Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Real travelers love South America. Andean peaks, Amazonian Rainforest, Patagonian Glaciers, Incan ruins, colonial Towns, white-sand Beaches & vertiginous Nightlife: the wonders of South America set the stage for incredible adventures. It is as though the continent was built for travel; a place that excites, thrills, challenges & infuriates 

The word is out: as far as off-the-beaten-path destinations go, Colombia is an absolute experience. Twice the size of France and with a diversity of Landscapes & Cultures that would be hard to find even in countries 5 times its size, Colombia should by all rights be one of the world's top travel destinations. You just come prepared to be charmed…

Arrive in the vibrant Capital city of Bogota - Colombia's beating heart, cradled by chilly Andean peaks & steeped in sophisticated urban cool.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Bogota El Dorado International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the morning / afternoon is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (we shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Sprawling, high-altitude multi-cultural Bogota is a city with a perfect mix of traditional & modern styles, where past & present come together & people from all over the country, converge.

The captivating urban center has a rich cultural life & beautiful architecture. Like any self-respecting Capital city, Bogota is the country's beating heart & Capital of Art, Academia, History, Culture & Government. This

Bogota's name comes from the Chibcha word 'Bacata'. Bacata was the territory of the Zipa (Overlord) of the Chibcha or Muisca Indian tribes that inhabited the region before the arrival of the Spaniards. Gonzalo Jimenez of Quesada was the first European to set foot in the lands of the Chibchas nation in 1538.

The city founded in 1538 still retains its historical charm. Most of the sights of the city are in the central neighborhood of La Candelaria, the heart & historical epicenter of the city, of this cultural & touristic renaissance. The architecture of the old Houses, Churches & buildings represent Spanish Colonial, Baroque & art deco styles, featuring colonial-era landmarks like the neo-classical Performance Hall Teatro Colon & some magnificent & impressive Churches. Particularly worth a visit are Iglesia de la Tercera & the 17^th century Iglesia de San Francisco, Bogota's oldest surviving Church with its extravagant pews & a steady trickle of praying pilgrims, where your eye is immediately drawn to the gilded, U-shaped altarpiece, the largest & most elaborate of its kind in the Capital. Both these Churches offer an incredible glimpse into the artistic & architectural contrasts of the colonial Churches.

Walking down narrow, cobblestoned streets of La Candelaria, you will find great colonial Mansions as well as a unique Bohemian atmosphere in the legendary Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, a spot every tourist has to visit.  It is home to popular Museums including the Museo Botero, showcasing a significant Collection of Modern & Impressionist art, including 123 pieces by Fernando Botero himself.

Bogota's most famous & one of the most fascinating in South America, is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) displaying more than 55,000 gold artefacts from Colombia’s indigenous pre-Hispanic cultures & you can learn how these pieces were created & their significance.

National Museum of Colombia is the largest & oldest in the Capital, exhibiting a wide range of Artwork, anthropological & ethnical Artefacts, historical Documents, indigenous cultural pieces & frequently holding temporary exhibitions showcasing both national & international Collections.

Other important Museums are the Museum of Modern Art of Bogota (MAMBO), the Maloka Interactive Center.

Downtown, you will find the Plaza de Bolívar, the Primatial Cathedral & the neo-classical Casa de Narino named for Antonio Narino, a colonial figure with ideas of independence & who secretly translated France's human-rights laws into Spanish - & went to jail for it, a couple of times. President of Colombia lives & works here. No permission is needed to watch the Changing of the Presidential Guard ceremony - best seen from the east side – that is held at 3:30pm Wednesdays, Fridays & Sundays.

Bogota features colorful modern buildings & authentic colonial roof tiles, that are a true historical treasure from the colonial era. Thanks to this fusion of the past & present, the city is an ideal holiday location with History, Entertainment, delicious Cuisine, Culture, Business & much more.

In Bogota’s commercial areas, one can find the best shops for Clothes, Shoes, Accessories, Jewelry, Technology, Antiques, Handicrafts & whatever else you are looking for.

The city is also very green thanks to its Parks & the Hills that extend along its eastern boundary, dwarfed by their 2 highest points, Monserrate & Guadalupe.

The mountaintop el Cerro Monserrate is an iconic symbol of the city, located 3,152 meters, above sea level & offers by far, the best view of the city's landscape. Visitors can make their way to the top on foot, by train or by cable car. Once at the top, you can visit the beautiful Church, buy some handicraft souvenirs at the small market, or simply take in the amazing view.

Get to know one of Bogota’s Parks from many, such as the National Park, 93^rd Street Park, or Simon Bolívar Park. Play sports, take a stroll, contemplate nature, or just sit & read a book.

Locals enjoy the landscape - the sea of green that makes up the Andes Mountain Range, rising up in the east - that would be nearly impossible to find in any other large city.

In this melting pot of Colombia, all the cultures from different regions of the country have a place, from the cuisine of the Coffee Triangle to the exhilaration & joy of the Caribbean, or the artisanal heritage of Boyaca & the Valle de Cauca Festival.

If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, the traditional Flea Market in nearby town of Usaquen could be a good experience to explore. You can find unique pieces of handicrafts, art & souvenirs to buy & appreciate the architectural beauty of the town, which became part of Bogota in the 1950s.

Bogota’s cuisine is also worth sampling & the city offers an extensive selection of local & foreign foods that are widely recognized as some of the best in Latin America.

Bogota's nightlife includes areas of different styles & atmospheres, to suit anyone's tastes: Discos, Bars, Pubs, Craft Breweries & Clubs where entertainment & dancing comes first. Many options to go out & party or "rumbear". Although there are Bars & Clubs throughout the city, the Zona Rosa is the most ’happening’ place.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & embark proceed for a 6 hour sightseeing tour.

The ‘walking’ tour will take you around myriad streets in La Candelaria & into the vast Plaza de Bolivar. The main Square is overwhelming in size & is surrounded by neo-classical government palaces.

Along the cobblestoned neighborhood, you will encounter some excellent examples of colonial architecture, passing by Catedral Primada de Colombia, the largest church in the country. San Bartolome College, the neo-colonial Teatro Colon & some magnificent & impressive Churches.

Particularly worth a visit are Iglesia de la Tercera & the 17^th century Iglesia de San Francisco, Bogota's oldest surviving Church with its extravagant pews & a steady trickle of praying pilgrims, where your eye is immediately drawn to the gilded, U-shaped altarpiece, the largest & most elaborate of its kind in the Capital. Both these Churches offer an incredible glimpse into the artistic & architectural contrasts of the colonial Churches.

Walking down narrow, cobblestoned streets, you will see great colonial Mansions as well as a unique Bohemian atmosphere in the legendary Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, a spot every tourist has to visit.  It is home to popular Museums including Museo Botero, showcasing a significant Collection of Modern & Impressionist Art by Fernando Botero. He was internationally renowned for his Works using different artistic mediums - Painting, Drawing & Sculpture & his Works are exhibited globally.

Even if you have never heard of Fernando Botero, you will probably recognize some of his highly distinctive paintings of oversized (chubby) characters, including dodgy Dictators, fleet-footed Dancers, Dogs & Birds. Colombia’s most famous Artist was also a prolific Sculptor & his curvaceous bronze Statues display equally generous girth. The Museum, which belongs to the Banco de la Republica de Colombia, was founded in 2000 when Botero donated more than 123 of his own works, along with 85 from his personal collection of other Artists' work - a haul that includes pieces by Picasso, Monet, Matisse & Klimt. The Painter curated the Museum himself. Among his Paintings, look out for a parody of Di Vinci’s Mona Lisa (1978), the wonderfully intimate Pareja Bailando (1987) & the haunting studies of Colombia’s drug-cartel violence in the 1980s & '90s.

Spend time in Museo Botero admiring the accomplishments of the Artist before proceeding next door to the historic Casa de la Moneda de Colombia, a Museum showcasing the evolution of Currency.

The Spanish learned minting techniques from the Muslims, who ruled the Iberian Peninsula for almost 800 years & who had established the first Mints in Toledo & Leon in the 11^th century. After the conquest of America, the Hispanic Monarchy used the gold & silver from the New World to finance its wars & maintain commercial relations with other European & Asian Kingdoms. Consequently, the colonial societies that were emerging in the conquered territories required Coins for the development of their economic activities.

The Santafe de Bogota Mint was established in 1620 by Spanish military engineer Alonso Turrillo de Yebra, as a private Institution authorized by the King, to mint gold & silver that would circulate in the New Kingdom of Granada (colonial name of the territory that approximately coincided with the current Republic of Colombia) & in other Hispanic Kingdoms. Gold was very valuable for the local economy & for the finances of the Monarchy and gradually, the Granada become the main producer of Gold Coins for the entire Spanish Empire. The precious metals were melted & alloyed for later minting into Coins.

Indigenous enslaved people were forced to work in the Mines to satisfy the need for gold for the Crown & the Conquerors (Robber barons in modern times) to be used as a currency in the in newly founded cities. The search for this metal motivated numerous expeditions of Conquerors who, aspiring to enrich themselves & elevate their social status, set out from the colonial cities of Europe & traveled through inhospitable regions overseas, looking for gold deposits & treasures, such as those of the legendary city of El Dorado & pillaged most of the ‘civilised’ world in Asia, Africa, Americas.

The Museum traces the evolution from pre-Columbian barter exchanges of Pots & Pans & lead chronologically to misshapen Coins, the introduction of a centralized Bank in 1880, finally leading up to making cute tree art on the current 500 Peso Coin in the late 1990s in the Coleccion Numismatica section.

The other section Coleccion de Arte, Banco de la Republica's permanent Art Collection, features 800 pieces by 250 different Artists spread over 16 Exhibition Halls reached via elaborate staircases within the same Museum complex. The Collection has been reorganized into 5 periods spanning from the 15^th century to modern day, each separately curated. Most of it sticks with modern splashes of oils by Colombian Artists, including a giant figurative Paintings by Luis Caballero (1943 - 95) on the 1^st floor.

A bit at odds with the rest are the Displays focusing on 17^th - 18^th century religious objects, including 2 extraordinary Custodias (monstrances). The largest was made of 4902 gram of pure Gold encrusted with 1485 Emeralds, 1 Sapphire, 13 Rubies, 28 Diamonds, 168 Amethysts, 1 Topaz, 62 Pearls. But who is counting?

