Updated on 04/04/2024
Greetings,
I’m Frank, the proprietor of a premier tour operator based in Bogota, dedicated to crafting personalized and luxurious travel experiences throughout Colombia.
As you navigate through this guide, anticipate discovering a compilation of additional invaluable travel itineraries for your exploration of Colombia.
Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1 – Bogota
Day 2 – Bogota
Day 3 – Bogota – Guatavita – Zipaquira – Bogota
Day 4 – Bogota – Bucaramanga – San Vicente de Chucuri
Day 5 – San Vicente de Chucuri – Zapatoca
Day 6 – Zapatoca – Guane – Barichara
Day 7 – Barichara
Day 8 – Barichara
Day 9 – Barichara – Jordan
Day 10 – Jordan – Mesa de los Santos
Day 11 – Mesa de los Santos – Departure
Planned Places/Cities
Bogota
Bogotá is Colombia’s capital and has over 10 million inhabitants. It is Colombia’s political, economic, cultural, and tourist center, accounting for most of the national GDP. It is the third-highest capital city in South America as it sits on over 2.600 meters (8.600 feet) above sea level. With average temperatures of 7°C – 20°C (45°F – 60°F), the climate varies between cold to temperate. Bogotá has an area of 1.775 km2 (685 Square miles), which is more than twice the size of Singapore. It was founded in 1.538 by the Spaniards but was already inhabited by the Pre-Muiscas. Most of the tourist attractions are in the historic center “La Candelaria”. The city’s wide cultural offer represented in museums, theaters and libraries has granted it the name of “the South American Athens”. Some important places to visit in Bogotá are Monserrate Monastery, Gold and Botero Museums, “Paloquemao” and “La Perseverancia” food markets.
Guatavita
The municipality of Guatavita – Cundinamarca 53 km northeast of Bogota is recognized for giving rise to the most representative legend of Colombia, one of the most important in the world and Cultural Heritage of the Nation “The story of the Legend of El Dorado”. It is the religious, cultural and ancestral capital of the Muisca people. In Guatavita there is “Guatavita the Origin of the Legend” an area of 13.8 ha, consisting of a historic center with high heritage value and a cultural and tourist development polygon on the banks of the Tominé reservoir.
Zipaquira
Zipaquirá is a historic and enchanting town located in the Cundinamarca Department of Colombia, approximately 49 kilometers (30 miles) north of Bogotá, the capital city. This charming town is famous for its awe-inspiring underground salt cathedral and well-preserved colonial architecture.
The Salt Cathedral is the primary attraction of Zipaquirá and a marvel of engineering and faith. Carved inside the tunnels of a salt mine, the cathedral is an underground sanctuary with impressive salt sculptures, religious artwork, and an ethereal atmosphere. It is a significant pilgrimage site and a masterpiece of Colombian architecture.
Zipaquirá’s historical center features well-preserved colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and charming squares. Visitors can stroll through the town’s quaint streets and admire its colonial architecture, including the main square, Plaza de los Comuneros.
In addition to its colonial heritage, Zipaquirá has pre-Columbian archaeological sites, such as the ancient Muisca settlement of El Abra, which offers insights into the region’s indigenous history.
San Vicente de Chucuri
San Vicente de Chucurí is a quaint and scenic town located in the Santander Department of Colombia. Situated in the foothills of the Eastern Andes, this charming town is known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities.
San Vicente de Chucurí is surrounded by lush green landscapes, with picturesque mountains, cascading waterfalls, and pristine rivers. The town’s setting provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The region offers a range of eco-tourism and adventure activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the nearby natural reserves and ecological parks. The scenic beauty of the area provides ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and relaxation.
The region’s agricultural activities, including coffee and cacao production, provide opportunities for agro-tourism. Visitors can experience the agricultural traditions and practices firsthand, gaining insights into the rural way of life.
Zapatoca
Zapatoca is a charming and historic town located in the Santander Department of Colombia. Nestled in the foothills of the Eastern Andes, Zapatoca is known for its colonial architecture, picturesque landscapes, and cultural heritage. Here is an overview of Zapatoca:
Zapatoca boasts well-preserved colonial architecture, with colorful houses, traditional balconies, and cobblestone streets. The town’s historic center has been designated as a National Monument of Colombia, preserving its architectural heritage.
The central square, Plaza Principal, serves as the heart of Zapatoca and is a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. The plaza features a charming gazebo and is surrounded by historic buildings, creating a pleasant and welcoming ambiance.
