Classic Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín & Cartagena

In the morning, we’ll have a walking tour through the heart of Bogotá’s old quarter, known as La Candelaria, with numerous restored, 300-year old homes and public buildings. Our tour passes through Plaza Bolívar, San Francisco Church, the lively pedestrian street Calle 11 (known for its countless family-owned local restaurants) and, time permitting, the 17th-century Santa Clara Convent.

The day’s highlight is a visit to the world-renowned Gold Museum, which houses over 33,400 gold pieces from Colombia’s pre-Hispanic cultures. Here, we will learn about how gold was once used for political and social purposes, in myths, offerings and finally, the metallurgical techniques used to work with gold. This is only an introduction to the cultural history around the gold of pre-Hispanic cultures as well as the Spanish’s lust for this precious metal, following the 1502 landing party led by Vasco Nunez de Balboa. (B)

Comfort Hotel, BH Bicentenario

http://www.bhhoteles.com/es/hoteles

In the morning, we’ll take you to the Bogotá airport for your flight to Medellín.

Once you arrive in Medellín we’ll be waiting to take you to your hotel and will continue with the city tour after checking in. Through a gradual process of transformation that relied on the engagement of each citizen, Medellín has become a remarkably inclusive city. On our tour, you’ll witness the transformative power of art, enjoy the urban graffiti art of the comunas, typical and innovative street food throughout the city, and massive sculptures by Fernando Botero. (B)

Comfort Hotel, Poblado Alejandria

https://www.pobladohoteles.com/hotel-poblado-alejandria-en-Medellín/

As we leave the city through the Andes mountains, a huge rock will loom overhead. If you’re up for the challenge, climb up the 637 steps to reach the top of the rock and take in the incredible view. Make your way back and explore the town of the “Zocalos” – Guatape has special decorations made on the base of the facades of all the houses of the place, and every single one has a different meaning. (B)

Comfort Hotel, Poblado Alejandria

https://www.pobladohoteles.com/hotel-poblado-alejandria-en-Medellín/

We’ll start the day with a walking tour through the old quarter of Cartagena. The tour takes us through Plaza de San Diego, Plaza Fernandez of Madrid, Bolivar Park, Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo. We will also get to walk along the walls and visit the bastions of Santo Domingo and San Francisco Javier, where we will learn about the history and defense strategy of the city. On this tour you’ll see the most scenic streets of the city and visit important churches like the Cathedral San Pedro Claver and Santo Domingo. (B)

Comfort Hotel, Don Pedro de Heredia

http://www.hoteldonpedrodeheredia.com/

Today your guide will pick you up from your hotel and accompany you to Bodeguita Pier. Here you’ll board a speedboat to visit the Rosario Islands. The boat trip to the islands takes approximately 90 minutes and includes a brief stop at the Fortresses of San Fernando and San José de Bocachica, which protected the bay from pirate and corsair attacks in Colonial times. Upon arrival at the island, you’ll be free to enjoy the sea to your heart’s content. Optional activities include snorkeling, kayaking, or a visit to the Aquarium of San Martin de Pajarales. These activities can be booked and organized on the island. Included in your daytrip is a delicious lunch. At the end of the day we’ll return to Cartagena. (B, L)

Comfort Hotel, Don Pedro de Heredia

http://www.hoteldonpedrodeheredia.com/

At the scheduled time, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your international flight. (B)