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Colombia and Panama
Bogotá, Cartagena, Portobelo & Panama City
Bridging Central and South America, Colombia and Panama share a fascinating history replete with Conquistadores searching for gold and pirates assailing historic forts. They are also home to dynamic modern cities with delicious local specialties and lively markets. Learn about the storied past of these two countries while indulging in their contemporary delights and bio-diverse environments.
ACCOMMODATIONS
• 3 Nights Bogotá
• 3 Nights Cartagena
• 3 Nights Portobelo
• 3 Nights Panama City
 
INCLUSIONS
• All Private Ground Transfers
• Must Sees of Bogotá Tour
• See and Taste Bogotá Tour
• Sunday Usaquen Flea Market Bike Tour
• Real Food, Real Places, Real People Tour
• Getsemani Street Art Tour
• Cartagena Colonial City Tour
• Portobelo History, Custom House & Congos Tour with Lunch
• Snorkeling at Drake Island with Lunch
• Historic Portobelo and San Lorenzo Fort Tour with Lunch
• Panama City Historic Tour
• Camino de Cruces Trail Tour with Lunch
• Daily Breakfast
Bogotá:

Upon arrival at the International Airport El Dorado, you'll be met by your guide and will be taken to your hotel. Your guide will assist you at the hotel with the registration procedures (check-in) and give you a detailed itinerary of all the services included in your trip. You will also receive information about local office contacts including the 24 hour emergency phone number.

The remainder of the day is free for relaxing or exploring on your own.


(Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá:

After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby for your "Must Sees of Bogotá Tour".

This morning tour begins with a transfer to the famous and well-preserved historical colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria. Steeped in history, this area is a must for photographers with its splendid colonial architecture. Visit Plaza Bolivar, the heart of Bogotá, where locals and visitors mingle among the magnificent and foreboding structures. The tour then continues to the "Museo del Oro", the most important gold museum in the world and a 'must see' when traveling to Bogotá. This museum displays one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold. Our last stop on this tour ends with a visit to the "Museo de Botero", housed in a renovated colonial mansion. The works on display are all donated by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous contemporary artist. In addition to his work, his personal collection by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti are also exhibited.

NOTE: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays and Botero Museum is closed on Tuesdays. On these days you will have the option of choosing an alternate tour.

You'll have time for lunch on your own before you begin the "See and Taste Bogotá Tour". Your tour will begin at the Zona Rosa; a unique neighborhood replete with restaurants, cafes and bars. We'll stop at "La Plaza de Andrés". The concept of this colorful plaza reminds us of a typical marketplace, since it is divided in 6 large stations; each one specialized in different kinds of Colombian food. You will have the opportunity to try their famous "arepa de choclo"; a mixture of corn flour, milk and sugar that turns into an irresistible sweet griddle corncake served with cheese. To accompany that, you'll be able to enjoy a delicious beer made by the Bogotá Beer Company. This is one of the few pubs that makes and offers local beer in Bogotá, and its brews are known by their freshness and excellent quality. The tour continues to the 93rd Street Park; a recreational and commercial park located north of the city with a beautiful view toward the mountains. It is a lovely place to walk around and a great place to find excellent restaurants and nightlife. Finally enjoy a visit to Usaquén. This ancient village was founded in the XVI century. However, Usaquén has since been swallowed up by the expanding city of Bogotá. Located in the northeast, this old colonial district conserves its essence and bohemian style and throughout the years has become a popular attraction for local and foreign tourists. Walk through the narrow cobbled streets, observing the beautiful houses with exceptional architectural value, multicolored facades and gardens. You will have a chance to taste one of Colombia's typical sweets, "roscón"; a sweet bread with filling inside; soft in the center and crunchy on the top. The traditional fillings are arequipe and guayaba, but at La Rosconería, you can find a variety of fillings including peaches, English cream, passion fruit, cinnamon, and even Baileys Cream to name a few. Enjoy this popular and traditional dessert, which is the perfect snack to end the evening.


