Tour Bogota - Coffee Zone - Cartagena

• City tour + Monserrate Hill in private service with English speaking guide.
• Visit to Paloquemao central market.
• Lunch included.
• Coffee Baptism at Museo del Oro.
• Overnight in Bogota at selected hotel.

The tour starts with an early morning visit to the Paloquemao’s Market. This is one of the largest and most important markets in the country. Paloquemao presents the perfect mix of the old and new Bogotá and offers a great insight into the life and customs of the people from Bogotá. You will find a large variety of flowers, exotic fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, cheese, medicinal herbs as well as typical food. Everything is fresh and arrives daily to Bogotá from all regions of Colombia. You will have the opportunity to live a unique cultural experience, tasting some exotic fruits and enjoying a small snack during the visit.

Afterwards visit the famous and well preserved historical colonial quarter of La Candelaria. Steeped in history, this area is a must for photographers with its splendid colonial architecture; you will want to take the opportunity to capture the sights and sounds of this fascinating part of Bogotá. Walk through the streets permeating with the heady atmosphere of the past, as revealed by the library of Luis Angel Arango and down to the prominent Plaza de Bolivar, the heart of Bogotá, where locals and visitors mingle amongst the magnificent and foreboding structures. You will want to discover the history of this old part of the city by visiting the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, the Independence House, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall which are all located in this impressive square.

Continuing to the east, on top of the forested mountains, you will find “Cerro de Monserrate”. This mountain has a white catholic church located at the top and has been a site of worship since 1657. On a clear day you will have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. You also might see snowcap of “Nevado del Tolima” on the far west side.

The tour then follows with a visit to the “Museo del Oro”, the most important gold museum in the world and a ‘must see’ when traveling to Bogotá. This museum displays one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold. Galleries on three levels display exquisitely crafted pieces dating back nearly 2.500 years. Visit the vault-like room on the top floor where the most treasured pieces are displayed, as well as the Offering Room, where passengers enter a black circular area that is gradually illuminated with indigenous music playing in the background; the light begins to dawn, and finally a remarkable display of gold offering collection is discovered.

At Museo del Oro, You will enjoy an incredible coffee experience that awakens the senses learning about different attributes of Colombian coffee. This coffee is from Hacienda San Alberto, a premium coffee producer from Buenavista in the Coffee Triangle region. This coffee is a unique product with unmatched flavor and unique aroma. This activity includes a brief introduction to Colombian coffee, olfactory, tasting exercises and a coffee sample.

The tour ends with a visit to the “Museo de Botero”, housed in a renovated colonial mansion. The works on display are all donated by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous contemporary artist. Around 120 pieces of his own work are displayed at the museum including his famous sculptures, paintings and drawings. His work is well-known for the ‘proportionally exaggerated’ fat figures. In addition to his work, his personal collection by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti are also exhibited.

Lunch is included during the tour at a local restaurant with a set menu.

NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays.

It is important to remember, when visiting churches, monasteries, and shrines, women should not wear shorts or miniskirts and men should not wear shorts.

• Zipaquira’s Salt Cathedral Tour + Usaquen tour on private service with English speaking tour guide.
• Lodging at selected hotel.

This visit begins with a panoramic view of the city and the vast plateau of the northern area of Bogotá. You will arrive to the small town of Zipaquirá where you will take an underground tour to discover the famous Salt Cathedral. There you will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary architecture and engineer of this remarkable underground mine. This cathedral was carved inside an active salt mine formed 250 million years ago, under the Halite Mountains. Here you will find 14 small chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross and Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, a sanctuary and a main cathedral. Although this is a popular tourist destination to be visited, this is also a place of pilgrimage for the local community.

Afterwards continue to visit the town of Zipaquirá which was founded on 1600 and still conserves its colonial heritage. Stop at the main square, where you will find whitewashed houses decorated with olive-green trim and base as well as the most important municipal buildings.

