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Booking Code:
VP9960



Colombia Essentials

From: 2026-09-14 To: 2026-09-23

Colombia Essentials: The Definitive Journey Through Our Greatest Treasures!

Picture this: wandering through the historic cobblestone streets of Bogotá, witnessing the inspiring social transformation of Medellín, and soaking in the sun-drenched colonial magic of Cartagena. This "Colombia Essentials" itinerary is carefully curated to showcase the absolute highlights of our culture, history, and innovation. From the high-altitude pulse of the Andes to the tropical rhythms of the Caribbean coast, you will connect with the legendary warmth of our people and savor the rich flavors of our diverse cuisine. It’s time to experience the true heart and soul of Colombia!

Brief Summary

Day
Date
Description
Accommodation
Meal plan
Day
10
Accommodation
Meal plan
B.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer in service in Bogotá


Monday, September 14, 2026

Transfer in service in Bogotá

Pick up time: 06:00
Duration: Flexible


Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from Bogota’s airports to your hotel. You'll be welcomed by our guide right at the international arrivals exit with a sign bearing your name. Avoid concerns and start your stay in Bogotá safely and comfortably. 

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service
  • Bilingual guide

Day 2: Bogotá City Tour with Bolivar Square, Botero, Gold Museum and Monserrate


Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Bogotá City Tour with Bolivar Square, Botero, Gold Museum and Monserrate


Start Time: 07:30

Duration: 6 hrs.

The Bogotá City Tour offers an outstanding opportunity to explore the highlights of Colombia's capital city in a single day, providing a chance to discover its most iconic places, including Monserrate, La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar, and museums.


Bogotá City Tour is the most comprehensive way to see the relevant sights of the city in one day. You will be guided by a knowledgeable guide who will teach you about historical and current facts of Colombia.

The first stop will be Monserrate, a very important catholic sanctuary for Colombians. Located at an altitude of aprox 10.000ft it provides an oustanding southwest view of the city. After, you will have a visit through the picturesque cobbled streets of La Candelaria. You will visit the Botero Museum, which features works of the eccentric artist who has become an icon of Colombian contemporary art, Fernando Botero. You will have a stop at Chorro de Quevedo to appreciate the diverse contrasts that the historical center offers and learn more about Bogotá's history.

After the walking tour in La Candelaria, you will reach Plaza de Bolívar; The main square of the city. The square is surrounded by administrative and governmental buildings that have been fundamental to the historical processes of the country that you will know through the tour guide.

Finally, you will walk through Jimenez Avenue to visit an impressive collection of indigenous gold pieces at the Gold Museum. At the exit, you will have the chance to shop at the handicrafts market at Santander Park.

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Moderate. The route involves approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) of walking at high altitude, navigating sloped streets, sidewalks, and asphalt surfaces.
  • Accessibility: Partially accessible. While the Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and Monserrate (via cable car or funicular) offer accessibility features, several sectors of the historic center have steep slopes and uneven terrain that may be challenging.
  • Logistics:
    • The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays.
    • The Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays.
    • Recommended for ages 8 and up due to walking duration and altitude.
    • Weather conditions in the Andes fluctuate rapidly throughout the day.
  • Packing List:
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Rain jacket or umbrella
    • Light layers
    • Hydration
  • Dress Code: Comfortable casual clothing appropriate for a city walk and variable mountain temperatures.

Included


  • Entrance to the Gold Museum
  • Private vehicle
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Snack
  • Fast pass Monserrate

Day 3: Zipaquira Salt Cathedral


Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral


Start Time: 08:00

Duration: 6 hrs.

Descend 180 m (591 ft) into the depths of a salt mountain to discover a monumental cathedral carved from rock, then walk the storied colonial streets of Zipaquirá to sample regional flavors and ancestral history.


Beneath the rolling hills of the Cundinamarca highlands lies a legacy carved by hands that understood the deep rhythm of the earth. The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is not merely a temple; it is a profound intersection of geological time and human devotion. Originally a site of mineral labor for Muisca ancestors and later for generations of miners, these tunnels now breathe with a quiet, solemn dignity that honors the persistence of those who worked the dark, saline veins of the mountain.

Descend 180 m (591 ft) into the cool, still air of the subterranean galleries. The path stretches for approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) through textured corridors where the walls glitter with raw mineral deposits. Dramatic lighting illuminates the Via Crucis, a series of fourteen stations where contemporary sculpture emerges from the rugged salt rock. The journey reaches its peak in the grand nave, where the sheer scale of the chambers and the play of blue and violet light against the salt-hewn walls create a dense, contemplative atmosphere.

