Welcome to Colombia! On this 9-day tour, you will have a chance to explore both Bogotá and Cartagena. Bogotá is situated high in the Andes, and as the capital of a diverse country, truly has something for everyone. During your visit, you will have a walking tour of the Candelaria district, where interesting colonial architecture and narrow streets bustle with backpackers. Another highlight during your time in Bogota will take place when visiting La Chorrera, the highest waterfall in the country! While the culinary scene plays such a big part of visiting this destination, we couldn’t let you visit without a cooking class in Cartagena! Learn about some of the region's best local dishes on this trip that blends the mountainous region of Bogota and the Caribbean coast of Cartagena which offers some of the most picturesque beaches in the world!
Hotels:
- Hotel de la Opera, Bogota
- Hotel Bantu, Cartagena
Included:
Meals:
- 8 Breakfasts
- 4 Lunches
- 2 Dinners
Activities:
- Hike and enjoy a picnic in Paramo
- Hike to the highest waterfall in Colombia
- City tour of Bogota
- Partake in a regional cuisine tour
- Walking tour in Cartagena
- Kayak city tour through the San Lazaro lagoon
- Experience local Colombian cuisine with a cooking demonstration
- Visit the Bazurto Market and partake in a hands-on cooking class
Other Services:
- One airport transfer privately in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Transportation privately in an air-conditioned vehicle during the tours mentioned on the program
- Official English-Speaking guide service during the mentioned program
- Entrance fees, Road tolls, Taxes, VAT
Not Included:
- Tips for porters, guide and driver- the value of the tip is up to the client
- All other services not mentioned as included
- Personal expenses
- International and domestic airfare throughout the program
- International and domestic airport taxes, airport porter and extra baggage
- Hotel early check-in and late check-out
- Alcoholic drinks, personal expenses or entrance fees for any extra sightseeing or optional activities
- Travel insurance
Notes:
- International flights should arrive into Bogota International Airport and depart out of Cartagena International Airport
- A domestic flight on day 5 is required from Bogota International Airport to Cartagena International Airport
1007975
Day
1
Bogotá
Welcome to Colombia’s sprawling, high-altitude capital of Bogota. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a traditional meal at a local restaurant. We have handpicked Casa Vieja for our welcome dinner as its menu and setting make it a perfect place to kick off our Colombian adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
2
Bogotá
After breakfast, you will be introduced to the biggest Páramo in the world: Sumapaz, or “heaven's door.” So, what is exactly a Paramo? People describe it as a moorland, wetland, or high plateau. This experience is a dream for those who love nature as we hike over 6 kilometers and enjoy the scenic views at altitudes of over 3600 meters above sea level. To keep you fueled for your journey, you will stop for a picnic and enjoy some of the most beautiful views Colombia has to offer. After your nature experience, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast & Snacks
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
3
Bogotá
After breakfast, we prepare for our hike to the highest waterfall in Colombia! Just an hour's drive from the bustling capital, you will be in the middle of nature. The moderate hike with both up and downhill terrain is surrounded by beautiful landscapes as you take in the scenery. Once we arrive at the summit, enjoy the vistas and photo opportunities before we make our way back downhill. After the hike, we will stop at a local restaurant in La Chorrera before continuing back to Bogota. Upon arrival at the hotel, the rest of the evening is at your leisure to explore the bustling capital city.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
4
Bogotá
This morning we will explore the history of Colombia’s capital on a city tour. Discover Bogota’s colonial and indigenous past as our local guide brings history to life while we discuss everything from art deco architecture to local customs and daily life. No city tour of Bogota would be complete without taking a break for a “Chicha” (traditional fermented drink) as well as enjoying some local snacks (arepas) along with indulging in a game of Tejo (a local drinking game).
This afternoon we will delve into the Colombian food scene on a regional cuisine tour. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world and this diversity is also expressed in the cuisine. Thousands of varieties of vegetables, fruits, tubers, meats, and flavors are used to tantalize even the most sophisticated palette. On this truly unique tour you will experience 8 different dishes from the 5 different regions of Colombia: Amazon, Andes, Caribbean Coast, Pacific Coast, and Orinoquia. After we finish our last empanada, you will have the rest of the evening to explore.
