Into Colombia’s Land of El Dorado

You’ll arrive at Bogota El Dorado International Airport and make the smooth transfer over to the Candelaria District. This vibrant district is where you’ll be staying for the night. Take time to enjoy the gorgeous capital city packed with modern activities and historical treasures. It’s the perfect place to sightsee and get your first taste of Colombia before you spend a relaxing evening at the classic Casa Deco hotel.

Time to hit the road and cruise over to Boyaca Department on today’s Colombia itinerary. As you leave the busy capital, you’ll start to get a taste of the landscapes of Colombia. Stop to visit the charming Salt Cathedral, which is built inside salt mine tunnels. This church covers 8500 meters and is actually 60 meters deeper than the original church there. Then you’ll cruise over to the Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town to enjoy a relaxing evening savouring local delicacies at the Plazuela San Agustin Hotel. 

Villa de Leyva will be the base of our Colombia road trip adventure today. We’re headed into the magical nature of Colombia through the Paseo del Angel Road. Enjoy the robust mixture of waterfalls, natural swimming pools, and desert landscapes. You’ll hike in canyons and absorb some of the indigenous cultures. Along the way, you’ll see the Convento Santo Ecce Homo—a beautiful monastery with floors paved from stones containing fossils and ammonites. Then, head back into Villa de Leyva to explore the stunningly preserved town. 

Ride back to Bogota to jump on your domestic flight to Armenia on your Colombia travel journey. You’re headed to Colombia’s “Coffee Triangle.” High in the Andean Highlands, more than 10% of the world’s coffee supply is made. The mountainous terrains range from 800-1800 meters above sea level. From the airport, you’ll head over to your hotels in the picaresque Cocora Valley.   

It’s time to dive into this spectacular region. You’ll explore the lush forests and small villages of the countryside on an exciting Jeep Willy’s ride. Be sure to admire the towering wax-palm trees found near your hotel in the Cocora Valley. During lunch, you’ll stop in Salento Village to experience the exciting and colorful local culture. You may even be invited to play a game of “Tejo,” a Colombia tradition inherited from the indigenous Muisca people. 

You have a busy day today on your Colombia itinerary. You’ll begin with a visit to a coffee plantation perched in the Quindio Valley hills. You’ll learn the entire coffee process from the seed to a fresh, piping cup from professional master roasters or catadors. After discovering the heart of Colombia coffee culture, it’ll be hard ever to drink regular coffee again. Then you’ll head back to the airport to make your way to Santa Marta. Santa Marta Airport will connect you to Tayrona National Park. This beautiful landscape mixes the Caribbean Sea, jungle, and mountains, and is truly spectacular to behold. 

Tayrona Park is absolutely magical. The day is yours to explore as you like. We recommend hiking in the tropical forest, enjoy a horseback ride on the beach, and swimming in the pristine “La Piscina.” It does get a bit hot in this region so start and make it to Cabo San Juan cape by lunchtime. Here you can spend the afternoon swimming in the ocean and relaxing on the beach. 

You’ll depart for the Sierra Nevada towards the Tayronake—the Tayrona people mythical city—on your Colombia road trip . You’ll travel the roads of the ancient civilization and then jump on a small motorboat to trace its path to the Caribbean Sea. The area is rich in biodiversity and full of magnificent wildlife, including monkeys and vibrant birds. Then you’ll head back to the Cartagena de Indias: a perfect gem on the Caribbean Coast. Enjoy a night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s packed with fun things to do and savory local dishes to try.  

Begin the day with a walking tour of Cartagena de India’s Wallet City. You’ll see the most famous landmarks of the city, including Plaza Santo Domingo and Getsemani. The afternoon is yours to enjoy as you like. 

You’ll have the entire day to discover the stunning Rosario Archipelago. These coral islands and perfect and a great place to swim, explore, and savor local delicacies bases on coconut rice and fish. After an adventure-packed Colombia road trip day, you’ll head back to the mainland to enjoy another evening in Cartagena. 

You have one more day to further dive into this fantastic area. You’ll begin with The Convent of the Pops, a beautiful monastery that has an incredible view of the entire Bay. From here, you’ll see the Castle of San Filipe Barajas—once one of the most fabulous forts the might Spanish Empire ever built and now UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll also see the other nearby monuments and have a chance to dine at the famous Club de Pesca restaurant. The afternoon is yours to set your own itinerary before you spend one last evening in this great town.

Time to wrap up your Colombia travel.We’ll transfer you back to Bogota so you can connect to your international flight. Be sure you have enough time to make your connection; otherwise, we recommend staying in Bogota one more night before departure.