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Holiday Colombia: San Agustin + Gold Museum, Bogota + Fossil Museum, Leyva + Cartagena

Colombia Highlights + San Agustin

Holiday Colombia San Agustin Gold Museum Bogota Fossil Leyva Cartagena

16 NIGHTS FROM:

$4,776

Per person sharing

Scheduled flights quoted separately

GRE16B

• Holiday to Colombia

• Bogota

• Gold Museum

• Salt Catherdal

• Villa De Leyva

• Fossil Museum

• San Agustin Park

• Coffee District

• Medellin

• Cartagena

This holiday to Colombia focuses on the history of this stunning country, with a visit to the atmospheric San Agustin Pre-Colombian archaeological site, the astonishing Gold Museum in Bogota & small but impressive Fossil Museum in the beautifully preserved colonial town of Ville de Leyva. Also visit Pereira, Medellin & historic Cartagena. English speaking guides, all transfers & sightseeing included.

Detailed itinerary ▶

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Day 1

You will be met at Bogotá Airport and transferred to your hotel in this high altitude city, located in a valley between the eastern and central Andes mountain ranges at 8,660 ft (2,640 m).

Check in and relax in this sprawling city that is the capital of Colombia.

Day 2

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Bogotá, with an included lunch at a local restaurant.

We start with a walk through the cobbled alleys of La Candelaria, the historic Old Town. Here you will see many beautifully preserved Spanish colonial houses and churches that date back centuries, such as the church of Santa Clara that today contains the Museum of Colonial Art and the 17th century Church of San Francisco, the oldest surviving church in the city.

We also visit the small Botero Museum. Housed in a beautiful colonial mansion, it showcases a collection of artwork donated to the city by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous contemporary artist renowned for his proportionally exaggerated chubby figures. Around 120 pieces of his work are displayed here, including paintings, drawings and miniature sculptures. He also donated his personal collection of original artwork by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti which are on display here.

View the library of Luis Angel Arango as we head for the main square - Plaza Bolívar - where you can see a statue honouring Simon Bolivar, a Venezuelan military leader who played a key role in the revolution against Spain. Here you can see the Metropolitan Cathedral, City Hall, Colón Theatre, Casa de Nariño (the presidential residence, which has an observatory in its gardens), Congress Palace, Palace of Justice, Cardinal's Palace, Independence House and the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin.

We then visit the Gold Museum - the most important gold museum in the world with a splendid collection of over 36,000 pre-Colombian gold and emerald pieces. Galleries on three levels display exquisitely crafted pieces dating back nearly 2,500 years. Two large carved stones from the San Agustin archaeological site can also be seen here. Visit the vault-like room on the top floor where the most treasured pieces are displayed, including the famous miniature golden raft.

At the end of our tour we ascend Monserrate Hill by cable car or funicular, for panoramic views over the city. The chapel atop this hill can be seen from almost anywhere in Bogota.

Note: When visiting churches and monasteries, women must not wear shorts or miniskirts and men must not wear shorts. The Gold Museum is closed Mondays and Botero Museum is closed Tuesdays.

Day 3

This morning your guide will drive you 4-hours to the old colonial town of Villa de Leyva, considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in Colombia.

After 1.5-hours we reach the small town of Zipaquirá, which was founded in 1600 and still conserves its colonial heritage. Here we visit the amazing underground Salt Cathedral, built in a cavernous series of tunnels in the worked-out section of a productive salt mine. In this darkened underground environment, you will walk past 14 small chapels, each representing one of the 'Stations of the Cross' that tells the story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Once you reach the main Roman Catholic cathedral, you can marvel at the workmanship that went into creating this remarkable church. Afterwards we walk through the charming main square of Zipaquirá, which is the home town of Tour de France winner, Egan Bernal.

We then continue driving northwards through fertile agricultural lands planted with crops such as onions, potatoes, corn and tomatoes. This is also a rich dairy-producing region. As the land becomes less fertile we arrive at the colourful colonial town of Ráquira (meaning 'City of Pots'), with its vividly painted facades and beautiful buildings. This town specialises in pottery and fine handmade ceramics, so in the shops around the main square you will find everything from ceramic bowls, vases, pitchers, children’s toys, piggy banks and dwarfs to Christmas decorations.

