Overview
Start your adventure in the Andes, where colonial architecture and pre-Colombian identity are layered into the modern bustle of Bogota and the quiet lanes and cobblestone plazas of historical villages. Explore lush river valleys and vast mountain landscapes on hiking, cycling, and rafting excursions, and then relax on tranquil beaches nestled into coastal jungle along the azure waters of the Caribbean.
Days: 11
Best time to visit: February, March, November
Ideal for: Active Couples, Families
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Bogotá
Arrive in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital perched high in the Andes, settle in, and start exploring. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, impressive museums, and colorful street art, taking a stroll through La Candelaria neighborhood is the perfect introduction to the city.
Day 2 – Bogotá City Tour
Get to know Bogotá on a full-day tour hitting on the city’s highlights, focusing on its colonial history and architecture. Visit San Francisco Church and Plaza Bolívar at the heart of La Candelaria; see the world’s largest pre-Columbian gold collection at the Museo de Oro; and see some of the city’s best graffiti artwork. In the afternoon, travel to the salt mines of Nemocon to learn about artisanal mining, ending the day in the village of Villa de Leyva.
Day 3 – Hike & Bike in Villa de Leyva
Start the day exploring the vast Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, a sacred landscape to the Muisca indigenous people whose origin mythology centers on the Iguaque Lagoon. Hike through cloud forest where you can spot colorful flowers and birds, and then in the afternoon, tour the area around Villa de Leyva on mountain bikes. Cycle along dirt trails and roads to the Paleontological Museum, ending the tour at a Domincan monastery with a beautiful collection of religious and colonial art.
Day 4 – Barichara
Travel to Barichara early this morning, stopping in the well-preserved colonial town of Socorro for breakfast along the way. Continue to Barichara and the nearby waterfall of Juan Curi where you can go for a short walk or get your adrenaline pumping by rappelling down the falls. Head back to Barichara for an evening stroll along its cobbled lanes before settling in for the night.
Day 5 – Adventures Along the Chicamocha River
Experience the rugged mountains and lush river valleys of the Santander department, starting with an exhilarating downhill bike ride into Chicamocha Canyon, the second deepest canyon in the world. You will cycle past waterfalls and tobacco farms to the historical town of Jordan before stopping for a picnic and a swim. Next, get out on the waters of the Chicamocha on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure. End the day back in Barichara.
Day 6 – Hiking the Camino Real & Coffee Tasting
Spend the morning on a 2 ½ hour trek through spectacular scenery on the Camino Real from Barichara to the village of Guane. Learn about the pre-Colombian inhabitants of the village at the Anthropological and Paleontological Museum, and then head over to the Hacienda el Roble to learn about organic coffee production. You will have the chance to see the process all the way from coffee cherries to dried and roasted beans, and ultimately into your coffee cup to savor the flavor of truly locally produced coffee.
Day 7 – Travel to Santa Marta
Leave the mountains of valleys of Santander, traveling to Santa Marta on Colombia’s majestic Caribbean coast. Transfer to your beachfront hotel near Tayrona National Park, about an hour and a half outside of the city, and spend the afternoon swimming in clear seas and relaxing on the beach.
Day 8 – Hiking in Tayrona National Park
Today you will delve into the coastal jungle of Tayrona National Park and learn about the region’s ancient inhabitants. Walk along rough paths to several beautiful beaches, and then up into the hills to the small village of Pueblito—an ancient archaeological site hidden by the jungle. Enjoy fresh, local seafood for lunch before hiking out of the park to return to your beachside hotel.
Day 9 – Transfer to Cartagena
Travel along the coast to the colonial city of Cartagena, stopping for lunch at La Cueva in Barranquilla—one of Nobel Prize writer Gabriel García Márquez’s former literary haunts. Settle into your hotel and then hop on a bicycle to tour the narrow streets of the Getsemany area and see the locals’ side of the city.
Day 10 – Cartagena Highlights & Street Food Tour
Take a tour through Cartagena’s colonial past, starting with a visit to the immense Spanish fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, built to defend the city from pirate attacks. Head up to La Popa Monastery, a historical church offering panoramic views over the city and coast, and then tour the walled Old Town, searching out the best of its Caribbean street food—like the sweets of the Portal de los Dulces, and specialty arepas—along the way.
Day 11 – Departure
It’s time to head home. Transfer to the airport for you international flight.
Remarkable Journeys has partnered with Lost World Adventures to create this journey. We partnered with Lost World due to their well-mannered relationships with tour guides, hotellers, airlines, and ground management services in the region. In our opinion, they offer the best value and experience in the region.
What’s next?
Whether this itinerary is exactly what you are looking for or isn’t even close…
Meet with a Consultant
The first step is to call or email us with your desired travel dates, the number of people in your group, your price range, and whatever other information you want to share to get us started. One of our consultants will then reach out to you to set-up an in-person meeting or phone consultation.
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Together we can discuss your travel options, customize your trip and narrow in on your ideal journey. Once we know exactly what you want, we will send you a detailed-itinerary with hotel options, activities, transportation logistics and a total trip price.
Get a Detailed Itinerary
With your seal of approval, we’ll book your Remarkable Journey. From there, you can sit back and relax while we arrange all of the services, prepare the final documents and present you your trip before you go.