The key moments
During this 17-day tour you will discover the best of Colombia: the diversity of its landscapes and the warmth of its people.
You will be hosted by Duvier and his family in the heart of the coffee area on a small farm and you will end your program in the Guajira desert where you will be hosted by an indigenous family in the heart of the desert for a total immersion in the Wayuu culture.
During this trip you will travel by public transport, which will allow you to be in contact with the population and provoke more encounters.
- Salento and the Cocora Valley
- La Giralda, coffee farm
- Discovery of cocoa culture
- Tayrona Park
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Bogotá
You arrive at Bogotá airport.
Bogotá is perched at an altitude of 2600 m in the heart of the Andes Cordillera. With its 9 million inhabitants, it is the political, economic and cultural capital of the country. It is a cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant cultural life. It is also one of the high places of Latin American gastronomy where you can taste a cuisine retracing the Colombian traditions.
Take the direction of the Candelaria district: it is a haven of peace. An island in the center of the capital with its narrow streets where it is good to stroll and discover its colonial buildings.
Private transfer to your hotel in the historic center of Bogotá (transport: 40 min).
Overnight in Casa de la Vega Hotel
Day 2 – Free day in Bogotá
Explore the capital in complete freedom.
You can stroll through the historic center, a cultural district where many artists live. We advise you to visit the Museum of Gold and the Botero Foundation. Don’t forget to take the cable car to get to the top of Mount Serrate where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city of Bogotá.
Overnight in Casa de la Vega Hotel
Day 3 – Salento
You take a public taxi to get to the airport for your flight to Armenia (1 hour flight). On arrival in Armenia, you take either a public taxi or a bus (1 hour journey) to get to Salento.
Small village typical of the region, Salento has kept its paisa charm (denomination which designates the inhabitants of this region) which enchants visitors so much.
Its colorful colonial houses catch the eye and delight amateur photographers. The center of the village is full of small restaurants or small stalls and of course cafes where for a small fee you will have the pleasure of tasting excellent coffee.
Overnight in Casa de las 2 Palmas Hotel
Day 4 – Hike in the Cocora Valley
The Cocora Valley is a magnificent valley located in the heart of the Cafetera area. It shelters an endemic tree symbol of Colombia: the wax palm, a very tall and centenary tree.
You will discover this superb valley during a hike which will lead you to the Acaime reserve where you will observe hummingbirds and taste a good coffee.
Overnight in Casa de las 2 Palmas Hotel
Days 5 and 6 – Coffee Farm: la Giralda
In the morning, you take a bus to go to Pereira then another one to go to Manizales. To get to the Giralda farm in the Cuchilla del Salado, take a public taxi.
You will spend two days immersed in the daily life of a family of coffee farmers housed on a traditional farm. Duvier and his family will welcome you at home as friends and will make you discover their region and their profession.
You will discover the culture of coffee and visit a traditional market, the Manizales coffee cooperative and the small village of Cuchilla del Salado. You will also hike through the sumptuous and hilly landscapes of the coffee area, play Tejo (a kind of local pétanque) with your hosts and learn how to cook a tamal, a typical dish of the region during a workshop.
You will have a great time sharing and exchanging with Duvier and his family.
Overnight in Duvier and Carmenza’s guest house
Day 7 – Cartagena
Duvier will drive you to Pereira airport for your flight to Cartagena (1.5 hour flight).
Cartagena is a fantastic city which captivates the traveler and tells him the secrets of colonial history and piracy. The many churches that stand inside the old town remind us of the grandeur of its past history. At nightfall Cartagena takes on a romantic atmosphere and it is good to stroll through its streets carried by the sea breeze.
You have the rest of the day at leisure to enjoy this magnificent city.
Overnight in Casa Pizarro Hotel
Days 8 and 9 – Rosario Islands
You will spend two days relaxing on a small paradise island in the Caribbean Sea inside the Rosario Islands Natural Park, accommodated in a small charming hotel with only 5 bungalows facing the sea. A magical place to relax and unwind.
Overnight in Isabela Ecohotel
Day 10 – Cartagena
You will be back in Cartagena in the early afternoon.
Continue your tour of the historic center.
Overnight in Casa Pizarro Hotel
Day 11 – Transfer to the entrance of Tayrona Park
Transfer by public bus (door to door) to the Quetzal Dorado Hotel right next to Tayrona Park.
Relaxing afternoon by the hotel swimming pool.
Overnight at Quetzal Dorado
Day 12 – Free day in Tayrona Park
Private transfer organized by your hotel to the main entrance of Tayrona Park.
Tayrona Park is a magical place, steeped in history and legends, with incredible biodiversity. 34 km from the city of Santa Marta, it is one of the most important natural parks in Colombia. Inhabited by the Tayrona, an ethnic group native to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, it is the link between the Cordillera and the Caribbean Sea. Its white beaches of wild beauty invite you to relax. The many hiking trails that run through the park allow the discovery of an incredibly rich fauna and flora.
Return to the hotel by public bus or taxi.
Overnight at Quetzal Dorado
Day 13 – Visit of a traditional Cocoa farm and kayak trip down the Rio Don Diego
In the morning after a nice hike through the steep paths of the Sierra Nevada, you will visit a family cocoa farm. Discover the secrets of the cocoa culture and meet beautiful people.
In the afternoon, kayak down the calm waters of Rio don Diego to observe the many species of birds that live on these banks. At the end of this descent you will discover a sublime beach, preserved with wild beauty.
Private transfer to Riohacha.
Overnight in Emerawaa Hotel
Day 14 – Cultural Immersion in a Wayuu family
Early departure in the morning for La Guajira in a 4-wheel drive car.
La Guajira is a wild and desert land that extends to the far north of Latin America. You will discover the Wayuu culture and magnificent beaches where the sand dunes flow into the Caribbean.
Visit the salt marshes of Manaure and Uribia the indigenous capital of Guajira.
Arrival in the afternoon at La Boquita beach and relax.
At sunset, you will take a small fishing boat to go to your accommodation in the family of Emilio, a Wayuu family.
Dinner and overnight at homestay
Day 15 – Cultural Immersion in a Wayuu family
After breakfast, you will leave for the largest sand dune in Latin America and spend the morning on a deserted Caribbean beach in the middle of the desert.
Visit the viewpoint and lighthouse at Punta Gallina, the most northerly point in Latin America.
Afternoon and sunset on La Guja beach.
Meal and overnight stay with the locals
Day 16 – Cultural Immersion in a Wayuu family
In the morning you will take a boat trip through the mangrove and the magnificent landscapes of the desert.
Return by 4-wheel drive through the desert to Ríohacha airport for your flight to Bogotá (1h30 flight)
Overnight in Casa de la Vega Hotel
Day 17 – Transfer to the airport
You take a public taxi to Bogotá Airport.
Budget
Our travel programs are given as an example, to inspire you and take ideas.
Then we create with you the trip of your dreams. Depending on the duration of your trip, we advise you on the sites to be visited, you choose your accommodation, the means of transport and if you want a guide who accompanies you and makes you discover Colombia still confidential.
Contact us by email at info@phimavoyages.com or by our contact form. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
The program includes:
- Nights of accommodation in a 3-star hotel in a double room or in a guest room, breakfast included
- Meals as indicated
- Personalized assistance throughout the tour, 24 hours a day
Not included:
- Food not specified in the itinerary
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Additional expenses for souvenir or craft purchases
- Bank transfer fees
