3 B O G O T Á S U E S C A After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the town of Suesca, driving takes about two hours. Upon arrival, you will pick up the climbing equipment, meet the adventure tourism guide and walk to the great wall where you will have a preparatory talk before starting the activity. During the morning, there will be some climbing while you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air of the Colombian countryside. After having lunch in the village, you will do a walk on the wall to see its length and to see the beauty of the mountains in the region. Transfer back to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Transportation and private guides all day Hotel: The Orchids Hotel Jassef Briceño, Flickr. 2009 6
DAY 4 - BOGOTÁ S I E C H A You will be picked up by your private driver and guide in the hotel. The destination of the morning will be the National Natural Park Chingaza, a journey of approximately three hours. We will visit Los Paramos, one of the most important ecosystems in the country. Despite representing only 1.7% of Colombian territory, these ecosystems provide more than 80% of drinking water in Colombia. It will be an opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna of these high mountain environments, and the legends and stories that the lagoons of Siecha have been sheltered for so long. After finishing the activity, you will have lunch and finally return to the hotel to have the rest of the afternoon free. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private transport and guide for the activity and entrance to the park Hotel: The Orchids Hotel Pelecanus, SEPTEMBER 2017 7
Recommendations and warnings in Bogotá: The climate in Bogotá can vary a lot. In the mountains, the morning climate can be very different from the afternoon. Remember that we are at 2,600 m above sea level so protect yourself against the sun's rays. Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. Traffic in Bogota can get heavy at any moment. However, guides and drivers are trained to seek quick solutions, when possible, to such situations. Sometimes, you just have to be patient. In the historic center of Bogota, there are street people who can come and ask for charity. There is no danger in it, but do not give them anything because there will be others that come and ask. We recommend not wearing jewelry. Keep your items close and in secure pockets. As in every big city, we have pickpockets. 8
DAY 5 ARRIVAL SAN AGUSTIN PELECANUS 2017 ARRIVAL IN SAN AGUSTIN Transfer with driver and guide to El Dorado Airport. You will take the flight to Pitalito, where you will be picked up by a private guide and driver, who will take you to the Hotel Akawanka Lodge. The transfer from hotel to hotel takes about four hours. The rest of the day is at your disposal and you can enjoy the hotel s facilities. Meals included: Breakfast included in the Hotel Services included: Private guides and drivers for both transfers, plane tickets Hotel: Akawanka Lodge Pelecanus, JUNE 2017 9
DAY 6 SAN AGUSTIN A R C H A E O L O G I C A L P A R K S You will be picked up by your guide and visit the San Agustín Archaeological Park, a place that has survived hundreds of years and has preserved vestiges of cultures that inhabited the area long ago. You will explore and learn about the prehistory of the place in different archaeological sites. This is an activity that lasts most of the day, so at noon, you will go for lunch and continue the activities. At the end, you will be taken back to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private transport and guide, entrance to the parks Hotel: Akawanka Lodge Pelecanus, JUNE 2017 10
D A Y 7 S A N A G U S T I N H O R S E B A C K R I D I N G After breakfast, you will visit two archaeological sites on horseback. The site called "La Chaquira", besides being an interesting place in which traces of culture are found, has an incredible view of mountains and rivers nearby. After this activity, you will be taken back to the hotel so you can prepare to transfer to Popayán, the white city. The total transfer time will be approximately four and a half hours from hotel to hotel. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private transportation and guide, horseback riding, transfer to Popayán Hotel: Hotel Dann Monasterio Pelecanus, JUNE 2017 11
Recommendations and warnings in San Agustín: The climate in San Agustín is temperate-dry, the average temperature during the year is 18 C, and it can rise to 23 C at noon. Take into account the two rainy seasons that occur from March to July and October and November. Be prepared for rain or drizzle that can start at any time of the day. San Agustín is at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea level. Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. Be aware that clothes can get dirty and wet. Pelecanus, JUNE 2017 12
DAY 8 ARRIVAL POPAYÁN PELECANUS 2017 THE WHITE CITY In the morning, you will do a city tour that will last half a day. Popayan was founded in 1537. It was also very important at the time and still maintains parts of the buildings built during the colonial period, making the urban landscape very striking and special. After finishing the activity in the morning, you will have the rest of the day free. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel Services included: Private transportation and guide half day Hotel: Hotel Dann Monasterio Pelecanus, JULY 2017 13