Spend an interesting hour here before proceeding to next door Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), established in 1939 when Banco de la Republica de Colombia began protecting artifacts that pre-dated Colonialism. Bogota's most famous & one of the most fascinating in South America, displaying more than 55,000 gold artefacts from Colombia’s indigenous pre-Hispanic cultures & you can learn how these pieces were created & their significance.

The Collection is laid out in logical, thematic rooms on 3 floors. 2^nd floor exhibits break down findings by region, with descriptions of how pieces were used. There are lots of mixed animals rendered in gold (eg jaguar-frog, human-eagle); note the female figurines indicating how women of the Zenu tribe in the pre-Columbian north played important roles in worship.

The 3^rd floor 'Offering' room exhibits explain how gold was used in Ceremonies & Rituals. Some of the displayed Tunjos (gold offerings, usually figurines depicting various aspects of social life) were thrown into the Laguna de Guatavita; the most famous one, found near the town of Pasca in 1969, is the unlabeled gold boat called the Balsa Muisca. It is uncertain how old it is, as generally only gold pieces that include other materials can be carbon dated.

After spending an hour, continue walking along Plaza de Bolívar which encompasses the Primate Cathedral, Lievano Palace & Palace of Justice. If you happen to reach Plaza de Armas (central Square) of Casa de Narino (Presidential House) before 04.00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays, you can see the Changing of the Presidential Guard Ceremony.

The Changing of the Guard (Cambio de Guardia) is a 105 year old traditional military Parade of the Battalion that is tasked with security at the Palace. The 30 minute Ceremony involves a Set of soldiers from Fergusson Company handing over the duty to the next Set, accompanied by the Battalion's Military Band & Corps of Drums.

Last stop will be at Monserrate. The mountaintop el Cerro Monserrate is an iconic symbol of the city, located 3,152 meters, above sea level & offers by far, the best view (weather dependant).  of the city's landscape. Visitors can make their way to the top on foot, by train or by cable car. Buy some handicraft souvenirs at the small market, or simply take in the amazing view.

Monserrate is crowned with its easily recognizable beautiful Church which is a place of pilgrimage since colonial times, due to its statue of Senor Caido, the fallen Christ. Cerro de Monserrate is sometimes called the 'mountain-guardian' of Bogota.

Finally, it is time to go home.

Back to the hotel & balance of the day is at leisure to relax, independent exploration or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & drive to the nearby town of Zipaquira, passing through the savanna area called Sabana de Bogota.

But, before that, you will embark on an authentic interactive experience, not on the usual tourist trail.

Visit the Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, the most famous Flower & Food Market in town. A visit here will offer insights into Colombian customs &d local living & will engage all of your senses. Lots of opportunities to practice Spanish & to soak in a new accent. You will have the chance to taste some of the local produce.

This large indoor Market is located in a neighborhood of the same name, Paloquemao. Rumor has it that the name comes from a time when a dry tree (Palo is the word for stick or pole) stood in the neighborhood. The tagline on their website boasts that their walls contain: “Toda Colombia en un solo lugar” (All of Colombia in one single place).

This is the focal point where the produce of the Caribbean & Pacific coasts, the fertile Andes & the tropical jungle meld together. The Market is divided into sections: Flowers, Fruits, Vegetables & aromatic Herbs, Meat & Fish. There are also Booths selling medicinal herbs & an excellent selection of whole spices, including nutmeg and black peppercorns.

Everything is fresh, with a sheen that comes from recent arrival from the sea to the market. Fish eyes are clear & bright. Colors are fresh. And there will be that faint whiff of old seafood around the edges of the Market, a smell that is a by-product of most fish markets. And it is not just the seafood. There are also Butchers selling beautiful cuts of beef & pork.

Outside, there are many Vendors del campo (from the countryside) who have set up shop on the sidewalks. You will see gorgeous displays of locally grown fruit & freshly shucked field corn. The Vendors are quick to pick up a choice piece of fruit, slice it open & offer you a taste.

After spending 30 minutes walking around, hop on the vehicle & proceed towards Zipaquira, driving through the montane savannah in the Eastern Ranges of the Colombian Andes, encompassing deep Canyons cut by the Chicamocha River & its tributaries. The savannah, located in the southwestern part of the Altiplano Cundiboyacense in the center of Colombia, is spread over an area of 4,251.6 square kilometres & at an average altitude of 2,650 metres. Beyond the Canyons, the Cordillera Oriental culminates in the towering Mount Cocuy (Sierra Nevada del Cocuy), which rises to 18,022 feet.

Arrive at the small, traditional town of Zipaquira in central Colombia, famous for its salt mines & for its sub-terranean Salt Cathedral, built inside the network of monumental Chambers & Tunnels that were left behind when commercial mining operations ceased. Just outside near the Entrance, is a monument to Miners. The Cathedral is an engineering feat under the earth's surface, part of the salt mines that date back from the Muisca period.

Zipaquira has long been known for its salt reserves that the pre-Colombian society mined since the 5^th century BC. The town was named the 'City of Whites' by the Spanish & ironically, the salt was later used to finance Simon Bolivar’s & Narino's Independence campaigns.

There is also a small Archaeological Museum that has Collections of pre-Columbian artifacts. Then, there is the Casa del Nobel Gabriel García Marquez, a Cultural Center in a building where the Author studied in the 1940s.

The town's main attraction obviously, is the Cathedral, initially created by the Miners as an underground Sanctuary built within the Tunnels of a Salt Mine 200 metres below in a halite mountain, for themselves to pray. The Cathedral is a true testimony to the Miners' faith in a higher power & one of the most notable achievements in a truly unique concept of Colombian architecture.

The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquira (Salt Cathedral) is considered one of the country's most notable architectural & artistic achievements & remains one of the most visited tourist & religious sites in all of Colombia. It is especially busy during Easter, with thousands attending services marking the Crucifixion & Resurrection of Christ. Although the Cathedral is a religious structure, non-Catholics will still appreciate visiting the site because it explores Colombian culture & history, 200 meters underground. It has been thoughtfully lit & enchanting music is piped through its internal spaces.

It is a Roman Catholic Church like no others & the story of the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral is certainly one of persistence. The original Cathedral was carved out of an active salt mine beginning in 1950 & was inaugurated in 1954. But it lasted for 36 years only, as the original Mine was increasingly considered as unstable & the authorities, worried about its structural soundness, decided to shut it down.

This, however, did not deter the town of Zipaquira. In 1991, only a year after shuttering the old Cathedral, work began on a new Church, some 200 feet below in another Mine (with the largest deposit of rock salt in the world). The construction required 250,000 tons of rock salt to be extracted from the Tunnel to implement the design.

Inaugurated in 1995, the new one is is roughly 75 meters long & 25 meters high, with the biggest underground Cross in the entire world, carved out of rock salt, into the back wall. The massive Cathedral with Walkways, can theoretically accommodate 10,000 people. Smaller Naves dug out around the main Chamber illustrate the life of Christ from birth to crucifixion. Known as “The Stations of the Cross”, the Naves chronicle Jesus’ last journey.

It takes about 2 - 3 hours to tour the Cathedral. Curving & twisting Tunnels descend into the Roman Catholic Church, passing 14 small Chapels representing the Stations of the Cross, symbolically illustrating the events from Jesus' last journey before his Crucifixion. The ‘guided’ walk takes you on the journey in chronological order. Each Station has a different Cross carved out of rock salt & Kneeling Platforms.

At the end of the walk, you will come to the main Dome & the 3 Naves that are inter-connected by a gigantic crack, which symbolises the birth & death of Christ.

While clearly devoted to Catholicism, the Salt “Cathedral” is not in fact, recognized by the Church & consequently, has no official status. But, this doesn’t stop the 3,000 + Pilgrims coming to the Cathedral on most Sundays, from praising the glory of both God & his mineral-ensconced home.

Finally, the visit concludes & you will be transferred back to the hotel by 02.00 pm.

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Next, head to the economic & cultural epicenter of the famed Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region) & fly to Pereira in the mountainous, coffee-growing region of western Colombia, part of the territory designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia".

Morning in time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep & transferred to Terminal ? - Bogota El Dorado International Airport for your flight to Pereira.

Arrive in Armenia, an excellent base for Tourists to learn about the coffee culture as well as enjoying the freshest Arabica beans as they explore the traditional towns in the vicinity where vibrant colourful wooden houses with balconies full of flowers, sit alongside forests containing the world’s tallest Palm trees, unique to the area, & of course, picturesque Plantations dedicated to the cultivation of world-class coffee beans.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Armenia El Eden International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel in the neighbouring town of Salento, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport.

Hardworking Armenia is not your typical tourist destination. In fact, it is not really a tourist destination at all but if you want to experience a fast-paced yet friendly Colombian city away from the gringo trail & with a good dining scene, it certainly fits the bill. A visit to Armenia is less about the sights & more about spending a few days absorbing Colombian culture & learning about Coffee, touring some Plantations in the lush countryside & savouring freshly brewed Colombian Coffee.

Armenia, framed by the Andes mountains, is a medium-sized city in western Colombia. Between Mountains, Valleys & Coffee, Armenia is also part of the territory designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known as the "Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia", along with Pereira & Manizales, offering an authentic journey into the world of Coffee production. It is one of the main centers of the national economy & of the Coffee growing axis. It feels more like a big town than a departmental Capital & is far more slow-paced than its coffee-country rivals Manizales & Pereira.

Armenia, originally named Villa Holguin in 1889 when it was founded, was renamed early in the 20^th century to honor the Armenian genocide victims by the Ottoman Empire. Devastated by an earthquake in 1999 that flattened much of the city center, Armenia has never fully recovered.

The city centers on lively Plaza de Bolivar, with its modern, hastily reconstructed triangular-shaped Catedral La Inmaculada Concepcion, made of prefab concrete slabs. Leafy Parque de la Vida has a tree-lined lake & a roller-skating arena.

The actual center has now moved to the north, along Avenue Bolivar, where the excellent Museo del Oro Quimbaya exhibiting ancient gold artifacts, is located. The Museum showcases the fine work of indigenous pre-Columbian Quimbaya Goldsmiths, as well as fine Ceramics & ceremonial items. There are thorough explanations in English about the culture of the Quimbaya.

