Colombian Natural Treasures

Upon your arrival at the airport, you will be met by a representative for a warm welcome and assisted with your private transfer to the hotel. During the journey, an English-speaking guide will accompany you, providing helpful insights and suggestions to help you settle in and make the most of your time in Colombia. From practical tips on getting around to recommendations on local places to visit, your guide will ensure you start your stay with confidence and ease. The ride to the hotel also offers a first glimpse of the city’s character, with its mix of modern life and longstanding customs. By the time you arrive and check in at your hotel, you’ll already have a basic understanding of what to expect, what to look forward to, and how to make your experience comfortable and enjoyable.

Bogotá Street Art

Bogotá Streets

Bogotá Cityscape

City Life

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Casa Legado

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Start your day early with a visit to Paloquemao Market, one of Bogotá’s most traditional and lively marketplaces. Here, you’ll find stalls full of tropical fruits, colorful flowers, and a variety of local produce. Take the opportunity to try unique flavors such as lulo or guanábana, and chat with vendors who are always happy to share tips or stories about their goods. It’s a great introduction to the everyday rhythms of the city. Next, head to Monserrate, a mountain that overlooks Bogotá. You can reach the top by hiking, funicular, or cable car—whichever suits your pace. At the summit sits the Sanctuary of Saint Christ Fallen, and on clear days, the view across the city and surrounding savanna is especially striking. Continue to La Candelaria, the historic heart of Bogotá. Walk through its narrow streets lined with colonial-era buildings, colorful murals, small cafes, and local shops. It’s a pleasant place to slow down and get a feel for the city’s past and present. Nearby, Plaza de Bolívar is a central square surrounded by important buildings like the Cathedral and government offices. Round off your day with visits to two key museums: the Museo Botero, featuring works by Fernando Botero and others, and the Museo del Oro, which displays thousands of gold artifacts from Colombia’s indigenous cultures.

Guanábana

Monserrate

Plaza de Bolivar

La Candelaria

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Casa Legado

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Begin your day with a visit to the Nemocón Salt Mine, located just outside Bogotá. This historic site offers a unique underground experience as you walk through cool, dimly lit tunnels carved over centuries. Along the way, you’ll see salt crystal formations and learn about the traditional mining techniques once used in the area. The mine also includes an underground chapel and a small saltwater pool—quiet spaces that add a reflective tone to the visit. After exploring the mine, continue to the Tatacoita Desert near the town of Nemocón. This lesser-known area features dry, rugged terrain and interesting rock formations shaped by wind and time. On a guided walk, take in the quiet surroundings and gain insight into the area's geology and natural features. The pace is relaxed, allowing time to appreciate the scenery and enjoy the peaceful setting. At the end of the activities, you’ll be transferred to the town of Villa de Leyva. Known for its colonial architecture and scenic location, it’s a great place to unwind after a full day. Please note: a guide will accompany you during the mine and desert visits; afterwards, the transfer to Villa de Leyva will be handled by a driver only.

Nemocón Salt Mine

Tatacoa Desert

Tatacoa Desert

Villa de Leyva

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Hotel Casa Alcestre

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Boyacá, a region in Colombia, is well known for its distinctive local food traditions. Among its most recognizable dishes is the envuelto de mazorca, a type of corn tamale made with fresh cheese known as cuajada. Though similar versions can be found in other parts of the country, the Boyacá version has its own flavor and preparation style that reflects the area's agricultural roots. During this workshop near Villa de Leyva, you’ll have the chance to learn how to make envueltos from Doña Isabel, a local cook who has kept her family’s recipe alive for generations. In the kitchen of her countryside home, she’ll guide you step by step—from choosing fresh corn and removing the kernels, to grinding the mixture by hand and wrapping each portion in corn husks. As you cook together, Doña Isabel shares personal stories and insights into daily life in the Colombian countryside. You’ll also have time to visit her garden and see some of the crops she grows. The workshop ends with everyone enjoying a warm envuelto served with coffee or hot chocolate—a simple but meaningful way to connect with local food traditions and the people who keep them going.

Cooking Class

Envueltos

Cuajada

Cooking Class

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Hotel Casa Alcestre

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You will begin the day with a transfer from Villa de Leyva to Barichara, a journey of approximately 186 km that takes around five hours. An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the trip to provide assistance and context along the way. Midway through the drive, you’ll stop in Socorro, known as the “Cuna de la Libertad” (Cradle of Liberty). Located in the Santander region, this town played a key role in Colombia’s early independence movement. In 1781, Manuela Beltrán, a local woman, tore up a royal decree—an act that sparked the Comuneros rebellion. While Socorro has deep historical roots, it also offers a calm and welcoming atmosphere. As you walk its cobblestone streets, you’ll see colonial architecture and quiet plazas that reflect its past. Museums in town display documents and objects related to the revolution, offering a look at the events that shaped the region. You may also want to stop by local artisan workshops or small cafes that serve regional dishes and sweets. Socorro is a thoughtful pause on the journey—a chance to connect with Colombia’s past and enjoy the rhythm of everyday life in a smaller town before continuing on to Barichara.