Meals: Breakfast & Late Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
5
Bogotá - Cartagena
This morning after breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Cartagena! After the short flight, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Later in the evening, freshen up and get ready for a treat—a Caribbean-inspired culinary experience at Cande!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
6
Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas. Its historic center, walled by fortifications built in the colonial period, retains its original architecture and displays a full-color palette that fills it with Caribbean life and joy. Its fascinating history as “The Pearl of the Caribbean” in Hispanic times makes it one of the most interesting cities in the world to explore.
This morning after breakfast we do just that on an extensive walking tour. The tour starts at your hotel and covers the Plaza de San Diego, the Plaza Fernandez of Madrid, the Park Bolivar, the Plaza de los coches and the Plaza Santo Domingo. We also get to walk on the walls and visit the bastions of Santo Domingo and San Francisco Javier, this is where we will learn all about the history and defense strategy of the city. After the formal tour, stay in the historic city center before going back to the hotel for the rest of the day to enjoy on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
7
Cartagena
After breakfast, you will experience Cartagena from a different point of view as you kayak outside the city skyline. During your time on the water, visit sights such as the Clock Tower, the Pegasus Pier, the Virgin of the Bay, and the Roman Bridge. You will then navigate through the San Lazaro lagoon, where you’ll find mangroves that extend along the only part of the walls that are located directly by the water. Eventually, you will reach the island of birds, a mangrove island inhabited by countless birds, for a chance to take in this beautiful nature. Enjoy a light lunch before heading back to your hotel for a free evening to explore the city and enjoy some relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast & Light Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
8
Cartagena
After breakfast, enjoy the hotel's amenities at your leisure and relax. Later, we will visit the Bazurto Market & Cooking Class. The Bazurto Market is a traditional market offering fish, meat, fruit, and clothing and is as important in Cartagena as the La Popa Convent or the Castle of San Felipe. It is a very traditional market, barely visited by tourists. We can buy food or traditionally prepared Colombian dishes or just enjoy the local market of Cartagena in the early hours. Let this “underground” part of Cartagena enchant you; it is ideal for an adventure. We will walk through a maze of alleys, where the tour guide will introduce you to all kinds of fruit, herbs, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meat. There is also a spice market and natural healing pharmacies. Gastronomy is an important part of the local culture, and the Cartageneros are proud of their Caribbean cuisine. Apart from tasting it, what would be better than learning how to prepare seafood, coconut rice, and other specialties of Cartagena’s cuisine? The cooking class will take place in a colonial house in the city center or in Getsemaní. The chef will give us a presentation about the ingredients before showing us how to prepare typical dishes. The class will take about three hours, then we will all eat together and taste our creations.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
9
Cartagena
After breakfast, we will prepare to say goodbye to Colombia and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Average - Some tours may include hiking or potential higher elevation hiking, biking, SUP, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking on uneven surfaces or for longer periods of time.
Itinerary
Day
1
Bogotá
Welcome to Colombia’s sprawling, high-altitude capital of Bogota. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a traditional meal at a local restaurant. We have handpicked Casa Vieja for our welcome dinner as its menu and setting make it a perfect place to kick off our Colombian adventure.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
2
Bogotá
After breakfast, you will be introduced to the biggest Páramo in the world: Sumapaz, or “heaven's door.” So, what is exactly a Paramo? People describe it as a moorland, wetland, or high plateau. This experience is a dream for those who love nature as we hike over 6 kilometers and enjoy the scenic views at altitudes of over 3600 meters above sea level. To keep you fueled for your journey, you will stop for a picnic and enjoy some of the most beautiful views Colombia has to offer. After your nature experience, enjoy the evening at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast & Snacks
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
3
Bogotá
After breakfast, we prepare for our hike to the highest waterfall in Colombia! Just an hour's drive from the bustling capital, you will be in the middle of nature. The moderate hike with both up and downhill terrain is surrounded by beautiful landscapes as you take in the scenery. Once we arrive at the summit, enjoy the vistas and photo opportunities before we make our way back downhill. After the hike, we will stop at a local restaurant in La Chorrera before continuing back to Bogota. Upon arrival at the hotel, the rest of the evening is at your leisure to explore the bustling capital city.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
4
Bogotá
This morning we will explore the history of Colombia’s capital on a city tour. Discover Bogota’s colonial and indigenous past as our local guide brings history to life while we discuss everything from art deco architecture to local customs and daily life. No city tour of Bogota would be complete without taking a break for a “Chicha” (traditional fermented drink) as well as enjoying some local snacks (arepas) along with indulging in a game of Tejo (a local drinking game).