Beyond its caffeine-rich heritage, the region is dotted with picturesque towns like Salento, Manizales, Pereira with their colourful architecture & vibrant culture. In the city & in its vicinity are many options to explore. Visitors can discover Culture, relax in Hot Springs, visit wildlife-filled Nature Reserves.

The surrounding lush landscapes, including Cocora Valley provide ample opportunities for hiking & relaxation. Armenia is also the gateway to Parque Ucumari & Santuario Otun Quimbaya, a pair of top Nature Reserves & features many open-air relaxing Thermal Springs at Santa Rosa & San Vicente.

Enough about Armenia. You are not staying here, just transiting.

Reach the hotel in Salento & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. Failing, we will proceed for the activities, if any, proposed for that day & Check-in later.

Salento, a colorful town with typical colonial-style architecture, is startlingly well preserved & offers us an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Coffee settlement. Tourists love small quaint Salento for its “back in the day” original charm & the peacefulness that seems to come with it. This relaxed vibe is not one that is not often found in Colombia & therefore Colombians love to visit Salento as tourists themselves.  

Only a few years ago Salento wasn’t a safe area even for Colombians to visit. Guerrilla groups had control over this region of which prevented any sort of tourist activity in or around Salento. But now, Salento is one of Colombia’s most enchanting place to visit among both foreigners & locals.

Salento is a truly beautiful town & that is mostly due to the fact that it has retained its historical charm. Many neighboring cities were destroyed & rebuilt as the main Highway from the border of Ecuador through Cali was constructed. Salento remained off that road somewhat isolated & therefore was untouched.

One of the oldest & probably the smallest  in Quindio, Salento is an Andean town, west of Bogota, famous for its numerous colourful colonial era white-wash buildings, punctuated with colorful window frames, doors & balconies and for its Coffee Estates amidst a verdant scenery. Beautiful Salento is a town of many colors & stories, backed by one of the most mesmerizing landscapes.

The story of Salento that is most popular is that it was established because of the Quindio Pass that crossed from Popayan over to Bogota. When Simon Bolivar, a South American icon of Independence movements in the region, crossed over the Andes mountain trails in 1830, he ordered the Pass to be improved. This was done by the Spanish ‘prisoners of war’ who were allowed to build houses & settle on the land.

Another story is that the town acquired its colorful look from a German couple who traveled here as tourists around 20 years ago, fell in love with the town, settled & integrated with the community. They convinced the locals to paint their houses in attractive colours to entice more tourists to the town. Tue or false, no one knows. With it’s low-slung timber houses, Salento almost has a wild-west feel to it.

Founded in 1850, set amid gorgeous green mountains this small & unique countryside town survives on Coffee production, Trout farming & tourists drawn by its quaint streets, typical paisa architecture & its proximity to the spectacular Valle de Cocora.

A fanciful town, part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, home to a large number of Coffee Farms & Plantations, artisanal Craftspeople & great food.

The town has a lively center & colorful houses with matching flowers, plants & painted ornaments. There is also a small party scene to be found here if you look in the right places, with cute Cafes hosting live music events with DJs.

Plaza de Bolivar is a place where you can absorb the authentic Salento way of life. The lively Square sits at the center of the town, surrounded by the Church & beautiful trees & many Restaurants & other amenities like ATMs. On weekends, the local ‘flea’ market is held in here. A great place to shop for some local handicrafts & watch the older men with their traditional sombreros & ponchos playing music & chatting with each other.

The busy pedestrianized Calle Real lined with 2 story white washed houses with the ‘standard’ brightly coloured doors & windows, is the most famous street. To see the beauty of the doorways, it is suggested to visit early as the Shops & Houses open their doors by 9.00 am & the colors won’t be as visible.

Balance of the day is free to relax or for independent exploration.

Salento is a cultural experience & everything is within walking distance. Spend an hour, soaking up the warm village culture, admiring the ‘rainbow’ colored European style picturesque colonial era streets with houses & shops & artisan workshops making interesting handicrafts which make for good souvenirs to bring home.

You could even head for the local Pool Bar, where you will find the men of the village sipping Coffee & playing Pool - a great insight into the culture of Salento! Or, or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Coffee at one of the cute Cafes where expert Baristas show off their talent for latte art. Cafe Jesus Martin, is known for some of the best organic Coffee in Colombia. Located just half a block from the main Square, one finds this little gem… with an interior that is something like a Parisian Cafe with a distinctly South American flavour.

Then, walk to a colourful Staircase of nearly 300 Steps that lead to Mirador de Salento (viewpoint) a hillside to enjoy the best panoramic views of Salento & the surrounding countryside. It is a steep climb up but you will be rewarded with stunning views over the small town, the green mountains & nature. Visiting at Sunset is even more spectacular, although this is also the busiest time.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.30 am & embark on a full day (7- 8 hour) excursion to explore Valle del Cocora & a Coffee Farm.

Valle del Cocora the known for its surreal, striking landscapes pegged with the slender, towering Palma de Cera (Wax Palm trees) growing abundantly along the hillsides. Towering high, this Palm makes for the rather strange but beautiful scenery. Valle de Cocora belongs to the Coffee region, a destination known for its historical & ecological richness. Having shed years of isolation imposed by surrounding civil war & the central Andean range that marks its eastern limit, the Coffee country has become the heart of Colombia's nascent "rural tourism" industry that fuses history, ecology & know-your-roots national pride.

"Cocora" was the name of a Quimbayan Princess, daughter of the local Chief Acaime & means "star of water".

The narrow paved road to the Valley winds through an area dominated by Cattle & Dairy Farms. While the driver dodges horse-driven carts laden with galvanized-metal milk cans, Visitors are transfixed by the incredible number of Palm trees punctuating the pasture land & the surrounding emerald-green hillsides. Their long, skinny trunks look like giant Fourth of July sparklers topped with blazes of palm fronds.

Cocora Valley is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, located in the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes, on the upper reaches of the Quindio River, at an altitude between 1,800 - 2,400 metres. It encompasses Volcanoes, Lakes & of course, the Coffee region.

This rugged landscape was formed by volcanic activity & later sculpted by huge masses of Glaciers. At their maximum extension, these Glaciers covered an area of 860 sq km. The Glaciers began to recede 14,000 years ago & according to a 2013 study by the Colombian Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology & Environmental Studies, they will completely disappear by 2030.

The Park is the heart of the Coffee region. The rich volcanic soil together with the climate & the topography make this region ideal for the cultivation of quality Coffee. The rivers that descend from snowy peaks & their moors irrigate the agricultural lands & nourish the aqueducts of the cities, towns & footpaths of the center of the country. The Park's hydrographic networks supply water to over 2,000,000 Coffee growers in the region & most of the Rice & Cotton crops in the region.

The prevailing westerly winds from the Pacific Ocean are stopped by the Andean mountains, creating a humid environment favorable to the growth of cloud forests at higher altitudes but it rains almost daily.

The Valle Del Cocora Cloud Forest is one of the most stunning things you will see in your life. The landscape is super green with so many tall Palm trees that you wouldn’t know where to look first. To top it all off, the sky is full of clouds that make the view even more magical.

It is also famous as the main location where the national tree of Colombia, the almost 60 metres high Quindio Wax Palm & a wide variety of other Flora & Fauna (some endangered), on steep grassy hills all over the Valley, all protected under the Park's national status, can be found.

To prevent exploitation of the Wax Palm & the threat against the endemic species dependent on this tree, mainly due to the celebrations of Palm Sunday, the Federal Government of Belisario Betancur proposed the creation of a Nature & Wildlife Sanctuary and the preservation of the Palm tree as the national symbol of Colombia. Even though it is quite crowded with tourists, you can still find amazing quiet corners with endless views of the tall Palm trees.

There is no question the Cocora Valley has an enchanting quality, but peering out from atop the mountain, we can’t help but notice many fallen trees scattered on the hillsides.

According to a recent media report, more than half the Palms will die by 2029 as they reach the end of their life cycle. Even though the trees are protected by law, deforestation of other endemic vegetation to make way for cattle grazing remains one of the major threats to the future of the Quindio Wax Palms. When their seeds drop to the ground, they get eaten by grazing cows, which means no new Palms can take hold to replace the current crop of aging specimens, which have survived nearly 2 centuries & grown as high as 130 feet.

Noteworthy birds include Blue-crowned Motmot, Yellow-eared parrot, Fuertes's Parrot, rufous-fronted Parakeet, Andean Condor, Brown-banded Antpitta & Ruddy Duck. In addition, the Bearded Helmet Crest Hummingbird is endemic to the region. Some of the noteworthy mammals include the mountain Tapir, spectacled Bear, northern Pudu, Oncilla, Cougar & white-eared Opossum.

You will see herds of wild horses roaming around freely - even cute & majestic baby horses with their mothers! (but the moms can get a bit aggressive if you get too close to the babies, so be careful).

Hiking in the Valley is practically a rite of passage for travelers in Colombia these days. The spectacular Trail takes in Cloud Forest, Jungle, Farmland & the tallest Palm trees in the world. There are many Vendors at the entrance + lots of great Restaurants you can eat in once you are done with your tour.

Once we arrive at the Valley, you will be met by a specialized official Eco-guide from the Park, who will introduce you to the Nature Reserve. Commence the tour after enjoying a Welcome Cocktail (canelazo) with our compliments.

Walking though the Park, visitors are able to appreciate the bio-diversity of Fauna & Flora as you pass through the ecological path of the tallest Wax Palm in the world that is designated as the national flagship tree.

A visit here could be a short walk in the fields, a horse ride along some trails, or a circuit hike up the hill to a viewpoint.

Preserving Wax Palms for future generations has become an urgent priority for the local villagers who make a living from Tourism in the Valley.

We have also included a ritual practiced by local villagers, descendants of the original Aborigines who supposedly planted the first trees & worshiped same. You will learn about their history & end the 10 minute Ceremony with planting a seedling.

After enjoying lunch comprising of authentic local cuisine consisting of as an example, local rainbow trout served with deep-fried plantains the size of a human head, head out to the fields for a tree-planting ritual.

The local person will be carrying a foot-high tree sapling with 3 green fronds emerging from a short stem. You will be surprised to find out that this diminutive plant, which bears no resemblance to its sky-scraping ancestors, is already 3 years old.