(Breakfast, snacks and Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá:

After breakfast, we'll explore more of the city with a Sunday bike tour. It begins with a panoramic view of Bogotá and the vast plateau of the northern area of the city. It's a pleasure riding on the "Ciclovia" bikeway as many avenues are closed to car traffic. Enjoy a visit to Usaquén flea market. Be prepared to bargain. This market was created in 1991 and you'll discover visitors and locals alike perusing the jewelry, antiques, ceramics, and handmade clothing. Local music and street artists contribute to the lively atmosphere.


(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Bogotá)

Bogotá - Cartagena:

After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby for your transfer to the airport. He will assist you at the airport during the check-in at the airline counter to help you connect to Cartagena. Upon arrival at the Rafael Núñez Airport, you'll be met by your driver and taken to your hotel. With its breathtaking colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages, and narrow cobbled streets, the city of Cartagena de Indias is one of the most exciting destinations in Colombia, and the first Spanish colony on the South American mainland. The city is rich with history, which has been an inspiration for artists, writers, historians and musicians throughout the years.

In the afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to taste some of the local flavors of the city and learn about its culture. This walking tour through the inner walled section of the colonial city will let you experience Cartagena like a local resident; in neighborhoods where local residents live, eat and shop. We'll stop at seven different locales, all offering different and typical tastings that local residents frequent on a daily basis. Along the way, your guide will entertain you with stories and insights into Cartagena's culture and history.


(Breakfast, Bogotá; Snacks & Accommodations, Cartagena)

Cartagena:

In the morning, meet your guide for the Getsemani Street Art Tour. You'll enjoy a walk through this burgeoning hipster district, an outer walled neighborhood with Spanish colonial architecture. This was an extension of the "Centro Histórico" (downtown) and originally it was occupied by the working-classes back in the 16th century, when Cartagena was ruled by the Spanish Empire. This once-seedy neighborhood is now the coolest and most authentic barrio in Cartagena. Upon returning to your hotel, the afternoon is at your leisure for resting or exploring on your own.


(Breakfast & Accommodations, Cartagena)

Cartagena:

Meet your guide for the Colonial City Tour. It begins with a visit to the "Convento de la Popa", where the city's highest point is located and you can enjoy the best views of Cartagena. This convent was built in the 17th century by the Augustinian Monks. We'll continue with a visit to the "Castillo de San Felipe". This castle was built by the Spaniards in the 1600s and it is the strongest fortress ever built in a Spanish colony. Located at the top of San Lázaro hill, its purpose was to protect and guard the city's landward side from any attack or invasion. You'll walk through "Las Bóvedas". These 23 vaults were built in the 18th century and they are considered the last major colonial construction made within the city walls for military purposes. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards, and later on, they became jail cells. Nowadays, they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs. We'll end the tour with a walk through the inner walled section of the colonial city. Discover Cartagena's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture where you will admire the old houses, stunning balconies and different little squares. Your guide will provide more information and stories about the culture of Cartagena and its interesting architecture as you walk through the cobbled streets and plazas.


(Breakfast & Accommodations, Cartagena)

Cartagena - Portobelo:

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will meet you at the lobby for your transfer to the Rafael Núñez Airport for your 90 minute flight to Panama City. Upon arrival and clearing customs, meet your driver (with sign) in the arrivals hall for your transfer to Portobelo. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free for relaxing or exploring on your own.



(Breakfast, Cartagena; Accommodations, Portobelo)

Portobelo:

Today you'll have a tour of the city and learn about the fascinating history of the Custom House. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Portobelo served as a Spanish fortress and Caribbean port. Products such as spices, gold and silver coming from Peru and other Spanish colonies crossed the isthmus on the "Royal Path" to Portobelo, where the treasure awaited ships going to Spain. Because of the riches stored in the Portobelo Customs House, it made an attractive target. Pirates attacked various occasions, but the best-known attack was by Sir Henry Morgan (aka Captain Morgan), a Welsh privateer. He led a series of spectacular raids against the Spanish empire. Later we'll visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and colonial fortifications of San Geronimo and Santiago de la Gloria before enjoying lunch in the town.



