Bogota, Coffee Region and Cartagena

Colombia is gradually changing its image regarding safety and security and the government is now actively promoting international tourism. We at Escaped to Latin America love this beautiful and varied country and have programs that visit some of the main highlights in comfort and safety. This superb Colombian vacation covers the capital Bogota, the famous Coffee Zone and then the jewel on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena de Indias.

Day 1

Today you will arrive in the capital of Colombia and be collected by us from the airport and transferred to your hotel in the up-market area of the city. The capital of Colombia is 2640 meters above sea level but you shouldn’t feel the effects as long as you don’t over exert yourself. Depending on your arrival flight schedule you may have time to visit the Salt Cathedral, we will advise you when you give us your international flight details.

The Salt Cathedral tour is a spectacular visit to an ex salt mine 200 meters deep. There is a fully functioning church which every Sunday attracts over 3000 worshipers. The cathedral is an important place of pilgrimage for Colombians in general. If there is no time today we may be able to fit it in when you return to Bogota at the end of your vacation.

We recommend the excellent GHL Hamilton hotel for your stay (or similar) which is located in the fashionable “Zona T” with its stores, restaurants and bars.       

Day 2

Today we will pick you up after breakfast for a full day sightseeing in Bogota. During the morning you will visit the historic old center, have a tour including the famous Gold Museum, the Plaza de Bolívar or Main Square, the Capitolio Nacional and the Quinta de Bolívar.

After time for lunch, which you can take in the area close to your hotel if you wish, you will be taken via cable car or funicular railway to the summit of Monserrate Hill. From the top of this hill you will have a spectacular view over the metropolis and have the chance to shop for knick knacks. We will then drop you back to your hotel for a free evening.  

Day 3

After breakfast you will be taken to Bogota airport for the 50 minute flight to the center of Colombia’s coffee region, the city of Armenia. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to the Los Girasoles hotel or the Bosques de Saman (or similar) set amongst thousands of coffee plants on a coffee plantation. Take the rest of the day to just relax by the pool and soak up the atmosphere of this lovely place.    

Day 4

Today will be a full day of coffee zone sightseeing. After breakfast you will visit the Recuca Coffee Farm where you will spend around 2.5 hours learning about and interacting with the coffee process. You can dress up in traditional coffee farming clothes, hear and see all about the process and the equipment, walk among the plants and actually pick coffee yourself. After all this you will have the chance for coffee tasting before you go off to lunch nearby.

In the afternoon you will visit the “National Coffee Park” and have chance to learn more about the coffee region and enjoy the many attractions in the park.  After all this you will go back to your farm hotel to recover from the excursions and have dinner.

Day 5

You may have some free time today at the hotel before flying to Bogota, this obviously depends on the flight schedules. In Bogota you will connect with your 80 minute flight to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Colombia is a warm country generally but be prepared for the increase in heat and humidity when you arrive at the coast. You will be taken to your hotel in the modern Bocagrande area of the city where you will have a lovely beach front location.

Take the rest of the day to relax and enjoy the beach, restaurants and stores. Two of our favorite hotels in Cartagena are the historic Hotel Caribe and the modern Capilla del Mar, there are many others to choose from too so let us know your preferences. Instead of staying in the modern area of the city you could choose to stay in the historic old center, please ask us for the options. 

Day 6

After a hearty buffet breakfast you will have the morning free to enjoy the beach just in front of your hotel. After lunch you will enjoy a city tour of Cartagena including the impressive Fort of San Felipe, the Santa Cruz Monastery on Popa Hill offering great views of the city, a introductory walking tour of the historic center (serving to whet the appetite for tomorrow) and rounding off with a visit to an emerald workshop to see the process, museum and the chance to buy.

Day 7

Today you will have a comprehensive private walking tour of old Cartagena during the morning. The old city is truly beautiful so make sure you have plenty of memory on your camera. You will then have the afternoon free for the beach and shopping.   

Day 8

Today you could visit the Rosario Islands (optional so speak to us) or have a free day for the beach. Whatever you do with your free time make sure you visit the old city by night, it is very nice at night, wandering the streets and eating and drinking in the many places available.

Day 9

Today you will bid farewell to Colombia, flying back to Bogota to connect with your homeward flight. if you wish to spend more time in Colombia or combine with another one of our tours we can arrange this easily, just let us know.