The Ceremony begins with the Gardener stripping away the protective casing around the sapling & asking the visitors to scoop the soil with their bare hands & raising it above their heads, with the Gardener chanting “we lift up this Palmita as an offering to you, Pachamama,” he begins, closing his eyes to offer a brief prayer. “We bestow upon you the gift of a long, fruitful life that extends way beyond our own. Give it strength to grow”.

Together, everyone drops to their knees to place the sapling in a small hole, packing the loose dirt around the delicate stem. The Master will motion participants to turn their hands upward toward the sun, to draw energy from the source & direct it to the tiny tree. After dousing it with water, the ritual comes to a close. “You came as guests,” the Master says. “But you will leave as ambassadors for our region & the Planet.”

We should hope that our small contribution toward re-populating the Wax Palms will ensure future travelers will fall under the Cocora Valley’s spell for many generations to come. It may take more than a miracle to save the guardians of Colombia’s Coffee-growing region, but it is definitely worth the effort to preserve the magic of this real-life encanto.

And then, it is time to move on & drive to a Coffee Finca (Farm), the raison d’etre for your visit here.

If there is one thing that keeps Colombia running, it is Coffee. Colombia’s tropical climate with high altitudes & plenty of moisture & the unique properties of its volcanic soil makes it ideal for growing those lovely little beans with a flavour that helps to wake up the world.

A trip to Colombia's Coffee region wouldn't be complete without a trip to a local Plantation, where you can discover the secrets of Coffee - what it takes to grow the perfect coffee beans & transform them to Colombia's world famous Coffee.

This lush, green mountainous region of western Colombia not only has a temperate climate for travellers but is also home to the snow capped peaks of the Parque National Los Nevados & the region's terraced slopes provide the perfect environment for the Coffee to grow with ideal climate & precipitation levels. The coffee-growing region, is known for mild Arabica Beans. Mountains planted with Coffee & Bananas and Valleys with Bamboos & Sugarcane crops, can be seen around the city.

Find out what all the fuss is about by exploring the Zona Cafetera. Spread within the lush hillsides around (along with Pereira, Manizales & Armenia, collectively known as the Coffee Triangle) are the family-run Fincas (Farms) & Plantations growing Colombia’s magic bean, Arabica. Colombia’s 500,000 Cafeteros (coffee farmers), symbolized for decades by the fictional but iconic Juan Valdez, make the country the 2^nd largest exporter of Coffee in the world. Tourists are invited to learn about Coffee culture as well as enjoying the freshest Arabica beans.

Colombia is concentrated in the fertile Valleys of this region, for what is called the "coffee zone". Traveling through these generous & prosperous Valleys, one can observe endless picturesque Coffee Plantations & their colorful wooden houses with balconies full of flowers.

Pereira is the economic epicenter of the famed Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region) & is an excellent base for learning about Colombia’s favorite drink, some of the finest Coffee on earth.

There is no place in the world greater for sampling a world-beating cup of Coffee than in the Coffee district, where the bean grows. While a journey along the Coffee Route takes in many incredible cities, nothing beats the experience of relaxing on a traditional Coffee Farm.

Stop at a traditional Coffee Plantation where you will learn the complete production process - from plucking beans (everything is still picked by hand) amid highland scenery, to the final output of a steaming cup of fresh Coffee. Some Fincas are very large & offer regularly scheduled tours, while some are small family-run Farms that do a tour on the spot for visitors who arrive.

Here you can learn about this famous crop, pick your own Coffee beans & inhale their delicious aroma before they are roasted. Understanding the way the fruit is selected & how farmers utilize the experience they have garnered through the generations, is living proof that Coffee in Colombia is more than just a crop.

You can look around & discover how they use other plants such as Pineapples, Bananas & Berries to keep the ground totally organic & free from pesticides. They will even let you taste the fresh, ‘straight from the plant’ Coffee.

Coffee tasting is, of course, the highlight of any trip to a Colombian Coffee Farm. The country’s growers like to pamper their visitors with a variety of types of Coffee to try & enjoy explaining the different textures, origins, aromas & finishes. From the first mouthful, you will feel like a connoisseur - savoring the best Coffee you have ever tasted.

The Coffee Cultural Landscape, as its name describes, is a lush landscape full of Coffee Plantations. An Expert from the beautiful specialty Plantation will guide Visitors through the fields & explain the complete process of Coffee growing, from Planting, selective manual Harvesting & Pulping.  Then, you will have the opportunity to Roast grains of special Coffee on a wood stove in the kitchen of a typical peasant house, which will provide an authentic Coffee experience as you enjoy a perfect cup of Coffee.

During the walking tour, you will come across several stations with viewpoints made of bamboo, from where visitors can appreciate the beautiful landscape & natural environment of the place while enjoying a cup of Coffee. Finally, you will see the innovative process of drying the Beans & adding to the Mill. Many Farms will facilitate Coffee tastings & teach participants how to distinguish between flavors, notes & origins.

The tour ends & you hop in the vehicle to drive back to the hotel by early evening.  

Balance of the day is at leisure for independent exploration or Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, Check out by 07.30 am & & depart for Jardin, ringed by the mountains typical of the Coffee district, frequently covered in the light mist of the region, one of the most beautiful pueblos in all of Colombia.  

Arrive in Jardin by early afternoon & check-in at the hotel.

 *Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. Failing, we will proceed for the activities, if any, proposed for that day & Check-in later.

Relax for an hour before venturing out for an independent exploration on your own.

Relax for an hour before venturing out for a ‘guided’ walk around the center of town, taking time to explore the main Plaza.

Colombia has a reputation for chaos - be it the colourful Carnivals, the crowded cobbled streets or the cultural energy of the Capital, the country is always on the move. Colombia is home to 17 heritage towns & for many, the small town of Jardin in close proximity to Medellin, is one of the country’s many can't-miss destinations. This colorful traditional town is nestled in the rolling hills of the Colombian coffee district, captivating visitors with its natural marvels & coffee-growing culture.

One of the most beautiful towns in Colombia & within striking distance of Medellin - Jardin must have made an instant impression with the Spanish colonists who looked down into the Valley & decided that no Saint’s name, nor any mystical word was needed & they would call it “el jardin” (the garden), because it was like the Garden of the country or perhaps their idea of the Garden of Eden.

Fortunately, Jardin today, has the same effect on visitors, although the colonial architecture put up by those early arrivals is now part of the picture. And it is not just the shape & layout of the buildings, but the vivid colors that make houses & public buildings into virtually, works of art. Its inhabitants work so hard to ensure the town is famous for its vivid colours, with brightly painted doors & balconies found in red, yellow & blue on every corner.

Jardin is an Andean town in the northwest, ranks among the very best for its laid-back tranquillity, well-preserved colorful colonial architecture, ideal natural backdrop & friendly local population, known for its brightly painted houses, colorful floral displays & milk candies. The town has remained virtually unchanged for more than a century & is famous for its preserved & colonial appearance as well as its striking mountain views & lush green, garden filled landscapes.

Visitors are greeted by the sight of men of all ages wearing cowboy hats & ponchos, accompanied by the finest horses they owned. The real Colombia - a land that has probably changed very little. They are always keen to meet visitors too & a quick chat with a Jardín local will often evolve into an impromptu tour.

The charm of this town lies not in its activities - although there is a small Museum & the more active option of Hiking & Caving - but in its atmosphere. There are numerous Cafes, Sweet shops & Bakeries & of course, the requisite fresh Juices that are so prevalent across Colombia.

Admire the colorful lines of colonial-era buildings along the main Square - Plaza del Libertador including the twin-towered, neo-Gothic Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, an unusually large & imposing building for such a small town, with amazing views from its Bell Tower

While you can find a beautiful Church in the center of just about every town, Jardin (or Antioquia) in particular is quite religious. With its 2 Bell Towers that flank each side, you really can’t miss the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, the Main Church here. The outside of the Church is a 2 tone brick with grey spirals at the top of the Bell Towers & several Statues. But it is the inside that really stands out. The ceiling is painted a bright turquoise with gold accents, very similar to other Churches in the region.

But the mountain-framed Church, although impressive, is not Jardin’s greatest feature, rather it is the Square itself - or the Plaza – that really holds the secret to this town. In 1985, the main Square was declared as a national monument by the Ministry of Tourism.

Residents are a lot of care to keep the Fountains, Benches & stone-walled Rose Gardens of the immaculate Plaza del Libertador perfect for both their fellow townsfolk & Visitors and they have gradually added lots of small touches, including the pretty street lights which allow the daily activities to extend into the evening. They are proud of the antique character of the place & do their best to keep it intact, with their whitewashed buildings & carefully planted flower baskets.

Every day, dozens of hand painted tables - more reds, yellows & blues - are brought to the Square, where Vendors & Restaurants sell their wares. The people gather there to exchange their news & gossip over a cup of coffee, filling the Plaza with a gentle hustle & bustle that is frequently interrupted by the clatter of horses’ hooves, often ridden by children.

We talk of places being a dream for street photographers perhaps a little too frequently to be entirely true, but in this little corner of Antioquia, you can capture the most fantastic photo, purely by accident. Whether you sit in the Square to people watch or sip a cup of tinto, it is a great place to relax & absorb the slow vibes of Jardin.

Visitors are drawn by its kaleidoscope of colours, as Jardin vies for the crown of Colombia's most colourful town with its brightly painted Tables, cowhide Chairs & colour-washed Façades.

The nearby Clara Rojas Pelaez House Museum offers Art, Antiques & a Library in a colonial building.

This is a town where having not much choice of things to do is actually a good thing. A corner of Colombia where the stresses of modern life refuse to intervene, Jardin is the type of small town where visitors are perfectly content to simply wander the streets, admiring the colors & detail in the architecture, the flowers & the day-to-day life. Put the map away & just wander, taking in the sites of colorful doors, balconies filled with flowers & windows decorated with hand-painted wooden cutouts.

You might just stroll down to the Reserva Natural Jardin de Rocas, a Nature Reserve with as many as 1,900 species living in the area & providing a home for around 50 splendidly colorful 'Gallitos de Rocas' a wonderfully bright red bird sadly on the brink of extinction, whose red head & cape you will never forget. Although also found in Peru & Bolivia, the population of this incredible creature is being carefully managed. You don’t have to be an enthusiast to see why; one on its own is a breathtaking sight, but several, in the company of other South American residents, is enough to turn a Philistine into an Ornithologist.

