9-Nights Hidden Wonders of Colombia - Small Group Journeys — CALL

Itinerary Details

1 Arrive Bogota, Colombia

Set more than 8,500ft above sea level, Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is a modern metropolis that benefits from a year-round spring-like climate. Food stalls in the lively Paloquemao market season the air with the smell of tempting delicacies, while La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogotá, blends colonial-era architecture with contemporary museums and a lively arts scene.

Stroll Bogotá’s lively Paloquemao market and sample local delicacies at its food stalls. 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. Head back into town to explore La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogotá, with its colonial-era architecture. The fascinating Gold Museum, which boasts 34,000 pre-Hispanic artefacts, is also not to be missed. Cap it all off with a sampling of fine Colombian coffees.

Fly to La Macarena, a small town in a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It is also your gateway to Caño Cristales, often referred to as "The River of Five Colors” due to its vibrant aquatic plants. Board a wooden boat to encounter this "Liquid Rainbow” firsthand. Once ashore, hike to examine the Macarenia clavigera, an aquatic plant that turns shades of pink under certain conditions, giving the river its incredible vibrant color. Hop back aboard your boat to continue upstream, glimpsing monkeys and cascading waterfalls along the way.

Boat down the scenic Guayabero River, ride a 4x4 through Sierra de La Macarena National Park and hike onward to return to the breathtaking Caño Cristales. Devote your day to hiking, picnicking and snapping photos amid the vibrant colors and cascading waterfalls of this magical place.

Start your day with a hike to Mirador to take in mountain vistas before flying to Medellín. Set among the green hills of Colombia’s Antioquia region, Medellín lives up to its nickname: the City of Eternal Spring. After some difficult years, it has blossomed into a shining example of social transformation and urban regeneration. Tonight’s dinner is a complete sensory experience, spanning several leisurely hours and combining theatrical and interactive elements to bring out the unique local flavors and artful presentation of each dish.

Explore Medellín’s parks, museums and cultural treasures, and then visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood to learn about a variety of social and urban regeneration projects, which, over the years, helped transform the neighborhood from one of the most dangerous in the world to an example of positive social transformation. Meet over coffee with a local who shares his intimate perspective on those dramatic years and on the resilience and ability of the people to overcome the darkest chapter in the city’s history. Afterward, drive to your mountain lodge, nestled in the heart of the Antioquian Mountains.

This morning, choose from of one of these Design Your Day activities.

• Explore Guatape and El Peñol, two charming towns set amid breathtaking landscapes.
• Hike a Pre-Hispanic Trail through mountains and bridle paths, ending at El Peñol rock.
• Uncover 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, spend the afternoon as you wish. This evening, stroll the local gardens and gather for a special culinary experience.

Exuberant, colorful, tropical and beautiful, Cartagena is widely regarded as Colombia's crowning destination. Here, sample two of Colombia's most prized exports, aged rums and fine chocolates. The evening is yours to relax or explore as you like.

Visit Cartagena’s colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Not to be missed are the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial military engineering built to defend the city from pirate attacks, and the imposing church of San Pedro Claver with its fine collection of stained-glass windows. Then, stroll the colorful streets of the lively Getsemani neighborhood as you visit local markets and sample traditional street food. Later, board a private boat for an unforgettable sunset sailing adventure. Back on shore, gather for a farewell dinner at the Club de Pesca restaurant, a Cartagena landmark.