Returning to the surface, the transition leads to the colonial core of Zipaquirá. Here, the architecture stands as a national monument, with well-preserved facades that speak to centuries of history. Walking through the main square reveals a vibrant local life where the scent of traditional baked goods anchors the experience in the present. This journey from the depths of the earth to the rhythmic life of the plaza offers a complete portrait of Colombian resilience and craftsmanship.

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Low to moderate physical demand. The route involves walking approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) on uneven, underground stony paths and colonial cobblestones.
  • Accessibility: The cathedral is accessible for wheelchairs, though the underground terrain is notably bumpy. The experience is suitable for children, particularly those between 5 and 8 years old.
  • Logistics:
    • The mine temperature remains constant at approximately 14 °C (57 °F).
    • Zipaquirá is located at an altitude of approximately 2,650 m (8,694 ft).
    • Underground lighting is atmospheric and low in some sections.
  • Packing List:
    • Light jacket or sweater for the cool underground environment
    • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
    • Sunscreen and hat for the town walk
    • Hydration
  • Dress Code: Comfortable casual clothing and layers are recommended to adjust between the mine's cool interior and the outdoor climate.

Included


  • Bilingual Guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Snack
  • Entrance to Zipaquira Salt Cathedral

Day 4: Transfer out service in Bogotá - Flight Ticket - Transfer in service in Medellín


Thursday, September 17, 2026

Transfer out service in Bogotá

Pick up time: 08:00
Duration: Flexible


Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from your accommodation in Bogota to the airport. You'll be expected by our driver right at the lobby of your hotel. Avoid concerns and have a safe and comfortable return trip.

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service

Transfer in service in Medellín

Pick up time: 11:30
Duration: Flexible



Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from Medellin’s airport to your hotel. The driver will be expecting you right at the exit of your arrival gate with a sign with your name on it. Avoid concerns and start your stay in Medellin safely and comfortably.

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service

Day 5: Medellin City Tour


Friday, September 18, 2026

Medellin City Tour


Start Time: 09:00

Duration: 4 hrs.

Traverse the core of Medellín from the administrative center to the artistic Plaza Botero. Witness the city's urban transformation, explore bustling commercial streets, and finish in the rhythmic, contemporary atmosphere of the Provenza neighborhood.


Medellín is a city defined by its capacity for reinvention. Begin at the Alpujarra administrative center, where the Monument to the Race stands as a testament to the Antioquian spirit of labor and resilience. Here, the narrative of the city shifts from institutional history to a lived reality of social innovation. The streets are a mosaic of vendors, office workers, and students, all moving with the purpose and warmth that characterizes Paisa culture.

Walk through the forest of steel and light at Parque de las Luces, feeling the transition from an industrial past into an illuminated present. The rhythm picks up along the Carabobo pedestrian corridor, a sensory immersion into local commerce, street food aromas, and the neo-Gothic elegance of the Palacio Nacional. Inside the historic Salón Málaga, the atmosphere thickens with the nostalgic sound of tango records and the cool touch of a vintage tabletop. The journey opens up at Plaza Botero, where the voluminous curves of bronze sculptures invite a tactile connection with art against the backdrop of the black-and-white checkered Palace of Culture.

This route traces the trajectory of a city that uses public space as a tool for dignity and connection. By connecting the traditional downtown—the commercial and political engine—with the contemporary energy of Provenza, the experience reveals the duality of Medellín. It is a place that honors its heritage through preserved rituals like a mid-afternoon coffee while embracing a cosmopolitan future. Ending in the leafy, walkable streets of El Poblado, the transformation feels complete, grounded in a vibrant urban reality that remains deeply rooted in territory.

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Low to moderate physical demand. The experience includes a steady urban walk of approximately 2.5 km (1.6 mi) on mostly flat surfaces with occasional steps or ramps.
  • Accessibility: Partially accessible. Main plazas like Alpujarra and Plaza Botero are wheelchair-friendly, though some central commercial streets may have high pedestrian congestion or uneven pavement.
  • Logistics:
    • The walk takes place in busy urban areas; stay mindful of personal belongings.
    • Weather in the Aburrá Valley can shift from bright sun to rain quickly.
    • Salón Málaga is a traditional venue with specific cultural significance; respect the local atmosphere.
  • Packing List:
    • sunscreen
    • hat
    • comfortable walking shoes
    • light layers
    • reusable water bottle
    • rain jacket
  • Dress Code: Comfortable casual clothing and walking shoes are appropriate for this urban exploration.