Finally enjoy a visit to Usaquén. This ancient village was founded in the XVI century. However, Usaquén has since been swallowed up by the expanding city of Bogotá. Located in the northeast, this old colonial district conserves its essence and style and throughout the years hasbecome a popular attraction for local and foreign tourists.

You will have the opportunity to walk through the narrow cobbled streets and observe the beautiful houses with exceptional architectural value, multicolored facades and gardens. Feel embraced by the bohemian atmosphere of this neighborhood full of restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and local handcrafts.

If you are lucky enough to visit Usaquén on a Sunday or on a holiday, you will encounter a vast and vibrant Flea Market. This market was created in 1991 and week after week local and foreigners enjoy buying different handicrafts, jewelry antiques, art elements, souvenirs, ceramics, handmade clothing, desserts, fruits, and many other things that are sold at this market. Also, from time to time people can enjoy storytellers, local artists and live music.

Lunch is included during the tour at a local restaurant with a set menu.

NOTE: Not recommended for people who might be claustrophobic.

• Transfer from the selected Hotel to Bogota’s airport on private transfer + English speaking tour guide.
• Flight to Pereira (not included). Note: Please book this flight arriving to Pereira before noon.
• Transfer from Pereira’s ariport to selected hotel on private service + English speaking guide.
• Visit to Hacienda Venecia: Tour to the coffee plantations and coffee tasting + English speaking guide.
• Lodging at selected hotel.

After breakfast, transfer to El Dorado airport to flight to Pereira. Arrival and transfer to the hotel for checking in.

At evening, private transport to Hacienda Venecia will be done. This farm is surrounded by abundant coffee plantations where are explained the procedure of coffee culture and also why the area is such a magnet for the connoisseur of this rich drink. There is also a coffee tasting session included in the tour to savour the aromatic smooth coffee of the region.

Return to Pereira and overnight in selected hotel.

• Visit to Filandia, Salento and Cocora Valley in private service + English speaking guide.
• Lunch included.
• Visit to Jesús Martín Café.
• Overnight at selected hotel.

Attendance at the hotel by the guide and then private transfer to Filandia, where you may feel the atmosphere of a typical old-fashioned coffee town walking through its colonial streets or enjoying a drink at a traditional “fonda”.

After visiting Filandia, we will visit Cocora Valley located in the department of Quindío. On the way we can appreciate the beautiful landscape. Once you reach the Valley, we’ll offer you a welcome cocktail and our specialized guide assistance for walking through the amazing Cocora Valley. Transfer to the cloud forest where we can appreciate the diversity of fauna and flora. Lunch will be taken at the restaurant Cocora. Assistance and transfer to the typical town of Salento, where we will visit the Plaza de Bolivar knowing their typical colorful balconies, the main street, craft workshops and Cocora viewpoint. Here we will visit also Jesús Martín Café, a beautiful coffee shop where we will enjoy a demonstration of latte art to enjoy afterwards a delicious first quality espresso or cappuccino.

At the appointed time, assistance and transfer to selected hotel in Pereira.

• Transfer from the selected Hotel to Pereira’s airport on private transfer + English speaking tour guide.
• Flight to Cartagena (not included).
• Transfer from Cartagena’s international airport on private service to selected hotel+ English speaking tour guide.
• Overnight at the selected hotel.

Our guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and will take you to the Pereira’s Airport. We will assist you at the airport during the check-in at the airline counter to help you connect to Cartagena.

Upon arrival at the Rafael Núñez Airport, you will be met by our representative and will be taken to your hotel. Our guide will assist you at the hotel with the registration procedures (check-in).

With its breathtaking colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages and narrow cobbled streets, the city of Cartagena de Indias is one of the most exciting destinations in Colombia. This Caribbean colonial jewel was the first Spanish colony on the South American mainland and one of the main ports for the Spanish fleet which turned the city into an important center of trade in the 16th century. It is a city full of history which has been an inspiration for artists, writers, historians and musicians. This vibrant and colorful city throughout the years has enchanted tourists with its fairy-tale charms that invite people to linger and explore the city for days.

