Itinerary Details
Jewels Of Colombia
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BOGOTÁ, COLOMBIA Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!
Day 2 BOGOTÁThe Green Metropolis Bogotá is located in the center of Colombia at an altitude of 2,640m (8,660ft.) above sea level. The vibrant capital is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and blends a rich history, colonial beauty, colorful street art, beautiful architecture, and exquisite gastronomy. Your city tour includes the famous Paloquemao food market where you’ll appreciate the beautiful and aromatic flower market for a [LF] tasting of local fare. Take the cable car up Monserrate Hill for spectacular views, visit the Gold Museum, and more. This evening, celebrate your Bogotá adventure with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group to taste a variety of local specialties at the Paloquemao food and flower market. Browse the rows and stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, seafood, and meats. Enjoy an exclusive tasting of local fruits, fruit juice, or traditional salty snacks like tamal, lechona, and pan de bono con avena. Stroll to discover traditional kitchenware like wooden spoons, molinillos (a wooden grinder), pataconera (a hand-operated machine to toast plantains), and totumo (a container made with the jícaro fruit’s shell).
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL TREASURES After a short drive to Monserrate Hill, take the cable car up to top, at an altitude of 3,048m (10,000ft.). Spend time here, visiting the iconic church and appreciating the unparalleled views over Colombia’s capital. Continue to “La Candelaria,” a historical enclave in downtown Bogotá. Walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the district’s blend of beautiful buildings, Spanish colonial architecture, and baroque churches that contrast with modern graffiti, cafés, and contemporary museums. In “Plaza Bolívar,” the main square, see the Cathedral and the Liévano Palace. Visit the popular Gold Museum that contains over 34,000 gold pieces and countless bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts that belonged to some 13 pre-Hispanic societies.
Day 3 BOGOTÁ–PEREIRA–ARMENIA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA) Colombia’s Coffee Triangle Fly to Pereira in the heart of the Coffee Triangle of Colombia, the third-largest producer of coffee in the world. It is a territory with a special natural charm, impressive green landscapes and a model of agricultural exploitation that coexists and takes care of the environment, which has led it to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 as “Coffee Cultural Landscape.” Upon arrival, travel to the small town Calarcá and travel by Jeep to a [LF] coffee hacienda. Then, travel to your hotel in Armenia for a free evening. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE
The coffee axis is a region of central Colombia that makes up the "“Coffee Triangle.” Explore these generous and prosperous valleys of Colombia's "coffee zone," rich with endless coffee plantations and vibrantly hued wooden houses with flower-laden balconies of its picturesque landscape. Travel by Jeep with your small group for lunch with the owners of a coffee hacienda to enjoy traditional regional dishes before strolling through the coffee plantations. Learn everything there is to know about coffee: the seed planting, bean picking, roasting, and coffee tasting. Stroll the plantations with the local experts to discover the production process secrets and learn about the fine art of coffee tasting.
Day 4 ARMENIA–PEREIRA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA). EXCURSION TO COCORA VALLEY, SALENTO–FILANDIA Palms & Parrots Drive through the region of Quindío to Cocora Valley with your Local Guide, where you will find Colombia’s national tree, the Palma de Cera (wax palm)—the highest palm trees in the world. Continue to Salento, the region’s oldest village. Stroll the small shops amid vibrant balconies before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Later, discover Filandia’s quaint streets and richly hued architecture, in the town known for handicrafts, innovative gastronomy, and stunning lush views. (B,L)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
NATURAL WONDERS Walk along the ecological trail and see the world’s highest palm tree: the Palma de Cera. Colombia’s national tree can reach up to 60m (200ft.) and is characterized by its long, cylindrical trunk covered in wax. While here, give back to the local community and environment by planting a Palma de Cera. Keep an eye out for rare parrots who call the palm groves home.
Day 5 ARMENIA–PEREIRA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA)–MEDELLÍN City Of Everlasting Spring Fly to Medellín, the second-largest and most progressive city in Colombia. Cradled in the Aburra Valley, Medellín is one of the most beautiful in South America and is dubbed the “City of Everlasting Spring” due to its mild, year-round climate. The afternoon is free for optional excursions or free time to explore this vibrant city before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
FASHION, HISTORY & ART Medellín is also known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ for its pleasant climate and moderate temperatures. Take a cable car up and appreciate the stunning views of the lush valley surrounded by beautiful peaks. Medellín has had a remarkable turnaround and is one of the country’s most important cities for business, politics, fashion, and nightlife. Explore the historical center, appreciate the vibrant graffiti and art by Fernando Botero, try local street food, or head to the city’s outskirts and immerse in nature.
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Medellín by visiting one of the many shops or galleries, visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria, or chat with a friendly paisa, or local. Get local maps and more tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 6 MEDELLÍN Sizeable Sculptures & Street Art Explore Medellín and get an insight into the city’s history. Start your tour at the top of Nutibara Hill. Pueblito Paisa is a quaint village with a fountain, cobblestone streets, a church, and small shops. From here, enjoy the spectacular 360º views over the city. Then, continue your tour to the old quarter and visit the famous Botero Square—home to the voluptuous sculptures by famed artist Fernando Botero. Browse the exhibitions of the Antioquia Museum in Botero Plaza, then take the cable car up to San Javier and take the electric stairways to the graffiti-rich [LF] Comuna 13 district. (B,L)
LOCAL FAVORITE
SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE A must-see sight in Medellín is the legendary Cumuna 13 district. Once considered the most dangerous district in the city—besieged by violent drug cartels, Comuna 13 is now a mecca for street artists whose graffiti helped changed the atmosphere through positive social reform. A local social leader introduces your small group to Cumuna 13 to peruse the passionate murals and hear the history of how this vibrant enclave in Medellín was transformed into a positive culture of graffiti, hip hop, and a popular tourist destination.
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
ART & ARTISTRY Stroll Botero Square, named for the famed sculptures of Fernando Botero. Here, gaze upon the larger-than-life sculptures recognized for their oversized depictions of lovably rotund figures of people and animals for which the celebrated Colombian artist is known.
Day 7 MEDELLÍN–CARTAGENA Caribbean Vibes Fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in well-preserved colonial architecture. Upon arrival, your private guided tour includes a visit to the Monastery of La Popa. Built on a hillside at the beginning of the 17th century, it features panoramic views of the city, its beaches, and the bay. Next, tour San Felipe Fort, built to protect the city from pirates as well as the British and French. Later, head into the walled colonial city and see the brightly hued streets and plazas of Old Cartagena. End the day with a tour of the San Pedro Claver Convent, housing impressive Pre-Columbian artifacts. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURE & TRADITION Visit the convent of San Pedro Claver, originally founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century, and admire its 3-story building made of stone façade, stained-glass windows, and marble details. Inside, browse the many amazing artifacts of religious art, pre-Colombian ceramics, and Afro-Caribbean paintings and masks.
Day 8 CARTAGENAA free day in Cartagena Full day at leisure to explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Farewell dinner hosted by the Tour Director. (B,D)
ENHANCED FREE TIME
EXPLORE MORE in Cartagena with an optional visit to Islas del Rosario, a rum tasting and salsa dancing class, or join an evening bay tour with wine and 4-course dinner. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 9 CARTAGENASafe Travels Until We Meet Again!
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
