14 Day Colonial Colombia

Today, we will head out on a half-day visit to the historical centre of Bogota, also known as La Candelaria. This historical suburb is of great significance to the country ́ due to its cultural heritage and its stunning Spanish colonial architecture. The city’s main Plaza is the Plaza de Bolivar, where the statue of Simon Bolivar is found. The plaza was originally used for civil and military purposes The Cathedral, found on the plaza's eastern side, is constructed on the same spot where the first-ever church was built in 1539. ...

Today we will leave Bogota to travel to Zipaquirá, the spectacular Salt Cathedral. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. We will head through a tunnel in the cathedral, taking us to the dome. After we will reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, with the huge cross made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enriqu...

Today we can enjoy Villa de Leyva by visiting its cultural and ecological attractions. There are many important museums such as the Colonial Art Museum and the Museum of Maestro Acuña, which exhibits works of this influential painter, sculptor and writer. The Fossil Museum, founded in 1977, was built exactly where a kronosaurus, a marine reptile of more than 120 million years old and 20 metres in length was discovered. On the outskirts of the town, there is also "El Infiernito", a pre-Hispanic Muisca site, where around 30 mega...

Today we will leave Villa de Leyva and travel to Barichara, where we will spend the evening.

This town was declared a National Architectural Monument in 1975 for the well-preserved urban structure and colonial Spanish-style architecture. The houses are large and have a cloister style design around internal gardens, intricate stonework and clay tiles on the rooftops. The cobblestone streets represent the culture and the population of this town, known for its cuisine, stonemasonry, weaving, tobacco growing and gathering “...

Today we will visit Guane, a small town located on the hillside and found alongside the majestic Suarez River. This journey can be made by car or on a 2 hour hike, along the old Camino Real. This ancient pathway was made by the pre-Columbian indigenous people and following the footsteps of ancestral civilizations. We can appreciate beautiful landscapes, valleys and fossils, as well as the local farmers' way of life as they tend to their crops. This perfectly preserved, colonial village of Guane, is found at 1100 m. We will visit the ...

Today we will leave Barichara and head towards Bucaramanga making a stopover at the theme park in the Chicamocha National Park.  This is home of the majestic Chicamocha Canyon. The river of the same name can be seen in the background. The heat of the region is accompanied by a refreshing breeze, making it ideal for hiking the trails leading to various attractions in this rugged and unique terrain. There is also a cable car, said to be one of the largest and longest cable car rides in the world. It’s worth a visit to the re...

Today, we will head to the airport for our flight to Cartagena, where we will spend the evening.

Early in the morning, we will head out to Mompox, passing through San Juan Nepomuceno, the imposing Montes de Maria, rising up from the savannah and San Jacinto, a famous town for its wicker handicrafts. We will then continue through Carmen de Bolivar, Plato, Nueva Granada, Santa Ana, before arriving at Mompox, a magical place where time has stood still. 

We will begin our day the local way, in a moto-taxi, the perfect solution to the narrow streets of Mompox. The Calle Real del Medio is a perfect example with its whitewashed walls and stately homes behind imposing wooden doors and their carved wooden balconies, spilling over with the flowering plants. The Calle de la Albarrada runs alongside the river. We will head to the 5 colonial churches in town, including Iglesia Santa Barbara in front of a plaza and arguably the most spectacular, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, San Juan del Dios ...

After an early breakfast, we will head back to the city of Cartagena. You will settle into the hotel and enjoy a free evening in this amazing city.

Today, we will head out on a tour of the city,  appreciating its fabulous views from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa, constructed in 1606. This church and monastery are located above the city, offering a panoramic view of the city, coast and port, one of the most important in the Caribbean. We will then head to the San Felipe Fortress, built on the San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks back in colonial times. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, t...

Today is the final day of the tour. After breakfast, we will take you to the airport for your flight to Bogotá or your next exciting destination!