Once you have had your fill, enjoy a tinto (beer) in the main Square while you people watch. The Bars & restaurants surrounding one of the most beautiful & colourful main Plaza are, all the time, overflowing with true Colombian characters sipping tinto & aquardiente.  The color of the tables & chairs correspond to the Cafe to which they belong. Have a seat & someone should be with you shortly.

Got a sweet tooth? Then don't miss Dulces de Jardin. Founded in 1995 by Mariela Arango Jaramillo, a Jardin native, this was a labour of love by a woman who wanted to create jellies, jams & sweets for her family & friends. And now it is a tourist spot & an excellent spot to get a sugar high. Totally worth it though.

It is a town that can be easily explored on foot but for Visitors pressed with time (as you are), & who want to make the most of their time here, the best option is to get on to one of the tuk-tuk mototaxis that nip about town. A standard trip will cover all corners of the pueblo & a side-trip to a famous Trout Farm about 15 minutes outside of town, with some spectacular scenery.

There is also the Reserva Natural Jardin de Rocas providing a home for around 50 'Gallitos de Rocas', a wonderfully bright red bird which is sadly on the brink of extinction. With as many as 1,900 species living in the area, Jardin is one of the best places in all of Antioquia for twitchers.

Later during the afternoon, experience a Cable Car ride to the top of the mountain overlooking Jardin, for some picturesque views of the city. Completed just 10 years ago, this 5 minute short but scenic Gondola ride provides the best views of Jardin & the encompassing central valley.

As the single 10 horsepower motor turns, this locally made Cable Car rises from town, above a valley of verdant banana trees. Turn around for lovely views of the town from afar.

The Cable Car was built by Jardin resident, Alejandro Velez, in 1995 as a way to get from his house to town more quickly. It became a convenient mode of transportation for those in the area, thus it was opened up to residents & tourists. In fact, there are 2 sets of Cable Cars in town. The older & cheaper one is basically a garden shed which takes you up to the hills.

On the return, visitors can ether come down on the Cable Car or decide to take a short walk down to town. There is a small cafe at the top where you can order Coffee, Beer & Snacks.

Come back to the hotel.

Rest of the evening is at leisure tor independent explorations or activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangement).

Morning, Check-out by 07.30 am & depart for Medellin, enroute stopping at the small pretty town of Santa Elena.

The small town or group of villages up in the hills called Santa Elena, is located just east of Medellin high in the mountains & the weather is normally cooler due to its elevation & its soils are rich with nutrients that local farmers take advantage of, for growing an abundance of tropical & local varieties of flowers.

You can feel the temperature drop as you head up the hill. Halfway up, as you marvel at the orange-flowered, black-eyed creeping plant that covers every wall & cliff, you will require a sweater.

The plant is called something that translates as “poetic eyes” & the way the black center falls back into nothing suggests it is a parasite, an invasive plant that will take over a garden if one is not careful, so it is probably not as popular with the residents as the visitor. Pretty flowers, though.

The town consists of little more than a singular looping street with a Statue honoring the Saddlemen at its southern edge. The city center of the steep little town features small shops, Cafes & a couple of Restaurants. The main Square is the meeting place for those who wish to embark upon other activities in this general area.

At certain times of year, Visitors might find a Cafe proprietor making a rough wooden blaze in the fireplace that many buildings have but few use. They are hardy people around here & they would rather wear a tee shirt, a thick shirt & 2 sweaters than spend money on fuel.

You may also come across a battered old Renault operating as a cheap taxi & it might seem strange that Colombia is like a retirement home for the Renault 4 (& later models but not, for some reason, the 5). It is because many years ago, the French motor manufacturer saw a gap in the market & set up a factory here.

You might prefer to be somewhere warmer for most of your Colombia visit, but a short time in Santa Elena is good for the body & the soul.

Cultivated flowers are the heart & soul of Santa Elena is the birthplace of the ornate flower arrangements that are the cornerstone of the Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival) held annually in Medellin. The Orchid Farms surrounding the town are part of what makes this region so special.

The abundance of tropical & local varieties of Flowers have made Colombia into a major exporter of Flowers to international Markets abroad.

This industry is celebrated every year in what has become one of Colombia’s most famous events, the Feria de las Flores. Held every August, typically a dry month for Medellin & Santa Elena, this Festival incorporates the local expert flower growers of Santa Elena. Inhabitants from the different hillside villages surrounding the town build amazing works of art with the seasonal flowers, using natural materials including a wooden base upon which a wide variety of flowers are affixed in attractive design arrangements.

Then, the Silleteros (flower growers / farmers) march down from the mountainside with the designs, called Silletas strapped to their backs.

The Festival’s main event is the iconic 18 km Desfile de Silleteros (Silletero or Parade of Saddlemen) in which hundreds of beautiful silletas, that were made the night before in Santa Elena can be seen making their way down their route through streets of Medellin in huge Parades. Participants in the Parade haul massive, artistic Floats composed entirely of flowers down mountainous roads all the way to Medellin.

Many citizens & tourists alike make a pilgrimage every year to the small town of Santa Elena the night before the Parade in order to witness the artistic construction of their designs and to toast their work

One of Colombia’s ecological marvels Parque Arvi with its expansive 11,000 hectares of natural reserve extends into the municipalities of Medellin, Bello, Copacabana & Envigado. The Park can be accessed from multiple locations & forms a big chunk of countryside in Santa Elena, popular with city residents, particularly on weekends.

Out on the way to Parque Arvi, a magnificent, sprawling natural area, you feel like you are halfway up a Swiss Alp, with the odd cow roaming the roads.

Parque Arvi contains an abundance of bird species including 119 different types currently on record. The Reserve also boasts more than 163 different species of insects that can be found along its Paths, around the Lakes, Forests & Streams that runs throughout the Park. You can also see a Mariposario (butterfly enclosure).

Sunsets at the Park are very popular tourist attraction. Multiple Viewpoints offer a wide variety of viewing positions enabling the Visitors to enjoy the picturesque lush green surroundings of the area. The views over the city & the cool climate are perfect for anyone looking to relax.

The Park offers many outdoor activities such as Biking, Camping, Fishing & Kayaking. Inside the boundaries of the 17.61 sq-km Reserve are Hiking trails running through the Pine & Eucalyptus forest. At Montevivo, a few minutes away from Parque Central, there is an expansive system of ropes that have been constructed that allow for the practice of Canopy & other Climbing options. And by the way, there is a Cable Car from Medellin to Parque Arvi, with fascinating views of the outskirts of the city & the forest.

Mixed in with the natural ambiance of the area are hidden culinary treasures to be discovered such as the restaurant Donde Edward in which one can savour the gourmet rabbit dishes that are well known in the region.

There is an organised part of the Park, with Gift Shops, Cafes & touristy things for sale. There, Guides will show you around & give you a bit of prehistory, but if you have got the time, the inclination & the energy to wander on your own, it is a magical landscape, a bracing paradise of Trees & Birds, with the remains of thick-walled mud huts demonstrating that people used to live here centuries ago.

Visitors can Trek on Horseback or relax with a Coffee or a herbal drink that s supposed to alleviate altitude sickness (but, Visitors for a few hours or a day are unlikely to suffer from that) as the air is thin & a lungful doesn’t do for your body what it would at a lower level.

After spending a couple of hours wondering around, continue on to Medellin.

Arrive at the hotel by afternoon & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. Failing, we will proceed for the activities, if any, proposed for that day & Check-in later.

Balance of the day is at leisure or for Optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Located in the middle of Colombia, Medellin may be the 2^nd largest city & the center of 'Paisa' culture & possibly the most progressive city but it leads the nation in many aspects. The Capital of Colombia’s mountainous Antioquia province is nicknamed as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its favorable climate, perfect combination of warm days & cool nights & an incredible diversity of stunning flora always in bloom around the city & temperate weather.

In 1616, the Spaniard Francisco de Herrera Campuzano erected a small indigenous village known as "Saint Lawrence of Aburra" (San Lorenzo de Aburra), located in the present-day El Poblado commune of Medellin. In 1675, the queen consort Mariana of Austria founded the "Town of Our Lady of Candelaria of Medellín" (Villa de Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria de Medellin) in the Ana region, which today corresponds to the center of the city (east-central zone) & was the first to describe the region as "Medellin", founded as a mining town.   

In 1826, the city was named the Capital of the Department of Antioquia by the National Congress of the nascent Republic of Gran Colombia, comprising present-day Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador & Panama.

After Colombia won its independence from Spain, Medellin became the Capital of the Federal State of Antioquia until 1888, with the proclamation of the Colombian Constitution of 1886. During the 19^th century, Medellin was a dynamic commercial center, first exporting gold, then producing & exporting Coffee.

Medellin has developed a wide industrial base that includes Food processing, Woodworking, Metallurgy, Automobiles, Chemicals & Rubber products. It is known as “Colombia’s Manchester” because of its Textile Mills & clothing factories. It has long been one of Colombia’s largest commercial centres of the Coffee industry.

Medellin surrounded by the Andes Mountains, may have a famously pleasant climate but it comes with a multi-sensory chorus of honking cars, heavy foot traffic & noisy Vendors pushing vintage shopping carts through its neighborhoods loaded with carafes of tinto (coffee).

The Andean metropolis has written a new narrative since the death of Pablo Escobar in 1993, despite the influx of narco-tourists looking to walk in the drug lord's murderous footsteps. Medellin was once famed for being one of the most dangerous cities on earth, but has been completely transformed during the last 2 decades & is now being recognized as the City of Innovation. In 2013, Medellin beat out New York City & Tel Aviv to be named “The Most Innovative City in the World” by the Wall Street Journal & Citibank. The prestigious “Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize” was bestowed upon Medellin in 2016 as recognition for its transformation into a sustainable, viable city. It has also become a hugely popular commerce & tourism destination in recent years.

You will be hard-pressed to find a friendlier group of paisas than those who live in Medellin. Warm & welcoming, their disposition can be as sunny as the year-round spring-like weather. The locals have a reputation for being hardworking, but that doesn't mean they don't like to cut loose. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene & the Party can go on late into the night.

Also known as the City of Flowers, tucked into a Valley, surrounded by flower farms, it is one of the main flower producing centres in the country. Accented with green Parks, flowers that are always in bloom, gurgling brooks & 100s of birds in brilliant colors, Medellin feels smaller than the Metropolis that it is.

