Adorable colonial towns and cities, exotic palm trees, lush vegetation and endless coffee plantations. Exploring one of South America's safest countries, discover its natural beauty, vibrant people and history, including the favelas of Medellín. End your journey at the wonderful shores of the Caribbean coast.
Way of tavel: scheduled flights, internal flights (not included in the price)
Accommodation: 4* hotels, 3 nights in colonial accommodation
Meals: full board throughout the programme (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Guide: English-speaking local guide
Transfer: air-conditioned car or minibus
When to travel: April-May and October-November are the wettest, so the two main seasons are December to March and June to August respectively.
Colombia is a vast country, so you should come prepared in terms of clothing. Bogotá's high mountain climate (with temperatures in the high 20s) can be deceptive, especially as torrential rains are common early in the year. However, Medellín is the 'city of eternal spring' and has pleasant temperatures. The same can be said for the coffee plantations, but even here the evenings can be chilly. The Amazon and the Caribbean, on the other hand, have temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. The country can be travelled all year round from a weather perspective.
Minimum, maximum number of people: 2-8
Program description:
Day 1: Bogota
Departure from Budapest, arriving to Bogota airport with a stopover in the late evening hours. Staying in Bogota (2 night)
Day 2: Bogota
After breakfast, we start the day by visiting one of the highest points of Bogotá, Monserrate peak, from where the view is spectacular - from a height of 3150 meters you can see the whole city. We will continue our tour through the historic district of Candelaria, where we will see many baroque and Spanish colonial buildings. Afterwards, we will walk through the famous Bolívar Square and will visit to one of the world's largest gold museums, where we will admire one of the world's most important collections of gold artifacts. Most of the more than 35,000 objects on display are the legacy of pre-Columbian civilizations. Our tour ends in the scenic zone of Usaquén.
Day 3: Pereira, Salento
After breakfast, we fly to Pereira, the "Eje Cafetero" - Colombia's famous coffee producing region. From Pereira airport, we will head straight to Salento, a journey of about an hour. This is one of the gems of the coffee region. Here we will have the opportunity to explore the magical Salento, currently little discovered by tourists. Accommodation in Salento (2 nights).
Day 4: Cocora Valley
After a hearty breakfast, we will tour the Cocora Valley, that is famous for its wax palms – trees that can grow up to 80-90 metres high. The more adventurous travelers can even ride a horse through the valley. The valley is also home to a number of unique plant and animal species, including several species of hummingbirds. In the afternoon one can refresh themself with a black coffee at a coffee farm. After the tour, return to Salento in the afternoon, free time.
Day 5: Pereira, Medellín
After breakfast we fly to the airport of Pereira, from where we fly to Medellín, the city of "eternal spring". Afternoon sightseeing in Medellín - Pueblito Paisa, Botero Square, cable car, Comuna 13 favella. The latter is a place that ten years ago was considered the most dangerous part of the city, nowadays is famous for its street art, murals, cafes and welcoming people. Other signs of progress include the network of escalators that criss-cross the favela and the numerous cable cars in the city, which we will try out for ourselves. During the tour, Medellín's dark history and positive present/future will be on display. Accommodation in Medellin (2 nights).
Day 6: Penol Rock, Guatapé
After breakfast, hike to Penol Rock, 2 hours from Medellín. From the rock, after climbing 640 steps, you will have a wonderful view of the surrounding lakes/mountains. After the hike we will take a boat ride on the lake and explore the colourful streets of Guatapé. Return to Medellín in the afternoon.
Day 7: Cartagena
After breakfast, we fly from Medellin airport to Cartagena, Colombia's fifth largest city that has a beautiful port city on the Caribbean coast. Short tour of the city. (1 night).
Day 8-11: Baru Island
Rest, holiday on the Caribbean coast.
After breakfast, transfer to the resort of Baru Island, about 1 hour from Cartagena (4 nights)
Day 12:Free time in the morning. Transfer to Cartagena airport early in the afternoon, flight home. Transfer in Amsterdam.
Day 13: Arrival in Budapest in the afternoon hours.