In the afternoon we arrive at Villa de Leyva, one of the most charming colonial villages in all of Colombia and steeped in atmosphere. Declared a national monument in 1954, this photogenic village has been preserved in its entirety including its whitewashed buildings with terracotta tiled roofs, pine green doors and balconies decorated with flowers. Enjoy wandering around the Plaza Mayor, the largest in the country, and exploring the beautiful wide cobbled streets. You can also walk to the nearby Plaza San Agustín and view the house of Antonio Nariño, a famous journalist, political and military leader who played an important role in Colombia's independence.

Note: Please be aware that the Salt Cathedral will be extremely busy with local visitors over weekends.

Day 4

Today we explore beautiful Villa de Leyva. We start with a walking tour through the colonial town. We then visit the small but fascinating Fossil Museum, as this region high in the Andes was once located just above sea level and is a treasure trove of paleontological remains - from giant dinosaurs, mammoths, armadillos, alligators and sabre toothed tigers that used to roam here to huge sea turtles and a wide variety of marine life.

Our next stop is the Santo Ecce Homo Convent, founded by Dominican monks in 1620. This large stone and adobe building has a lovely courtyard and floors, paved with local stones that contain many ammonites (extinct marine molluscs) and other fossils.

We then visit the Marqués de Villa de Leyva, one of the few wineries in the country. This vineyard produces high quality Cabernet Sauvignon and award-winning Sauvignon Blanc in a tropical climate. You can walk through the vineyard, visit the wine cellar and taste one of the wines.

We then return to Ville de Leyva, with the afternoon free for you to explore independently.

Day 5

Enjoy a morning at leisure in Villa de Leyva.

In the afternoon we transfer 3.5-hours to Bogotá. Along the way we make a brief stop at Tunja, the site of the Battle of Boyaca Bridge, where forces led by Simon Bolivar decisively defeated the Spanish and assured the independence of Colombia in 1819.

Afterwards we continue to Bogotá, where you will be dropped off at your hotel situated near the airport.

Day 6

Transfer to Bogota Airport for your onward flight.

Day 7

This morning we explore the San Agustin Archaeological Park, the most important pre-Colombian historic site in Colombia.

This UNESCO World Heritage site contains the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America and is considered the world's largest ancient cemetery. Two indigenous cultures lived in the adjacent valleys of the Magdalena and Cauca Rivers. Divided by uncrossable peaks, the rivers were their highways and it was here at the headwaters of both rivers that they met to trade, worship and to bury their dead. The result is more than 500 elaborate stone sculptures and tombs, mostly carved between AD 100 and 1200 by a northern Andean culture that pre-dated the Incas. Gods, animals, warriors and human faces were skilfully carved out of volcanic rock, in styles ranging from abstract to realistic, with the largest being over 23 ft (7 m) tall and weighing several tons.

Within the archaeological park there are several ceremonial sites, such as the 'mesitas' (small tables) A, B, C and D with their strange statues guarding the tombs; the Lavaplatas Spring (a set of carved rocks on the bed of a creek) and the Alto del Lavaplatas megaliths at the top of the hill. At the entrance to the park you can walk through the beautiful Forest of Statues (El Bosque de las Estatuas). The complete route is just under 2 miles (3 km) with some ascents, but this can be adapted if needed. We also visit the small Archaeological Museum.

After lunch (own account), in the afternoon we visit two more of San Agustin's famous sites - El Tablón and La Chaquira. You will need to walk 15 minutes to see the five weather-worn mystical stone statues at El Tablón, which also has a small museum. Continue to La Chaquira, where it is a 30-minute descent to view the human and animal figures carved into volcanic stone that look out towards the impressive Magdalena River Canyon (the return ascent will take 1-hour).

Note: The Archaeological Park is closed every Tuesday.

Days 8 To 9

This morning we will travel to Isnos for a half day private tour to explore the archaelogical parks of Alto de los Idolos and Alto de Las Piedras.

Alto de los Idolos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second most important achaelogical park in the region. The 23 statues that can be seen here confirm the extraordinary sculptural abilities of the Augustinian culture. The park is home to many stone carvings, including the largest anthropomorphic statue in the San Agustin area. It is 7 m tall, but only 4 m are visible above the ground.

