Exploring The Magical Wonders of Colombia

Discover the Charms of Bogota on a Private Tour

Your Bogotá adventure begins with a visit to the lively Paloquemao Market, where the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and flowers will captivate your senses. This bustling market offers a glimpse into the daily life of Bogotá’s locals, immersing you in their rich traditions and customs.

Next, take a stroll through the iconic neighborhood of La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city, where you’ll admire Plaza Bolívar, a place brimming with history and charm.

Later, explore the renowned Gold Museum, home to one of the most impressive collections of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. With over 35,000 pieces, this museum offers a fascinating journey through the region’s past. Be sure to marvel at the legendary golden raft, a key discovery in the Spanish quest for El Dorado.

This morning, we’ll make sure your journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible by accompanying you to the airport for your flight to Pereira, a key destination in Colombia’s renowned coffee region.

Often regarded as the cultural heart of the country, this region will delight you with breathtaking views at every turn. From the gentle hills adorned with coffee plantations to the grand valleys and mountains, the landscape will captivate you. Staying at a local finca or hacienda will allow you to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of this environment, offering a well-deserved rest surrounded by nature and the warmth of the region.

Discovering the Magic of the Coffee Region

Salento is an Andean town in Colombia located west of Bogota. It is popular for its coffee estates and verdant scenery. On the east side of Salento is Cocora Valley where lofty wax palm trees are home to rare parrots and other birds. 

In 1985, Ceroxylon Quindiuense, a distinct species of a palm tree, was declared the country’s national tree.

We will begin the tour by visiting the Cocora Valley. 

First, you’ll have a welcome cocktail called “Canelazo.” With the assistance of a specialist eco guide, we’ll be ready to start the introduction to the natural reserve of Cocora. 

You will then be transferred to the fog’s forest to witness the biodiversity of fauna and flora. There you’ll find the highest wax palm in the world and the tour won’t be complete without connecting with the earth. We will do a special ritual planting of some palms to pay our respect and appreciation to the wonderful gifts of Mother Nature. 

After the planting, we’ll go to the typical village of Salento, a heritage town characterized by its stunning and colorful traditional architecture. We will stop for lunch and continue visiting Filandia, a little town where you can walk through and adore its colonial streets and beautiful crafts. 

You will also have the opportunity to visit the “La Colina Iluminada” lookout point. It offers a panoramic view of the mountains of the coffee region and you have to get your cameras ready. 

Finally, we will visit a traditional basketry workshop where you will learn the art of making baskets using vegetable fibers.

Medellin: The city of Eternal Spring 

It’s time to be captivated by the vibrant Medellín, a city that never fails to surprise! This morning, you’ll fly to Colombia’s second-largest city, a place renowned not only for its dynamic economy and politics but also for its incredible nightlife, fashion, and safety. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant climate year-round, Medellín offers you a unique experience in South America.

Every August, the city comes alive with the famous Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), a carnival brimming with color, music, dances, and flower grower parades. Medellín is also home to the acclaimed artist Fernando Botero, whose unique vision of Colombian life, its people, and global issues is reflected in his sculptures and paintings. You’ll have the chance to admire his works at various spots around the city, particularly at the Museum of Antioquia, where his legacy is felt in every corner.

On this day, you get to explore and learn more about the rich history of Medellín. Stroll through the hustle and bustle of the CIty of Eternal Spring to the famous Botero Plaza located in Parque el Berrio with an exhibition of Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

In its downtown and historic center, you will also get to see 23 outdoor bronze sculptures which are now a landmark in the city. It would be best to take photos beside the sculptures to add to your travel memories.

Colorful Colombia: Flowers, Nature & Villages

You will start the day in the small village of Santa Elena which is located only an hour outside of Medellín. It is home to a great variety of traditional flower farmers. Visit an organic flower farm to experience the traditional culture of Santa Elena. 

Climb to the top of the Guatape Rock for 360 views of the reservoir. 

Guatapé proper. Guatapé is known for the fresco-like adornment of its traditional houses with brightly painted bas-relief depictions of people, animals, and shapes. Walk through the streets, where your specialized guide will inform you about the history of typical houses, ¨zocalos¨, and this unique culture.

Enjoy a delicious typical Colombian lunch at the waterfront of the Guatapé reservoir. You may also explore the lake on a boat ride and take time to stroll and relax at your own pace.

A Romantic Stroll through Cartagena

Today, you’ll board a flight to Cartagena, Colombia’s coastal gem. Your adventure begins with a visit to the imposing Castillo de San Felipe, the largest Spanish fortress in the Americas. From the top, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the old town. This fortress, rich in history, is home to a fascinating labyrinth of tunnels, some of which you can explore. As you walk through these tunnels, you’ll feel the past come to life, uncovering the secrets guarded by its walls.

As the evening falls, there’s nothing more romantic than a horse-drawn carriage ride through the charming cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s old town. With the sun setting, the fresh Caribbean breeze caressing your face, and surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, balconies adorned with flowers, and a magical atmosphere, you’ll end your first day in Cartagena feeling like you’re part of a fairytale.

Discovering Paradise in the Rosario Islands

Today, you’ll experience an unforgettable adventure in one of the Caribbean’s most idyllic destinations. Boarding a speedboat, you’ll depart from the Cartagena pier and cruise through the bay for about an hour, heading toward the stunning Rosario Islands archipelago. This collection of 27 islands, surrounded by impressive coral reefs, offers the perfect setting to dive into the crystal-clear waters and enjoy an exciting snorkeling adventure.

Once on the island, you can relax on the white sand, bask in the sun, and take a refreshing swim in the sea. After a delicious lunch, you’ll have free time to continue unwinding and swim in the warm Caribbean waters before heading back to Cartagena, taking with you unforgettable memories of this tropical paradise.

See You Soon, Colombia

Saying goodbye to this beautiful country is always the hardest part of any adventure, but at IB, we make sure your departure is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We’ll be by your side to escort you to the airport, where you can catch your flight back home. We wish you a safe journey and hope to see you again soon!