Captivating Colombia

After breakfast, we board a private transfer to Zipaquirá to visit the famous Salt Cathedral. Built almost 180 metres underground in a salt mine, it is considered one of the seven wonders of Colombia.

We return to Bogotá this afternoon for a walking tour of the city, starting with a climb up Cerro de Monserrate, an Andean peak offering stunning views and home to the Sanctuary of Saint Christ Fallen – a site of significant pilgrimage since the 1620s. From the top, we enjoy panoramic views of Bogotá. Next, we explore La Candelaria’s historic, cobbled streets filled with colourful colonial buildings, vibrant cafes, and live music, while the sanctuary looms above us. Our tour will also take us to Plaza de Bolívar to see Bogotá’s key architectural landmarks and the Museo del Oro, which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts and represents Colombia’s rich indigenous cultures.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight – Hotel de la Opera

We’ll take a private transfer to Salento today where we hop on an immaculate jeep and wind our way through super-scenic Valle del Cocora, a valley that is famous for its supply of the national tree, the wax palm. We then have the opportunity to take in some mountain air and stroll up the foothills of the Andes before we head back to Salento.

Nestled among lush green mountains, Salento is a charming coffee town with colourful homes, shaded patios, and cafes serving local arabica coffee. Stroll down Calle Real to explore artisan shops and enjoy a spot of lunch. At the end of the street, we climb to Alto de la Cruz for stunning views of the Valle de Cocora and, on a clear day, the distant snow-capped volcanoes.

• Breakfast & lunch included
• Overnight – Hacienda Combia

Today, we’ll explore the rural areas surrounding Medellín, taking in stunning views of rolling hills and lush greenery en route to the Peñol Boulder. This impressive 200-metre-high monolith features a staircase with 740 steps, offering breathtaking vistas of verdant mountains and shimmering lakes for those who wish to climb it. From here, we continue on to visit the village of Guatapé – known for its charming church and vibrant, colourful house paintings.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight – Hotel Don Pedro

Today, we’ll enjoy a full day in Tayrona National Park – one of Colombia’s premier natural destinations, where the Caribbean coastline meets the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains. This paradise features palm-fringed beaches that transition into lush rainforest and arid cactus landscapes, housing a diverse array of wildlife.

This tour includes a 14km hike, offering the most immersive park experience and may be demanding for some.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight – Finca la Jorara

We’ll head out on a tour of Cartagena’s highlights today and explore Colombia’s walled city, where cobblestone streets and colonial buildings reveal a rich blend of culture and history. We visit San Felipe Castle – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through its tunnels designed for siege defence. Next, we ascend Cerro de la Popa to see the historic convent and enjoy panoramic views of the city. The convent, founded in 1607 and rebuilt in stone, features a chapel with La Virgen de la Candelaria and a poignant statue of Padre Alonso Garcia de Paredas.

• Breakfast included
• Overnight – Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

We say goodbye to Colombia as we transfer to the airport in Cartagena today for our overnight flights back to the UK.

• Breakfast included