Alto de Las Piedras has tombs lined with stone slabs, some of which still show red, black and yellow colours. One of the region's most famous statues, known as Doble Yo, can be seen here.

Whilst exploring the area we will also view the Colombian Massif, made up of the Colombian Andes and declared a UNESCO biosphere reserve, as well as the Salto del Mortiño Waterfall. Afterwards return to your hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Note The Isnos Archaeological Parks are closed on Wednesdays.

You will be met by your guide at Pereira Airport and transferred to your hotel in the extremely fertile Coffee Region, with its year-round greenery, over-sized palm trees and magnificent bamboo forests.

Situated in a high valley between the central and western Andes mountain ranges, this verdant region receives a high rainfall and is an abundant producer of coffee, bananas, plantains, papaya, avocados and many other agricultural products. Farmers from this region are known as Paisas and have a reputation for hard work and getting things done.

Day 10

Rise early today to transfer 1-hour to the cloud forests of the Cocora Valley situated high in the Andes, for a full day (7-hour) guided hike through its striking landscapes - including three view points and seven hanging bridges. A picnic lunch is included today.

In this high altitude valley you can see Colombia's national symbol - the gigantic wax palm. These are the largest palm trees in the world, measuring up to 200 ft (60 m) and living for more than 120 years, making for spectaculat scenery. Enjoy hiking through this magnificent reserve where, if you are fortunate, you may see Bolivia’s national bird - the enormous Andean condor - soaring on the thermals. The critically endangered yellow-eared parrot is also found here.

Afterwards we drive back to the colourful town of Salento, one of the first settlements in Quindío state. Here you can explore the Plaza de Bolivar with its church and colourful balconies and the main street, Calle Real, with its many handicraft shops. This town is famous for its annual Yipao festival, when farmers parade and perform acrobatic tricks in their iconic (and hugely overloaded) Willys Jeeps.

Note: Wear good walking shoes today and pack rain gear and plenty of water. Try and avoid weekends, when the park is very busy with local visitors.

Day 11

Today we depart early to visit the Otún Quimbaya Reserve in the Risaralda district in the heart of the Andes. With its river, waterfalls, orchids and bromeliads, this lush sanctuary is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and, with over 300 recorded species, it is a bird watchers delight..

We drive into the Otún Basin, where we will meet our naturalist guide. Here there is a choice of two relatively easy 3-mile (5-km) level trails through this amazing flora and fauna sanctuary, each taking about 2-hours. Here we can view more of Colombia's iconic wax palms and see a great variety of butterflies and birds including the Torrent duck, Cauca guan, Black-billed mountain toucan, Booted racket-tail hummingbird and many more. If you are fortunate you may see a family of Red howler monkeys, a sloth or other small mammals.

After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we visit a Coffee Farm to give you more insight into how coffee is grown and the lifestyle of the workers. Colombia prides itself on producing the finest Arabica coffee in the world, all of which is hand-picked. Learn how the plants are cultivated and how the beans are harvested, processed, sorted, dried and ultimately roasted before enjoying an excellent cup of Colombian coffee.

Day 12

Transfer to Pereira Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Medellin Airport and transferred to your hotel in this cosmopolitan city that is the second largest in Colombia and has a pleasant climate all year round.

Once known for the notorious drug cartels that controlled the city, today Medellin is transformed and is a major centre for art, fashion and culture. It is also a significant international flower-producing region.

Day 13

Today enjoy a full day private tour of Medellín - the 'City of Eternal Spring' situated in a valley between the central and western Andes mountain ranges, at an altitude of 4,900 ft (1,495 m).

Your tour starts starts in downtown Medellin, with a walking tour around Berrío Park where local musicians play traditional 'guasca' music. This was the historic heart of the city during Spanish colonial times but sadly none of these buildings have survived and today it is an urban plaza that is a meeting point for local residents. We stroll through street markets and past the lovely Gomez murals that portray the history of Medellin to the Botero Plaza. Here you can admire an amazing display of 23 famous sculptures of ’fat’ men, women and animals donated by Fernando Botero to his home town. About 100 examples of his work can be seen in the Antioquia Art Museum opposite this plaza.

We can also view the Basilica of Our Lady of Candelaria, the oldest church in Medellin, Park of Lights, City Hall and old Railway Station.

