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On the Roads of Colombia: from the Andes to the magic of Cartagena

Colonial towns, cobblestone streets, colorful houses, spectacular nature and authentic traditions. This is the summary of a trip to Colombia designed for those who want to discover its ancient culture and traditions. From Bogotá to the atmospheric Villa de Leyva, to the coffee region with the iconic wax palms of Valle de Cocora, sleeping in a traditional hacienda. It continues to vibrant Medellín, with an excursion to the spectacular El Peñol Rock and Guatapé, and concludes in romantic Cartagena, amid colonial walls, historic churches, and Caribbean atmospheres. A complete small-group itinerary that tells the most authentic soul of Colombia.

A 3-night extension to the Encanto de Guanapalo Nature Reserve, 2-night extension to the Guaviare area, or a beach stay in San Andrés, the Rosario Islands, or the San Bernardo Archipelago can be added to this itinerary.

Zipaquirà Colombia david-hertle-3q4kHEBTm48-unsplash
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Villa de Leyva Colombia paula-prieto-pWptD_cEcwA-unsplash
Pereira tatyana-vega-u-1JV-Y3-vY-unsplash
Cartagena ricardo-gomez-angel-L6T_6Rp2iEk-unsplash
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Caffè Colombia
El Penol Colombia Guatapé

Details

  • COLOMBIA
  • May 13 - June 3 - July 15 - August 12 - September 9 - October 7 - November 11 - December 9 2026
  • 10 days / 9 nights
  • € 2.690,00

The fee includes.

  • 9 nights in mid-range hotel, posada and hacienda (3 local stars), double room accommodation
  • 9 breakfasts
  • Domestic flights in economy class, airport taxes
  • Transfers, excursions and entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Local Italian-speaking guides from 6 participants. The guide is included for all excursions and the first transfer in Bogotá while for transfers to the airports in Pereira, Medellín and Cartagena only drivers who speak
  • Health and baggage insurance

The fee does NOT include.

  • Intercontinental flights and airport taxes
  • Meals and drinks
  • Tips, personal expenses and extras
  • Driving while transfereeing at Pereira, Medellin and Cartagena airports.
  • Single room accommodation (available upon request)
  • Trip cancellation insurance (available upon request)
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under The Price Includes

Some
more information

  • We will explore the colonial town of Villa de Leyva, one of the most fascinating in Colombia
  • We will admire the iconic wax palms of the Valle de Cocora, a natural symbol of the country
  • We will sleep in a traditional coffee hacienda in the heart of the cafetera region
  • We will discover the vibrant Medellín and the culture of the famous Silleteros
  • We will climb the spectacular Piedra del Peñol with views of the lakes of Guatapé
  • We will conclude the trip in the magical Cartagena, between colonial walls and Caribbean atmospheres.

DAY 1 (WEDNESDAY): ITALY – BOGOTÁ
Arrive at Bogota intercontinental airport and meet with local guide for transfer to hotel. Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hotel Regina or similar

