Bogotá, Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

Overview

This tour starts in the big city of Bogotá, home to excellent museums, historic neighborhoods, great nightlife and progressive urban renewal projects. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's coffee region for an overnight at a coffee farm and a hike in the stunning green mountains of the Cocora Valley (with those amazing palm trees). Finally, you'll travel to Cartegena on the Caribbean coast where you'll spend two days exploring the narrow streets of this inner-walled city. End the adventure with a relaxing day trip to a nearby Caribbean island by speedboat.

Highlights 

• Explore the wealth of museums and historic sights in Bogotá
• Taste freshly roasted coffee brewed at the source
• Hike amid the wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley
• Dine al fresco at a trendy restaurant in Cartagena's Old Town
• Swim in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean at the Rosario Islands

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá and Discover the Capital on Foot

Welcome to Bogotá! A driver will meet you at the airport for transportation to the hotel, your home base for the next few days.

Bogotá is on the rise in terms of gastronomy and culture, so spend your free time discovering this vibrant Andean capital by foot. Explore the cobblestone streets of the La Candelaria neighborhood where trendy restaurants and colonial-era landmarks are located. While here, don't forget to explore the excellent museums, shopping, and street food options ranging from empanadas to exotic fruit salads.

Day 2: Bogotá Museums, Markets, Street Festivals & More

After breakfast, continue to explore the city by yourself or with a guide. Here are some things that you should see:

• Stroll through Bogota’s lively streets for walled graffiti art, coffee cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and historic plazas and statues while learning about the fascinating political history of Colombia’s capital.
• Take the cable car to Cerro de Monserrate for one of the best views of the city.
• Visit La Concordia market to learn about fruits, vegetables, and spices used in local cuisine.
• Spend a few hours gazing at pre-Hispanic works at the Gold Museum.
• Check out the local music scene with live bands and street festivals.

Day 3: Arrive at Salento and Overnight at a Coffee Farm

Today, you'll fly to Armenia and will be transferred to the beautiful colonial town of Salento, surrounded by bright green Andean mountains. Despite a rise in tourism (mostly backpackers) over the past decade, this magical place retains an old-world charm with colorful Paisa architecture, musicians on street corners, and an incredible range of handicrafts. Near the town center, you’ll find yourself in view of the distinctive Quindío wax palms, which are among the highest trees in the world reaching a height of up to 70 meters.

Furthering this experience, you will have the opportunity stay overnight at a local coffee farm (finca in Spanish) and learn every step of the coffee production process, not to mention frequent tastings!

Day 4: Tour of Salento & the Coffee Triangle

This morning, take an in-depth walking tour of the quaint colonial streets of Salento. Founded in 1850, the town is a shining example of the typical guadua-bamboo influenced architecture with brightly colored facades and is even more beautiful in the presence of the surrounding Andean views and the Cocora Valley. Coffee and trout fishing are big industries in Salento and the surrounding region. In the afternoon, take a driving tour of the Coffee Triangle, stopping at coffee farms along the way.

Day 5: Arrive in Cartagena (optional city tour)

Welcome to Cartagena! This picturesque colonial city on the Caribbean Sea is rich in culture, architecture, romance -- and, yes, even pirate history. Head to your hotel from the airport, and depending on the time of your arrival, consider a few options. You can relax and enjoy the hotel amenities, or jump into action with a walking tour, either by yourself or with an English-speaking guide. Here are some things that you should see:

• Wander the narrow, winding streets of the inner-walled city with a camera to photograph colorful houses and lively squares overflowing with bougainvillea.
• Visit the Palace of Inquisition, which despite its original use, is one of the finest buildings in the city.
• Tour Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards.
• Pay respects at Santo Domingo, reputedly the oldest church in the city. 
• Walk along the original fortress wall and see panoramic views of the city. 
• Check out La Vitrola -- the city's most famous restaurant, housed in a 400-year-old colonial home. 

Finish the day on your own with mojitos and fresh ceviche in one of the city’s hip restaurants or rooftop bars.

Day 6: Swim, Snorkel and Sunbathe on a Rosario Islands Day Trip 

Rise and shine! Today, you will be picked up from your hotel bright and early and transferred to the pier for a speedboat ride towards the Baru Peninsula. Along the way, you will see Tierra Bomba Island and Boca Chica, an ancient fort that once protected Cartagena.

Once you arrive at the Rosario Islands, change into your swimwear before you head to Playa Azul, a stunning white-sand beach on the bright turquoise Caribbean Sea. After lunch is served, you will have time to relax and sunbathe or do some kayaking in the sea before returning to Cartagena in the late afternoon. A car will pick you up at the pier to take you back to your hotel.

Day 7: Final Exploration of Cartagena's Old Town

It's time to say farewell to Colombia! Enjoy your last moments of Cartagena in a relaxing café, or (if you have not done so yet) take a walk around the city with an English-speaking guide to gain a new perspective of the city from a local. 

This optional tour covers Cartagena's enchanting maze of colorful houses and lively squares from the 16th century. Meander through the colonial neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo while learning about main sites like the Popa Monastery, Saint Philip's Castle, and El Museo del Oro. 

A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.