Colombia Explorer | 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. We suggest beginning this itinerary with a Saturday arrival to Bogota.

Day 1: BOGOTÁ .
Arrival in Bogotá. After clearing customs and immigration, you are met by our local representative and transferred to your selected hotel. Check in for a three night stay.
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 BOGOTA 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: BOGOTÁ – NEIVA - SAN AGUSTÍN
After breakfast you are met at your hotel and transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Neiva. Drive from Neiva for approximately four hours where the journey will follow the Magdalena Valley, and then arrival at the town of San Agustín. The mountainous landscape, valleys and canyons like the Pericongo are marvellous attractions to ease the journey that goes from 400 metres (1,300 ft) above sea level to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) where San Agustín is located.  Continue to your selected hotel, and check-in for a 3-night stay.  Afternoon free to enjoy your hotel & surroundings and check-out the town.  (B)

The little town of San Agustin is located at the “Macizo Colombiano“, a geographical area from where the three mountain ranges of the Colombian Andes branch off. The access to it, from Neiva the nearest airport in operation, can only be accomplished by road, taking five hours to get there. In San Agustin, one can find hundreds of carved stone statues, fountains, tombs and monolithic sarcophagus holding mysteries that confuse the mind. The carvers of these gigantic and well finished stone statues, lived from 500 B.C. to 1600 A.C. and among scientists it is one of the most interesting ancient cultures to be studied.

Day 4: SAN AGUSTÍN/ARCHAEOLOGY
Breakfast included and then morning visits to San Agustín Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site of pre-Colombian archaeological significance and considered the largest such site in South America.  The tour starts with a visit to the tombs, architecture and structures of Mesitas sites A, B and C; the Lavapatas Fountain which is a complex maze of canals and pools carved into the bedrock; the Forest of Statues where some of the finest sculptors are gathered and finally the Archaeological Museum. you'll stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing with stops at some of the smaller sites in the area.  One of these will be La Chaquira--an historic 1st-10th century ceremonial site with carved figures & views of valleys & the Magdalena River. Late afternoon return to your hotel. (B, L)

Day 5:  MORE ARCHAEOLOGY or VISITS TO LOCAL COFFEE & SUGAR CANE FARMS. BOTH OPTIONS INCLUDE VISIT TO THE STRAITS OF THE MAGDALENA RIVER/FULL DAY
For our die-hard archaeology buffs you'll continue your explorations today with visits to the sites of Alto de Idolo, Alto de Piedras and  Obando.

For those that prefer a more local cultural encounters we'll visit a nearby coffee farm to learn about Colombia's most famous export. The province where San Agustin is located is one of Colombia's most prolific coffee producing areas. Learn about the planting, harvesting and roasting of the coffee beans of one of the local growers.  A true "seed to cup" experience. Another stop will be to a local Trapiche--a sugar cane farm where you'll experience how the rural communities process sugar cane.

Both options include lunch and a visit to the scenic Straits of the Magdalena River. The Magdalena is one of Colombia's main rivers, and these straits are where you can walk down to the river to feel this full force of nature as it funnels into a channel of about 7 feet wide.  A bonus is the stunning scenery!  Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.  (B,L)

Day 6: SAN AGUSTÍN – NEIVA - BOGOTÁ
After breakfast depart on the return drive to the airport in Neiva (approximately 4 hours) and your flight to Bogotá. On arrival you are met and transferred to your select hotel in the Usaquen neighborhood of Bogota. Enjoy a little orientation walk with your guide around the cobblestone streets to observe the mid 17th century Spanish Colonial architecture found through-out the neighborhood. ,You'll also discover local shops, restaurants, brew-pubs and markets. Located in the northern part of the city, Usaquen is well located for your departure to Villa de Leyva tomorrow morning.    (B)

Day 7:  BOGOTÁ – ZIPAQUIRA SALT CATHEDRAL--VILLA DE LEYVA .
After an early breakfast, depart Bogota with your private guide for tour north to the charming town of Villa de Leyva.  Your tour begins with a stop at one of the marvels of Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá  For some this is a religious monument, others a celebration of engineering or maybe even an artistic masterpiece. 

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. Lunch is included in the nearby town before continuing your drive north to Villa de Leyva taking in magnificent mountain scenery as you make a short stop at Puente de Boyacá. This is where Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish forces and assured the Independence of Colombia in 1819.

After this visit a secondary road winds its way to Samacá with stunning landscapes and beautiful views which is on route to Villa de Leyva. check-in to your select hotel for a 3-night stay. (B, L)

Day 8: VILLA DE LEYVA This morning is dedicated to a half day walking tour of this charming colonial town. Visits include the Antonio Nariño Museum, "Nuestra Senora del Rosario" and the "Carmen" Churches, Villa de Leyva Plaza, Antonio Ricaute Park and streets featuring artisan craft shops. After your tour you have free time for lunch and to explore on your own this afternoon. (B)

Day 9:  SAN AGUSTIN CONVENT – ECCE HOMO – EL FOSIL MUSEUM & RÁQUIRA
Today you'll meet your private guide to venture outside of Villa de Leyva to explore the highlights of the surrounding countryside. Stops include the San Agustin Convent and El Fósil Museum where an impressive complete 120 million year old Kronosaurus queenslandicus fossil is on exhibition. The tour continues to Ecce Homo Monastery located in the desert area of La Candelaria. Your final stop is to the nearby town of Ráquira, famous for its pottery and colony of artisans.(B, L)

Day 10: VILLA DE LEYVA - BOGOTA
Departure time today depends on your continuing plans in Bogota. You can have the morning free and an afternoon transfer (with driver only) directly to the Bogota airport for a late evening departure back to the US. if your itinerary takes you to another part of Colombia, then we suggest departing right after breakfast and transfer directly to the airport for flights to Cartagena, Medellin, or other stops.  We can also arrange for additional nights in Bogota. Please advise your preferences when confirming your trip so we make additional arrangements accordingly. (B)

B=Breakfast; L=Lunch; BL=Box Lunch; D=Dinner