ColOMbia: classic colomba

march 25 - april 1, 2022

Begin with a walking tour of the Colonial district of La Candelaria, one of Bogota’s oldest neighborhoods, then head towards the Gold Museum, which houses more than 55,000 pieces of pre-Hispanic gold and artifacts. Continue in Bogota with a walk through the lively Zona Rosa district, with its exciting nightlife. Finally admire the rich architecture of magical Cartagena, the queen of the Caribbean coast.

DAY 1: Depart for colOmbia

Depart for Colombia, a country of great diversity, culture, and natural beauty. Arrive in Medellín, a striking hillside metropolis, named the “City of Eternal Spring” because of its year-round mild temperatures; transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city independently.

Overnight: Medellín

DAY 2: Medellín city tour

This morning, take a tour of the city. First, arrive at Botero Plaza accented by the artist’s huge metal sculptures and home to the Museo de Antiquia with its outstanding collection of Botero’s paintings as well as other famous international artists. Continue to Barefoot Park, a delightful zen-inspired public area that encompasses a small bamboo forest and sandy areas. Return to your hotel in the afternoon. The rest of the day is free to explore this lovely city on your own or, join the optional tour to the Santa Elena area, near Medellín. Santa Elena is one of the most typical “Antioqueño” towns, where the “Silleteros” tradition, linked to the flower production of the area, was born. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Dinner with your fellow travelers and an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager on the delightful journey of Colombia that awaits you.

Overnight: Medellín

Meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner

Optional Experience:

Half Day Santa Elena

Depart for Santa Elena, a small colonial town high in a mountainside near Medellín. It is one of the most typical “Antioqueño” towns, where the “Silleteros” tradition, linked to the flower production of the area, was born. Tour the area where the well-know floral arrangements have become a famous symbol of Medellín. Explore an organic flower farm and immerse yourself in the euphoric sights and smells of the plants. Marvel at the spectacular flower sculptures and diverse species of plants. At the end of the tour, enjoy a typical Colombian coffee. Afterwards, return to the hotel in Medellín.

Approximate tour duration is 4 hours.

Cost: $49

DAY 3: Bogota to cartagena

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Cartagena, a magical city with a richness of architecture, massive fortifications, and wonderful sea breezes. See expansive views of the city, sea and the port zone as you make your way to the San Felipe castle-fortress built on San Lazaro Hill, the largest in South America, to defend the city from pirate attacks. At the walled city, walk through the multicolored houses and buildings of the Old City of Cartagena. Visit San Pedro Claver Sanctuary and Church built in the mid-17th century. Then, on to "The Vaults", archways built in the late 1700's, within the walled city that were used to store armaments and later as a prison. Today, the entire area is a thriving artisans' center with beautiful local handicrafts. Remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight: Cartagena

Meal(s): Breakfast

DAY 4: Full day in cartagena

Spend a full day at leisure in Cartagena to further explore the city on your own or, join the optional half day La Boquilla Mangrove tour. In the afternoon perhaps, participate in the optional half day tour Bird-watching at the Colombian National Aviary.

Overnight: Cartagena

Meal(s): Breakfast

optional experiences:

Half Day La Boquilla Mangrove

Enjoy a tour of the mangrove swamps of La Boquilla, a fishing village located twenty minutes north of Cartagena. Take a ride on an original wooden canoe that glides through the dense growth of mangroves, providing a close up view of this rich and diverse ecosystem; you will observe different birds. Your guide will provide facts about the surroundings and talk about the flora and fauna that you will encounter. Afterwards, return to the hotel.

Half Day Bird-Watching at the Colombian National Aviary

Depart Cartagena and travel south for about an hour through the picturesque countryside to the Colombia National Aviary, which houses more than 1,750 birds, representing 135 species. It’s the second biggest aviary in Latin America, and sixth in the world. This fascinating place, with its unique flora and fauna, aims to educate and create awareness about the diversity of birds found in Colombia. Take a walking tour through the three ecosystems, tropical rainforest, seaboard and desert. At the end of the tour, enjoy a typical Colombian coffee before returning to Cartagena.

the details

what’s included

Flights Miami to Bogota, Bogota to Miami

Intra-flight Bogota to Cartagena

4 nights accommodations (2 nights Bogota, 2 nights Cartagena)

All transfers

5 meals (4 breakfasts, 1 dinner)

All hotel taxes, fees, service charges & porterage

Airline taxes & fuel surcharges

Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach

Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout

Services of English-speaking local guides

Entrance fees per itinerary

what’s not included

Travel Insurance (Unless Package with Insurance is purchased)

Admission to Optional Excursions (Available to Purchase)

Questions?

Contact us at info@thewanderlusttravelclub.com