We then take the cable car up to Comuna 13, which was once a notorious area of gang violence. Here you will see the results of one of the most successful city regeneration projects in the world, with the introduction of motor cycle paths, elevators and cable cars, combined with various community projects. You can admire the marvellous street graffiti and watch young people performing break dancing. While enjoying spectacular views of the city, you will learn more about the transformation of Medellín from one of the most dangerous cities in the world, known for its political violence, drug lords and narco trade, into a fascinating melting pot of cultures with wonderfully warm and friendly people.

After an included lunch at a local restaurant, you can either return to the Antioquia Art Museum, or visit the Botanical Gardens (pay entrance fee locally).

Note: Let your guide know if you would like to visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest brick cathedral in the world, as it closes at 10.30 am (so you will need to visit this first).

Day 14

Today we drive 2-hours from Medellin through the lush agricultural farmlands of the eastern highlands of Antioquia, to the photogenic village of Guatapé.

Along the way we stop to view the enormous 656 ft (200 m) El Peñol Rock, a gigantic granite boulder with 654 steps that wind up to the top, offering sweeping views over the green islands of the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. About half way up there is a shrine to the Virgin Mary and once you reach the top you can watch black vultures soaring on the thermals. If you do not wish to undertake this strenuous climb, which takes about 1-hour for the round trip if taken slowly, you can view the rock from the car park.

We then continue to Guatapé where you can wander around this small lakeside town viewing its lovely church on the main square and its many colourful houses, each with individually decorated ’zocalos’ - hand-crafted friezes representing something of importance to the owner. Some are simple such as sunflowers, lambs or doves; some represent businesses such as bread on a bakery, and others tell complicated stories. Afterwards relax on the lake shore and enjoy an included traditional ’bandeja paisa’ lunch - an interesting version of a fried breakfast that includes avocado and plantain. You can also try one of the refreshing local fruit juices.

In the afternoon enjoy a relaxing boat ride on this enormous man-made lake that was created as part of a major hydro-electric scheme, which now provides 30% of Colombia’s electricity. The dam flooded the original village of El Penol, which was relocated and you can see a recreation of this village. You can also see the remains of Pablo Escobar’s luxury lakeside mansion. We then return to Medellin.

Day 15

Transfer to Medellin Airport for your onward flight.

You will be met at Cartagena Airport and transferred to this tropical port city, situated on the Caribbean coast.

Check into your hotel in this colourful city, whose magnificent 16th century walled Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 16

This morning enjoy a half day private tour of the city of Cartagena de Indias, starting with a walk up to the 17th century La Popa Monastery situated outside the Old Town on a hill that marks the highest point in the city, with spectacular views over Cartagena Bay and the modern high-rise city, as well as the Old Town. Dedicated to Our Lady of La Candelaria, this charming Augustinian monastery has a beautiful chapel with an ornate gold altar.

We then visit San Felipe Castle located on San Lazaro Hill, the largest Spanish military building in the New World dating back to 1536. It was built to guard the city’s landward side from invasion and has a complex system of tunnels connected to the Old City, used to distribute provisions and for a possible evacuation. The tunnels were built so that any noise would echo along them, making internal communications easier and allowing the citizens to hear even the slightest sound of an enemy advance.

Afterwards we enter the old walled city and walk through Las Bóvedas, a series of 23 vaults built in the 18th century and considered the last major military colonial construction within the city walls. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards and later they became jail cells. Nowadays they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewellery, clothing and souvenirs.

Our last stop is the church and convent of San Pedro Claver, built in the early 17th century by the Jesuits in honour of Pedro Claver, a Jesuit priest who spent his whole life ministering to slaves brought from Africa. This lovely baroque church has an imposing stone facade and inside there are fine stained-glass windows and a high altar made of Italian marble. You will also find a beautiful cloister surrounded with trees, a museum and the place where Pedro Claver lived and died.

The rest of your day is at leisure to explore the charming Old Town independently.

Note: Short skirts should not be worn when visiting churches, monasteries and religious shrines. Colombia is the world’s largest producer of emeralds, so let your guide know if you would like to buy one and he will take you to a reputable store.

Day 17

Transfer to Cartagena Airport for your flight home.

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