Bogotá and the Coffee Plantations of Colombia | Trip Itinerary

Note:  This tour is a suggested, customized itinerary that is very flexible. We can make changes in hotels, excursions and destinations to suit your travel dates, style and budget.

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá. After clearing customs and immigration, you are met by an nEnglish speaking guide and transferred to your select hotel.
Bogotá is the capital of the Republic of Colombia. The city is located on the high plateau called ‘Sabana de Bogota’, at an altitude of 2640 meters (8600 feet) above sea level, surrounded by the eastern range of the Andes. It was founded in 1538 by the Spaniard Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Since that time and mostly since the end of World War II, Bogotá has grown rapidly to a real metropolis. The actual population of the city is about 7 million inhabitants. Because of the fast growing development of Bogotá, you will see many contrasts, such as skyscrapers standing side by side with old houses of one level or high-powered automobiles sharing a modern expressway with mule carts.

Day 2: Full Day Bogotá  City Tour, including Paloquemao market, Monserrate viewpoint and monastery, La Candelaria Historical district, the Botero Museum and Gold Museum.
Meet your private guide at your hotel for the drive into the historical center of Bogota. Your first stop will be the Paloquemao market. The second largest market in the city and one of the most important retailers in the country, Paloquemao offers a great insight into the life and customs of Bogotanos. Walk through the market with your guide to explore the labyrinth of stands offering a large variety of fruit, vegetables, dairy products, meats and an abundance of flowers.

A short drive from the market takes you to the base of the hill that leads up to the view point and monastery of Monserrate. Ascend to the summit by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point the view across the city will enable you to see the different sectors of Bogota--from La Candelaria and its terracotta tiled roofs to the high-rise business sector and across the sabana (flat plains) and off in to the distance. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians whom make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent. There are a few artisan shops, with others selling snacks and refreshments.

After your visit to Monserrate you’ll have some free time for lunch on your own in the historical Candelaria district.  Afterwards continue with your walking tour through the historical heart and soul of the city,  with the Plaza Bolivar (Main Square) as the focal point. Surrounding the square are several important Colonial and Republican style buildings. As you wander the streets of La Candelaria away from the main square, enjoy the unique and diverse architecture as your guide explains the history of Bogota along with the intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. After a refreshment stop in one of the city’s coffee houses, your tour continues with visits to two of the most important museums of the city.

The Botero Museum is a permanent exhibition of paintings and sculptor by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist whose "oversized” art is instantly recognizable. In addition, you’ll find pieces of Botero’s private art collection featuring world famous artists such as Picasso, Dali, Monet and Van Gogh.

Next stop will be the nearby Gold Museum. This museum displays one of the finest collections of Pre-Hispanic gold in the world. Many of the works are said to be unsurpassed by goldsmiths of today and it’s easy to understand when you allow yourself time to study examples such as the Balsa Muisca (Offering boat). This golden raft is one of the focal points of the display and was the driving force in the Spaniards quest to find El Dorado. After this visit you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, with the remainder of the afternoon & evening to enjoy Bogota on your own. (B)

NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and the Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. Order of visits this day may change due to weather, operational schedules, etc.

Day 3:  Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (with option to add on Guatavita Volcano visit for a full day tour) 
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral:

For some this is a religious monument, others a celebration of engineering or maybe even an artistic masterpiece. One of the marvels of Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is well worth the visit. For the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its earth and the hidden jewel beneath the earth’s surface, Zipaquirá is one of the most popular visits during a stay in Bogotá.

The subtle lighting pronounces the fourteen Stations of the Cross as you descend in to the mine, each station sculpted by a different artist. At the deepest point of the cathedral, almost 600’ below the earth’s surface, you encounter the nave and the north and south aisles dominated by the 52’ high central cross. The illumination and execution of the work is a tribute to modern techniques and years of work from the miners and artists. Your guide will explain all about the cathedral’s construction and how it and the mine still function in harmony. Around the central square of the town of Zipaquirá the colonial buildings still hold their charm footed by brickwork paving and overlooked by the Cathedral Diocesana de San Antonio.

With optional extension to Guatavita: After your visit to Zipaquirá you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Guatavita. Lake Guatavita is a circular lake in the mountains in what appears to be a meteor crater. The origins of the crater are unclear however it is reputedly one of the sacred lakes of the Muisca people, and a ritual conducted there is widely thought to be the basis for the legend of El Dorado. The legend says the lake is where the Muisca celebrated a ritual in which the Zipa (named "El Dorado" by the Conquistadores) was covered in gold dust, then venturing out into the water on a ceremonial raft made of rushes, he dived into the waters washing off the gold. Afterward, trinkets', jewelry and other precious offerings were thrown into the waters by worshipers. A few artifacts of gold and silver found at bottom hold proof to this claim; however, to date, the trips to the bottom of the lake have yielded no more than these. Your guide will expand on the many more legends associated with Lake Guatavita.  (B) (L with full day tour only)

Day 4: Bogota to Armenia or Pereira (depending on your hotel location). Transfer to the Bogota airport (spanish speaking driver) to take your morning flight to the coffee country  You’ll be met on arrival by our local biligual guide and transferred to your select hotel.  Time to settle in and enjoy the facilities and charm of your select accommodation. Some hotels have hiking trails, access to horseback riding, swimming pool and gardens to enjoy.  (B; add D with deluxe option)

Day 5: After breakfast depart on a morning half day tour  to a nearby coffee farm for an integrated coffee processing and tasting experience at either Cafe San Alberto or Hacienda Venecia (depending on your hotel's location). Observe the coffee culture in Colombia from planting, to ripening, collecting, washing and drying and learn how to really "taste" coffee. You have the option to extend to a full day tour including a visit to local botanical gardens and a butterfly farm +  lunch at local restaurant. Please see our  Pricing/Trip Notes tab for details.  (B; adds L with Full day tour; add D with deluxe option)

Day 6: Full day tour of traditional coffee towns and Cocora Valley. After breakfast meet your guide and depart for a full day tour to the highlights of the region. Your stops include the town of Salento where you'll admire one of the typical towns of the Coffee Region. Observe  the typical architecture of their houses and the daily way of life.  You'll also enjoy a visit to a local cafe for a "latte-art activity.  A stop in the traditional town of Filandia is also included with a visit to their 60' lookout tower for fabulous views of the surrounding countryside.  For a unique nature experience we've also included a visit to the Cocora Valley, part of the Natural reserve of ACAIME, to observe the wax palm, national tree of Colombia.  Ride the famous "Jeep Willy's up to the park and enjoy some easy walking to view the wax palms and local scenery. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. 

For those interested in a bit more active adventure this day--you can add in a 3-4 hour trek in Cocora to the Acaime Hummingbird Reserve. All other visits are included except Filandia town and the latte-art activity in Salento. Please advise your preference when confirming your trip.  (B, L; add D with deluxe option)

Day 7:  Morning at leisure with opportunity to enjoy the nice swimming pool and lovely grounds of the hacienda. We've included a transfer the nearest airport to either return to Bogota, or continue your Colombia explorations with perhaps a visit to Cartagena or Medellin.  Medellin can be reached either via flights through Bogota (or local airline direct, but with small luggage limits) OR a scenic overland trip through the Andes. Prices depend on your hotel's location and # of travelers--please consult us for your quote. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; D=Dinner