This afternoon we will delve into the Colombian food scene on a regional cuisine tour. Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world and this diversity is also expressed in the cuisine. Thousands of varieties of vegetables, fruits, tubers, meats, and flavors are used to tantalize even the most sophisticated palette. On this truly unique tour you will experience 8 different dishes from the 5 different regions of Colombia: Amazon, Andes, Caribbean Coast, Pacific Coast, and Orinoquia. After we finish our last empanada, you will have the rest of the evening to explore.
Meals: Breakfast & Late Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel de la Opera
Day
5
Bogotá - Cartagena
This morning after breakfast we will be transferred to the airport for our flight to Cartagena! After the short flight, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Later in the evening, freshen up and get ready for a treat—a Caribbean-inspired culinary experience at Cande!
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
6
Cartagena
Cartagena de Indias is one of the most beautiful cities in the Americas. Its historic center, walled by fortifications built in the colonial period, retains its original architecture and displays a full-color palette that fills it with Caribbean life and joy. Its fascinating history as “The Pearl of the Caribbean” in Hispanic times makes it one of the most interesting cities in the world to explore.
This morning after breakfast we do just that on an extensive walking tour. The tour starts at your hotel and covers the Plaza de San Diego, the Plaza Fernandez of Madrid, the Park Bolivar, the Plaza de los coches and the Plaza Santo Domingo. We also get to walk on the walls and visit the bastions of Santo Domingo and San Francisco Javier, this is where we will learn all about the history and defense strategy of the city. After the formal tour, stay in the historic city center before going back to the hotel for the rest of the day to enjoy on your own.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
7
Cartagena
After breakfast, you will experience Cartagena from a different point of view as you kayak outside the city skyline. During your time on the water, visit sights such as the Clock Tower, the Pegasus Pier, the Virgin of the Bay, and the Roman Bridge. You will then navigate through the San Lazaro lagoon, where you’ll find mangroves that extend along the only part of the walls that are located directly by the water. Eventually, you will reach the island of birds, a mangrove island inhabited by countless birds, for a chance to take in this beautiful nature. Enjoy a light lunch before heading back to your hotel for a free evening to explore the city and enjoy some relaxation.
Meals: Breakfast & Light Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
8
Cartagena
After breakfast, enjoy the hotel's amenities at your leisure and relax. Later, we will visit the Bazurto Market & Cooking Class. The Bazurto Market is a traditional market offering fish, meat, fruit, and clothing and is as important in Cartagena as the La Popa Convent or the Castle of San Felipe. It is a very traditional market, barely visited by tourists. We can buy food or traditionally prepared Colombian dishes or just enjoy the local market of Cartagena in the early hours. Let this “underground” part of Cartagena enchant you; it is ideal for an adventure. We will walk through a maze of alleys, where the tour guide will introduce you to all kinds of fruit, herbs, vegetables, fish, seafood, and meat. There is also a spice market and natural healing pharmacies. Gastronomy is an important part of the local culture, and the Cartageneros are proud of their Caribbean cuisine. Apart from tasting it, what would be better than learning how to prepare seafood, coconut rice, and other specialties of Cartagena’s cuisine? The cooking class will take place in a colonial house in the city center or in Getsemaní. The chef will give us a presentation about the ingredients before showing us how to prepare typical dishes. The class will take about three hours, then we will all eat together and taste our creations.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu
Day
9
Cartagena
After breakfast, we will prepare to say goodbye to Colombia and transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
The activity Level for this tour is:
Average - Some tours may include hiking or potential higher elevation hiking, biking, SUP, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking on uneven surfaces or for longer periods of time.
Have Questions? Email Us or call us at 754-457-9870
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Accommodation names are subject to availability. Should accommodation mentioned on specific itinerary not be available, a similar or higher rated accommodation will be substituted. Single room allotments are subject to availability and booked on a FCFS basis. Fit4Travel will work with each vendor or supplier to secure as many single rooms as possible to accommodate each traveler.