Colombia
Caribbean islands, colonial cities, jagged coastal national parks, lush green hills, Amazon jungles, tropical grasslands and Andean coffee plantations – this is Colombia. Discover the birthplace of salsa in the west, the wonderful Amazon nature in the South, your own tropical paradise in the north and the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountain range in the north east overlooking small fishing villages. As well as these stunning landscapes, Colombia also has incredible cities to visit such as Bogota, Cartagena and Medellin, in particular, will show you the Colombians’ friendly nature, their pride in where they come from and their rhythm of life.
colombia Highlights
.plore the stunning, sultry Caribbean coast city of Cartegena. Colorful streets, cobblestone alleyways, colonial heritage, boutique shopping, and fun nightlife – we’re sold!
Visit Bogota’s Gold Museum, a must-see display of ancient gold art, and visit the Zipaquira cathedral just outside the city, excavated deep underground from an old salt mine.
Relax in the Virgin beaches of Tayrona National Park.
Fly over a banana plantation from a Zip Line.
• Visit the Botanical Garden & Butterfly Farm (3000 butterflies from 40 different species)
• The “Balsaje” is a local favorite leisure activity, floating on top of a bamboo raft, the smooth swift flowing currents of the La Vieja (Old Lady) River meander through a stunning natural scenery.
• Visit the Cocora Valley (home to the Quindio Wax Palm), a majestic valley and the perfect place to “lose yourself” for a few hours.
• Join Coffee expert, David on a private excursion to see and understand all the aspect of coffee. Not only a coffee tasting, but also its social impact, the technicalities of growing, new practices, barista lessons etc.
• Snorkelling and diving off the Rosario Island National Park, an archipelago of 27 islands with great marine life and picturesque beaches – minus the crowds.Juan David is our Coffee expert. We can arrange severa
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Below are a few top experiences that may feature in your bespoke Colombia itinerary.
• Explore the stunning, sultry Caribbean coast city of Cartegena.
• Visit Bogota’s Gold Museum, a must-see display of ancient gold art, and visit the Zipaquira cathedral just outside the city, excavated deep underground from an old salt mine.
• Visit Barichara – known as the prettiest village in Colombia.
• Tayrona National Park to relax in the crystalline blue waters, wild jungle, ancient ruined cities and giant boulders towering over hiking trails.
• Explore Villa de Leyva, a beautiful small colonial town set high in the Andes with whitewashed colonial buildings, cobbled lanes, terracotta tiled roofs and incredible Plaza Mayor.
• Snorkel and dive off the Rosario Island National Park, an archipelago of 27 islands with great marine life and picturesque beaches.
• Do a Graffiti Tour in Bogota, to learn about the culture and history of this amazing local art scene.
• Visit the Cocora Valley (home to the Quindio Wax Palm), a majestic valley and the perfect place to “lose yourself” for a few hours.
• Join Coffee expert on a private excursion to see and understand all the aspect of coffee. Not only a coffee tasting, but also its social impact, the technicalities of growing, new practices, and barista course.
• Fly over a banana plantation from a Zip Line.
• Visit the Botanical Garden & Butterfly Farm.
• Follow the swift flowing currents of La Vieja River as you meander through stunning scenery on a floating bamboo raft.
Colombia
WHEN TO GO
Colombia, rather wonderfully, is a year round destination.
TIME ZONE
ET – 1HRS
TIME FRAME
7 + nights to 2 weeks.
CURRENCY
COLOMBIAN PESO
FLIGHTS
Bogota (BOG); Cartagena (CTG)
barichara | bogota | cartajena | coffee triangle | Tayrona national park | medellin | Villa de Leyva
BARICHARA
Barichara is known as the prettiest village in Colombia. Still untouched by mass toursim, you will find a quiet ambiance, perfect weather and an authentic Colombia way of living. The surroundings are even more impressive; the Andes meets rivers and canyons creating drastic landscapes. A true paradise for outdoor lovers.
BOGOTA
The transformation that Colombia’s capital has undergone over the last decade is astounding, emerging as one of the most happening cities in Latin America. Bogotá is often people’s first taste of Colombia and while it is a useful springboard for exploring the rest of the country, it is also a great place in its own right. It’s big and it’s busy but it is packed with cool restaurants and galleries and museums.
CARTAJENA
Cartagena is Colombia’s coastal gem and its most romantic city. The warm Caribbean breeze gathers up sounds of salsa music and the scent of the flowers that cascade down from the balconies of the rainbow-coloured houses that line its cobbled streets.
TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK
Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast is a surreal place all round: crystalline blue waters, wild jungle, ancient ruined cities, and giant boulders towering over hiking trails. The real Instagram favourite is the vistas of Cabo San Juan beach, and the view of two mirrored beaches from a viewpoint above the sea: Caribbean perfection.
VILLA DE LEYVA
A picturesque historical town set high in the Andes, Colombia‘s Villa de Leyva is one of the country’s top attractions and is home to some of its best preserved colonial architecture. Located a three-hour drive northeast from the capital Bogotá, the 16th-century cobbled streets, terracotta tile roofs and whitewashed buildings welcome visitors to this unique corner of the Boyacá department.
