Jewels of Colombia

Arrive today in the Colombian capital and transfer to your hotel. As guests’ arrival times may vary greatly, there are no group activities or meals planned. Explore the surrounding area on your own or simply relax. Bogotá offers plentiful options for dining on your own, and the Zona Rosa district with its acclaimed Zona T pedestrian area—close to the hotel—boasts some of the city’s finest cuisine. 

Overnight: Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia

After a briefing this morning on the journey ahead, set out to discover Bogotá, one of the largest cities in Latin America. Begin your exploration of the “Athens of South America” with a walking tour through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic colonial district. Founded in 1538, La Candelaria became the core of Bogotá as the city grew up around it. Your full day of sightseeing also includes Bolívar Square, whose statue of Simón Bolívar—sculpted in 1846 by Italian sculptor Pietro Tenerani—was the first public monument in the city; the Gold Museum, featuring the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold work; and the Botero Museum, housing paintings and sculptures by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s foremost living artist, along with his collection of mid-19th-century works by such artists as Corot, Renoir, and Monet. The last stop is at a local tejo center, where you can try your hand at one of Colombia’s most popular sports: tossing a steel disc at a target ringed with gunpowder-stuffed paper that explodes when hit. The more explosions, the higher the score.

Return to the hotel with the remainder of the afternoon free for independent exploration. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner.

Overnight: Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia

Meals: B, L, D

Head to the outskirts of Bogotá this morning for an excursion to the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, a Roman Catholic church some 600 feet deep in a salt mine. Constructed entirely of salt by miners seeking solace as they labored at their dangerous profession, the cathedral today holds masses and weddings. 

Back above ground, visit the surrounding town of Usaquén. Named for Usaque—the cacique (chief) of the indigenous Musica people who once ruled over the area—Usaquén was discovered and settled by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada in 1538. After the Spanish abandoned it in 1777, locals gradually resettled Usaquén, which was annexed by the city of Bogotá in 1954. 

After visiting a market and stopping for lunch at a local restaurant, return to Bogotá early this afternoon, where the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration and dinner on your own. You’re invited to join your tour director on a walk through the trendy and lively Zona Rosa pedestrian neighborhood—alive with shops, restaurants, and cafés.

Overnight: Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia

Meals: B, L 

Fly this morning to Medellín, Colombia’s second largest city known for its social and political advances, welcoming residents, flower-filled parks and plazas, great food, and many cultural attractions. Upon arrival in the “City of Eternal Spring,” so named for its temperate climate, have lunch at a local restaurant before departing for a tour of the popular Manrique neighborhood.  Once plagued by poverty, gang violence, and drug trafficking, Manrique has become one of Medellín’s most vibrant neighborhoods known for its colorful murals, community art projects, and a strong emphasis on local culture—particularly the tango dance. 

Late this afternoon, check in to your hotel and have time to relax before dinner together. 

Overnight: NH Collection Medellín Royal

Meals: B, L, D

Get to know Medellín in more detail today—and learn why in 2012 it was named one of the 200 most innovative cities around the world. This morning’s city tour features a walk around Botero Square, the inviting sculpture plaza melding art, nature, and culture, with 23 outdoor sculptures by Fernando Botero.

Next, visit the Museo de Antioquia, Colombia’s second-oldest museum with a noted collection of pre-Colombian, colonial, and modern art, as well as paintings and sculptures by native son Botero. Also get a taste of an essential element of Colombia’s cultural identity when you go to a local coffee farm for a tour and tasting of the beloved brew. 

Your tour ends in time for lunch on your own and an afternoon at leisure to explore this lively city as you wish; perhaps to sip on some of the world’s best coffee or take a short taxi ride to the 35-acre Jardin Botanico, filled with more than 1,000 living species and 4,500 flowers. 

Late this afternoon, return to your hotel to relax and freshen up before dinner together at a local restaurant.

Overnight: NH Collection Medellín Royal

Meals: B, L, D

Today, visit nearby Santa Elena, a typical—and beautiful—colonial town where traditions related to Colombia’s flower-growing prowess live on. The town’s high altitude and nutrient-rich soil allow its local farmers to cultivate a variety of stunning tropical flowers, which are then shipped to flower markets worldwide as well as displayed in Medellín’s most famous cultural event, the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), which takes place every August. Visit a finca (farm), here and learn about the cultivation process and see a variety of plants before enjoying lunch at the farm.

Move on to Parque Arví, Santa Elena’s stunning nature reserve, to board the iconic Medellín Metrocable gondola, a public transportation system implemented in 2004 to increase the city’s accessibility to remote and disadvantaged communities.  Recognized internationally for its efficiency, the Metrocable traverses a route from the Santa Domingo barrio (neighborhood) to the city center.

Return to your hotel late this afternoon; dinner tonight is on your own.

Overnight: NH Collection Medellín Royal

Meals: B, L

Fly this morning to Cartagena. Upon arrival, set out on a city tour. An important center of political and economic activity during the Spanish Colonial era, Cartagena today remains a center of economic activity for the Caribbean, as well as a major city and beach resort. 

After lunch together at a local restaurant, tour the 16th-century San Felipe Fort, strategically located atop San Lazaro hill to defend against attacks by land or sea. Now a UNESCO site, the fort boasts an impressive series of stone walls, bunkers, parapets, and tunnels up close. Considered the most impressive of the Spanish New World fortifications, San Felipe repelled British Admiral Vernon’s force of 23,000 men and nearly 200 ships in 1741.

Continue to the Church of San Pedro Claver, burial place of the 17th-century monk Pedro Claver who dedicated his life to serving the many slaves who regularly came through Cartagena. Late this afternoon, check into your hotel; dine together tonight in this city known for its rich culinary tradition.

Overnight: Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, A Member of Radisson Individuals

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, board a boat bound for the idyllic Rosario Islands, an archipelago comprising 27 small coral islands with pristine white-sand beaches ringed by turquoise Caribbean waters. Part of Colombia’s protected national park system, the islands feature prized coral reefs with an abundance of sea fauna and flora. Upon arrival, embark on a guided walk and a canoe tour, followed by lunch. During leisure time you may relax on the beach, swim, or snorkel (for a fee). 

Late afternoon, return to Cartagena where the rest of the evening is at leisure and dinner is on your own.

Overnight: Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, A Member of Radisson Individuals

Meals: B, L

This morning, see Cartagena’s local life up close as you explore the vibrant neighborhood of Getsemani, where friendly residents, street performers, vendors, artists, students, and travelers all meet in a friendly, upbeat convergence. Next, get a different taste of Colombia as you sample two of the nation’s signature exports at a rum and chocolate tasting. 

Have the remainder of the day at leisure for independent exploration, perhaps to admire emeralds or sophisticated local handicrafts, shop in a multitude of shops, or wander through the old city as you wish. Lunch today is on our own in this vibrant seaside city. This evening, toast your adventure at a local restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel Casa Don Luis by Faranda Boutique, A Member of Radisson Individuals

Meals: B, D

Transfer this morning to the Cartagena airport for your flight to the U.S. and connecting flights home.

Meals: B