Each August, the fragrant smell of fresh-cut flowers fills the air during the week-long Feria de las Flores (Flower Festival), which celebrates the city's thriving flower industry. The event culminates with the huge signature Desfile de Silleteros (Silletero or Parade of Saddlemen) in which hundreds of beautiful elaborate silletas, made the night before in Santa Elena can be seen making their way down their route through streets of Medellin. Participants in the Parade haul massive, artistic Floats composed entirely of flowers down mountainous roads all the way to Medellin.

It is a forward-thinking city, which has reinvented itself over the past decade. With Colombia's most extensive integrated Public Transport System, this city is a 'pioneer' in terms of social reform & offers a slick uptown district with an international feel.

Medellin packs the punch of a city twice its size & is important to the region for its Universities, Academies, Commerce, Industry, Science, Health Services, Flower-growing & Festivals. Its skyline reaches for the heavens, setting high-rise apartments & office buildings against a backdrop of jagged peaks in every direction.

Strategically situated practically equidistant from Colombia´s other major cities of Bogota, Cali & Bucaramanga, it is attracting more & more retirees from the West who want to live an outdoor-based, active lifestyle in a city that has near-perfect weather, affordable healthcare, good-value real estate & much lower cost of living than many cities in the U.S. & Canada.

Bandeja paisa makes it possible to savor the flavor of the Antioquia region in 1 calorie-dense meal served at traditional restaurants known as a fondas. The typical dish includes heaping portions of different meats served with red beans, rice, plantains, fried eggs, avocados & an arepa, the ubiquitous Colombian corn cake served with every meal of the day.

Experience the thrill of the hunt at local Flea & Craft Markets, where Vendors sell everything from traditional handicrafts to haute couture. The San Alejo Market, held on the first Saturday of the month at the Parque Bolivar, ranks as a favorite. Several high-end Boutiques stocked with creations by up & coming fashion & home-decor designers can be found, especially in the barrios of Laureles & El Poblano.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby at 08.30 am & embark on a full day (7- 8 hour) excursion to explore "City of Eternal Spring". You will experience various modes of transport – walking & aboard a Chiva, a very colourful traditional rustic bus used throughout Colombia & a Cable Car & Subway.

Walk through the historical & cultural centers where you will learn about Colombia's controversial yet fascinating history.

Start with the famous Plazoleta de las Esculturas (Botero Plaza) with its exhibition of the Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose sculptures have become a landmark of the city.  

This 7,000 m² public space in front of the Museo de Antioquia is home to 23 large, curvaceous bronze sculptures by renowned local artist Fernando Botero, including some of his most iconic works.

Botero is most known for his Paintings, but he was also an accomplished Sculptor creating striking forms which feel like an extension of his 2 dimensional works. These Sculptures & several other of his Artworks were donated by the Artist, to the Museum in 2004. In 2000, the Botero Museum named after the Artist opened in Bogata, housing over 100 of his works alongside modern & contemporary pieces from his personal Collection. Botero died in 2023, some months back.

By a decree of the Municipal Government, between 1980 - 90, all developments or tall buildings were necessarily mandated to instal a Sculpture of any famous Artist. Consequently, Medellin features the largest number of Artworks per square kilometer in Colombia.

If time & Tour-guide permits, you may enter the Museo de Antioquia located inside the grand art deco Palacio Municipal. Colombia’s 2^nd oldest Museum (Museo Nacional in Bogota is the oldest) houses one of the country's most important Art Collections.

The permanent Collection spans 19^th century & contemporary Colombian art, as well as pre-Columbian pieces. The highlight is the 3^rd floor, where there are many Sculptures & Paintings by native son Fernando Botero as well as other Artists' work from his personal Collection. Look out for the wonderful Pedro Nel Gomez murals around the building.

Palacio de la Cultura Rafael Uribe Uribe, a striking black & white Gothic Revival building designed by Belgian architect Agustin Goovaerts, is next door. One of Medellin's most interesting landmarks, construction on the project began in 1925 although only a quarter of the original design was completed. Visitors are free to stroll along its majestic corridors & through the ornate rooms, some of which hold rotating Art exhibitions. Taking a peak inside the majestic Dome, is only allowed on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons. Downstairs, you can get access to the lovely central Courtyard, which features a Fountain surrounded by azaleas, any day.

Proceed to Catedral Metropolitana de Medellin (officially Metropolitan Basilica Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of Mary), a Catholic Church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Overlooking Parque de Bolivar in the Villanueva neighborhood in central area of the city, Medellin's neo-Romanesque Cathedral completed in 1931, is also called Villanueva Cathedral especially during its construction to distinguish it from the Church of La Candelaria, which at that time was the Episcopal seat.

The building was designed by the French Architect Charles Emile Carre (1863-1909) in neo-Romanesque style, with a Latin cross plan, consisting of 3 longitudinal naves & its 2 Towers. The Basilica is a large solid brick structure, since approximately 1,120,000 bricks of 8 cubic decimeters each were used for its construction (joined together with mortar). The ornamentation work was carried out by the Italian Architect Giovanni Buscaglione who designed the Baldachin, the Altars, the Pulpit, the Choir, the stained glass windows, the pavements & other ornamental works.

Due to its historical value & for being one of the main architectural works of the country, the Cathedral was proposed as a National Monument of Colombia.

It also has a small Museum of Religious Art, located in a room next to the Basilica (not open to the public). The Collection has approximately 40 pictorial works (between the 17^th - 19^th centuries) & 15 sculptural works. Its spacious but dim interior has Spanish stained-glass windows.

Then, proceed to board the Metrocable to Santo Domingo, which was once a notorious area of gang violence in the city.

A Gondola lift system implemented by the City Council of Medellin, with the purpose of providing a transportation service that complements the Medellin Metro & was / is designed to reach some of the city's informal settlements on the steep hills that mark its topography. It is largely considered to be the first urban Cable propelled transit system in South America. The transportation infrastructure is already established & has been in service since 2004. The System consists of a network of 16 pre-existing Gondolas.

As you exit the Station, there is a palpable energy & jubilation in the Barrio, just a 5 minute walk to the new Mirador, which provides sweeping panoramas of the city below. Even without the noticeable police presence (the area is considered a “secured” tourist attraction), the area is now very safe during the day.

Medellin is spread along the wide Aburra valley, with the city sprawling up the steep hillsides. This one of its kind metro somehow manages to traverse partially up one side of the Valley, from which you have the most magnificent views of city.

Wondering through Santo Domingo, you will learn that during the late 80’s & 90’s up until 2002, people were not be able to walk through the streets for fear of being killed. Medellin Drug Cartel, headed by the infamous Druglord Pablo Escobar used to live here & warring urban militias controlled the neighbourhoods.

Now the area has been transformed into one of the city’s cultural revival. There is a huge Santo Domingo Savio (Spain Park Library) that dominates the hillside, standing proudly overlooking the rest of the city. The name was given in honour of the King & Queen of Spain who contributed to the construction. It offers book collections, recreation areas & free Internet access to the local community. It is hard not to be inspired & moved as you look down on Bands playing, bouncy Castles, corrugated tin rooftops sporting elaborate Shrines & the odd maxed-out paddling pool & Cafes bustling with a mix of locals & tourists.

Spend an hour or 2 before returning back to the city centre.

French/Swiss-engineered Gondolas soar over revived neighborhoods that have been at the forefront of the government’s scheme to connect the city’s slums with downtown. The Cable Cars were constructed to make the inner city more accessible to people from the outskirts & allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized population.

While enjoying the spectacular views you will learn more about the transformation of Medellin from the most dangerous city in the world into a fascinating melting pot of cultures with possibly the friendliest and warmest people in the world.

Continue on to El Poblado, Medellin's buzziest neighborhood to see the Parque Lleras area.   

Dotted with towering brick buildings & a mountainous green backdrop, the El Poblado neighborhood is a picture-perfect postcard spot.

Beyond its timelessly aesthetic appeal, the affluent Barrio has established itself as party central in a city that is becoming more & more beloved as an international destination. Anchored by the effervescent hotspot of Parque Lleras, cultural institutions galore & a growing international culinary space.

Parque Lleras offers one of the most diverse offers in night-time & gastronomic entertainment in the city.

Restaurants, Nightclubs, Bars & Cafes are concentrated in Parque Lleras, a place in the El Poblado neighborhood where Medellin residents & tourists find a wide variety of places where nightlife is important.

There are also spaces where you can chat & share a drink with friends, one of the most popular is the terrace of the Hotel Envy, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the city in the company of a cocktail or a beer.

If Visitors are looking to dance & be entertained at a good party, Parque Lleras has dozens of options, with a diversity of music & atmospheres. One can choose between tropical rhythms, Salsa, Rancheras, Reggaeton, Rap, or a mix so you don't get tired of the same thing at night. Up to you!

Some of the Nightclubs are La Chismosa & Oye Bonita, both with varied music. For extra fun, La Octava has a Ball Pool or Alzina Public House, an English Pub with Billiard Tables.

In the Provenza neighborhood, you can enjoy the diversity of small but delicious Cafes where you can have a family plan, work meetings or meetings with friends. Pergamino Cafe stands out, offering authentic Colombian stuff. Visitors can get good dishes of typical Antioquia food, as well as national and international cuisine. The places are usually open until dawn. 

Nature lovers can spend time at La Presidenta Ecopark, a green linear park, with trees, gardens, colored bridges, a recreational area for children & an outdoor Gym. Occasionally, Farmer’s Markets are held to support the agricultural products of the city's townships, as well as different local enterprises.

Via Primavera neighboring Parque Lleras, features independent designer Stores that promote local talent. Here you can eat, buy clothes & crafts.

And now it is time to had back to the hotel.

Balance of the day is at leisure for Optional activities or independent wandering (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep who will transfer you to Terminal ?- Medellin Aeropuerto Internacional de Medellín Jose María Cordova. International Airport for your flight to Cartagena.

You can’t visit Colombia without a stop in UNESCO World Heritage listed Cartagena.

Arrive in colourful Cartagena, a beautiful Port city nestled in the Caribbean coastline, now becoming known as Colombia’s hidden jewel.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Cartagena Rafael Nunez International Airport, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort, transfer you to the hotel, help you settle in & provide you with some useful tips for exploring the area as well as discuss the program for the next day.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’. Failing, we will proceed for the activities, if any, proposed for that day & Check-in later.

