Mountains, Jungles & Bays: Bogota, Tayrona & Cartagena

• Private arrival and departure airport transfers (international and domestic)
• 2 nights in first-class accommodations in Bogota
• 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Tayrona National Park
• 3 nights in first-class accommodations in Cartagena
• Private-guided tour of historic Bogota
• Private-guided tour of Tayrona National Park
• Private transfer from Tayrona National Park to Cartagena
• Private-guided tour of historic Cartagena
• Breakfast daily (excluding Day 1), 3 lunches

Photo: Mountains Jungles bays Colombia, Map

Itinerary details:

Day 1: Arrive in Bogota

Transfer from Bogota Airport to Bogota to Old Town.  Accommodation at The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection with Buffet Breakfast.

Day 2 : Exploring Bogota

Paloquemao, La Candelaria, Monserrate & More

Experience Bogota's diversity in a day. Begin at Paloquemao Market, a bustling maze of over 750 stalls offering a colorful array of tropical fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut flowers. Sample exotic fruits and juices, immersing yourself in Bogota's gastronomic heritage. In La Candelaria, the oldest city quarter and Bogota's heart, discover Plaza Bolivar, which is surrounded by grand colonial buildings and churches. Wander the charming side streets and alleys, connecting with the neighborhood's vibrant past and present. The Botero Museum in La Candelaria highlights Fernando Botero's iconic "oversized" art across two floors. Nearby, the Gold Museum reveals its pre-Columbian gold treasures openly, boasting one of the world's finest collections with over 35,000 pieces. A short drive away, the hilltop Monserrate monastery offers panoramic views of the city. Reach the summit by cable car or funicular railway and explore the church, originally built in the 17th Century. After a day exploring the highlights of Bogota, your guide will return you to your hotel.

Photo: Bogota Monserrate

Transfer from Bogota to Old Town to Bogota Airport.  Transfer from Santa Marta to City Centre to Santa Marta to Tayrona. Accommodation at the Cayena by Masaya with Breakfast and Dinner.

Photo: Tayrona Beach Santa Marta

Tayrona National Park is probably the most visited across Colombia's impressive park network. A day spent wandering the jungle trails and rugged picture-postcard shorelines while leaving sandy footprints along the palm-fringed beaches is one of the pleasures of the Caribbean region. Located east of Santa Marta, the park covers a vast swath of protected land and marine reserves. Elevations range from sea level through into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range; the highest coastal mountain range in the world, and whose lofty peaks tower over the park below. Tayrona has a predominantly year-round hot and humid climate, which has created along its coastal flanks a lush tropical forest ecosystem. From the main entrance, the road continues 10 minutes to the trailhead, from where the walking begins. Walks can be tailored to individual requirements and it's possible to flop down and relax on the first beach, Playa Cañaveral, or continue to the primary goal of Cabo de San Juan beach, a total round trip of almost 15 kilometers (roughly 9.5 miles). The full walk takes 4 to 6 hours depending on scenery breaks and meanderings, perhaps to see the beautiful beaches of Arricifes and La Piscina, for example. The scenery of huge white rocks, smoothed by wind and waves, and the turquoise water lapping at the white sands is blissful. Apart from the spectacular scenery, there are opportunities for wildlife viewing including iguanas, monkeys, macaws and even toucans. It's also possible to see the often-recluse members of local indigenous communities like the Kogi people, known for their distinctive white traditional woven clothing. The return trip is via the same trails, but for those looking for an easier option, horses can be rented for a more sedate experience.

Day 5: Day at Leisure in Tayrona

Day 6 : Tayrona to Cartagena

Transfer from Santa Marta to Tayrona to Cartagena to Old Town.  Accommodation at the Hotel Nacar Curio Collection with Buffet Breakfast.

Photo: Night View of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

This full-day experience takes in the most iconic sights in Cartagena. Carved from a colourful history rife with piracy, and sultry Caribbean heat, with fusions of African, indigenous and European culture, Cartagena is a living museum. The historic centre with its imposing merchant's houses, blossom bedecked balconies, and ornate churches, are all encircled by the city's ancient stone fortification. A walk through the famous clock tower entrance, on through the leafy Bolivar square and narrow-cobbled streets is a walk through the pages of history. The old town is still however part of a modern Colombia, one of the city's main universities has its principal faculties located here, students rub shoulders with visitors and there is a vibrant commercial life here too. La Heroica (The Heroic city) with its 500-plus years of antiquity has a wealth of myths, legend,s and stories to enthrall visitors. Wandering the picturesque streets of Cartagena is to step through the pages of a Gabriel Garcia Marquez novel watching history come to life. Just outside the historic old town, the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. San Felipe is the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, and along with the ramparts and stonewalls was part of the city's defence against pirates. Built on a hill, construction began in 1536 and continued for some 200 years. The La Popa Convent sits in a privileged position and is the highest landmark in the city. The cool, flower-filled courtyard with its dominant stone columns lead out to a viewing platform. Inside the small chapel is the immaculate gold-plated and carved alter and ornate decoration dedicated to the "Virgin de la Candelaria". The convent still plays an important role in the life of the city's Catholics.

Photo: Cartagena Flowers on the Porch in Old Town

Day 9: Depart from Cartagena

Transfer from Cartagena to Old Town to Cartagena Airport.