YOUR TOUR DOSSIER CLASSIC COLOMBIA This classic tour of Colombia introduces this fascinating country that boasts palm-fringed beaches, snow-capped mountains, lush coffee plantations and centuries old charming colonial towns. Visit the mountain capital of Bogota, journey through verdant fertile valleys and explore the vibrant city of Medellin before ending up in the stunning colonial port of Cartagena. This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Colombia. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as airline and hotel details and visa requirements. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DAY 1: UK to Bogotá Depart the UK for your scheduled overnight flight to Colombia. DAY : Bogotá D Arriving in Bogotá in the early morning, your guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel in the vibrant northern area of the capital city. After an early check-in and some time to relax its time to depart on a wonderful afternoon of sightseeing beginning with a visit to the unique Gold Museum whose collection includes 35,000 pieces of pre-hispanic gold work before visiting the dazzling museum of Botero in the La Candelaria District where observers can marvel at the many great works of art including the Mona Lisa in exaggerated shape as well as paintings by Picasso. Dinner is included at your hotel on your first evening giving you the chance to sample the traditional Colombian cuisine before retiring for the night. DAY 3: Bogotá B Following breakfast, today begins with a tour of Paloquemao Market, the city s hub that specializes in selling fresh aromatic and medicinal herbs and flowers, exotic and tropical fruits and all sorts of local food. From here you will visit the historic downtown area of La Candelaria, whose magnificent Baroque churches and Spanish Colonial government palace sit nestled amongst vibrant and colourful terracotta-tiled roofs, as well as time to see the Main Cathedral, a neoclassical building dating back to 183, located in Plaza de Bolívar. Next take a cable car ride up to the summit of Monserrat Hill for breathtaking panoramic vistas showing the wide variety of areas that traverse the city from the low and colourful La Candelaria to the high-rise business sector. A wonderful old church sits atop the summit, surrounded by souvenir shops making it a suitable place to pause and admire the view. DAY 4: Bogotá to Pereira B Depart your hotel after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Pereira Colombia s most proliferate coffee-making region situated in the foothill of the Andes. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel located in the Coffee Triangle where you will spend the next two nights. DAY 5: Pereira B/L Today you ll explore the verdant Cocora Valley famous for its wax palm trees known to be the tallest in the world during a walking tour of the area then back to Salento in Willy Jeeps to admire the typical architecture, colourful buildings and the main street. Learn how to make empanadas during lunch, a traditional and popular Colombian snack made with cornmeal and filled with potatoes and stewed beef or pork. After lunch continue to a local hacienda to embark on a coffee experience tour to take the journey from bean to cup, beginning with the lush, fertile plantations and ending with the drying and selection processes before making the perfect cup of sustainable Ocaso coffee. Please note the mode of transport will vary between buses and willy jeeps, as buses are not allowed on certain roads. DAY 6: Pereira to Medellin B Following breakfast, depart Pereira and travel by road to the city of Medellin (approximately 7 hours), making stops along the way for lunch and a chance to take photos of the scenic views over the Cauca river. Arriving in the afternoon there ll be some free time to explore the local area. DAY 7: Medellin B A full day tour will introduce you to the highlights of the city, providing an insight into the rich history and culture of this striking hillside metropolis. First visit the famous Botero Plaza that exhibits the sculpture works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, then visit the Antioquia Museum, displaying a collection of Botero s Paintings, then take the metro cable up to Arvi Park Reserve for a nature walk before learning about the cultural and social transformation projects taking place in Santo Domingo, one the city s poorest areas. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. DAY 8: Medellin to Cartagena B/D The Pearl of the Caribbean, Cartagena is one of Colombia s main tourist attractions and you ll travel by plane to this beach-side city home to old colonial mansions, legendary pirate tales and balconies overflowing with flowers overlooking quaint plazas below. It was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1984 which has helped preserve the past and memories and struggles between Spanish colonial ruling and independence. You will be met at the airport and accompanied to your hotel before enjoying a dinner together at a local restaurant. DAY 9: Cartagena B Set off after breakfast for your full day tour of the city, beginning with the impregnable Spanish fortress of San Felipe de Barajas that was built to defend the city from intruders then Covento la Popa, the highest point in the city and an outstanding example of religious and colonial architecture that affords incredible views of the city below. Next visit Cartagena de Indias the 400-year-old walled city that is packed with churches, plazas, palaces and colonial mansions making it one of the city s most enjoyable areas to appreciate and savour whilst leisurely wandering the ancient streets. DAY 10: Cartagena to the UK or extension B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK via Bogotá, or continue on to your chosen extension. 1
