Hidden Wonders of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

After breakfast, transfer to Rafael Nuñez International Airport for your departing flight.