Shortly after, meet the Tour-guide in the Lobby & proceed for a short orientation tour of the city.  

Framed by a beautiful bay, Cartagena de Indias, nicknamed ‘a jewel of universal heritage’ is located on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, has a long & fascinating history.  

Cartagena de Indias is undoubtedly one of Latin America's most beautiful cities, lost somewhere in time between the 16^th & 19^th centuries, with the Caribbean Sea as a sparkling backdrop. Founded in 1533 by Spanish Conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia & named after the Port of Cartagena in Spain's Murcia region, Cartagena de Indias was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the Americas, which had impressive development in the 18^th century as the de facto Capital of the Viceroyalty of New Granada.

Cartagena is known for its colonial architecture, protected by one of the most strong & lengthy centuries-old city Walls in South America.

Located on Colombia's northern coast & facing the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is the undisputed queen of the Caribbean coast. To defend itself from imperial powers battling it out in the Colonies & frequent Pirate attacks, Cartagena was enclosed in a protective Wall in the 1600s. The strong & lengthy centuries-old city Wall in South America was continually repaired & expanded over the next nearly 200 years. Today, the13 km Wall still stands, encompassing colorful colonial-era buildings, an array of Museums, Bars, Restaurants in the neighborhood of San Diego collectively called the Old Town. Sir Francis Drake laid siege to the city but the Fortress walls & Cannons remain, making the area within the old walled city a living Museum.

Cartagena beautifully preserves its colonial character as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The enclosed Old Town boasts some of the best colonial architecture in South America. Nearby, the hip neighborhood of Getsemani pulses with life, while placid Cartagena Bay shimmers as the sun sets behind the city skyline. With a burgeoning culinary scene & a lively Caribbean vibe, Cartagena is quickly becoming one of the region’s favorite cities.

The secrets of history within its walled city, on its balconies & in the narrow stone walkways served as inspiration for author Gabriel García Marquez, who in 1982, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

One of the most beautiful, well-preserved cities in the Americas, Cartagena was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, joining Havana & San Juan, as an essential link in the route to the West Indies. UNESCO also singled out the City as being “an eminent example of the military architecture of the 16^th, 17^th, 18^th centuries, the most extensive of the New World & one of the most complete”.

Cartagena brings together the charm of colonial architecture, the excitement of a vivid Night-life, fascinating cultural Festivals & lush Landscapes, to bring you the perfect vacation experience.

Cartagena is a compact city & ideal for walking, especially outside the hottest hours of the tropical day. Morning is a great time to explore & an evening walk along Cartagena’s 16^th century Walls will showcase many aspects of the city’s beauty - the warm Caribbean Sea, ancient Churches, atmospheric Plazas, a magnificent 17^th century Castle & multi-coloured colonial Mansions & popular monuments dedicated to India Catalina, los Zapatos Viejos & los Pegasos. Then, there are a few Museums including a very interesting Naval Museum.

There are a wide variety of walking tours offered in Cartagena, with specialized tours focusing on History, Food, Culture, Street Art, Pirates, Ghosts & more. A romantic way to explore is to take a ride around the colonial city in a classic horse-drawn carriage.

The tropical weather in Cartagena is very pleasant, temperature throughout the year is 27°C on average. The city’s Beaches beckon, inviting everyone to unwind & enjoy in the refreshing breeze & warm waters of the sea.

The knowledgeable Tour-guide will offer insights into the city’s rich history, culture & beautiful colonial architecture as you stroll through the narrow shaded streets within the Ciudad Amurallada (walled Old City), where flowers cascade from overhanging wooden balconies of the houses.

Walking along, in addition to enjoying the pleasant temperature, you will be able to appreciate the local music & rhythms that sound in the streets & the handicrafts that adorn the shops. From mid-morning, Old Town comes to life with a flurry of activity that doesn’t stop until late at night.

Old City is the principal attraction, especially the inner walled town, consisting of the historical districts of El Centro & San Diego. The Old City is nearly encircled by walls that stand 4 metres tall & are as thick as 18 metres in some places. Their strength has preserved some fascinating colonial structures, many of which are situated around the lovely, leafy Plaza de Bolivar, that contains an impressive statue of Pedro de Heredia on horseback.

One of finest examples of preserved colonial architecture in the Americas, packed with ancient Churches, Monasteries, Plazas, Palaces & Mansions with their famous overhanging balconies & shady patios. Be amazed by famous monuments such as those dedicated to India Catalina, the Old Shoes & the Pegasus.

See the iconic “La Torre de Reloj” (the Clock Tower) near the main entrance to the walled city, bordering the neighboring Getsemani area just outside the Walls. Built in 1600, the Tower has been through several updates including the addition of a pendulum Clock in the late 1800s. Its side arches were used as a Chapel & an Armament room. Today, those arches are open to the public, accessible through walkways. Nowadays, it houses a 1900 style Swiss Clock & has become a must-see for visitors.

Right next is Monumento a la India Catalina at the main entrance to the Old Town from the mainland, is a tribute to the American roots of the Carib people, the group that inhabited this land before the Spanish Conquest. The lovely bronze Statue, forged in 1974 by Eladio Gil, a Spanish Sculptor living in Cartagena, depicts the legendary India Catalina, a beautiful indigenous Carib woman who acted as an Interpreter for Pedro de Heredia (founder of Cartagena) upon the arrival of the Spaniards. She is the key character for the beginning of miscegenation in the territories of Cartagena de Indias, by promoting the Spanish settlement. Stories seem to vary a bit, but Catalina (no one knows her real given name but she was lovingly called Catalina by Pedro Heredia). She is believed to have died in Seville, Spain.

Cartagena's historic center is flat & relatively small, making it the perfect city for walking. The best way to experience the Old Town is to wander in leisurely fashion along the maze of picturesque cobblestoned streets, savoring the architectural details, street life & local snacks along the way. There are photo opportunities at every corner as you peek into doorways to see the cool tiled patios hidden from other passersby.

Walk by Plaza Santo Domingo that lies at the heart of the Old City & is one of the city’s most famous. The Square lined with charming colonial buildings, is named after the Santo Domingo Church that stands in one of its corners.

The lively Square is full of tourists & street vendors & talented street musicians at all hours of the day & the Restaurants, perfect spot for dinner or a nightcap, provide ample outdoor seating.

However, the star of the Plaza is undoubtedly La Gorda Gertrudis, a rotund bronze statue of a Rubenesque beauty. From a boar’s nose in Florence to a philosopher’s toes in Edinburgh, Scotland, the world has its share of rituals and superstitions that put a twist on the term “rubbed bronze.” In Cartagena, look no further than Plaza de Santo Domingo. Here, La Gorda Gertrudis in all her 1433 pound glory, lies naked on her side in the southwest corner of the Square in front of Iglesia de Santa Domingo.

Since world-famous Colombian Artist Fernando Botero donated the bronze sculpture to the city in 2000, it has become customary to give her rear end a rub for luck. Furthermore, touching her breasts ensures a long-lasting romance for those in a relationship.

Sadly, the Square has a sordid past & was the site of executions during the Spanish Inquisition where Jewish people & non-Catholics were persecuted.  There is even a legend that the Devil himself tried jumping on the roof of the Church. You can learn more about this tragic time in Cartagena’s history at the Palace of the Inquisition (which you are scheduled to visit tomorrow).

Continue on to Plaza de San Diego, the epicenter for the San Diego neighborhood. The lovely Square retains an authentic vibe & remains somehow immune to the heavy tourist traffic. The setting for the legendary hotel Santa Clara, the 16^th century Convent that provided the inspiration for Marquez’s novel “Of Love & Other Demons”, Plaza de San Diego & the quiet streets that surround it fulfill the dream of Cartagena for many travelers. There is a pulsating energy & creative zeal courtesy of the students at the Escuela de Bellas Artes (another converted Convent) on the east side of the Square. Almost every night, there is a Performance or a rehearsal or an impromptu celebration. Strolling south, east, or several blocks west of the Square, you can escape the hustle & bustle of the Old Town’s main arteries.

Last stop will be at Plaza de Bolivar, is a beautiful urban Park located in the historic center, full of symbology, accompanied by nature, history, relaxation, as well as all those Pigeons that adorn this unique landscape (we recommend that you buy some corn from the vendors in the area, place it in your palm & the friendly pigeons will land on your hand, truly a beautiful sight).

Like many places in the city, this Park also has received different names over time depending on the different buildings that surround it. This urban space is an emblematic site of the city, loaded with historical & cultural symbolism & was originally called Cathedral Square, later as Plaza Mayor, place where the great military acts of the time were carried out. In1610, Holy Court of the Inquisition was installed here & the Square came to be known as Plaza de la Inquisicion until November 11, 1896. Starting in 1890, Bullfights were held in this Plaza by order of the November 11 Festivities Board.

In 1896, an equestrian statue of El Libertador Simon Bolivar was installed in the middle of the Square & from then on, it was renamed yet again to Plaza de Bolivar. The bronze sculpture of Bolivar on horseback, was modeled in Munich by the Venezuelan Sculptor Eloy Palacios & its pedestal made of Finnish granite, featuring several of the liberator's immortal phrases. One that stands out is said to honor Cartagena de Indias - "Cartageneros, if Caracas gave me life, you gave me glory... Hail Cartagena Redemptora!"  2 replicas of them stand, respectively, in Maracaibo & Guayaquil.

The Park, one of Cartagena's most alluring Plazas, has green areas with a variety of trees & paved areas with Benches, Fountains & other typical elements. The streets surrounding the Park have a mixed land use, where Housing, Commerce & Services come together. The historic center with narrow streets, blocks with irregular shapes & some of the city's most elegant balconied colonial buildings (although there are others built in the 20^th century).

Around the leafy shaded Plaza offering a wonderful respite from the Caribbean heat, there are several emblematic buildings among which, the most notable are the Baroque style Palace of the Inquisition, the Herrerian style Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, the Palace of the Proclamation where the Town Hall functioned until 2016, Bank of the Republic & the Zenu Gold Museum.

The historic center with narrow streets, blocks with irregular shapes & some of the city's most elegant balconied colonial buildings (although there are others built in the 20^th century).

And the sightseeing concludes & you return to the hotel.

