Best of Colombia - Escorted Group Tour

Home to the Noble prize winning writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Colombia was once infamous for its bloody drug cartels and constant civil conflicts. The country has, however, come a long way since then and has now become a symbol of remarkable transformation. It is slowly becoming a favourite destinations for travelelrs from all over the world who are amazed by what they find here - modern and colonial cities, gorgeous beaches, coffee plantations and green jungles. Here at the equator, with the sun over your head, the fertile earth beneath your feet, amazing views in every direction and the warmth of the local people – you may find it very difficult to leave.

Highlights:

♦ Bogota - one of the most iconic Carribean cities 
♦ The Tayrona National Natural Park - Colombia's most famous natural wonder
♦ The colourful city of Guatape
♦ The Salt cathedral of Zipaquirá - built in a salt mine 200m underground

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Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival
Arrival in Bogota. Overnight in a hotel in the city centre.-/-/-

Day 2. Bogota - Zipaquirá - Bogota
Today we will take a trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, some 50 km north of the capital. The cathedral is dug out in the tunnels of a salt mine 200m underground and is considered one of Colombia's greatest architectural landmarks. Upon returning to Bogota, you will have some free time to explore the city on your own. B/-/-

Day 3. Bogota - Medellin
After breakfast, we start our tour of the capital city of Colombia. Located at 2600 meters (8530.1837 feet) above sea level the city is quickly becoming one of the Latin American urban highlights with more than 7 million inhabitants.We will then walk through the historical suburb of La Candelaria, with its old churches and cobblestoned streets, surrounded by colonial architecture, baroque churches, art deco houses and street art. We will visit Plaza Bolivar and its stunning cathedral and visit the Museo del Oro (The Gold Museum) to see the most iconic and amazing gold artifacts of Colombia. We will then take an evening flight to Medellin for overnight. B/-/-

Day 4. Medellin – El Peñol - Guatape – Medellin
Day tour to famous inselberg El Peñon de Guatape. With an elevation of 2,135 metres (7,005 ft) over sea level, the rock is one of the most unusual attractions in the region. Over 650 steps lead to the viewing point on top of it, from where an amazing scenery of lakes and islands reveals itself. We will continue with a visit of the town of Guatape - one of the most colorful towns in the world where every house is a piece of art. Overnight in Medelin.B/-/-

Day 5. Medellin – Santa Fe – Jardin - Medellin
Today we will explore one of the most beautiful regions of Colombia – the coffee region of Antioquia in the Colombian Andes. We will take a walk across The Puente de Occidente Bridge (Bridge of the West). The bridge was built in 1887 and was once the longest suspension bridge in Latin America. We will then continue with a visit to Santa Fe and Jardin – two picturesque colonial towns, located in the heart of the vast coffee plantations of the Central Cordillera. We will have lunch in Jardim and have some free time to explore the city before heading back to Medellin. B/-/-

Day 6. Medellin – Santa Marta
Today we will explore the city of Medellin. The city was once infamous as the capital of murder and home to drug lord Pablo Escobar but has already put its past behind and is now a thriving cosmopolitan city. It can now offer its visitors many historical sights, interesting museums and delicious local cuisine. Our city tour here includes a visit to the art Museum of Antioquia, where we will see some of the best works of Fernando Botero and Pedro Nel Gómez. After the tour we take a short afternoon flight to Santa Marta. B/-/-

Day 7. Santa Marta - Tayrona National Natural Park – Santa Marta
Optional tour to Tayrona National Park. With its sandy beaches, coconut palms and rainforests, it is considered one of the most beautiful nature attractions in Colombia. It is home to over 100 mammal species and 300 bird species, including condors and white eagles. The tour lasts about 4 hours in total-  two hours walking and two hours relaxation on one of the beaches. B/-/-

Day 8. Santa Marta - Cartagena
Today we take a 4-hour bus to Cartagena. In the afternoon, we will explore the old part of the city – we will visit San Felipe Fortress, Adolfo Mejia Theatre and Plaza de la Merced square. B/-/-

Day 9. Cartagena 
Free time to explore Cartagena on your own. You can also spend the day at Playa Blanca - one of the most beautiful Caribbean beaches, located just 45 mins away from Cartagena and easily accessible by public transport. B/-/-

Day 10. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport for a flight to Bogota. End of services upon arrival in Bogota. B/-/-

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Price Includes:
9 nights in standard hotel rooms with en-suite facilities
airport transfers and ground transportation
meals according to the itinerary
English speaking guides
tour leader from Penguin Travel at minimum 8 participants
tours as per program
domestic flights Bogota-Medellin,Medellin-Santa Marta,Cartagena - Bogota
entry fee to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

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Not Included:
meals and drinks not mentioned in the program
tips
personal expenses
fees for optional tours

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Additional Services:
entry fee to El Peñol (6-7USD)
tour to Tayrona National Park - 40 USD

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Gallery

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