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.
Content
Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1: Bogotá
Day 2: Bogotá
Day 3: Bogotá
Day 4: Bogotá – Yopal – Reserva Natural Guanapalo
Day 5: Reserva Natural Guanapalo
Day 6: Reserva Natural Guanapalo
Day 7: Reserva Natural Guanapalo – Yopal – Bogotá
Day 8: Bogotá – Santa Marta
Day 9: Santa Marta – Palomino
Day 10: Palomino – Taironaka – Santa Marta
Day 11: Santa Marta – Minca
Day 12: Minca
Day 13: Minca – Santa Marta – Rincón del Mar
Day 14: Rincón del Mar
Day 15: Rincón del Mar
Day 16: Rincón del Mar – Cartagena
Day 17: Cartagena
Day 18: Cartagena – San Basilio de Palenque
Day 19: Cartagena
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.
Casanare
Casanare is a department located in the eastern plains region of Colombia, known as the Llanos Orientales. It is a vast and diverse territory with a unique landscape, rich wildlife, and a strong cowboy culture.
Casanare is characterized by the vast and flat grasslands of the Llanos Orientales. These plains are home to expansive savannas, wetlands, and rivers, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
The Llanos region is famous for its cowboy culture, and Casanare is no exception. Cattle ranching is a significant economic activity, and visitors can experience the traditional cowboy lifestyle, including cattle drives, rodeos, and the distinctive llanero music and dance.
Casanare boasts rich wildlife, making it a prime destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The region is home to a variety of animal species, including capybaras, anteaters, caimans, and a diverse array of birds, such as ibises, storks, and herons.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is the capital of the department of Magdalena and is located on the Caribbean coast at just 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level. Therefore, temperatures here range between 21°C and 33 °C (70 – 91°F). The city spreads over a large area and is flanked by mountains from different sides. The immediate Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is mostly inhabited by indigenous communities and not only reaches the highest point in Colombia with the Pico Cristóbal Colón – at a height of 5,700 meters (18,700 feet)- but is also the highest coastal mountain in the world. Santa Marta is the perfect starting point for many leisure and holiday activities. Along the coast to the east, you will find Tayrona National Park, the most famous national park in Colombia. There are also wonderful beaches. Another highlight is the Lost City hidden in the Sierra, which can be visited in a 4-day trek.
Palomino
Palomino is a laid-back and coastal village located in the La Guajira Department of Colombia. Nestled between the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains and the Caribbean Sea, Palomino has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a combination of beach relaxation, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures.
Palomino boasts beautiful and pristine beaches with soft white sands and clear turquoise waters. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning coastal scenery.
One of the unique experiences in Palomino is tubing down the Palomino River, which runs through the town and into the sea. Tubing along the calm river with lush vegetation on either side is a fun and relaxing activity.
The town’s location near the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains provides opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities. Travelers can explore the jungle, hike to waterfalls, and discover the rich biodiversity of the region.
Palomino is surrounded by indigenous communities, particularly the Kogi people. Visitors can learn about their ancient traditions, lifestyle, and connection to nature.
Minca
Minca is a tranquil and enchanting mountain village located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range in Colombia. Nestled amidst lush forests and surrounded by natural beauty, Minca offers visitors a serene escape from the coastal heat and a chance to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity and relaxed atmosphere.
Minca is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and abundant biodiversity. The village is surrounded by dense rainforests, coffee plantations, and cascading waterfalls. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 300 bird species, including toucans and hummingbirds, making it a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts.
The region around Minca is known for its coffee production, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the coffee cultivation process. Several local farms offer coffee tours, where guests can experience the coffee-making process from bean to cup and enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee amid beautiful mountain scenery.
Minca is a paradise for eco-tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding mountains offer numerous hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and waterfalls. Popular hikes include visits to the Pozo Azul, a series of cascading blue pools, and the Los Pinos viewpoint, which offers panoramic vistas of the lush landscape below.
The Pozo Azul waterfalls are a favorite spot for visitors seeking a refreshing dip in crystal-clear waters. The cascading falls and the surrounding natural pools offer a rejuvenating escape from the heat, and the verdant surroundings make it a perfect spot for relaxation and picnicking.
Rincon del Mar
Rincón del Mar is a charming coastal village located in the northern region of Colombia, on the Caribbean coast. Situated in the Sucre Department, this hidden gem offers a serene and unspoiled paradise for travelers seeking a laid-back beach getaway.
