Home / South America, Colombia Tours / Road Tour
12 day(s)
Private
4-16 people
moderate
A thoughtfully designed journey for independent travelers seeking to explore Colombia with the comfort of a fully guided program in English. From the cultural energy of Bogotá and the colonial charm of Villa de Leyva, to the lush coffee landscapes of the Coffee Region with authentic coffee and nature experiences.
The vibrant transformation of Medellín and the Caribbean magic of Cartagena complete this journey filled with history, culture, and striking contrasts.
A fixed departure combining domestic flights, carefully curated excursions, and professional English-speaking guidance, offering a seamless, enriching, and perfectly organized 12-day experience.
Duration
12 day(s)
Max Group Size
4-16 people
Tour Code
FD01
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Road Tour
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
2 - 90

Bogota
Cartagena
From lush rainforests and tropical beaches to vibrant cities and rich cultural traditions, Colombia offers an extraordinary range of experiences for every traveler. Get ready to explore its natural wonders, warm hospitality, and the unique charm that makes this country truly unforgettable.
Arrival in Bogota and welcome
Transfer in from Bogota airport to hotel; during the transfer, you will be assisted by an accompanying guide.
Duration 00:45hrs.
Early in the morning, let yourself be amazed by the variety of colors and flavors of the typical Paloquemao market in the city center; stroll through stalls full of exotic fruits, vibrant flowers, and local delights. There, you will taste typical tropical fruits that you won't find anywhere else, and you will have the opportunity to interact with friendly vendors in this iconic market. Next, we will take the funicular to the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate, an imposing peak that offers breathtaking views of Bogotá, where you will be amazed by the panoramic view of the city; you can also explore the sanctuary, a religious symbol of the people of Bogotá, where you will appreciate the most representative sculptures of the Catholic community.
Then, immerse yourself in the cobbled streets of La Candelaria, a neighborhood that weaves a network of colonial architecture, vibrant urban art, and hidden cafes in colorful buildings, where you will immerse yourself in its lively atmosphere, with street music and locals going about their daily lives. There, you will visit the Plaza de Bolívar, an emblematic site surrounded by impressive buildings, including the town hall, the houses of congress, the supreme court, and the majestic Primada Cathedral; you will appreciate the grandeur of these architectural gems and their historical importance, so take some time to observe this wonderful environment.
You will continue your experience with a visit to museums, starting with the Botero Museum, which houses one of the most important international art collections in Latin America by Fernando Botero, a renowned Colombian artist known for his distinctive style of voluminous figures that reflect the creative expressions of various cultures. (Note: The museum is usually closed on Tuesdays). Next, you will visit the Gold Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to pre-Hispanic gold art with the largest collection of pieces in the world (around 55,000 pieces from various indigenous cultures of Colombia), whose cultural significance of these pieces will transport you back in time and provide you with information about the rich history of this region. (Note: The museum is usually closed on Mondays).
Duration 08:00hrs.
During the journey, we will make a stop at Laguna de Guatavita, a magical place in the department of Cundinamarca that gave rise to the immortal legend of El Dorado; this sacred lagoon, with its almost perfect crater shape, holds the history and ancestral rituals of the Muisca people. From the entrance of the natural reserve, you will begin a guided uphill hike of approximately 2 to 3 hours through a paramo ecosystem, rich in native flora. The hike will allow you to contemplate the landscape and learn about its cultural and ecological value before reaching the viewpoint, where the impressive view of the emerald-colored waters will transport you directly to the heart of the myth.
Duration 02:00hrs.
The Saquenzipa Valley boasts a variety of highly interesting sites: nestled in the heart of Boyacá, Colombia, the Saquenzipa Valley is a destination that captivates nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This Colombian corner, characterized by its diverse landscapes ranging from arid desert areas to lush forests, offers countless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Its winding trails traverse mountains, inviting hikers to be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. Additionally, nature enthusiasts will find a paradise in its forests, while photography enthusiasts will capture unforgettable images of the region's natural beauty. Note: This tour is a passive, contemplative, and cultural experience, ideal for all ages, including the elderly.
Duration 05:00hrs.
You will be assisted by an English speaking guide.
During the journey, we will make a stop in Zipaquirá, where we will visit the renowned Salt Cathedral, built almost 180 meters underground in a salt mine whose exploitation dates back to pre-Columbian times; this religious monument of great significance for Catholics houses a remarkable collection of sculptures carved in salt and marble. Additionally, it is considered the first of the seven wonders of Colombia.
Duration 02:00hrs.
Flight from Bogotá to the Coffee Region.
Duration 01:00hrs.
Transfer from Pereira to Armenia; during the transfer, you will be assisted by an accompanying guide.
Duration 01:10hrs.
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Today you will live an experience in one of the most representative places of the Coffee Region; you will start your adventure aboard a traditional Jeep Willys from Salento to the picturesque Cocora Valley, a valley famous for its national tree, the wax palm, and for its great landscapes, home to important large birds like the Andean Condor, emblematic and representative bird of the country; once there, we will have the opportunity to breathe the mountain air and walk through the foothills of the Andes before returning to Salento.
Facing the beautiful green mountains, the small coffee town of Salento is full of traditional charm, where its colorful houses are reflected in its picturesque streets; there, you will have the opportunity to appreciate these colorful buildings and visit sites of interest such as the Real Street, where you can see a great variety of handicrafts and traditional shops; at the end of this street, you can appreciate a staircase that goes up to the Alto de la Cruz, a hill where you can enjoy the fantastic views of the landscapes there and the Andes mountain range that surrounds it; if the sky is clear, you may see the snow-capped volcanoes on the horizon.
Duration 06:00hrs.
Today you will have the opportunity to explore the rural surroundings of Medellín; you will enjoy incredible views of the rolling hills and the surrounding vegetation on your way to Guatapé and the Rock of Peñol, two spectacular attractions in the outskirts of Medellín. First, you will be able to appreciate the 200-meter-high monolith, which can be climbed by a staircase of 740 steps, where you will enjoy impressive views of the surroundings filled with green mountains and blue lakes.
From there, you will continue to the town of Guatapé, a place famous for its church and its beautiful and colorful paintings that decorate the houses, where you will walk through the cobblestone streets and admire the brightly colored houses adorned with "zócalos" (decorative panels); you will admire the unique architecture that tells stories about the culture of the town, and explore the shops and stalls selling handmade souvenirs, textiles, and local artwork.
Duration 08:00hrs.