CLASSIC COLOMBIA DOSSIER ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP Hotel information Bogotá ( nights): 4H NH Pavillion Cl. 94 #11-45, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Contact number: 0057 1 650550 Pereira ( nights): 4H Sonesta Pereira Km 7 Vía Cerritos, Pereira, Colombia. Contact number: 0057 6 3113600 Medellin ( nights): 4H Hotel Poblado Alejandria Carrera 36 # Sur-60, Medellín, El Poblado, Colombia. Contact number: 0057 4 318000 Cartagena ( nights): 4H Hotel Capellan Centro Histórico, Sector Getsemaní Cra 9 No. 9-5, Cartagena de Indias - Colombia. Contact number: 0057 5 660 956 Accommodation All accommodation is 4H and features an en suite bathroom, heating/ air-conditioning and a TV. Sunspot have visited and inspected all of the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards of service which we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes. Your initial flight is to El Dorado International Airport in Bogota with Avianca (AV), departing from London Heathrow Terminal. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras Tel. 0871 360 000, quoting HX313. ON YOUR ARRIVAL Caribbean Sea North Pacific Coach Air Cartagena Pereira IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Medellín Bogotá 1 Number of nights < South America Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 3kg of hold luggage plus one item of hand luggage providing the exterior dimensions (height + length + width) do not exceed 115cm and 10kg in weight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that check-in should be three hours before your flight departure time. Colombia < On your arrival in Bogotá you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot. The Sunspot/Pure Colombia representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your national guide will be on hand 4 hours a day should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Colombia. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Sunspot. We recommend you check with your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity. Accommodation/Hotel Voucher We do not produce a separate Accommodation/Hotel voucher; simply ensure that you take your Confirmation Invoice with you because it doubles as your voucher. If you have not yet received an Invoice please call our Administration Department on 0843 4 073 or email us using the Contact us option on our website: www.mercuryholidays.co.uk. Please note that it is not necessary for you to have an Invoice showing your balance paid; your original invoice will suffice for the hotel. This is a fully escorted tour meaning that you will be met by a local guide in each of the cities that you visit, ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times. Pure Colombia Travel Carrera 16#134A-81 Ap. 04, Bogotá Colombia. Telephone Number 0057-1-568643 E-mail info@pure-colombia.com Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Pure Colombia Travel: 4 hour contact number: 0057-3114999816 E-mail: sos@pure-colombia.com Tipping Tipping is a common practice in South America and it is customary to tip approx. USD $-$4 per person per day which is split between the driver and the local guide. Tips can be given at the end of each day, or at the end of the tour. Tips are accepted in US dollars and local currencies. Currency Exchange The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). We recommend that you exchange your currency before you leave the UK. US Dollars are widely accepted in Peru should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Cash machines are available in all the major cities to withdraw money in the local currency. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. Approximately 300-400 per person should be sufficient for the duration of your tour. Group Size The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10 and the maximum will be 45. In the unlikely event there are fewer than 10 passengers booked on your tour date, you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
CLASSIC COLOMBIA DOSSIER Physical Accessibility This tour is accessible to most people with a good level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves climbing of steep stairs and getting on and off coaches and boats. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Credit Card Information As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. Itinerary Changes The order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however, order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions. WHAT TO PACK Insect repellent Suncream and a hat with a big brim for sunny days Comfortable walking shoes such as trainers Sunglasses Ruck sack or light bag per person Personal toiletries Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 437 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 4 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Health and Vaccinations A yellow fever vaccine is advised, however it is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro. org.uk, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc An electric plug converter - the official voltage is 110 and operates on a pronged North American outlet WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. Average Temperature for Bogotá Average Temperature for Pereira Average Temperature for Medellin Average Temperature for Cartagena 3