Rincón del Mar is blessed with breathtaking natural beauty. Its beaches boast soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, making it an ideal destination for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The tranquil atmosphere of the village allows visitors to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
One of the standout features of Rincón del Mar is the welcoming and friendly nature of its residents. The village has managed to preserve its authentic Colombian charm, and visitors often have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. Traditional music, dance, and cuisine are prevalent, offering a taste of the true Caribbean spirit.
The location of Rincón del Mar is ideal for exploring nearby attractions. Visitors can embark on an exciting island-hopping adventure, with the Archipelago of San Bernardo being a popular destination.
For nature enthusiasts, Rincón del Mar provides ample opportunities for eco-tourism and outdoor activities. The surrounding mangrove forests and lagoons create a unique ecosystem, perfect for birdwatching, kayaking, and nature walks.
Cartagena
Regarding tourism, Cartagena is probably the most important Colombian city after Bogota. It is the capital of the department Bolivar, on the northern coast of Colombia. It has an average temperature of 32°C (89°F), the climate is hot but breezy since it is located at sea level. There are over 500 years of history to be found here and Cartagena was also cataloged as UNESCO World Heritage in 1984. Its perfect location right on the Caribbean Sea and its beautiful colonial old town (Ciudad Amurallada) enchant national and international tourists, who also choose to arrive on cruise ships. In the historical part, you will find many sights, boutique hotels, and restaurants. The walled city is known to be a common honeymoon destination due to the romanticism of its streets and architecture. Cartagena is a city with a lot of history and fascinating places to visit, such as San Felipe de Barajas Castle and the historic center.
San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is a historic and culturally significant town located in the Bolívar Department of Colombia. It holds the distinction of being the first free town in the Americas, founded by escaped African slaves in the 17th century. This unique heritage has resulted in San Basilio de Palenque being designated as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity site.
San Basilio de Palenque is deeply rooted in its African heritage, with its inhabitants being direct descendants of escaped slaves known as “palenqueros.” The town’s African influence is evident in its language, music, dance, and cultural traditions.
One of the most remarkable aspects of San Basilio de Palenque is the preservation of the Palenquero language, which is a Spanish-based Creole with strong African linguistic influences. This language has survived for centuries, reinforcing the community’s identity and heritage.
The town is known for its vibrant music and dance traditions, including traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms like “bullerengue” and “son palenquero.” These musical expressions play an essential role in preserving the community’s cultural heritage.
San Basilio de Palenque is a symbol of cultural resistance and emancipation. Its history as a place of refuge for escaped slaves highlights the resilience and bravery of the community’s ancestors.
The people of San Basilio de Palenque take great pride in their unique cultural heritage and actively work to preserve and promote their traditions for future generations.
The town has become a popular destination for cultural tourism, attracting visitors interested in learning about its rich history and experiencing its vibrant cultural expressions.
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 – Yopal – Casanare
Travel Day
Upon arrival to Yopal, you will visit the restaurant La Mamona, one of the most traditional and emblematic local restaurants. The menu is mostly meat specialties, as Los Llanos are famous for its cattle farms and cowboy culture. We recommend you to try “La Mamona”, which is prepared on open fire and a local delicacy.
After lunch, you will drive approximately 2 hours to your hato at El Encanto de Guanapalo.
On the way to the nature reserve, you might see herds of deer, morrocois, chiguiros and a great variety of birds. Upon arrival, you will learn about the history of the “hatos” and how they came together to found “El Encanto de Guanapalo”. Depending on the time of arrival, you will go for a walk around the hato.
Day 5: Casanare
Full Day Natural Reserve Tour
After breakfast the day starts with a “Guided Walk along the Ecological Path”, which lasts about two hours where you will be able to appreciate a small sample of the landscapes, flora and fauna that this Nature Reserve has.
After delicious Creole lunch, you can rest in the hammocks area of the Casa del Hato. Then you will go on a “Safari Llanero” on horseback. During this tour you will be able to contemplate the beautiful ecosystems and the exuberant wildlife that this Natural Reserve possesses. You will see birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles and fish; to finish the adventure in a magical and indescribable place where you will be able to appreciate an imposing llanero sunset.
Day 6: Casanare
Full Day Natural Reserve Tour
Early in the morning you will be able to appreciate the majestic plains sunrise, and accompanied by your guide you will have a “Milking Morning” in the corral, live this ancestral work and learn to milk a meek cow. We will return to the Hato for a typical Creole breakfast, and we will have a rest morning with a craft workshop, where we will see how the plainsman takes advantage of the resources of the Hato to make his work tools.