Barichara

Socorro Cathedral

Barichara Streets

Barichara Views

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Casa Barichara Boutique

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Begin your day with a gentle downhill walk from Barichara to the small village of Guane along the Camino Real, a stone path once used by the Guane people and later by the Spanish for trade. The one-hour walk begins near Barichara’s main square and winds through dry forest, with views of cacti, valleys, and distant hills. At the end of the trail, a small motorized tuc-tuc will take you into Guane. The village is quieter and smaller than Barichara, with whitewashed buildings and a central plaza where locals often gather. A small museum displays thousands of fossils and artifacts, including a 700-year-old mummy and skulls shaped according to Guane cultural practices. A short, Spanish-language tour adds context to the collection. Later in the day, return to Barichara for a hands-on mud painting session. Using natural earth pigments sourced from local soil, you’ll learn how to mix paints and create your own artwork. An instructor will guide you through the process—no art background is needed. This calm and creative experience offers a chance to slow down and connect with the surroundings in a different way.

Guane

Guane

Guane Museum

Mud Painting

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Casa Barichara Boutique

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You’ll begin the day with a transfer from Barichara to Bucaramanga, stopping at Mesa de los Santos along the way. An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day. The first stop is Chicamocha Canyon Park, where you’ll have the chance to cross one of the deepest canyons in the world by cable car. The ride offers wide views of the surrounding cliffs and valleys, with natural scenery stretching out in all directions. The park also provides a chance to pause and take in the landscape before continuing the journey. Next, you’ll visit Hacienda El Roble, a well-known coffee farm in Mesa de los Santos. This plantation spans over 300 hectares and is recognized for its high-quality coffee, grown using sustainable methods. At the traditional main house, you’ll meet your guide and begin a walk through the farm, learning about the growing process and the benefits of cultivating shade-grown coffee. Banana plants and native vegetation help create a balanced environment for the coffee trees. The visit concludes with a tasting led by the hacienda’s coffee expert, who will introduce you to several varieties and explain the key features of each. It’s a relaxed and informative way to experience this well-regarded Colombian crop.

Chicamocha Canyon

Coffee Plantation

Chicamocha

Bucaramanga

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Dann Carlton Bucaramanga

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Your day begins with a transfer from your hotel to the Bucaramanga airport. This portion of the trip will be handled by a professional driver, who will ensure a smooth and timely arrival for your upcoming flight. You will then take a flight from Bucaramanga to Santa Marta. Please keep in mind that the total travel time may vary depending on the length of your connection in Bogotá. The connection time is subject to flight availability and may differ depending on the day and airline schedules. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, another driver will be waiting to take you to your next destination: the Tayrona area. This drive offers a change in scenery as you make your way from the coastal city toward the edges of the national park, known for its natural surroundings and relaxed pace. The road winds through more rural areas as you get closer to the coast, eventually reaching your accommodation. This series of transfers is designed to keep your travel day as smooth as possible, allowing you to rest and enjoy the changing landscapes as you transition from the Santander highlands to Colombia’s Caribbean coast.

Tayrona

Riohacha

Tayrona Wildlife

Tayrona Scenery

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Casa Hotel Juan Pablo II

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Your day begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Riohacha. From there, you'll head to the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna of the Flamingos, located about 20 minutes outside the city. Upon arrival, you'll board a canoe for a guided trip through the Navío Quebrado lagoon. This peaceful journey gives you the chance to observe local birdlife, including flamingos, depending on the season. The canoe ride typically lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours. In some months, especially when water levels are higher or during migration periods, flamingos may be more easily spotted in nearby areas such as Perico. Following the lagoon visit, you’ll travel to a nearby Wayuu community. Here, you’ll be welcomed with a traditional drink called chirrinchi. The visit includes a short talk led by community members about their customs and way of life, followed by a performance of their traditional dance, La Yonna. You’ll also sample a typical dish called friche, made from goat, served with a local bun and chicha, a fermented corn-based beverage. After spending some time with the community, you’ll return to your hotel in Riohacha. Please note that flamingo sightings depend on weather and migration patterns.