NOTE: Our transfer fee includes transportation of one bag per person of up to 23kg (50 lbs) plus one carry on. If you plan to travel with additional luggage please let us know in advance in order to assign a different vehicle capacity for the transfer. Please keep in mind that additional costs may be charged.

• Cartagena’s Colonial Tour on private service + English speaking tour guide.
• Home hosted dinner with a local family.
• Overnight at the selected hotel.

The tour begins with a visit to the “Convento de la Popa”, where the city’s highest point is located and you can enjoy the best view of the beautiful city of Cartagena. This convent was built in the 17th century by the Augustinian Monks. Initially it was just a small wooden chapel, but later it was replaced by a strong construction which still remains.

Continue with a visit to the “Castillo de San Felipe”. This castle was built by the Spaniards in the 1600s and it is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built in a Spanish colony. Located at the top of San Lázaro hill, its purpose was to protect and guard the city’s landward side from any attack or invasion. This fortress provides a complex system of tunnels connected with strategic points to distribute provisions and facilitate a possible evacuation. Additionally, the tunnel’s architecture was built so that any noise would echo along them, in order to make internal communications easier and hear even the slightest sound of the enemies approaching.

Afterwards, a walk through “Las Bóvedas” is included. These 23 vaults were built in the 18th century and they are considered the last major colonial construction made within the city walls for military purposes. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards, and later on, they became jail cells. Nowadays, they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs, among other things.

At the end of the tour you will take a walk through the inner walled section of the colonial city. Discover Cartagena’s rich history and beautiful colonial architecture where you will admire the old houses, stunning balconies and different little squares. You will know more about the culture of Cartagena and its interesting architecture as you walk through the different cobbled streets and plazas; each street has a different story to tell. You will also see this city alive, with its students, vendors, and all the people that live there.

NOTE: It is important to remember, when visiting churches, monasteries, and shrines, women should not wear shorts or miniskirts and men should not wear shorts.

At the evening, our guide will pick up you at your hotel to visit a local family and share dinner with them. During this dinner you will live a rather unique cultural experience to enjoying a typical home cooked meal from Cartagena. Give yourself the chance to be part of the local culture and feel the warmth of the Colombian hospitality in a relaxed and comfortable environment. Enjoy the opportunity of experiencing a fascinating conversation about life in Cartagena, while exchanging views as well as personal anecdotes with local cultures. Passengers will be able to participate in some of the cooking if they wish.

• Real Food, Real Places, Real People tour in private service with English speaking guide.
• Overnight at the selected hotel.

We invite you to enjoy this delicious and colorful experience where you will be able to taste some of the local flavors of the city and learn about its culture. This walking tour through the inner walled section of the colonial city will let you experience Cartagena like a local resident in a neighborhood where people live, eat and shop.

This experience takes you to discover different sites and people from the colonial city, with whom the local residents relate on a daily basis as they pass by and stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or typical snacks.

Featuring seven authentic food stops with different delicious tastings, you get to escape the crowds and taste the best of what the city has to offer.

Along the way, your guide will entertain and tell you stories and insights into Cartagena’s culture and history. Take a break from being a tourist and discover the real Cartagena with us!

This tour includes small tastings at different points of the colonial city and one bottle of water per person.

We limit this tour up to 10 passengers. By restricting this tour to such a small number, we can guarantee that you will have a more personal and intimate experience.

• Transfer from selected hotel to Catagena’s airport on private service + English speaking guide.

Our guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and will take you to the Rafael Núñez Airport. We will assist you at the airport during the check-in at the airline counter to help you connect to your next destination.

NOTE: Our transfer fee includes transportation of one bag per person of up to 23kg (50 lbs.) plus one carry on. If you plan to travel with additional luggage please let us know in advance in order to assign a different vehicle capacity for the transfer. Please keep in mind that additional costs may be charged.