Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Colombia - Bogota - coffee region - Providencia - Cartagena
100% customisable for you
Greeting on arrival and private transfer to the lively Zona Rosa district, slightly away from the centre. The hotel where you will stay for three nights strikes a balance between Colombian elegance and international standards. Straight lines, fine materials and a certain style of life is reflected in every detail. The rooms are decorated with light, clean colours and contemporary furniture. In the bathroom, Hermes and Lanvin branded products accentuate the 'French' feel.
Included in the itinerary - A guided tour of Bogota's historic centre and Montserrate hill. Bohemian and colonial, the Candelaria (historic centre) is a labyrinth of alleys, little squares, churches and pastel facades topped by balconies. You can stroll around here to discover Santo Domingo's artists and craftsmen. Visit the neighbourhood art school, an establishment which teaches gold, wood, leather and embroidery work with the skill and finesse the country the country is famed for. Then it's on to the see the universe of local artists Fernando Botero, whose curvy works are known worldwide. The tour continues with the Gold Museum, which gives an overview of every region and offers a beautiful insight into pre-Colombian civilisations and Colombian history. Finally, climb to Cerro de Montserrate, an ancient 17th-century chapel perched on the eastern side of the city, at 10,340ft, for a stunning view of the capital and the central mountain range. The next day, a local artist will walk with you to meet some of the city's artists. Painters, sculptors and photographers create the country's new cultural canvas. Meeting them offers an essential insight into Colombia today.
Private transfer to the airport and flight to Armenia in the heart of the Coffee Region. Another private transfer and accommodation for three nights in a bamboo house nestled in the mountains, between cocoa and banana plantations. The decoration, as well as the cuisine, is very refined. It's the perfect place to start to explore the area.
Included in the itinerary - A day's hike in the Cocora Valley, home of the national tree, the Quindio wax palm, which can reach 230ft tall and grows in the high mountains. You'll see them during a beautiful walk to the Acaime Reserve, a haven for many birds such as the iconic hummingbirds. The way back takes you via another route, over the spectacular ridges and off the classic tourist trails, which allows you to appreciate these exceptional landscapes. Finally, the walk ends at the village of Salento, whose pleasant historical centre buzzes with local life. The next day, you head to one of the region's typical haciendas. Aim: To understand how the region's black gold is made, from tree to cup, from bean selection to roasting. The tour ends with a tasting of this high quality coffee: you'll start by awakening your palate to bitter, sweet and acid flavours before tasting, then you will try to work out the dominant flavours of the coffees tasted.
The journey to Providencia Island takes most of the day. Private transfer to the airport and flights to Bogota, San Andres and Providencia. Another private transfer and accommodation for five nights in a small Caribbean flower oasis. A haven of tranquillity, right at the water's edge and surrounded by a rainforest, with twelve bright and airy rooms. Fabulous, refined cuisine is enjoyed facing the sea and opposite a superb panorama of the small island of Cayo Cangrejo. Although there is no proper beach, there are comfortable sunbeds on the wooden pontoon and the small infinity pool is invaluable.
The enchanting views of the Caribbean Sea and the islet of Cayo Cangrejo make it easy to just stay there and be lulled by the sounds of the rainforest. Yet every day there's a chance to get out of this bubble and discover a bit more of this corner of paradise. Although the Colombian flag flies on this volcanic land, it is actually far closer to the Nicaraguan coast. Mountainous and green, Providencia Island is home to beautiful sea beds and corals declared a World Biosphere Reserve. You explore it first from the top, from El Pico, climbing to almost 1,200ft for a panoramic view that allows you to appreciate the sea's seven colours. Then underwater, of course, with a coral reef dive. In the evening, after feasting in crab, you will be caught up in the island's languidly Jamaican atmosphere and the beat of a local reggae band.
Already included in the itinerary - Golf buggy rental day, to explore the island in complete freedom.
Optional - Half a day kayaking and snorkelling on Crab Cay, a small island off Providencia.
Private transfer to the airport and flights to San Andres and Cartagena. Another private transfer and three-nights' accommodation in San Diego, in a hotel which epitomises Cartagena's colonial charm. Enter through the wide door of this 17th century house with whitewashed walls and terracotta tiled floor. Sitting on the patio, around the swimming pool in the shadow of the palm tree, you can enjoy the beauty of a bygone era. The rooms, with their wide beams, emit a sense of tranquillity. They are decorated with wood and shades of white, highlighted with blue and green touches to remind you that you're in the Caribbean.
Included in the itinerary - Private visit to San Felipe Fort and the Getsemani district. In addition to its colourful historic centre, these two places are also part of the history of Cartagena. San Felipe Fort, a masterpiece of military architecture, was built in 1536 to defend the city from the many pirates and privateers. The colonial district of Getsemani is a great place to stroll through, to better appreciate the young and bohemian atmosphere of Cartagena in its colourful alleys . The next day, head for the small village of La Boquilla, 20 minutes from Cartagena, where there is a strong fishing community. Just behind the village the mangrove is full of migratory bird colonies which take flight at sunset. After a canoe ride in this special ecosystem, there is a visit to a music school for an introduction to percussion, led by young and talented percussionists from the village. Maracas, bongo and alegre, the Caribbean is the home to many rhythms inherited from African traditions.
Optional - A rum and chocolate tasting.
Private transfer to the airport and catch your flight home. Overnight flight, arriving the next day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
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