(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Portobelo)

Portobelo:

After breakfast, we'll head to Drake Island for a snorkeling tour. There will be a certified Dive Master on board and snorkeling gear will be provided. This island was named after Sir Francis Drake, the English admiral most famous for defeating the Spanish Armada. The island itself is located just at the mouth of Portobelo Bay. The waters off the island offer both snorkelers and divers some interesting coral formations. Living in and among the coral formations are abundant and colorful marine life. Two spots of interest in this area are Bubble Rock and Iron Castle Reef. The waters are clear and rich in marine life, and more importantly, you'll find the island pretty much to yourself. After finishing your snorkeling adventure, we'll return to Portobelo for lunch at a local cafe.



(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Portobelo)

Portobelo - Panama City:

In the morning, enjoy a tour of Historic Portobelo and San Lorenzo Forts. After passing through old military ground you'll arrive at the Fort of San Lorenzo; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built at the mouth of the Chagres River. This Spanish bastion served to fortify and protect the river entrance to Las Cruces Trail that led to Panama City on the Pacific Ocean. This entrance was later used as the port of entry for gold diggers on their way to California during the second half of the 19th century. You will be traveling through lush rain forests within San Lorenzo National Park, where you may be able to spot monkeys, two-toed sloths, coatimundis, toucans and other wildlife. Lunch will be included in a local restaurant, and in the afternoon, you'll have a transfer to Panama City. If your tour operates Monday-Friday, you have the option of taking the historical Panama Canal Railway, offering a scenic experience on the first railroad to join the two oceans. Recreate the experience of the California Gold Rush age and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the rain forest around the heart of the canal from the comfort of your train cabin. Afterwards, you will be transferred to your hotel in Panama City. On Saturday or Sunday, the transfer will be by private car.



(Breakfast & Lunch, Portobelo; Accommodations, Panama City)

Panama City:

During your half-day morning tour you'll visit the ruins of Old Panama, climb the Cathedral tower (optional), visit the Old Panama Museum* and then continue to Casco Viejo (the old city compound), which dates back to the late 1600's. Your bilingual guide will describe the events in history leading up to the eventual movement of the capital city to its present location. Casco Viejo is home of monuments of Ferdinand de Lesseps and other Frenchmen instrumental in the ill-fated attempt of the French to construct a canal through Panama. The full day tour continues with a visit to the Miraflores Locks at the Panama Canal where large ships can be seen transiting the canal. Enjoy a presentation by the Panama Canal Authority about the history of the Panama Canal and marvel at the workings of this feat of human engineering. Following this tour, we'll stop for lunch at a local restaurant. The tour continues to the Panama Canal area, including the town of Balboa, a former part of the Panama Canal Zone. In the late afternoon you will return to your hotel in Panama City.

Note: Museums are closed on Mondays, and alternate tours will be available.



(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Panama City)

Panama City:

Today, enjoy a full-day Camino de Cruses Trail Tour with a specialist guide. The 8-mile Camino de Cruces Trail takes you through 4,000 hectares of primarily tropical forest that connects the Metropolitan Natural Park and the Soberania National Park. Freshwater birds can be seen by the ponds located at the start of Chiva Chiva Road. You'll follow the road and discover a variety of birds, flora and fauna, before pausing for a picnic lunch at a scenic location. The Camino de Cruces Trail was originally used in the 16th and 17th centuries by Spanish plunderers to haul gold from Peru by mule across the Isthmus of Panama on its way to Spain. This trail was also used as a path for fortune seekers transiting the isthmus during the 1849-1950 California Gold Rush. After this memorable tour, you'll return late afternoon to your hotel.



(Breakfast, Lunch & Accommodations, Panama City)

Panama City:

After breakfast, you'll have a private transfer to the airport for your outbound flight, returning home or onward to your next Avanti Destination!



(Breakfast, Panama City)

 
** Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
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