Flamingos

Chicha Morada

Wayuu People

Sanctuary

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Casa Hotel Juan Pablo II

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Today, you'll travel from Tayrona to Cartagena by private vehicle. Your driver will meet you at your accommodation and take you on a scenic drive along Colombia’s northern coastline. The journey offers a changing backdrop of coastal views, small towns, and stretches of countryside. It’s a good opportunity to relax and take in the natural surroundings as you make your way toward the Caribbean city of Cartagena. Upon arrival in Cartagena, you’ll check into your hotel and have the rest of the day free to enjoy the city at your own pace. Whether you prefer to take a quiet walk along the old city walls, stop for coffee in a shaded courtyard, or simply unwind at your accommodation, the time is yours to use as you wish. Cartagena’s old town, with its cobbled streets and historic architecture, invites slow wandering. You may also want to visit one of the city’s public squares or browse shops selling local crafts and goods. With no scheduled activities for the rest of the day, you have the flexibility to settle in, rest, or begin to get to know the area on your own terms.

Cartagena Woman

Cartagena

The Pearl of the Caribbean

Cartagena

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Hotel Casa Canabal by Faranda Boutique

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Begin your day with a walking tour through the walled city of Cartagena, focusing on two meaningful sites. You’ll visit the church and convent of San Pedro Claver, originally founded by Jesuits and once known as San Ignacio de Loyola. The museum housed here offers insight into the religious architecture of the time, as well as the life and work of Saint Peter Claver, remembered for his dedication to enslaved people. On the upper floor, the Afro-Caribbean Museum features displays that reflect the region’s African heritage and cultural influence. Please note that transportation to and from your hotel is not included in this tour but may be arranged for an additional cost, depending on your location. Later in the day, head to the coastal community of La Boquilla for a hands-on coconut workshop organized by DAMARTES, a local women-led initiative. What started as a training program in 2008 has grown into a small business where the women craft jewelry and home items from coconut shells. During the workshop, held in a relaxed beachside setting, you’ll meet the artisans, hear their stories, and try your hand at creating a small piece to take with you—a personal memento and a meaningful way to support their ongoing efforts.

Cartagena Square

Cartagena Church

Walled City

Coconut workshop

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Hotel Casa Canabal by Faranda Boutique

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Your day begins with a short transfer from your hotel in Cartagena to the harbor, where you’ll board a shared boat headed for the Rosario Islands. A driver will take you directly to the departure point. The boat ride itself offers a chance to take in the coastal scenery as you leave the mainland behind and make your way to your hotel on the island. Once you arrive, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish. The Rosario Islands provide a peaceful setting with calm waters, sandy beaches, and a laid-back atmosphere that invites you to slow down and relax. You may want to take a swim, read a book by the shore, or simply enjoy the gentle rhythm of island life. This unscheduled time gives you space to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Whether you're looking to recharge or just take in the natural setting without a fixed plan, the Rosario Islands offer a quiet backdrop for a more restful day. Spend it doing as much, or as little, as you like.

Rosario Islands

Local Wildlife

Rosario Islands

Rosario Islands

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Isla Matamba

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After arriving in the Rosario Islands, the rest of the day is set aside for you to take it easy. You can relax by the water, read, or go for a swim at your own pace. The setting is quiet and comfortable, with plenty of time to rest and enjoy the simple surroundings. If you're interested in light activities, the hotel may offer options like paddleboarding or snorkeling, but there’s no fixed schedule. A short walk along the beach or just sitting by the shore can be a nice way to pass the time. Meals are usually served at the hotel and often include fresh local ingredients. There’s no need to plan much—this day is meant to give you space to slow down and enjoy the area however you like. In the afternoon, you might take a nap, find a shady spot to sit, or go for another swim. As the day winds down, the evening brings cooler air and a quieter mood. Whether you’re spending time with others or on your own, this is simply a chance to relax before continuing on with your trip.

Paddleboard

Spa

Sunset

Relax

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Isla Matamba

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Spend a quiet morning enjoying your surroundings at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax by the sea, take a walk, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere, the morning is yours to use as you wish. After lunch, you’ll take a shared boat back to Cartagena, departing around 3:00 PM. The return trip usually takes about an hour, depending on weather and sea conditions. Please keep in mind that if you're flying out later, it’s important to schedule your departure for after 6:00 PM to allow for the boat transfer and drive to the airport. Once back on the mainland, a driver will meet you and provide a direct transfer to the airport. No guide is included for this final leg, but the arrangements are simple and designed to make your departure as smooth as possible. This marks the end of your journey, with the last afternoon kept open to allow for a relaxed transition back to the city and on to your final destination home.

Coffee

Flight

Airport

Happy Travels!

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Isla Matamba

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