Magical Colombia

Airfare is not included on this tour, and you are therefore responsible for getting to and from Colombia on your own. We'll meet in Bogota! We do not have a program scheduled on the first day, so you are free to arrive in Bogota at any time during the day. Participants and the guide will meet all together at the pleasant hotel we will be staying at in the center of the Colombian capital.

On Sundays, the streets of Bogota are closed to motorists so that cyclists and pedestrians can experience the city undisturbed by traffic. On the sightseeing tour, we visit some of the city's historical and contemporary highlights - including the impressive Gold Museum. In the evening we have a nice welcome dinner and recharge for tomorrow's mountain trip.

Today we will travel from Bogotá to Juntas. The last part of the tour goes through the Combeima River Valley up to the settlement of Juntas, where 2 rivers meet. Here we stay in a very pleasant hotel with a fantastic view of the surrounding valley and lush forested mountainsides.

We start the day early, as we have a long trip ahead of us. Today we will climb to one of the highest points on the trip, Alto del Oso (2850 metres), which marks the junction between the eastern and western flanks of this mountain range. On clear days it is possible to see the Tolima volcano on the other side of the Combeima gorge. We descend through the Normandy valley and pass several sheep and cattle ranches. There will be a break along the way where we will have lunch with a local family, and then we will continue our descent to the base of the Machin volcano. At the end of the day we arrive at the beautifully situated La Florida farm. It is a simple accommodation run by a local family. Here we will stay in a tent for the night, with a view of the Toche river valley.

Today we will hike through the Toche river valley. This route is new for walkers, and goes partly on paths off the beaten track. These paths connect several family farms engaged in coffee, banana and fruit production. Along the way, we observe rural life in this area known for its delicious coffee, and enjoy the beautiful landscape around us on all sides. We pass the spectacular "Puente de Tierra" and end up in the town of Toche, where we will spend the night.

Today we are going out on a combined walking and driving trip in the mountains. We are transported up along the Tochecito valley, before we reach Finca Las Cruces at 2690 m above sea level. This is where the mountain tour starts, where we will begin our hike into the wax palm forest. Have your camera ready because for large parts of the trip today we will be treated to amazing panoramic view of the valleys around us. The mountain hike ends at the farm La Cabaña de Doña Marleni at 2,640 meters above sea level, where we get a well-deserved break and some snacks. We travel again in cars towards the viewpoint La Carbonera where we get to see the wax palms from another angle and enjoy the stunning view. From here we drive on for an hour to Salento, where we will stay for the night.

After a well-deserved rest and a relaxed morning, we take a coffee tour in one of the traditional coffee farms in the area. The coffee tour shows the entire coffee production from seed to final product. It also includes a very educational coffee tasting to learn about the different types and qualities of the local coffee. In the afternoon there will be some free time to enjoy this relaxed town and the wide range of crafts and local products.

Today we will visit the beautiful city of Filandia. This city is one of the most representative of the coffee culture landscape and architecture of the Antioquia colonization. The town is very well preserved and is known for its tradition in the production of handmade products based on lianas. While we are there we will have a traditional basket weaving workshop. This art is rooted in coffee production for over 100 years, has become a tradition and intangible heritage in the department of Quindío. In the afternoon we say goodbye to the coffee region and take a short flight over to the Caribbean coast.

Cartagena is perhaps Colombia's most beautiful and interesting city. We will be taking a historical walk through Cartagenas old town. During this walk, we will get to know the architecture and history of the old town, and we will visit the most important squares and buildings. There will be plenty of photo opportunities, and all you have to do is enjoy the beautiful evening light in this romantic city. In the afternoon we have some free time, where you can relax, shop and perhaps enjoy a drink on the old fortress walls in the Caribbean sunset. In the evening we have a pleasant farewell dinner together.

Following a tranquil morning in Cartagena, it's time to bid adieu to our newfound friends and the wonderful moments shared in Colombia. Participants are then at liberty to organize their onward travels, whether it be heading to the airport and home or venturing off to yet another exotic destination.

Tayrona National Park is home to some of the most beautiful and iconic beaches in Colombia. It's easy to spend a few extra days here strolling through its lush jungles and relaxing on the beautiful beaches at this coastal gem. Contact us for program proposals.