COFFEE TRIANGLE (ZONA CAFETERA)
A trip to Colombia would be incomplete without a visit to Colombia’s coffee triangle. Here, you will find high end fincas where you can harvest, roast, and taste the local coffee bean crops. Once you’ve got your caffeine buzz, explore the local area on horseback through the countryside, enjoy trips to the tropical fruit market in Filandia, and hiking in the nearby cloud forest.
HOTELS WE LOVE
Nothing but the best. Browse the hotels that can feature in your bespoke Colombia itinerary.
CASA SAN AGUSTIN
You will experience a luxuriously chic and relaxed atmosphere at this authentic boutique hotel, which was re-imagined to maintain a colonial heritage intact within three beautiful white-washed houses. It’s 20 guestrooms and 11 suites beautifully decorated preserves the authentic Colombian style, which seamlessly incorporates the modern services and amenities for today’s traveler. From original frescoes in the Library to centuries-old wood beamed ceilings, Casa San Agustin’s architecture evokes the city’s rich history of the 17th century. Visit the hotel website.
Sofitel legend, cartagena
In 2012, the Sofitel Santa Clara became Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, thus joining a collection of landmark properties located in cities with a rich cultural heritage all around the world. Travel back in time and discover the legendary story of this iconic hotel infused with French art-de-vivre, the perfect combination of age-old tradition and local hospitality. Truly an iconic hotel where heritage meets modernity. Visit the hotel website.
Casa Medina
This landmark 1946 building, boasts some of the most quietly elegant rooms in the city – complete with beamed ceilings, hand-carved wooden furnishings and fireplaces to cozy up to, no two rooms are the same. Steps from the buzzing financial district and the gourmet paradise of the Zona G, Casa Medina is an urban retreat for discerning travelers. Why book with us? Ask us about the preferred partner perks and amenities we can apply to your booking.
Four Seasons Hotel Bogota
The energy and creativity of Colombia’s capital city are best experienced with a stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bogota. In the buzzing Zona Rosa area, find yourself just steps away from the city’s best shopping, nightlife and cafes, then come back to settle in at this intimate, modern Hotel where contemporary elegance is found everywhere from the spacious suites to the perfectly poured Colombian espresso. Why book with us? Ask us about the preferred partner perks and amenities we can apply to your booking.
top experiences in Colombia
There are many great experiences to be had in beautiful Colombia, but if we had to choose our top 3 experiences, these are it!
LAS ISLAS, BARU
Reconnect and refresh your spirit amidst the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Colombia’s Isla Baru. Located just 45 minutes away from Cartagena, Hotel Las Islas is a sophisticated, environmentally conscious retreat, with luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. Settle into your immaculately appointed bungalow, with its views of the sea or of the neighboring Parque National Natural Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo. Visit one of the restaurants and bars for locally sourced, expertly prepared cuisine, Relax by the freshwater pool, take in the views from the solarium or explore one of the many activities available at the hotel.
hacienda Bambusa, THE COFFEE REGION
Hidden among the lush and verdant scenery of Colombia’s coffee producing region, Hacienda Bambusa is a working plantation that offers guests an ideal place to relax and explore. The area is rich in breathtaking scenery and incredible flora and fauna. At Hacienda Bambusa the central courtyard is surrounded by 8 rooms, each with a private balcony with woven hammocks and birdsong. Ideal for families, couples and nature lovers who want to enjoy the beautiful and peaceful natural environment. It also makes an great base from which to explore the Coffee Triangle and surrounding plantations, colorful colonial market towns and the gorgeous Valle de Cocora and Los Nevados National Park.
Casa Yahri, Barichara
For those looking for a deeply authentic and off the beaten path destination in Colombia, Barichara is your destination and Casa Yahri is your private home. Barichara is the prettiest village in Colombia that time has all but forgotten. Chicamocha Gorge and between the capital of Bogota and the Caribbean sea. This fully staffed and fully inclusive 4 bedroom private villa just a few blocks from the main plaza in Barichara. The offering of activities are unparalleled in their diversity; hiking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding and mountain biking to name a few.
WHAT THEY SAY
Don’t take it from us, hear what our clients have to say.
“We had a wonderful trip, thank you for everything. I can tell you that everything exceeded expectations. We loved the guides, especially Edgar. My wow moments was the hike and white water rafting in Barichara. Magnificent. Thank you again, we will absolutely use your services again.”
“Our Bespoke trip to beautiful Colombia both met and exceeded our expectations! The Casa San Agustin in Cartagena and Las Islas were both exceptional properties with wonderful rooms and service. The land services (guides, private transfers, excursions, etc ..) provided by your preferred partner in Colombia, were excellent. We were especially thankful that they could accommodate real-time adjustments to the itinerary as we went along. As for any ‘wow’ moments, Las Islas Resort is itself something to experience.”