Zapatoca is home to several beautiful churches and religious sites, reflecting its strong religious heritage. The Church of San Laureano, with its distinctive façade, is a prominent landmark in the town.
Zapatoca’s gastronomy reflects the traditional flavors of Santander. Visitors can indulge in regional dishes like “pepitoria,” “cabro,” and “hormigas culonas” (big-bottomed ants), a local delicacy.
Guane
Guane is a picturesque and historically significant town located in the Santander Department of Colombia. Situated in the Colombian Andes, Guane is renowned for its colonial architecture, pre-Columbian history, and serene natural surroundings.
Guane is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, featuring charming cobblestone streets, white-washed buildings, and red-tiled roofs. The town’s historical center exudes a tranquil ambiance and reflects its colonial past.
The town’s main landmark is the Santa Lucia Church, an exquisite example of Spanish colonial architecture. The church’s facade and interior are adorned with beautiful religious artwork and carvings.
Guane is an important site for archaeological discoveries, and the town is home to the Guane Archaeological Museum. The museum exhibits artifacts and insights into the pre-Columbian Guane culture that once inhabited the region.
Guane is a stop along El Camino Real, an ancient cobblestone road that once connected Bogotá with the Caribbean coast. The road is a reminder of Colombia’s colonial-era transportation network.
Guane is surrounded by breathtaking natural landscapes, offering stunning views of the nearby canyons and mountains. The picturesque scenery attracts nature enthusiasts and hikers.
The town’s cemetery is known for its unique burial tradition. Graves are adorned with colorful painted crosses, creating a distinct and interesting sight.
Barichara
Barichara is a captivating and picturesque town located in the Santander Department of Colombia. Known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and stunning landscapes, Barichara is often hailed as one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia.
Barichara is celebrated for its colonial-era architecture, featuring whitewashed buildings, red-tiled roofs, and traditional balconies. The town’s historic center has been declared a National Monument of Colombia, preserving its architectural heritage.
Barichara is a starting point for the famous Camino Real, an ancient cobblestone trail that leads to the nearby town of Guane. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular hiking route for visitors.
The central square, Plaza Principal, is the heart of Barichara and serves as a gathering place for locals and tourists. It is a perfect spot to relax, people-watch, and soak in the ambiance of the town.
The Santísimo Ecce Homo Church is one of the town’s most significant religious landmarks. Its neoclassical façade and interior make it a beautiful example of colonial religious architecture.
Chicamocha Canyon
Chicamocha Canyon, also known as “Cañón del Chicamocha” in Spanish, is a spectacular natural wonder located in the Santander Department of Colombia. This awe-inspiring canyon is one of the largest in South America and offers breathtaking views, thrilling outdoor activities, and a rich natural and cultural heritage.
Chicamocha Canyon is characterized by its immense size and stunning beauty. With its deep gorges, towering cliffs, and meandering Chicamocha River, the canyon’s geological formations create a dramatic landscape that mesmerizes visitors.
The canyon provides spectacular panoramic views from various viewpoints and lookout spots. The viewpoints offer vantage points from where visitors can appreciate the vastness and splendor of the canyon and the surrounding landscapes.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bogota
Arrival to Bogota
You will be picked up at the airport in Bogota and driven to your hotel.
The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Bogota.
Day 2: Bogota
Full day City tour Paloquemao, Monserrate, Museums and La Candelaria
Your first stop will be Paloquemao, an emblematic place for supplying families and businesses in Bogota. It offers with the highest quality a great variety of flowers, fruits, vegetables, meat, groceries, dairy products, herbs and much more. There, our Colombian tradition and culture is preserved and proudly represented by offering a unique sensory experience with all the colors, smells and most delicious flavors that come from all regions of Colombia. Then you will visit ‘La Candelaria’ neighborhood and the historic center of Bogotá, full of colorful colonial buildings and stone streets. During the tour you will visit The Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, both in La Candelaria. The Gold Museum is the place to discover the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmithing in the world, with approximately 34,000 pieces of gold and about 25,000 objects in ceramics, stone, bone and textiles made by several Colombian indigenous cultures, this Museum close on Tuesdays. In the Botero Museum, you will find a large art collection donated by the famous local artist Fernando Botero, including 87 pieces of universal art and 123 works made by Botero himself. Pieces from international artists such as Renoir, Monet, Degas, Dalí, Pissarro, Bonnard, among others, are present in the museum.
Finally, you will visit the Sanctuary of Monserrate, which is the most iconic point of the city and the main tourist attraction. It sits at 3,150 meters (10,334 feet) above the sea level, therefore, it offers spectacular views of the city. To climb the mountain, you can take the cable car or walk along the trail.
