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Day 1 - Bogotá, Colombia
Arrive in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia — a modern
metropolis set more than 8,500 feet above sea level that
boasts a year-round spring-like climate — where you are met
and privately transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 - Bogotá
Explore Bogotá, starting at Paloquemao Market. View its
vast array of Colombian fruits and culinary ingredients, food
stalls serving local delicacies and displays of native flowers.
Journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 10,000-foot peak by funicular railway or
cable car to absorb inspiring vistas of the whole of Bogotá.
Return down the hill to visit La Candelaria, the oldest part
of the city, distinguished by its many colonial-era buildings,
which you view along with the graffiti art that adorns the city
center. Then, continue to the celebrated Gold Museum with
over 34,000 dazzling pieces in its collection. It is the largest
collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Enjoy lunch at a
top restaurant serving a variety of Colombian dishes before
finishing your sensory journey at San Alberto Coffee Temple,
where you learn to appreciate and enjoy the unique attributes
of specialty coffees.
Day 3 - Macarena
Fly to La Macarena, a small town in a region renowned for
its stunning natural beauty. It is also the gateway to Caño
Cristales, often referred to as “The River of Five Colors” or
“The Liquid Rainbow,” due to its vibrant display of colors
caused by unique aquatic plants. Explore Caño Cristales,
embarking by wooden boat with a local expert guide, gliding
along various sections of the river to witness its spectacular
display of colors firsthand. Watch for the unique flora and
fauna living here as well, which make it a paradise for nature
lovers and photographers. Go ashore for a hike that begins
at a farmhouse, ascending to reach the Mirador, an amazing
lookout where your guide will explain the ecosystem
and the social history of La Macarena. Break for lunch
before continuing the hike to Caño Cristalitos to view the
Macarenia clavigera, an aquatic plant that turns shades of
pink under certain conditions, giving the river its incredible
vibrant color. Relax, perhaps taking the time to bathe in a small pool to cool down. Then, boat upstream to view native
fauna including monkeys as well as cascading waterfalls.
Finish your day at your lodge, where you enjoy dinner.
Day 4 - Macarena
After a delicious breakfast at La Manigua Lodge, once again
experience the stunning beauty of Caño Cristales. Boat
down the scenic Guayabero River, go for a 4x4 ride through
the National Park Sierra de La Macarena and embark on a
30-minute hike to reach the breathtaking Caño Cristales. Devote most of your day to exploring this natural wonder,
whether hiking, enjoying a picnic lunch or capturing photos
of the vibrant colors and cascading waterfalls. Later, return
to the lodge for a cultural activity on the river, followed by
dinner.
Day 5 - Macarena/Medellín
Today, head out by 4x4 to the National Park Sierra de La
Macarena, where you hike to the lower basin of Caño
Cristales and view the Macarenia clavigera shining in the shadows of the forest. Return to La Macarena, and then
fly to Medellín, known as the city of eternal spring, and
noted today as the home to award-winning gastronomy,
artists and designers. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.
Tonight, gather for an amazing culinary experience at El Cielo
Restaurant, sampling tasting menus inspired by ancestral
Colombian and Latin American roots, and dining on 18
courses paired with local wines.
Day 6 - Medellín
Explore the city, starting with a visit to the Parque San
Antonio to view sculptures by renowned local artist
Fernando Botero. Continue to the Museum of Antioquia,
which features art dating from pre-Columbian times. Move
on to one of the oldest parts of the city and the Plazuela
de San Ignacio to see the Baroque San Ignacio church.
Stop by several beautiful public parks, including the
modern Parque de las Luces. Hop a ride on the Metrocable
gondola lift system that connects the city to the previously
hard-to-access mountain district, taking in views of the
neighborhood of Santo Domingo Savio. Once one of the
most unsafe suburbs of Medellín, it is today a shining
example of social transformation and urban regeneration.
Visit the neighborhood of Comuna 13 to learn how it has
improved the quality of life for inhabitants and visit public
renovation projects, art murals and recreational spaces.
Also stop at the business of a project participant to witness
the positive impact it has had on their family’s life. Board
a tram and cable car, part of the infrastructure that has
greatly improved the quality of life of the community. Then,
sit down over coffee to hear from a local eyewitness to the
times of infamous cartel lord Pablo Escobar, for an intimate perspective of the social and emotional impacts of that era.
Then, transfer to your lodge in the Andes for check-in and
dinner on site.
Day 7 - Marinilla
This morning, enjoy your choice of one of these Design Your Day activities.
Admire Picturesque Guatape and El Peñol, two charming
resort towns in the midst of breathtaking landscapes.
Hike a Pre-Hispanic Trail through mountains and bridle
paths, ending at El Peñol rock.
Experience the History of Medellin’s “Feria de Flores,” in
the mountains of Antioquia.
Savor a Hands-On Cheese Experience, learning how it’s
made at a local farm.
After your chosen activity, savor lunch at a local restaurant,
followed by an afternoon at leisure. This evening, stroll the
local gardens and enjoy a Chef’s Table for dinner made with
locally sourced ingredients.
Day 8 - Cartagena
Fly to Cartagena, a vibrant port city overlooking the
Caribbean, notable for its fortress walls once used to protect its
inhabitants from marauding pirates. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch
at your hotel’s restaurant. This afternoon, indulge in a private
and intimate experience of two of Colombia’s most appealing
products, as you sample aged rums ranging from a few weeks
to about 27 years, paired with Colombian chocolate, while
your hosts tell tales of buccaneers. Enjoy the rest of your day at
leisure, including dinner on your own.
Day 9 - Cartagena
Tour Cartagena, starting at La Popa hilltop to enjoy
the panoramic views. Continue to San Felipe Castle, a
masterpiece of Spanish colonial military engineering, built
and reinforced during the 16th and 17th centuries to defend
the city from pirate attacks. Learn about its construction and
explore the underground galleries, tunnels and passageways.
Proceed to Cartagena’s colonial walled city for a walking
tour of the picturesque streets and plazas. View the imposing
church of San Pedro Claver with its fine collection of stained-glass
windows. Visit Bolivar Park, featuring four fountains
and a statue of revered liberator Simon Bolivar. Finish the
morning in the lively Getsemani neighborhood, noted for its
vibrant street art and bustling atmosphere. Stroll its colorful
streets, visit local markets, and indulge in traditional street
food, experiencing firsthand the energy and character of
this unique barrio. After time for lunch at leisure, board a
private vessel for an unforgettable sunset sailing adventure,
absorbing breathtaking harbor views and savoring a Scenic
Sundowner. Later, back on shore at the Club de Pesca
restaurant, a Cartagena landmark overlooking the marina,
gather for a farewell dinner.
Day 10 - Cartagena
After breakfast, transfer to Rafael Nuñez International
Airport for your departing flight.