DAY 9 POPAYÁN P U R A C É Today, you will explore a beautiful natural park called Puracé, an hour's drive from Popayan. This Natural National Park is recognized for allowing visitors to see the giant Condor of the Andes (as long as conditions permit). In addition to this, you can visit the hot springs and see the rich flora and fauna of the place. You will return to Popayán and on the way to the hotel, you will have lunch. The rest of the afternoon is free. Meals included: Breakfast included and lunch Services included: Private transport and guide, entrance to the park Hotel: Hotel Dann Monasterio George Kazantzopoulos, Flickr. 2012 14
Recommendations and warnings in Popayán: The climate in Popayán is temperate, the average temperature during the year is 19 C, although in some months it can rise to 29 C at noon and lower to 10 C at dawn. There is unpredictable weather as it is also mountainous, although the months when it rains the most are October, November and December. Popayán is at an altitude of 1,737 m above sea level. Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. For outdoor activities, keep in mind that clothing can get dirty and wet. Pelecanus, JULY 2017 15
DAY 10 ARRIVAL PASTO PELECANUS 2017 ARRIVAL TO PASTO After breakfast, you will be picked up at the hotel and driven to San Juan de Pasto. It will be a trip of more than five hours. You will be enjoying the beautiful landscape of the mountains of Colombia. During the trip, you will stop also for lunch. Upon arrival at your hotel, enjoy the rest of the day free to acclimate to the height. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch. Services included: Private transport and guide in the transfer Hotel: Loft Hotel Pelecanus, JULY 2017 16
D A Y 1 1 P A S T O S A N J U A N D E P A S T O You will be picked up at the hotel in the morning and will begin the city tour to learn about the main places of Pasto and the history it preserves. Pasto conserves beautiful churches, vestige of the passage of the Spaniards to America and the inheritance that they left in the territory. At the end, you will be taken to the hotel. Free afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel Services included: Private transportation and guide half day Hotel: Loft Hotel Dirección Departamental De Turismo de Nariño, JUNE 2017 17
D A Y 1 2 P A S T O L A S L A J A S You will be picked up at the hotel and taken to one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in Colombia: the "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas". After a journey of approximately two hours, you will arrive at this destination, renowned for its beautiful architecture and symbol of religiousness in the country. On the way back to the hotel, you will stop for lunch. Free afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private transportation and guide half day Hotel: Loft Hotel Right: Dirección Departamental De Turismo de Nariño, JUNE 2017 Pelecanus, APRIL 2017 18
DAY 13 PASTO A Z U F R A L V O L C A N O After breakfast, you will be picked up to start the journey to the town of Túquerres, approximately two hours away. After reaching the start of the trail, near the village, you will begin the ascent to the volcano reaching a maximum height of 4,000 m above sea level. You will return to the starting point to return to the village, have lunch and continue the trip to Pasto. Free afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private guide and driver Hotel: Loft Hotel Dirección Departamental De Turismo de Nariño, JUNE 2017 19 19
D A Y 1 4 P A S T O L A C O C H A Today, we will visit one of the largest lakes in Colombia: La Laguna de la Cocha. In this beautiful place, you will enjoy a tour of the lake, learning about the different animals and plant species of this imposing and important natural ecosystem. After the activity, you will have lunch in a country restaurant, and after a walk where you can enjoy the scenery, you will return to the hotel in Pasto. Free afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private guide and driver Hotel: Loft Hotel Pelecanus, JULY 2017 20
Recommendations and warnings in Pasto: The climate in Pasto is cold and dry. The average temperature during the year is 13 C. The months with the highest rainfall are from March to May and from October to December. Pasto is at a height of 2,527 m above sea level and the sun's rays are very strong, so protect your skin. Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. For outdoor activities, keep in mind that clothing can get dirty and wet. Dirección Departamental De Turismo de Nariño, JUNE 2017 21
DAY 15 ARRIVAL CALI PELECANUS 2017 THE BRANCH OF HEAVEN After breakfast, you will be picked up by your guide and taken to the Antonio Nariño airport one hour from Pasto. You will fly to Cali where a guide already awaits you at the airport. The transfer from hotel to hotel takes about three and a half hours. After lunch, you will do a city tour to see the most interesting sites of the city. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: private guides and transportation for the two transfers, plane tickets and the tour in the city of Cali Hotel: Hotel Intercontinental Cali Hectormesa, Flickr. 2011 22
DAY 16 CALI S A L S A It's time to dance. In a classic salsa school, you will learn the basic steps and learn about the magic of salsa. Several teachers will be at your disposal to get the best outcome in the short time. If you ve enjoyed it, you will already be prepared to go out at night to one of Cali s famous salsa bars and show your stuff. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel Services included: Activity salsa workshops Hotel: Hotel Intercontinental Cali Salsa Pura, JULY 2017 20 23