Included


  • Private vehicle
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Snack
  • Entrance to the Museo de Antioquia

Day 6: Comuna 13 Struggle and Splendor


Saturday, September 19, 2026

Comuna 13 Struggle and Splendor


Start Time: 10:00

Duration: 3 hrs.

Walk through the steep alleys of Medellín’’s Comuna 13 to encounter a neighborhood defined by its vibrant street art, rhythmic hip-hop beats, and the enduring strength of a community that transforms memory into shared hope.


Comuna 13 stands as a living chronicle of Medellín’’s evolution, a district where the steep slopes of the Aburrá Valley hold decades of complex history. Once a territory marked by neglect and conflict, it is now a space where grassroots leadership and collective memory anchor a profound social transformation. Here, the narrative belongs to the residents—artists, mothers, and community leaders—who reclaim their streets with a sense of pride that is both raw and sophisticated.

Navigate the dense network of passages and electric stairways where the aroma of traditional snacks mingles with the scent of fresh spray paint. Vibrant murals stretch across brick facades, translating ancestral stories and modern struggles into a textured visual language. The soundscape is constant: the low hum of the city below, the rhythmic pulse of local hip-hop crews practicing in open plazas, and the eloquent voices of local hosts who share the lived reality of their neighborhood beyond the typical visitor routes.

This experience reveals the contemporary significance of urban art as a tool for resilience and continuity. Visiting community organizations like Funsatour highlights the human effort required to build safe spaces for youth and sustain the social fabric. As the sun casts long shadows over the colorful rooftops, the journey shifts toward the future, acknowledging the delicate balance between global visibility and local dignity in a neighborhood that refuses to be defined solely by its past.

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Moderate physical demand. The experience involves sustained walking on steep slopes, uneven passages, and several flights of stairs at an altitude of approximately 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
  • Accessibility: Limited accessibility for wheelchairs and those with significant mobility constraints due to the steep terrain and frequent use of stairs. The route is suitable for active travelers of most ages.
  • Logistics:
    • The experience typically does not operate on Sundays or local holidays.
    • High visitor traffic is common on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons.
    • Weather in Medellín can change quickly; afternoon rain is frequent in the Andes.
  • Packing List:
    • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat
    • Light rain jacket or umbrella
    • Refillable water bottle
    • Light, breathable layers
  • Dress Code: Comfortable casual clothing appropriate for active urban walking in temperatures averaging 24 °C (75 °F).

Included


  • Bilingual local guide
  • Tour through Comuna 13
  • Visit to the foundation to learn about its lines of action and projects
  • Graffiti experience
  • Art gallery tour
  • Snack

Day 7: Transfer out service in Medellín - Flight Ticket - Cartagena Airport Transfer In


Sunday, September 20, 2026

Transfer out service in Medellín

Pick up time: 09:00
Duration: Flexible



Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from your place of stay in Medellin to the airport. The driver will be expecting you right at the lobby of your hotel and will take you to the airport. Avoid concerns and finish your stay in Medellin safely and comfortably

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service

Cartagena Airport Transfer In

Pick up time: 11:00
Duration: Flexible


Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from Cartagena’s airport to your hotel. The driver will be expecting you right at the exit of your arrival gate with a sign bearing your name. Avoid concerns and start your stay in Cartagena safely and comfortably. 

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service

Day 8: Cartagena City Tour with San Felipe Castle


Monday, September 21, 2026

Cartagena City Tour with San Felipe Castle


Start Time: 08:30

Duration: 4 hrs.

Walk through the rhythmic streets of Cartagena to uncover colonial history at San Felipe Fortress and the Walled City. Explore vibrant plazas, encounter urban wildlife in Centenario Park, and witness the contemporary spirit of Getsemaní.


Cartagena breathes through its stone walls and the warmth of its people. It is a city of layered memories where Caribbean breezes carry stories of defense, trade, and resilience. The city reveals itself as a living museum, where the architectural evolution of centuries past provides the backdrop for a thriving, modern identity. Every corner of the Historic Center holds a narrative of transformation, from its colonial origins to its present-day status as a cultural epicenter.

