Hidden Gems of Colombia
Day 1: Bogotá – Day 2: Bogotá – Day 3: Caño Cristales, Macarena – Day 4: Caño Cristales – Day 5: Caño Canoa – Day 6: San José del Guaviare – Day 7: Lagunas Damas del Nare – Day 8: Serranía de la Lindosa – Day 9: Rincón del Mar – Day 10: Rincón del Mar – Day 11: San Bernardo Island – Day 12: Cartagena de Indias – Day 13: Cartagena de Indias – Day 14: Back home
Trip dates:
26 th June- 9th July // 24 th sept- 7th oct
Number of participants:
Min. 6
Price:
3550 €
This tour will take you to paradise spots that most people never get to see. We’ll explore wonderful, hidden gems that are far from the usual tourist trails, offering you a chance to experience the real magic of these special places. It’s time for an unforgettable journey to the secret corners of Colombia.
Day 1
Welcome to Colombia! Our guide will greet you at the airport in Bogotá and take you to your hotel, where you can relax and adjust to the altitude of 2600 meters above sea level. For anyone who’s up for it, we can head out for a delicious dinner and a walk through the historic La Candelaria district.
The real adventure starts tomorrow!
Overnight in Bogotá.
Day 2
Today, we’ll explore the capital of Colombia, sitting in the Andes at “2600 meters closer to the stars.” We’ll head up Monserrate Hill for amazing views of the city, then a walk through the colorful streets of La Candelaria, known for its beautiful murals. We’ll visit Bolívar Square and check out some of the country’s most important buildings.
We’ll also visit the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum (for art lovers).
Along the way, we’ll try some tasty street food from Bogotá and enjoy freshly brewed coffee.
Overnight in Bogotá.
Day 3
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head to the airport in Bogotá to catch a flight to the small town of La Macarena. This charming town is located in Sierra de La Macarena National Park, a place full of life and nature. Here is where the Andean, Orinocian, and Amazonian regions meet, creating a unique ecosystem.
La Macarena is known for its beautiful Caño Cristales, the “River of Five Colors,” and the Caño Canoa waterfalls. For a few months each year, the rivers turn bright and colorful due to the blooming of the Macarenia Clavigiera plant, creating a unique natural spectacle.
Day 4
Today, we’ll go trekking in the Sierra de La Macarena National Park to see the world’s most beautiful river! What makes Caño Cristales so special is the unique plants that grow there. The leaves of these plants change colors, like red, pink, yellow, and green, depending on the environment. When combined with the clear water and light sand, these colorful plants create an incredible visual effect that draws tourists from all over the world. The reserve is usually open from June to the end of November.
Overnight in La Macarena
Day 5
On this day, we’ll head to Caño Canoas, another incredible natural spot in the Sierra de La Macarena National Park. This place is a beautiful waterfall 70 meters high and surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.To reach them, we’ll row down the river in kayaks, enjoying the beautiful scenery around us. It’s going to be an adventure you won’t forget.
Day 6
Today we will travel for about 5 hours in private 4×4 jeeps along a road with incredible views. It corresponds to the wild landscapes of the Meta and Guaviare provinces, right on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. When we arrive at the town, we’ll take a walk, visit the viewpoint, and perhaps enjoy a beer and some rest time at the hotel.”
Overnight in San José del Guaviare.
Day 7
Here’s the translation with emphasis on the key points:
We will have breakfast and head out towards the adventure. After 2 hours of navigating the Guaviare River in the Amazon rainforest, we will reach Laguna Damas del Nare. The surrounding forests are home to many species of monkeys and birds, and in the lagoon itself, we can observe pink freshwater dolphins. They are accustomed to human presence and willingly swim towards tourists who are bathing in the lake.
The brave ones can jump in, swim, and interact with the dolphins. Later, we will enjoy a delicious lunch at an old coca plantation that has been converted into an ecological farm. The local farmers wiill share their past experiences, explaining how they once harvested coca leaves and the processes involved in producing the base.
Overnight in San José del Guaviare
Day 8
In the morning, we’ll take local transport to Serranía de La Lindosa, part of the Guyanesa mountain range, which was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
We head towards Cerro Azul, home to the oldest rock paintings in Colombia (some over 10,000 years old). These striking red artworks depict scenes of hunting, dances, battles, or ceremonies, symbolizing the Amazonian indigenous communities. While exploring this extraordinary site, we will embark on a 3 to 4-hour hike through breathtaking landscapes. On the way back, we’ll stop for lunch at the eco-farm.
Overnight in San Jose Del Guaviare.
Day 9
Our last morning in Guaviare. After breakfast, we’ll head to the airport and fly first to Bogotá, and then on to Cartagena. From there, we’ll head straight to Rincon del Mar, a charming beach village right on the Caribbean Sea, where we’ll spend two days relaxing by the beach.
Day 10
Today is all about sunbathing and enjoying the beauty of the Caribbean Sea. For those looking for a bit more adventure, there’s the option to try an intro dive. If you’re already a certified diver, you can dive right into the Caribbean waters and explore the underwater world.
Overnight in Rincon del Mar.
Day 11
On this day, we’ll go to the island hopping, visiting the surrounding islands of the San Bernardo archipelago, including Isla Tintipan and Santa Cruz del Islote. These islands are surrounded by crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, colorful corals, and tropical fish. We’ll have time to explore, connect with the locals, enjoy some delicious seafood, and watch the most beautiful sunsets on the coast. You’ll enjoy the calm and relaxing feel of nature.
Overnight in Rincon del Mar.
Day 12
Around midday, we’ll leave the lovely Rincon del Mar and head to Cartagena, the Caribbean’s top tourist spot (about a 3-hour drive). This city has a lot of history, once being a Spanish colony and one of the most important ports in the area – a place you definitely have to visit. With its colonial buildings and amazing food, Cartagena also has a special Caribbean vibe, which we’ll enjoy in the evening.
Once we’ve checked into the hotel, we’ll have a delicious lunch at a cool Caribbean restaurant. Then, we’ll take a walk through the charming old city to enjoy all the lively vibes Cartagena is famous for.
Overnight in Cartagena.
Day 13
Cartagena de Indias is a city with a centuries-old history, an ancient Spanish colony and one of the most important ports in the region, and for this reason, a key point for trade: the perfect target for pirate attacks.
This city has a picturesque colonial old town: during a walk with a local guide through this area, we will learn about its history and see the most important monuments.
Nowadays this city also offers tourists countless pubs, bars, art galleries, and a unique Caribbean atmosphere, which we’ll have the opportunity to experience at night.
In the second part of the day, everyone will have free time to themselves and to buy souvenirs.
Overnight in Cartagena
Day 14
This is our last day in Colombia. It’s the perfect time for some last-minute souvenir shopping and a final walk around the city. We’ll say goodbye to Colombia and our wonderful guides. Later that day, we’ll catch our return flight from Cartagena.
What a journey it’s been! We’ll leave with amazing memories, new friends, and a deeper connection to this beautiful country. Until next time, Colombia!