YOUR TOUR DOSSIER MACHU PICCHU EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact your travel agent Your extension to Peru is the perfect way to see a little more of South America. You will visit the traditional town of Cusco, as well as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World - Machu Picchu. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension to Machu Picchu. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, DAY 10: Cartagena to Bogotá Today you will travel to Bogotá where you will spend the nght at the 4H NH Pavillion Royal. DAY 11: Bogotá to Cusco B This morning fly to Cusco. In the afternoon commence your half day tour of this amazing colonial city built on the foundations of the Inca palaces. Visit the most important sites of the city and admire the Inca s incredible masonry, woodwork and paintings. DAY 1: Cusco and Machu Picchu B/L Today is the highpoint of this extension - a visit to the world-renowned Machu Picchu. Board the Vistadome train to climb up through the Andes, then a bus to the summit of the archaeological site. Constructed on a saddle between the two Andean peaks, Machu Picchu is one of the greatest achievements of South American civilisation. DAY 13: Cusco B After breakfast at your hotel the rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore Cusco. DAY 14: Cusco to the UK B After breakfast fly back to the UK, via Bogotá. Hotel Information Bogotá (1 night): 4H NH Pavillion Royal Cl. 94 #11-45, Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. Contact number: 0057 1 650550 Cusco (3 nights): 3H Casa Andina Koricancha Calle San Agustin 371, Cusco, Peru. Contact number: 0051 84 5633 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. This is a semi escorted tour extension, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your English speaking guide who will escort you on the transfers, however there will be a different tour guide for Cusco and Machu Picchu, so you are not escorted all the way through. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. On your arrival On your arrival in Cusco you will be met by a representative from our local agent, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot. The Sunspot/Pure Peru representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be on hand should you have any queries, however if you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are: Pure Peru Urbanizacion La Florida, Calle Los Geranios F-6A, Wanchaq-Cuzco Telephone Number: 0051-84-38899. Email: customer-service@pure-peru.com Emergency contact information Please find below the emergency contact details for Pure Peru Mobile telephone numbers: 0051-99563971 or 0051-998754080 Visa advice British passport holders are not currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Peru. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up to date guidelines regarding passport validity. Average Temperature for Cusco You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus any meals and drinks that are not included. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 4
MUCURA ISLAND BEACH STAY EXTENSION YOUR TOUR DOSSIER If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact your travel agent Spend 3 nights in the beautiful and secluded Mucura Island, a small Caribbean island reached by boat from Cartagena. With perfect white sandy beaches it is the ultimate tropical paradise getaway. Stay on full board at the Hotel Punta Faro which enjoys direct access to the beach and traditional rooms. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your beach stay extension to Mucura Island. Hotel (3 nights/4 days) Your stay on Mucura Island will take place at the 4H Hotel Punta Faro on Full Board. Hotel Punta Faro is an idyllic island retreat in a privileged location on the Mucura Island, to the south of Cartagena and has its own private beach. The trip from Cartagena will be by boat along Colombia s Caribbean coastline. The hotel s rustic décor combined with bleached white sands and the sublime crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean make it a picture postcard Caribbean setting and the perfect place to relax after your tour. Hotel Punta Faro offers rooms with FREE Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and cable TV and offers a host of facilities including non-mechanic watersports, as well as volleyball and tennis courts. with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus drinks and snacks. Your stay on Murcura Island is not escorted by a tour guide, however all transfers are included. The boat transfer will take approximately hours. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Hotel Information Isla Mucura, Islas de San Bernardo, Colombia Telephone: 0057 318 3333 Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 5
ISLA BARU BEACH STAY EXTENSION YOUR TOUR DOSSIER If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so, please contact your travel agent Located amidst a tropical forest on the paradisiac Baru peninsula, the Decameron Baru All-Inclusive resort is surrounded by beaches including Playa Blanca, considered one of the best beaches in Colombian Caribbean. The hotel offers guests an impressive All-Inclusive package with a wide selection of facilities and comfortable rooms. This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your beach stay extension to Isla Baru. Hotel (3 nights/4 days) Your stay on Isla Baru will take place at the 4H Decameron Baru on All-Inclusive. Located on the Baru peninsula, hours from Cartagena, this 4H hotel is set amidst a tropical forest and surrounded by many beaches including the popular Playa Blanca, considered one of the best beaches of the Colombian Caribbean and the luxurious Playa Puntilla beach, where you can enjoy several sports such as kayaking, rowing, scuba and snorkeling. Rooms at the resort are equipped with air-conditioning, cable TV, hairdryer, phone, safe (at a fee), Wireless Internet Access (at a fee), minibar, iron and ironing board and terrace or balcony. Your All-Inclusive package includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, snacks, national and imported alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, daily activities for adults, non-motorised watersports including kayak, sea bicycles, canoes, catamarans, windsurf and surfing, evening entertainment, gym and tennis courts. Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure. with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel. You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs. Your stay on Isla Baru is not escorted by a tour guide, however all transfers are included. Please note This extension takes place after your main tour. Hotel Information Barú, Cartagena, Colombia Telephone: 0057 5 644400 Please note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. 6