COLOMBIA ADVENTURES Effort: Moderate to challenging Activities: Hiking, biking, rafting, rappelling, cultural exploration Santander is home to beautiful rolling mountains, deep canyons, fast-flowing rivers and crystalline waterfalls, set in a stunningly lush landscape. It s considered the adventure sports capital of Colombia, straddled by the immense Suarez and Chicamocha Canyons that provide exceptional biking, rafting, hiking and caving opportunities! Santander is host to gorgeous World Heritage cities filled with history and culture. Our action-packed adventure itinerary in Santander makes it Colombia s ultimate multisport adventure. Our crew of specialized, local guides work with top of line equipment, high-end Trek Remedy dual suspension bikes and certified safety gear. TRIP HIGHLIGHTS: Raft the big water waves of the Suarez River (Class IV-IV+). Ride the most thrilling 1200-meter bike descent in Colombia. Hike and rappel down the Juan Curi Waterfall. Explore a limestone cave and swim in deep pools. Hike along a deep canyon to a colonial village. Experience the best local food. Visit beautiful colonial villages. 1
DAY 1: BOGOTA AIRPORT TO HOTEL TRANSFER Once you arrive to Bogota (Elevation 8,612 feet), we transfer to your hotel located in the beautiful old quarter of La Candelaria. DAY 2: BOGOTA STREET FOOD AND CULTURE TOUR. SHARED TRANSFER TO SANTANDER We start our day by walking along the Carrera Septima (Seventh Street), one of the most relevant transit arteries crossing the Eastern side of the city from North to South. It holds a history, culture, economy, and society value like no other in Bogota. We ll continue walking to the famous Gold Museum, where we find over 34,000 pieces of pre-columbian gold, a testament of ancient civilization heritage, and observe the new graffiti street art Bogota is so proud of. During the afternoon, we provide an escorted transfer by public transportation to San Gil (6 hours). Once there, we transfer you to your hotel. (B) 2
DAY 3: SUAREZ DOWNHILL BIKE TOUR (ELEVATION 4,380 TO 1,470 FEET. DISTANCE 20 MILES). We start the day high above the colonial town of Barichara. We descend along miles of dirt roads and stunning views to the base of the majestic Suarez Canyon. We bike around the town of Barichara, and enjoy its fantastic cultural heritage. We visit cathedrals, spectacular viewpoints and discover colonial architecture. We continue this stunning descent through dirt roads and optional single trails. Lunch is served over an incredible viewpoint of the Yariguies National Park, overlooking the canyon and the waterfalls cascading from its ridgeline. After lunch, we take our bikes and go downhill, before embarking on 6 miles of crosscountry through a spectacular Colombian countryside. We finish with a splash in a natural river pool, and a celebratory beer after a full, adventure-packed day. (B, L) 3
DAY 4: SUAREZ CANYON BIG WATER RIVER RAFTING - CLASS IV AND IV+ On the upper section of the Suarez Canyon, the river flows rapidly to create the country s top, one day highvolume whitewater run. You navigate through thrilling rapids and huge waves, starting with some Class III; gradually increasing to Class V at the end, with a lovely pool you can safely swim in. Never boring, this river features huge waves, always changing with weather conditions and water levels. Should we have a wipeout, pools at the end of each rapid make this river a fun, safe, commercial-grade run. When we re not digging deep to get to the next rapid, we enjoy the scenery of the gorge and may even spot some of the native bird species resting on the trees. We enjoy a tasty and nutritious riverfront snack before returning to San Gil by mid afternoon. (B, L) 4
DAY 5: RAPPEL JUAN CURI WATERFALL AND INDIO CAVE SPELUNKING. Take in the scenery while our naturalist guide explains the unique flora and fauna surrounding you. Once there, harness up and rappel back down the falls! Revel in the rush of water just feet from you as you descend and later swim in the natural pools at the bottom. After lunch, head underground for a thrilling subterranean adventure! Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave) is a mysterious limestone cave system, complete with long echoes and bats flying overhead. Put on your hard-hat and flashlight, and explore the hidden darkness with us. Learn about life underground while we zigzag our way through stalactites and stalagmites. Swim out into stark daylight through an underground river exit. (B,L) 5
DAY 6: HIKE THE ROYAL ROAD TO GUANE AND TRANSFER TO GIRON. (2 HOURS, DISTANCE 5 MILES) Spend this morning hiking on the iconic 5 km Royal Road, a historic treasure and National Monument. Walk through the captivating Colombian countryside delighting in the exotic and abundant birdlife with views of the canyon below. At the end of our hike we reach the lost in time pueblo of Guane. Although the original inhabitants are nowhere to be found, the remains of their culture give us clues to their truly majestic past. Learn about local culture at the anthropology museum and about the evolution of the town from pre-hispanic and Colonial, all the way to modern times. In the afternoon, we board a shared transfer to Giron (3 hours), the old colonial quarters in Bucaramanga. We settle in this quaint village and enjoy the local vibe. (B, L) 6
DAY 7: TRANSFER TO BUCARAMANGA AIRPORT. Morning transfer to Bucaramanga Airport to board your flight back to Bogota. INCLUDED NOT INCLUDED NOTE Accommodation in comfort hotels. English speaking adventure guides. Meals as detailed (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch). All ground transportation. All adventure and safety gear. Tips Non mentioned meals This is a shared itinerary and guides may vary according to region or activity. Transfer in Public Transport is escorted by a local guide or tour coordinator. This itinerary is subject to change due to seasonal changes and inclement weather IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONDITIONS: Season: Year-round Altitudes: Bogota: 8400 feet Santander region: 5200 feet to 6200 feet WEATHER: Bogota: from 57F 14C to 74F 23C Santander region: 75F 25C to 86F 30C SUGGESTED PACK LIST: hiking shoes, rain jacket, water bottle, sunblock, sun hat and repellent. 7