Climb the steep, sun-drenched stone of Castillo San Felipe, a colossal military feat overlooking the turquoise bay. Transition into the Walled City, where the air smells of salty sea and roasted coffee. Walk under the yellow arches of the Clock Tower and navigate the cobbled labyrinth of the Historic Center, where the palette shifts from the heavy greys of the fortress to the ochre, cobalt, and terracotta of colonial facades. In Centenario Park, the city slows down; look up to find sloths and marmosets nestled in the dense canopy, a rustic pocket of nature in the urban heart.

The journey concludes in Getsemaní, a neighborhood that pulses with the rhythm of today. Once a site of rebellion, it now serves as a vibrant gallery of street art and local life. Here, the ancestral spirit of the city meets its contemporary expression through music, graffiti, and flowers spilling over balconies. Cartagena is not just a relic of the Spanish Empire; it is a territory where every street corner reveals the ongoing dialogue between historical heritage and the vibrant energy of those who call it home.

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Moderate physical demand. The experience involves a walk of approximately 4 km (2.5 mi) including steep uphill sections at the fortress and navigating uneven cobblestones and high curbs in the city center.
  • Accessibility: Partial accessibility. While some ramps are present at the fortress, the Historic Center features high curbs and irregular pavements that may require additional assistance for wheelchairs or strollers.
  • Logistics:
    • The Caribbean sun is intense; hydration is essential throughout the walk.
    • High visitor traffic is common around the Clock Tower and major plazas.
    • Castillo San Felipe involves walking through narrow tunnels and inclined surfaces.
  • Packing List:
    • Sunscreen
    • Hat
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • Hydration
    • Light, breathable clothing
  • Dress Code: Comfortable casual clothing is appropriate for this experience.

Included


  • Bilingual Guide
  • Private vehicle
  • Entrance to the San Felipe Castle
  • Snack
  • Entrance to San Pedro Museum

Day 9: Ecological day trip to Pink Mango Club in Tierra Bomba


Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Ecological day trip to Pink Mango Club in Tierra Bomba


Start Time: 09:00

Duration: 7 hrs.

Embark on a Perfect Caribbean Escape: Relax at Playa Linda, Enjoy a Delicious Lunch, Learn About Sustainability Practices in a Challenging Environment, and Sail Through Crystal-Clear Waters Just Minutes from Cartagena.


Forget about stress and get ready to live an unforgettable beach day in Playa Linda, a terrestrial paradise on the island of Tierra Bomba. Our package offers you the comfort and exclusivity you need to make the most of your experience. We will pick you up at your hotel in Cartagena and take you to the Bocagrande pier, where you will board a comfortable boat that will take you to Playa Linda. During a short and pleasant boat trip, you can admire the beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea and feel the fresh breeze on your face.

You will be greeted by the friendly staff of Pink Mango Club, who will assign you a comfortable hammock or beach bed so you can relax under the sun. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea and let your worries fade away.

Enjoy all the facilities and amenities of the Beach Club, from the 25m long pool, beach tejo, darts, beach football, spikeball and more. If you are one of those who like the topic of sustainability and ecology, then at Pink Mango Club you can learn firsthand the environmental model that allows them to be the only self-sufficient resort in 80% with irrigation, recycling and solar energy systems (certified by the Green Apple Foundation).

The gastronomy in Pink Mango is another point to highlight within the day trip experience and something that makes people want to come back again and again. With a Caribbean, Mediterranean and Spanish influence, the dishes are prepared under two cooking models, one with wood and an industrial kitchen, which gives flavors and sensations completely different depending on what you want to enjoy that day. In addition, all products are obtained from local suppliers and support the island's economy.

After lunch, you will have free time to enjoy the facilities of the beach club. Enjoy Caribbean music, sunbathe, read a book or relax in the hammock or beach bed. From Thursday to Sunday there is a live DJ playing to liven up and raise the spirits and atmosphere of the beach, while during the week the music is calmer and it is a more suitable space for those seeking a little more rest just 15 minutes from the center of the city.

At the end of the day you can choose to take the boats that leave every hour until 6 pm that go back to Cartagena where the driver will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation.

We hope this experience is rewarding and you learn a little more about how to enjoy the beach while taking care of the planet at the same time!