Recommendations and warnings in Cali: Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. The climate in Cali is hot. The average temperature is 24 C, but at noon it can rise to 31 C. The sun can feel very strong. The months with the highest rainfall are from March to May and from October to mid-december. Cali is a big city, so be careful crossing the streets since, as you may notice, pedestrians do not have priority on the road. Be careful with valuables, if possible, and leave them in the hotel security box. Avoid showing jewelry and other objects that can attract attention, as in every big city there are pickpockets. 24
DAY 17 ARRIVAL LA GUAJIRA PELECANUS 2017 ARRIVAL TO LA GUAJIRA In the morning, you will be picked up at your hotel to be taken to the airport to continue your journey to the next destination. You will fly to Riohacha, with a stopover in Bogotá. Upon arrival, a guide and driver will wait to take you to your hotel. The total time of transfer from hotel to hotel is approximately six and a half hours. After lunch, you will check in at the hotel and then visit an indigenous community to learn about the ancestral culture of the region. You will have the opportunity to taste typical dishes and acquire handicrafts at the end of the activity. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel Services included: Guidance, private transport for transfers and scheduled activity and plane tickets Hotel: Hotel Taroa Pelecanus, MAY 2017 25
DAY 18 LA GUAJIRA C A B O D E L A V E L A After breakfast and check out at the hotel, you will start a 4x4 truck tour to Cabo de la Vela. On the way, you will stop in Uribia, the indigenous capital of Colombia, approximately 1:20 hours away. Then you will go to Manaure, thirty minutes from Uribia, where you will observe the saltworks and the process of salt exploitation. Finally, after about two hours, you will arrive at Cabo de la Vela and have lunch. In the afternoon, you will head to the beaches of the water's eye, where water springs from the rocks. Finally, you will go to the lighthouse to watch the sunset. Return to the hotel. Meals included: Breakfast included in the hotel and lunch Services included: Private guide and transport Hotel: Rancheria Utta Pelecanus, MAY 2017 26 26
D A Y 1 9 L A G U A J I R A K A I M A I C H I In the morning, you will be picked up by your guide and will be taken to Jepira, a sacred place of the Wayuu indigenous community. You will walk to the Cerro del Pilón de Azúcar or Kaimaichi, where you will enjoy exotic desert landscapes that contrast with the immensity of the Caribbean Sea. After lunch, you will return to the hotel. Free afternoon. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Services included: Private guide and transport Hotel: Rancheria Utta Pelecanus, MAY 2017 27
DAY 20 LA GUAJIRA P U N T A G A L L I N A S After breakfast, you will leave for Punta Gallinas, the most northerly place in South America. You will go on an adventure through the desert passing through the wind farm, Bahía Honda and Bahía Hondita, finally arriving at your destination. It is a journey of approximately six hours, depending on the conditions it may be less. You will have lunch and have the rest of the afternoon free. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Services included: Private guide and transport Hotel: Hospedaje Luzmila Pelecanus, MAY 2017 28
D A Y 2 1 L A G U A J I R A D U N E S O F T A R O A In the morning, you will be guided to the Dunes of Taroa, a place where you can glide through the sand to the sea. Afterwards, you will visit the lighthouse of Punta Gallinas and then Punta Agujas beach, where you will have the opportunity to bathe in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. At the end of the afternoon, you can enjoy the sunset and then return to your hotel. Meals included: Breakfast and lunch Services included: Private guide and transport Hotel: Hospedaje Luzmila Pelecanus, MAY 2017 29
Recommendations and warnings in Guajira: The weather in La Guajira is hot. The average temperature is 28 C, but temperatures can raise up to 40 C. The sun can feel very strong so do not forget to protect your skin. It is mainly dry, but there can be showers between September and December. Protect against mosquitoes. For this destination, it is recommended that you be vaccinated against yellow fever. We recommend light luggage during the activities and use closed shoes because the sand can reach high temperatures. Consider the itinerary of the day and places to visit and dress accordingly and comfortably. If you want to take pictures of the premises and local people, please ask permission first to avoid offending the person (s). Consume only bottled water. 30
DAY 22 - DEPARTURE Today, we will start the trip back. In principle, we will go from Punta Gallinas to Riohacha in a trip of approximately 6 hours, which can vary depending on the conditions. Then you will take the plane to Bogotá, to finally board the plane back home. We hope that everything has been perfect for you and you are satisfied with the different services provided. We are more than happy to receive any suggestions or complaints. Meals included: Breakfast Services included: Guide and transport to the airport in Riohacha Hotel: n / a Pelecanus, MAY 2017 31