There is another city attraction to enjoy. Soaking up the sunset views from Cartagena’s historic walls that have withstood the test of time, enduring attacks from notorious Pirates & the relentless fury of tropical storms. But Las Murallas (the Wall) are no match for the throngs of people who climb the ramparts for an extraordinary vantage point to witness an unforgettable Caribbean sunset.

Observe this captivating spectacle from the northern edge of the city or the western side, where the iconic Cafe del Mar serves cool cocktails to go along with the warm glow of the setting sun. You can relish the same mesmerizing beauty & save money by grabbing a spot anywhere along the wall just outside the Cafe. Mobile Vendors are on hand to supply you with a more wallet-friendly refreshment.

Nighttime adds a whole different dimension to sightseeing

You might want to try a “Chiva” panoramic night tour, through the festive & joyful city.  

A Chiva (Spanish for goat) is a typical artisan rustic bus painted with bright colors, adapted to rural public transport, especially considering the mountainous geography of the Andean region. But, they have become a fad in the cities, too.

Once on the Chiva, get ready to have a blast! The brightly painted Buses are iconic to Cartegena & it is a ‘must have’ experience for visitors. The colorful Chiva with blaring Latin Music will carry you & fellow participants along the streets of Cartagena, passing by the main landmarks like Torre del Reloj, Los Pegasos dock, Getsemani, Manga, Castillo de San Felipe. You will get a better understanding of the different areas of the city to help your orientation for the rest of your stay.

 As the bus snakes its way around Cartagena, through historic neighborhoods, Bocagrande & Castillo Grande neighborhood before stopping at the infamous Castillo San Felipe de Barajas - but on this ride, you are not here for just any tour - you are here to have a dance party!

Overnight.  B 

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.30 am in the Lobby & embark on another full day sightseeing tour.

Cartagena is built on several Islands located at the end of a bay & the marshes that originally surrounded these Islands were filled up in order to link the land to the coast. At the end of this stretch of land are 2 larger Islands that appear to be guarding the mouth of the bay.

Just south of the downtown area is an Island of La Manga, a residential area for well-off Cartageneros. Several Bridges provide access to the Island & one of these leads directly to the Old City. A number of lagoons separate the suburban areas from the Old City, whose centre is surrounded by magnificent ramparts. The city, nestled in the bay, extends onto an L-shaped peninsula called Playa de Bocagrande.

Bocagrande, an upmarket area, popular for its long, sandy beaches backed by palm-lined promenades. There are several Casinos, along with an eclectic dining scene that includes Beach Snack Bars, stylish Japanese & Colombian Restaurants, global fast-food chains & mellow Cafe terraces. Smart Boutiques sell local & international fashion, while Plaza Bocagrande is an upscale Mall with sea views.

For a beach day, Bocagrande neighborhood offers several advantages. Unlike some of the more secluded & pristine beaches that require boat transportation, those in Bocagrande are easily reachable on foot or bus from the Old Town. Popular with the glamour set in Colombia, the beach is a nice strip of white sand near some of the best areas & hotels in the city. The Beaches here tend to get crowded, with many people enjoying the sun & sand, but this lively atmosphere can also be part of the appeal. The Vendors are a common presence on Cartagena beaches.

Castillogrande is the luxury residential area in Cartagena where modern buildings overlooking the Bay or Tierra Bomba Island with large apartments stand out. It is a peninsula that goes into the Bay with a pedestrian boardwalk on the north side & has calm water beaches on the south side.

Drive through the residential neighborhoods of Bocagrande, Castillogrande & Manga

Then, continue on to Cartagena’s coolest neighbourhood, the iconic  Getsemani, just outside the walled city.

Here, deboard from the vehicle & enjoy a “walking“ tour of Getsemani, one of the most vibrant & ‘up & coming’ neighborhoods in Cartagena.

Artsy Getsemani is also historic & was the home of many of the Artisans who helped to build Cartagena during the colonial era & is also considered to be the birthplace of the city’s culture.

The neighborhood is filled to the brim with character. Pastel-hued rowhouses stretch along narrow alleyways strung with pennants, flags, kites & other attention-grabbing embellishments. In recent decades, the influx of Creatives & Entrepreneurs has transformed the working-class neighborhood into a cultural district renowned for colorful mesmerizing Street Art, trendy Bars, Restaurants & boutique accommodations.

In the last few years, the popularity of Getsemani’s colorful streetscapes has captured the attention of Instagram-loving travelers. To experience the neighborhood’s charms without the crowds, early morning is the best time.

Artistic expression can be found at every turn. Wander down the Calle de la Sierpe, where the crumbling facades are covered with large-scale murals. More murals extend along the Calle de San Juan, where you will also find art on canvas displayed in front of Art Galleries & Artists’ Studios.

You may also grab a brush & join a well-known Muralist in adding to the neighborhood’s exuberant street art, while making your way through the lively streets.

Take time to linger in the interesting Plaza de la Trinidad, reflecting a slice of life in the neighborhood & the central gathering place of the community for centuries, where a set of whimsical Statues pay tribute to Pedro Romero, one of the key figures in Cartagena’s independence movement from Spain.

Plaza de la Trinidad, anchored by the mustard-yellow Iglesia de la Santisima Trinidad, is one of the best places to visit in Cartagena after dark.

Throughout the day, both locals & tourists can be seen wandering through the small Plaza, before disappearing into the narrow streets that radiate from it like the spokes of a bicycle tire. As the evening sets in, the atmosphere transforms. Sidewalk Cafes start filling up & crowds gather on the steps of the Church. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of street food served from Carts enveloped in rising steam. The thump of a Drum interrupts the low hum of activity & conversation and before you know it, an impromptu street party comes to life. Musicians, Dancers & other Street Performers take center stage, providing lively entertainment for the crowd. The nocturnal celebration doesn’t stop until the early hours, fueled by mobile Bars serving mojitos & other refreshing cocktails.

Another unique photogenic aspect not to be missed are the Umbrella Streets. In fact, Getsemani has 2. One is on Callejon Angosto & the other is on Calle de la Magdalena. The combination of overhanging Umbrellas, colorful Houses & Street Art is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable spots in Cartagena!

The concept of Umbrella Street was first initiated in Agueda, Portugal in 2011, as part Agitagueda Festival's Umbrella Sky Project, where multi-coloured Umbrellas were strung on wires that connected the rooftops of buildings on each side of a street. The concept became so popular that it crossed national boundaries & many states started implementing as a tourism feature.

Drive back to the Walled Old City to see Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, the greatest Fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies in the New World & still dominates an entire section of Cartagena's cityscape. The Fortress is a short walk over the Bridge from Getsemani.

Originally known as the Castillo de San Lazaro, the original edifice was quite small. It was commissioned in 1536 & construction began in 1557 on top of the 40 metre high San Lazaro Hill in a strategic location, dominating approaches to the city by land or sea.

Built in several phases, with coral mined from the region’s reefs, the imposing Castillo ranks as one of the great military wonders of the world. In 1762, an extensive enlargement was undertaken, which resulted in the entire Hill being covered with this powerful bastion & Cartagena became truly impregnable & was never taken despite numerous attempts to storm it.

It was Sir Francis Drake’s attack of 1586 - the British Pirate pillaged the town for some 50 days - that focused the attention of the Spanish Crown, which then embarked on an unprecedented mission to bolster the city’s defenses.

The most important Port (& the most heavily fortified city in the New World), Cartagena was the nexus for the Spanish flotillas that transported gold & silver via Havana to Spain.

The Castle’s seminal architectural accomplishments were the result of famed military engineer Antonio de Arevalo who directed the construction & designed the complex of labyrinthine, rather ghoulish system of Tunnels connected at strategic points to allow provisions to be distributed & to facilitate evacuation. The Tunnels were constructed so that any noise reverberated all the way along the entire length, making it possible to alert the Spanish to enemy advances & hear the slightest sound of an approaching enemy's feet & also making internal communication easy. Some of the Tunnels are lit & are open to visitors - an eerie walk not to be missed.

After spending an hour exploring the Castle, proceed next door to the Palacio de la Inquisicion, which today, may be one of the finest buildings in the city but it documents the darkest period in the city's history.  

It is a good example of late-colonial architecture, noted particularly for its baroque stone gateway topped by the Spanish coat of arms, & the long balconies on the facade. A limestone doorway off Plaza de Bolivar marks the entrance of the Palace. On the side wall, just around the corner from the entrance, you will find a small window with a Cross on top.

Although the site was the seat of the Punishment Tribunal of the Holy Office from 1610, the notoriously grisly Palace of Inquisition wasn't completed until 1770 to continue as the headquarters of the repressive arbiters of political & spiritual orthodoxy who once exercised jurisdiction over Colombia, Ecuador & Venezuela to stamp out heresy in colonial Cartagena.

The Inquisition largely targeted supposed Witches, putting them to trial for baseless accusations of Magic, Witchcraft & Blasphemy, torturing & forcing people to confess their sins & absolve them in the eyes of the Catholic Church. These trials proved grossly unjust as not a single woman who stood trial was found innocent. Heretics were denounced here & the Holy Office would then instigate proceedings. When culprits were found guilty, they were sentenced to death in a public auto-da-fe (execution of heretics, often by burning them at the stake). At least 5 autos-da-fe took place during the Inquisition until independence in 1821. About 800 folks were condemned to death & executed. The Inquisition did not judge the indigenous people.

The huge Baroque style Palace with its beautiful grounds & interior is now a Museum, commemorating the victims of the Spanish Inquisition & displaying various instruments of torture used against them, some of which are quite horrific. The Museum also houses pre-Columbian pottery & plots a historical trajectory of the city using Armaments, Paintings, Furniture & even Church Bells. A new Section devoted to Afro-Caribbean contemporary pieces includes wonderful Haitian Paintings & African Masks.

A good model of Cartagena from the beginning of the 19^th century & an interesting collection of old maps of the Nuevo Reino de Granada from various periods are also on display.

From here, move to Convento & Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, founded by Jesuits in the first half of the 17^th century, located in Plaza de San Pedro Claver, named for   San Pedro Claver, who fought for the underdog, the oppressed, and the liberation of slaves, is possibly Cartagena’s neatest example of colonial architecture. The Church & its cloisters constructed from 1580 to 1654 was originally named in honor of the founder of the Jesuit order, San Ignacio de Loyola.