We start the afternoon with another delicious Creole lunch in the open air, after a short break we will go out to visit the other two herds that make up the Nature Reserve, on tours in 4×4 campers that will allow them to appreciate the landscapes and be surprised by the wildlife that can be found on these tours.
At an outdoor dinner you will enjoy the “Night of Myths, Tales and Legends” where your Guide or a Creole will tell and sing the mythical and mysterious stories of the plain looking to be part of the recovery and perpetuation of the oral tradition of our region.
Day 7: Casanare
Day at leisure
If you need any recommendation we will be more than happy to help you.
Day 8: Casanare – Bogota – Santa Marta
Travel Day
Today you will travel from Casanare to Santa Marta.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Colombia.
Day 9: Santa Marta – Palomino
Full Day Tour to Palomino
Palomino is one of the most special destinations in the Colombian Caribbean. Due to its location, south of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it has a landscape that combines the richness of the mountains with the Caribbean Sea. In addition, due to the Palomino, San Salvador and Don Diego rivers, it is a wonderful spot for ecotourism. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy hiking along the beaches, or go tubing down the river. With all it has to offer, Palomino is the best destination for relaxation and adventure.
Day 10: Palomino – Taironaka – Santa Marta
Full Day Tour Taironaka and Don Diego River
You will drive approximately 90 minutes to Taironaka. In the natural reserve of Taironaka, you will learn about the cultural and historical importance of the Tayrona culture. On site you will find restored terraces, where the indigenous used to build their houses. There is also an archeological museum with original artifacts. The area is of great importance for the Koguis, direct descendants of the Tayrona. After touring the site, you will have lunch in the local restaurant. Afterwards, you will tube down the Don Diego River. This is a great fun activity and it will take around 90 minutes to get to the shore of the sea, where you will be picked up again.
Day 11: Santa Marta – Minca
Full Day Birding Chuchillo de San Lorenzo
Driving up to the Chuchillo de San Lorenzo requires a 4×4 vehicle and will be slow. You also will ascend from 600 meters above sea level, to 2,700 meters above sea level. The Chchillo de San Lorenzo is one of the most important birding spots in whole Colombia. Sunrise usually is a spectacle up there. You can observe endemic and rare species, such as the Santa Marta Bush-tyrant, Santa Marta Parakeet, and Santa Marta Blossomcrown, the Scarlet- fronted Parakeet among others.
In addition to several species of birds, you can find a concentration of endemic frogs, reptiles, butterflies and plants.
You will have lunch at the Bella Vista trail and then return to the hotel.
Day 12: Minca
Day at leisure
If you need any recommendation we will be more than happy to help you.
Day 13: Minca – Santa Marta – Rincón del Mar
Travel Day
You will travel from Minca to Rincon del Mar.
Day 14: Rincón del Mar
Day at leisure
If you need any recommendation we will be more than happy to help you.
Day 15: Rincón del Mar
Day at leisure
If you need any recommendation we will be more than happy to help you
Day 16: Rincón del Mar – Cartagena
Travel Day
You will travel from Rincon del Mar to Cartagena.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Cartagena
Day 17: Cartagena
Full Day City Tour and Mercado Bazurto
Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel to take you to the Bazurto market, a very busy place in Cartagena, a maze of colorful stalls, exotic foods and local handicrafts. This guided tour will take you to the heart of the market, where you will have the opportunity to meet the vendors, watch the artisans at work, taste local delicacies and if you prefer, enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch.
On the way back you will have a 3 hour tour of the city of Cartagena, visiting the residential neighborhoods that border the Bay of Cartagena. You will visit the Monastery of San Pedro Claver and its church, built in honor of the patron saint of slaves – Pedro Claver. The church is considered a national monument and, because of its history and charm, is one of the favorite churches for weddings in Cartagena. You can also visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the most important work of military engineering in the New World. This fortress was built by the Spanish during the colonial era (from 1536) to protect the city from pirates and invaders. Today it is one of the 7 wonders of Colombia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 18: Cartagena
Full Day Route Of Liberty – San Basilio de Palenque
San Basilio de Palenque is a place where music, language, medicine and other daily traditions permanently remind us of the continent that five centuries ago became the main source of slaves in the world. It is known for its mark in the history of the eighteenth century, as it was the first black slave town in America to free itself from the Spanish crown.
55 km from Cartagena, in Palenque, one of the first free towns of the continent and cradle of important boxers like Antonio Cervantes ‘Kid Pambelé’. Learn about the Afro-Caribbean history, the past, present and future of Palenque and enjoy its typical food, guided by young people from the community.
Day 19: Cartagena
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.
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