Essentials of Colombia

Welcome to Colombia! Welcome to Cartagena de Indias , on the Caribbean coast . Transfer to your hotel in the historic center.   Night at the La Passion hotel in a Classic Double room. Included: arrival transfer , room

Day tour of the main historical and cultural sites of Cartagena : - The Convent of La Popa : perched on a hill that embraces the entire bay, this monastery houses a very pretty patio, a colonial museum and a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria.   - Panoramic view from the castle of San Felipe Barajas : at the gates of the colonial city, it is one of the most formidable bastions ever built by the Spanish army. The view of the city is impressive.   In the afternoon, visit the historic center and the main sites of Cartagena. It is on foot that we suggest you discover the past and present of Cartagena by visiting the most beautiful monuments of the city such as the Clock Tower or Don Pedro de Heredia .   During the tour you will notice the different influences - Romanesque, Moorish, colonial, military, Arab, Spanish and North American - that have shaped Cartagena.   You will also discover the Palace of the Inquisition , one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, or the San Pedro Claver sanctuary , formerly dedicated to Spanish priests and missionaries.   Note 1: program given for information purposes only, the order of visits may be modified.     Night at the La Passion hotel in a Classic Double room. Included: entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program , excursion (private) , local English and Spanish speaking guide , private transport , room & breakfast

Transport between Cartagena de Indias and Santa Marta . From the road you can admire the Cienaga Grande , the largest body of fresh water in the country, home to many species of birds.   Note: 4 to 5 hours drive.     Half day dedicated to visiting the city of Santa Marta , the very first city founded by the Conquistadors in the New World. You discover the Bahia, the bustling historic center and the cathedral. Then you visit the Hacienda San Pedro Alejandro which brings together a property, a museum and a monument dedicated to the legendary Libertador. It was here, in a beautiful 17th century building, that Simon Bolivar died on December 17, 1830, one of the most emblematic figures of the South American continent. Some of his personal objects are exhibited there, as well as a collection of portraits and sculptures made by renowned artists such as Alejandro Obregon and Edgar Negret.   Note: Possibility to visit the Gold Museum in San Pedro Square. Gold Museum closed on Mondays.   Transfer between Santa Marta and the Tayrona Park region.   Overnight at the Senda Koguiwa hotel in a Maloka Deluxe room. Included: private transport , entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program , excursion (private) , english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Departure for the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta . You take a trail through the jungle to reach the Tayronaka reserve . The city of Tayronaka is an ancient lost city of the Tayrona Indians. This is precisely where the film Mission was filmed in 1986 with Robert de Niro. Accompanied by a guide, you retrace the history of this ancient civilization.   After touring the ruins, descend the Rio Don Diego in a buoy . On the way you can observe howler monkeys and magnificent tropical birds.   After lunch, you go down the river aboard a lancha , a small motor boat, to the ocean. The arrival on the ocean is spectacular! You enjoy a special moment on this superb, totally wild beach.   Note 1: About 30 minutes of walking in the jungle, easy level. About 30 minutes of going down the river in a buoy. Note 2: bring a swimsuit, hat and sunscreen for the descent in the buoy.   Overnight at the Senda Koguiwa hotel in a Maloka Deluxe room. Included: entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program , excursion (private) , english-speaking guide , lunch , private transport , room & breakfast

Transfer between the Tayrona region and Minca. You set off on a hike to discover the superb landscapes of the Sierra Nevada around Minca , until you reach the beautiful Marinka waterfall in its lush vegetation. Much more preserved than the Pozo Azul waterfalls, the local flora and fauna feel at home there! After lunch in the village of Minca, visit a traditional coffee plantation : founded in 1892 by an English couple, La Victoria is one of the oldest fincas in northern Colombia. It covers 550 hectares, 120 of which are used for coffee plantations and the rest is protected as a nature reserve.   Note 1: approximately 3 hours of walking, moderate level. Note 2: possibility of replacing the visit to coffee plantations with cocoa plantations.   Overnight at the Tierra Adentro hotel in a Mountain view bungalow room. Included: private transport , entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program , english-speaking guide , lunch , room & breakfast

Early departure for Minca , 20 km south of Santa Marta, to be able to observe the birds at sunrise. Accompanied by your ornithologist guide, you will dedicate yourself to observing the birds of the Sierra Nevada . This day is intended for beginners or experienced bird lovers .   Note: one pair of binoculars per group     Departure for Cartagena de Indias , on the Caribbean coast . Transfer to the hotel and free end of the day to discover the unparalleled charm of this superb colonial city, listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO .   Note: 4 to 5 hours drive.     Night at the La Passion hotel in a Classic Double room. Included: entrance(s) to site(s) mentioned in the program , private transport , english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Transfer between your hotel and the port of Cartagena . Free day of relaxation in the heart of the beautiful Rosary archipelago . On the program: relaxing on the beaches, swimming in the heart of the Caribbean, discovering the mangroves, exploring the seabed and tasting local dishes based on fish and coconut rice...   Note 1: Upon arrival at the port of Cartagena, you will have to pay the port tax (22,000 COP as of today). Note 2: Approximately 2 hours of navigation round trip.   Transfer between the port of Cartagena de Indias and your hotel.   Night at the La Passion hotel in a Classic Double room. Included: private transportation , boat ticket , excursion (group service) , lunch , room & breakfast

Transfer to Cartagena de Indias airport for your international flight. Included: breakfast, departure transfer