DAY 2 (THURSDAY): BOGOTÀ – ZIPAQUIRÁ – VILLA DE LEYVA
After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the capital city that includes the historic “La Candelaria” district and the impressive Gold Museum (closed Mondays). In the afternoon, depart for Zipaquirá for a visit to the majestic underground Salt Cathedral. Afterwards, continue to Villa de Leyva, a beautiful colonial town that has inspired many artists, including the directors of a Spanish telenovela about “El Zorro.” Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Posada de San Antonio or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 3 (Fri): VILLA DE LEYVA
Breakfast. Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town and the perfect starting point for exploring the surrounding region. Our visit includes cultural and natural attractions, archaeological remains and colonial buildings, starting with Plaza Mayor and the main church, the house of Antonio Nariño and continuing with the Museo and Church of Carmen. We then continue to the Infernito archaeological site with its monoliths, the Dominican Ecce Homo Monastery (17th century), ending with a local museum where a Kronosaurus fossil is kept. Afternoon free to continue to visit the town of Villa de Leyva on your own and get lost in its colorful streets. Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Posada de San Antonio or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 4 (SAT): VILLA DE LEYVA – BOGOTÁ – PEREIRA
After breakfast, we return to Bogotá in time to board our domestic flight to Colombia’s coffee region. In the afternoon, visit a coffee plantation to learn how it is produced and to sip freshly brewed coffee in front of a landscape of bamboo groves, banana trees and coffee plants. Dinner at leisure, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hacienda Combia or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 5 (SUN): SALENTO AND VALLE DE COCORA
Breakfast Today’s day is devoted to exploring this picturesque region. The visit begins in the colorful Salento village, with narrow streets, lively houses and artisan stores. We continue to the Valle de Cocora and its wide green valleys, misty mountains and the iconic wax palm (Palma de Cera), which grows up to 60 meters high, an unforgettable sight. Return to the hacienda, free dinner and overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hacienda Combia or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 6 (MON): PEREIRA – MEDELLÍN
After breakfast, transfer to Pereira airport for your flight to Medellín. Located in the Antioquia region, Medellín is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its mild climate. City tour followed by a ride on the Metrocable for fantastic panoramic views. Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hotel Poblado Alejandría or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 7 (MAR): MEDELLÍN AND GUATAPÉ
Breakfast. Depart for a visit to Santa Elena, the green lung of Medellín, where flower cultivation and the famous tradition of Silleteros began. At a local finca, we learn about Silleta production, history and traditional music of the region. Continue to Guatapé (about a 2-hour drive), home of the impressive Piedra del Peñol. You can climb the 200-meter-high rock by climbing 740 steps and enjoy breathtaking views of green hills and blue lakes. Afterwards, explore the picture-postcard town of Guatapé with cobblestone streets, colorful murals, artisan stores and cozy cafes. Return to Medellin. Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hotel Poblado Alejandría or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 8 (WEDNESDAY): MEDELLÍN – CARTAGENA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Cartagena, the legendary fairy-tale city that is both romantic and extraordinarily authentic. We explore the colonial city on foot and soak in its magical atmosphere. The visit begins with the Church of San Pedro Claver and the Church of Santo Domingo, continues with the Gold Museum and ends at the Palace of the Inquisition with its historical museum and impressive entrance. Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 9 (THURS): CARTAGENA
Breakfast. The historic center of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the highlights of our trip. Day at leisure to wander the winding streets filled with blooming bougainvillea, shady squares and large churches.
Optional: It is possible to book a full-day excursion to the Rosario Islands (extra charge).
Free dinner, overnight stay.

Overnight stay: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia or similar
Meals included: Breakfast

DAY 10 (Fri): CARTAGENA
Breakfast. Our trip ends today. Transfer to the airport to board our intercontinental flight back to Italy. Optional: possibility of sea extension. End of services.

Meals included: Breakfast

Colombia changes landscape, climate and atmosphere at every turn. The Andes cross the country creating green valleys where remote villages are lost, in the coffee region the deep green vegetation lights up with the color of berries, towering palms and misty forests provide spectacular scenery in the famous Valle de Cocora, where the tallest wax palms on the planet grow.

In addition to impressive nature, Colombia offers cities full of energy and history: from the capital city of Bogotá, with its colonial neighborhoods and unique museums, to creative Medellín, to legendary Cartagena, a labyrinth of colorful streets overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

It is a country of contrasts living in harmony, where local traditions, music, and markets are as much a part of the journey as the landscapes.

Entry documents:

  • Valid passport
  • Intercontinental return flights
  • Tourist visa not required for a maximum stay of 90 days.

Required vaccinations: None. Yellow fever vaccination recommended for visiting the interior and wilderness areas of the country. If you are coming from a trip to Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Brazil, an International Certificate of Vaccination is required.

Eco-Friendly travel allows us to travel sustainably and responsibly, combining the pleasure of discovery with respect for the environment.
Those who choose Eco-Friendly travel do so with the intention of:

  • Reduce your environmental impact
    An eco-friendly trip focuses on minimizing your carbon footprint. This means choosing low-impact means of transportation such as trains, buses or bicycles, preferring eco-friendly accommodations, buying local and seasonal products, and respecting the surrounding environment by avoiding pollution and waste generation.
  • Live an authentic experience
    In addition to being sustainable, an eco-friendly trip offers the opportunity to discover unique traditions, flavors and landscapes, thus living authentic experiences in close contact with nature and local communities while contributing to the economic development of the areas visited.
  • Gaining Greater Awareness
    Eco-friendly travel also means developing greater awareness of one’s actions and their impacts on the environment. It is a way to educate oneself and others about the importance of sustainability and to promote responsible tourism that respects the planet’s resources.
Discover the manifesto of the conscious traveler
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