CITY, COFFEE AND CULTURE Enjoy the true taste of Colombia LONDON OFFICE +44 (0)20 7022 6560 NEW YORK OFFICE +1 (212) 370-8468 HONG KONG OFFICE +852 3752 2076 DUBAI OFFICE +971 4 437 6802 SINGAPORE OFFICE +65 6511 1190 INDIA OFFICE +91 9560020632 LOS ANGELES OFFICE +13239385500 AUSTRALIA OFFICE +61 (0)3 9252 3827
info@quintessentiallytravel.com OVERVIEW This trip is guaranteed to give you the opportunity to experience the true essence of Colombia. Starting in Bogota, the capital city, visit one of the most important growing coffee regions of the country and will finish your trip in the majestic Cartagena. A chance to experiment the urban life style, the beauty of rural landscapes and the charm of the Caribbean, all at once. DAYS 1-3 3 nights in Four Seasons Casa Medina You will start your journey by visiting the historic heart of Bogota. Walk around Plaza de Bolivar and surrounding areas, where you will be able to see la Casa de los Comuneros, the Presidential Palace and the Museum Santa Clara Church. Then you will be able to discover the metalworking processes of more than 34,000 pieces of metalwork displayed at the Gold Museum from various Hispanic cultures. From there, visit the House belonged to Simon Bolivar (Quinta de Bolivar) and lastly, the iconic symbol of Bogota, the Monserrate Hill, that rises at 3,152 meters above the sea level. It can be accessed by a funicular. There, you can visit the sanctuary and enjoy the best view of Bogota, the perfect way to say hello to Colombia. Of course, no trip to Colombia would be complete without a tour through la sabana de Bogota to the town of Zipaquira, the salt capital of Colombia. Zipaquira means 'city of our Father' in the language of the Chibchas. Back in pre-columbian times, salt around the area was the most important commodity and the salt cakes were the only currency for trading. Over time, technology improved and the muiscas began to extract larger amounts of salt. As a result, an underground salt deposit was formed and it is where the Salt Cathedral was built, 180 meters below the surface. It certainly makes for a fascinating experience, with a little more than a pinch of salt of course. DAYS 4-5 2 nights in Boutique Sazagua Your next stop will be the municipality of Buenavista where you will take a tour around Hacienda San Alberto, to learn about the fascinating world of coffee growing. The Hacienda has the most extraordinary view, where you will be able to appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of the coffee plantations in the mountains in the south of el Quindio. In addition, you will not only be taught the process of coffee step-by-step, but also will be taken for a tasting of
high quality coffee awarded internationally. From there, the admiring of Mother Nature continues as you will be taken to the world s tallest palm, the Quindio wax palm in the Cocora Valley in the town of Salento. A guide from the area will take you into the natural forest along the eco-trail to enjoy the magnificence of the palm trees and the spectacular landscapes before going to Salento. A town of colourful balconies, handicraft workshops and a great viewpoint of the whole area. DAYS 6-9 3 nights in Casa San Agustin Your final destination will be the famous and beautiful Cartagena. In your first day in Cartagena de Indias you will be taken for a tour around the modern neighbourhoods of Bocagrande and Manga, where you will be able to see the contrast between modern architecture and the beauty of the old houses from the twentieth century. Further ahead, up at the Cerro de la Popa, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the heart of Cartagena as well as the whole city. The historic center of Cartagena was declared Heritage of the Humanity by UNESCO in 1984. From here, visit the Castle where the Spaniards sought to protect the city from the attacks of the English in the seventeenth century and stroll through the narrow streets of the wall city, enabling you to contemplate the charm of its colonial architecture. On your last day in Colombia, something special await as you enjoy a boat ride to Corales del Rosario National Park and San Bernardo. This natural park on the coast of the Caribbean Sea is the perfect place for a summer, relaxing day. It offers great food, and even greater activities. Dive into the crystal clear water and explore the underwater world where you can set your eyes on the coral reefs and the many species of fish to end a mesmerising trip. QT INSIDER This trip is guaranteed to give you the opportunity to experience the true essence of Colombia. Starting in Bogota, the capital city, visit one of the most important growing coffee regions of the country and will finish your trip in the majestic Cartagena. A chance to experiment the urban life style, the beauty of rural landscapes and the charm of the Caribbean, all at once. 8 nights/9 days from GBP 5,195 / for two people
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