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Best of Colombia:
Bogotá, Pereira & Cartagena
From the big-city buzz of Bogotá to the bucolic mountain landscapes of the Coffee Triangle and to the Caribbean flair of colorful Cartagena - Colombia is teeming with biodiversity, culture, and history. See the highlights of Colombia on this journey, from the bustling city streets of Bogotá to the beauty of the Coffee Triangle and the colorful colonial center of Cartagena. Full of art, culture, and passion - Colombia should be next on your clients' bucket list!
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 3 Nights Bogotá
• 3 Nights Pereira
• 3 Nights Cartagena
 
INCLUSIONS
• Private Arrival and Departure Transfers per City
• Private Bogotá City Tour and Monserrate
• Private Bogotá Culinary Tour
• Private Hacienda San Alberto Coffee Plantation Tour with Lunch
• Private Salento and Cocora National Park Tour with Lunch
• Private Cartagena Colonial City Tour
• Private Ceviche and Mojito Demonstration
• Private Cultural San Basilio de Palenque Tour
• Daily Breakfast
 
Arrive Bogotá:

Arrive through the El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy the amenities of your hotel or take advantage of the many activities that abound in this exciting city. The historic heart of the city, La Candelaria, is full of museums, restaurants, and more to discover, while the ritzy northern neighborhoods are known for their bustling nightlife and upscale shopping.

(Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá:

Private Bogotá City Tour and Monserrate: Today embark on a panoramic tour of Bogotá, from the city's historic heart to a pilgrimage site high above the city. Start with a trip to La Candelaria, Bogotá's pristinely-preserved colonial quarter that is home to many of the city's iconic sights, including the city's main square - the Plaza de Bolivar. Then visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) to see the world's largest and most extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold arts and crafts. Next, pay a visit to the Fernando Botero Museum, dedicated to Colombia's premiere artist, where many of his most works are exhibited alongside a private collection of works by Picasso, Matisse, Monet, Dali, and more. Finally, take a cable car to the mountain of Monserrate above the city to visit the lovely church that overlooks the town, reveling in the views of this exciting city.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá:

Private Bogotá Culinary Tour: With a long history of cultural fusion, Colombia (and Bogotá in particular) is well known for combining the cuisine of the whole country and its migrant communities into a delicious blend. Start this culinary tour with a visit to one of Colombia's largest markets, the Paloquemao Market, to see, smell, and taste the country's flavors. Sample some of Colombia's exotic fruits and taste some of Colombia's staples such as arepas and panelas from local vendors. Next, learn about and taste a typical Colombian breakfast at La Puerta Falsa, a famous bakery enjoyed by the late Anthony Bourdain. Finally, eat a meal at one of the city's oldest restaurants, Las Margaritas, where you'll have the opportunity to feast upon Bogotá's famous specialty, ajiaco and empanadas.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá to Pereira:

Today, fly to the city Pereira within the country's famous Coffee Triangle. After your private driver has driven you to your hotel, the rest of your day is at your leisure. In this beautiful region, coffee plantations drape the foothills of the Andes and the hustle & bustle of the city fades away. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the hotel or venture out to try out the city's coffee and restaurants.

(Breakfast, Bogotá; Accommodations, Pereira)

Pereira:

Private Hacienda San Alberto Coffee Plantation Tour: Today visit a local coffee plantation operated by the San Alberto company. Learn about how the Coffee Triangle's unique combination of soil and weather makes it arguably the best place to grow coffee in the world and learn how San Alberto carefully selects and produces their award-winning coffee. Of course, tastings of different coffee varieties will be offered to savor the aromatics and distinct notes that are unique to every bean.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Pereira)

Pereira:

Private Salento and Cocora National Park Tour with Lunch: Today you'll travel deep into the foothills and mountain valleys of the Andes to visit Cocora Valley within Los Nevados National Natural Park. This gorgeous valley is home to Colombia's national tree, the Wax Palm, the tallest palm tree in the world that can measure up to 190 feet tall! Explore the forests and trails in this verdant valley and learn about the conservation efforts being done to protect this ecosystem. You'll even be able to do some conservation yourself engaging in the "Ritual de la Palma", a traditional act done to preserve the wax palms. Next you'll visit the nearby town of Salento, a mountain town founded in 1842 that is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and relaxing atmosphere. Here you'll tour the main street, Calle Real, and enjoy a delectable lunch of locally caught smoked trout from the Cocora Valley before returning to Pereira.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Pereira)

Pereira to Cartagena:

Today, leave Pereira and fly to Cartagena on the Carribean coast. After meeting your driver for a private transfer to your hotel, the rest of the day is at your leisure. This colorful city is renowned for its perfectly-preserved colonial architecture imbued with a Caribbean atmosphere that is uniquely Cartagena.


(Breakfast, Pereira; Accommodations, Cartagena)

Cartagena:

Private Cartagena Colonial City Tour: Start your tour of Cartagena's history with a visit to the Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, a convent that overlooks the city from the city's highest point. Next tour the ruined fortress of Castillo de San Felipe in the center of the city, built atop a hill in the 1600s with a complex system of tunnels beneath. Afterwards stay below ground for a walkthrough through Las Bóvedas, 23 vaults built in the 18th century that are now used as arcaded craft markets and galleries. Finally end the tour with a thorough walkthrough of Cartagena's old walled city where the colonial architecture is at its finest.

Private Ceviche and Mojito Demonstration: Later that afternoon, visit a local restaurant to learn how to prepare ceviche and mojitos Cartagena style. Although ceviche is popular all across Central & South America, Cartagena is well-known for using ingredients sourced from the Carribean, specifically the iconic shrimp ceviche. Learn how to prepare ceviche as well as a mojito before enjoying this delicious combination for yourself.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Cartagena)

Cartagena:

Today travel outside of Cartagena to the walled community of San Basilio de Palenque, founded by escaped slaves in the 17th century. Many palenques existed in Colombia but only San Basilio has survived to this day, developing into a unique space with its own traditions, a pidgin language, and culture. Visit this peaceful village to learn their stories and legends, to dance to their music, and to taste their food. Begin the tour with a demonstration of hair braiding, learning how Palenqueras women have used braiding their hair as a historic method of struggle against slave society, hiding seeds in braids or devising maps within a woman's braids without the slave master's knowledge. Take a brief 40-minute class on the Palenquera language, which is a mixture of African languages, Spanish, and Portuguese. Perhaps surprisingly, Palenque is the birthplace of four world boxing champions and the sport of boxing has an important role in this community. Take part in a boxing workshop to learn how the sport of boxing has become a source of pride in Palenque, its history in this community, and to learn some boxing techniques yourself! Finally, finish the trip with a visit to the Traditional Medicine Center of Palenque to partake in a traditional ritual of physical and spiritual healing involving prayers and medicines. Learn about the beliefs and practices of Palenqueros before returning to your hotel in Cartagena at the end of the day.

(Breakfast & Accommodations, Cartagena)

Depart Cartagena:

After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to the Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena for your return flight, or onward to your next Avanti Destination!




(Breakfast, Cartagena)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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