Day 3: Bogota – Guatavita – Zipaquira – Bogota
Full day tour Guatavita Lagoon and Salt Cathedral
The Guatavita Lagoon is located approximately 90 minutes from Bogotá. This lagoon is the setting for the authentic “El Dorado Legend”. It was a sacred place for the Muiscas indigenous people and it is still used as such today. Guatavita has an altitude of 3.100 meters above sea level (10.170 feet) and an average temperature of 5 °C to 11 °C (41° F to 52 °F). To get to the lagoon you must walk a path and due to the rainfall, we recommend wearing comfortable clothes and keeping a raincoat on hand. After the visit to Guatavita you will go to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá – the first wonder of Colombia, which is located in a salt mine 180 meters underground. It is a place regularly visited by Catholics, but its architecture and history leave all visitors astonished.
Day 4: Bogota – Bucaramanga – San Vicente de Chucuri
Travel Day
Today you will travel from Bogota to San Vicente de Chucuri.
You will be picked up at the airport Palonegro in Bucaramanga upon arrival. You will then drive to San Vicente de Chucuri, also known as the Cacao capital of Colombia. After approximate 3 hours you will arrive at this small village and check in to your hotel.
Depending on the transfer time you will enjoy a cacao experience including dinner.
Day 5: San Vicente de Chucuri – Zapatoca
Lengerke trail
Transfer from the hotel in Zapatoca to the start of the walk located 5.7 km from the urban area. The second stage of the Lengerke trail starts at the Zapatoca airfield. First you pass the airfield and then turn left to start descending. In the first kilometer there is a part that is a bit steep and slippery. This part can be avoided by walking a short distance along the road. You will descend until you reach the Suárez River Canyon to the first Lengerke suspension bridge in Colombia. Time to have a snack.
Continuation of the Camino Real until reaching Guane, formerly the last town of the Guane Indians. There we will rest and then transfer by vehicle to Barichara.
Distance: 17.86 KM
Maximum elevation: 1,983 m
Minimum elevation: 766 m
Elevation gain: 420 m
Elevation loss: 1,353 m
Day 6: Zapatoca – Guane – Barichara
Lengerke trail
Transfer from the hotel in Zapatoca to the start of the walk located 5.7 km from the urban area. The second stage of the Lengerke trail starts at the Zapatoca airfield. First you pass the airfield and then turn left to start descending. In the first kilometer there is a part that is a bit steep and slippery. This part can be avoided by walking a short distance along the road. You will descend until you reach the Suárez River Canyon to the first Lengerke suspension bridge in Colombia. Time to have a snack.
Continuation of the Camino Real until reaching Guane, formerly the last town of the Guane Indians. There we will rest and then transfer by vehicle to Barichara.
Distance: 17.86 KM
Maximum elevation: 1,983 m
Minimum elevation: 766 m
Elevation gain: 420 m
Elevation loss: 1,353 m
Day 7: Barichara
Free day
Barichara is a great and beautiful town and you can discover it by yourself.
Day 8: Barichara
Free day
Barichara is a great and beautiful town and you can discover it by yourself.
Day 9: Barichara – Jordan
Lengerke trail
After breakfast there will be a transfer from the hotel in Barichara to the starting point of the walk (called Alto de Marta) approximately 45 minutes away. There you will begin the descent through the second biggest canyon in the world. After descending 6.9 kms, we will arrive at Tamarindo, where a natural space awaits us to have lunch and rest in the cabins to rest under the shade. The site is situated next to the Chicamocha river. There you also will have lunch.
Distance: 15,51 KM
Maximum elevation: 1,683 m
Minimum elevation: 460 m
Elevation gain: 454 m
Elevation loss: 1,200 m
Day 10: Jordan – Mesa de los Santos
Lengerke trail
Early start to avoid the heat of the canyon. This walk will take us for 8 kms (3 km from the accommodation to the center of the town of Jordán) and then 5 km uphill to the town of Los Santos. In Jordán, the city with the smallest population in Colombia and the first tollbooth built on a suspension bridge.
In the afternoon visit to the Guane pictograms, after lunch, and head to the lodge at Mesa de los Santos.
Distance: 8.5 KM
Maximum elevation: 1,680 m
Minimum elevation: 460 m
Elevation gain: 1,452 m
Elevation loss: –
Day 11: Mesa de los Santos – Departure
Departure
Today is the last day of your trip. Depending on the hour of your flight, a car will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to the airport.
Travel Map
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