Important information

  • Terrain & Physical Demand: Low physical demand. The experience involves a short boat crossing and relaxed walking across sandy and paved surfaces within the beach club.
  • Accessibility: Accessibility is limited for wheelchair users due to boat transfers and sandy terrain. The club facilities include some paved areas and a pool.
  • Logistics:
    • Boat transfers depart from the Bocagrande area of Cartagena.
    • The atmosphere is more energetic with live DJs from Thursday to Sunday.
    • Monday through Wednesday offers a quieter environment focused on rest.
    • Return boats to the city depart at regular intervals until 18:00 (6:00 PM).
  • Packing List:
    • sunscreen
    • hat
    • swimsuit
    • comfortable sandals
    • light layers for the boat ride
    • sunglasses
  • Dress Code: Beach casual or resort wear is appropriate for this setting.

Included


  • Private vehicle for transfer service
  • Boat trip
  • Beach bed
  • Lunch (Main course and one soft drink)
  • Free games

Day 10: Transfer out service in Cartagena


Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Transfer out service in Cartagena

Pick up time: 17:00
Duration: Flexible


Enjoy a professional and stress-free transfer from your place in Cartagena to the airport. The driver will be expecting you right at the lobby of your hotel and will take you to the airport. Avoid concerns and finish your stay in Cartagena safely and comfortably.

Included

  • Private vehicle for transfer service

Where are you staying

Hotel Coco Bogota


Location: Bogotá

Room type: • 1 x Superior Middle Room (3 nights)



Hotel COCO invites you to explore Bogotá like a local from its prime location in Zona G, the city’s vibrant culinary and nightlife hub. Just steps from the prestigious Financial District, the hotel blends stylish comfort with authentic connection. Start your day with a signature in-home breakfast, relax in the cozy fireplace lounge, mingle at the rooftop bar, or work from the lively lobby restaurant everything crafted to help you experience the city's energy, culture, and charm in one unforgettable stay.



Hotel Features


Included:

  • Free WiFi
  • Parking
  • Room service
  • Facilities for disabled guests
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Lift
  • Terrace

Note: These are general pictures of the hotel, and often include multiple room types. They don't necessarily correspond to the room type included in this itinerary. To see pictures and details of the room type, we recommend looking for updated information at hotel's website.

Diez Hotel Medellin


Location: Medellin

Room type: • 1 x Superior Room (3 nights)


Inspired by Colombian culture, this design hotel offers luxurious rooms. It is located in the commercial centre of Medellín, 1.5 km from Poblado Metro Station. The hotel offers free WiFi, a fitness centre and a spa.
Each floor is inspired by a different region. The rooms at Diez Hotel are decorated with local handcrafts in combination with modern technology. All offer a view of the mountain and city.



Hotel Features


  • Wifi
  • Exterior window
  • Great breakfast
  • Private bathroom
  • Minibar
  • Satellite TV
  • Rooftop restaurant and bar
  • Spa center
  • Rooftop jacuzzis
  • Air conditioning
  • Hammocks (superior rooms)
  • Hotel with regional Colombianart deco in each floor

Note: These are general pictures of the hotel, and often include multiple room types. They don't necessarily correspond to the room type included in this itinerary. To see pictures and details of the room type, we recommend looking for updated information at hotel's website.

Mood Matuna Hotel


Location: Cartagena

Room type: • 1 x Superior King Room (3 nights)


Mood Matuna Hotel is a boutique gem in the heart of Cartagena, perfectly positioned between the lively streets of Getsemaní and the Historic Center. Combining modern elegance with personalized hospitality, it offers 45 stylish rooms, a rooftop terrace with skyline views, and a restaurant that celebrates local flavors. Ideal for both business and leisure, it’s the perfect blend of the city’s vibrant energy and serene comfort.



Hotel Features


Included:

  • Free Wifi
  • Fitness center
  • Room service
  • Restaurant
  • Family rooms
  • Elevator
  • Air conditioning
  • Soundproof
  • Minibar
  • Pet-friendly

Note: These are general pictures of the hotel, and often include multiple room types. They don't necessarily correspond to the room type included in this itinerary. To see pictures and details of the room type, we recommend looking for updated information at hotel's website.

Price and What's Included

Price per person: (2 pax): USD 1,650.50
Global Price: USD 3,301.00
VAT: USD 0.00
Final Price: USD 3,301.00




Included


Important note about domestic flights
Itinerary disruptions in domestic flights in Colombia are frequent. In case the airline notifies us about a change of itinerary, we will act on our traveler's behalf to minimize the impact of this change on their trip. However, in some situations the alternatives offered by airlines might mean changes on the trip's agenda. In such cases, we will work together to make necessary rearrangements to minimize the impact of flight alterations on the trip's agenda and minimize/avoid extra costs.


NOT Included



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