11-Day Colombia Highlights Tour with Tayrona, Cartagena and Medellín

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Day 01

Arrival in Santa Marta and Evening City Atmosphere

• Our tour to Colombia starts in the Caribbean town of Santa Marta.
• Although there are some relics of historic architecture, Santa Marta is best used as a base from which to make a day trip to Tayrona National Park.
• At least on the weekends, Santa Marta boasts a very vibrant nightlife scene.
• Performers in the main square entertain guests, and people walk the streets checking out local bands playing inside the restaurants.
• We are scheduled to take a guided tour in the early evening.

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Day 02

Tayrona National Park by Horseback and Boat

• Before relocating by land to the colonial city of Cartagena, we make a day trip from Santa Marta to Tayrona National Park.
• Upon arrival, we go on a horseback ride to reach what is considered the prettiest beach in all of Colombia.
• After walking to a viewpoint and swimming, we take a boat ride along the scenic coast to return to Santa Marta.

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Day 03

El Totumo Mud Bath and Cartagena Exploration

• Our day starts with a day trip to El Totumo Volcano.
• There, we dip inside its mud pool and are then scrubbed by an experienced local.
• After being washed down, we return to Cartagena and explore.
• Characterized by beautiful balconies, rich architecture, stone-paved alleyways, charming cafes, and romantic restaurants, Cartagena is undoubtedly Colombia's showcase destination.

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Day 04

Cartagena's Colonial Streets and Island Option

• We spend the day exploring Cartagena.
• This UNESCO-designated city grows on us rather quickly: cheerful and colorful sites, ambiance, food, and a great nightlife scene.
• Its landmarks and colonial streets will enchant you.
• If you have more time, consider adding a day trip from Cartagena to the Rosario Islands.
• Although there is not anything specific to see, spending the day snorkeling and going from tropical island to tropical island puts a smile on most people's faces.

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Day 05

Flight to Pereira, Cocora Valley, and Salento

• We relocate by flight from Cartagena to the city of Pereira and immediately head to Cocora Valley.
• There, we find the most stunning mountainous landscape the country has to offer.
• There, we also have the opportunity to take photos with artistic objects such as flower displays, a colorful car, a tall hand statue, and more.
• We are then taken to a colonial town called Salento.
• There, we walk the historic streets and get views from attractive lookout points.

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Day 06

Coffee Region, Filandia, and Thermal Waters

• There is a lot to see before relocating by flight from Pereira to the city of Medellín.
• Our morning starts with a visit to a coffee plantation.
• There, we are provided with a guided tour followed by samplings of some of the region's best coffees.
• We are then taken to the colonial town of Filandia.
• There, we are provided with a guided tour as well as a walk up to a stunning lookout point.
• We are then taken to a thermal pool located in the village of Thermales.
• There, we relax in the naturally warm waters before checking out the waterfall.

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Day 07

Guatapé, Piedra del Peñol, and Medellín Nightlife

• We make a day trip from Medellín to the colonial town of Guatapé.
• First, we head to a nearby natural attraction known as Piedra del Peñol.
• There, we take a flightseeing tour over this giant rock and the calm waters surrounding it.
• We then head back to town and are provided with a guided tour.
• When we return to Medellín, we are to take a guided nightlife tour.
• There are few places on Earth that have a nightlife as vibrant as here, spreading in every direction for several blocks.

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Day 08

Medellín's Lookouts, Downtown, and Comuna Transformation

• Before relocating by flight to Bogotá, we spend the whole day exploring Medellín.
• We take a cable car ride to visit the most popular lookout point.
• We visit the downtown area, which is home to churches, parks, street stalls, and some historic buildings with decorative interiors.
• We also head to what was once the most dangerous neighbourhood in Colombia, if not in the world.
• Today, it is an area that symbolizes peace.
• It hosts several art galleries and a museum that displays objects or devices used during times of war.
• Above this neighbourhood is a nice lookout point, reached by an escalator.
• While we are there, hopefully, a music band and/or a dance group will perform.
• They bring a lot of good energy to the area.

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Day 09

Villa de Leyva and the Salt Cathedral

• We make a day trip from Bogotá first to the colonial town of Villa de Leyva.
• Then, we proceed to the Salt Cathedral.
• Along with Barichara, which is relatively far away from the country's highlights, Villa de Leyva is the prettiest of Colombia's small historic towns.
• It is best explored on foot.
• The Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 meters underground in a halite mountain.
• It is a tourist destination and a place of pilgrimage in the country.

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Day 10

Bogotá Landmarks and Stylish Districts

• We spend the day checking out the capital of Colombia.
• Highlights include a viewpoint called Montserrat, the Gold Museum, and the Cathedral.
• Nonetheless, Bogotá's historic attractions are not its greatest draw.
• The city features relatively wealthy neighborhoods, comparable to Beverly Hills in the United States.
• We spend time in the area checking out the restaurants, shops, and nightlife.
• Locals dress to impress in this district of Bogotá.
• Prepare to go people-watching.

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Day 11

Departure from Bogotá

• We will provide you with transportation to the airport in Bogotá.