The key moments
This trip takes you to the different corners of Colombia, from the Colombia Andes regions, known for their biodiversity, but also for their coffee culture to the Pacific coast. Between visits of cosmopolitan cities and hikes in cloud forests, you will participate in workshops with locals. The best way to immerse yourself in this warm atmosphere that reigns in the Colombian countryside. You will stay in comfortable hotels as well as traditional guest houses. An enchanting ecotourism trip!
- Private transfers with English-speaking guide for your comfort
- Good 3-star hotels or charming fincas
- Bogota City Tour
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
- Coffee region around Calarca
- Botanical Garden
- Salamina, the village of wooden balconies
- City Tour Medellin
- Community tourism in Nuqui, Pacific coast
Detailed itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Bogota
Arrival in Bogota with your international flight. Our driver picks you up at the airport and takes you to the hotel.
Free afternoon.
Day 2 – City Tour Bogota
You will certainly be impressed by this city of 9 million inhabitants, located at 2,600 m altitude.
This morning we start directly with the visit of the city. Your English-speaking guide will accompany you and make the eventful history of the city of Bogota alive just in front of you. Between the historic city center, the central cemetery and the explanation of important figures (artists and presidents) of Colombia and Bogota, you will know everything ????
We will go to the oldest cafe in Bogota, stroll along the pedestrian street, but also discover the center of memory and the Mirador Guadalupe (which is a much more intimate point of view than Montserrate).
Return to the hotel and overnight.
Day 3 – Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira and Laguna of Guatavita
Early wake up for our departure to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, about fifty kilometers from Bogota. It is a church built by the miners themselves inside the Zipaquira Salt Mine. Today it is mainly a place of worship for Catholic Colombians.
Inside there are sculptures in salt, but also in marble, which attract tourists and nationals.
Lunch in the historic center of Zipaquira village.
In the afternoon we continue to the Lagoon of Guatavita, 3,000 m above sea level. Guatavita is the most important sacred lagoon of the Muisca culture. According to the legend, the cacique (the mayor) bathed in the lagoon, covered with gold that was deposited there. The other dignitaries threw their jewels and gold into the water during the ceremony. You now understand that it is Guatavita who gave birth to the legend of El Dorado. And that is why the Spaniards have long sought gold in its waters.
Return to Bogota, about an hour and 30 minutes.
Overnight in Bogota
Travel time throughout the day : 4h00
Day 4 – Bogota – Arménia – Calarca
This morning we leave Bogota for Armenia. Our driver will take you to the airport where you will catch a small plane for the domestic flight to Armenia (20 seats).
At Armenia airport, your English-speaking guide will meet you at the airport and depart directly for Calarca, just 40 minutes from Armenia.
The village of Calarca is located in the Colombian coffee region in a pleasant environment with a mild climate. Regular rains contribute to the great diversity of fauna and flora. The typical houses of Antioquia are part of the landscape. The region owes its relative wealth to coffee plantations.
In the afternoon you will learn about the process of Colombian coffee.
This night you will sleep in a traditional finca.
Travel time : 30 minutes
Day 5 – Botanical Garden – Filandia
Today you will visit the Botanical Garden of Calarca, one of the most beautiful in Colombia. You will see a great diversity of birds, but also flowers and butterflies. Indeed, there is the house of butterflies of 640 m2 with more than 1200 species of butterflies !!
After lunch we continue our journey to the village of Filandia (about an hour).
Afternoon free or the opportunity to spend time with a craftsman who manufactures wicker objects. To achieve this, it’s a hand-crafted process to manipulate the fibers and create plates, shades and other artistic objects. (optional).
Once again you will sleep in a typical finca, in direct contact with your hosts.
Overnight in Filandia
Travel time: 1h00
Day 6 – Filandia – Cocora Valley – Salento
Filandia is an authentic village, very typical for Antioquia. Its architecture, surrounding landscapes and the friendliness of its inhabitants make it one of the most beautiful villages in Quindio, and perhaps even Colombia!
The community lives mainly from coffee, agriculture and tourism, but is also known for its regional art.
We leave in the morning for the Cocora Valley, precisely the symbol of the region of coffee and Salento. There are several forests of Quindioqui wax palms, which are endangered. These palms can reach up to 60 meters in height. If you wish, we can hike for 4 hours in this exceptional environment.
In the afternoon, visit the village of Salento.
Overnight in Salento.
Travel time : 1h00
Day 7 – Salento – Salamina
Today we leave Salento to reach Salamina, 4 hours away.
On our arrival in Salamina, visit the village which is classified heritage village of Colombia. It was founded in 1825 and its architecture is of the style imposed by the colonization of the inhabitants of Antioquia, in the Colombia Andes. From a distance, Salamina looks like a collection of mud houses with clay tiles.
Local cabinetmaker Eliseo Tangarife started his woodworking school in the middle of the 19th century. The results are still visible on the many balconies, doors and awnings of the municipality.
Apart from being known for its architecture, Salamina is famous for growing coffee. You will have the opportunity to visit a hacienda to learn all about the local coffee process. The farmer will show you how to grow, beat and roast these hand-harvested grains.
Another option would be to participate in the production of Agua Panela, a cane sugar loaf, which is the most consumed sugar in Colombia (and which is also much healthier than the white sugar we have in Europe).
Day 8 – Salaminas – Aguadas – Medellin
Departure from Salaminas for Aguadas, a typical village of Caldas. Along the way you will see many coffee plantations, bananas and sugar cane. The village is famous for its crafts in Iraca palm, including hats.
Precisely, we will enjoy a visit of the village, but also the manufacture of these palm fiber hats.
Then we take our way and arrive in Medellin late afternoon.
Overnight in Medellin.
Trave time : 4h30
Day 9 – Medellin
Medellin is a fascinating city. Colombia’s second city with a difficult history linked to narco-traffickers is changing at an impressive speed! In 2015 it was elected City of Innovation and today it is a city in full economic expansion.
Today you will meet a graffiti artist from Medellin to immerse you in the world of graffiti and its history in Colombia.
Then we visit the Museum of Fernando Botero, the artist known for his “round” sculptures and the district Comuna 13.
Finally we go to Pueblito Paisa, located on the Cerro Nutibarra. It is a replica of a typical village at the beginning of the century in the region of Antioquia. You will find the Plaza with its stone fountain, surrounded by the church and the town hall, the hairdresser and the school with a single classroom. In addition you have a breathtaking view of the city of Medellin and the mountains and valleys around.
Free afternoon
Overnight in Medellin.
Day 10 – Guatape
About 2 hours from Medellin is Guatape, the tourist attraction of the region. Aside from being a colorful colonial village in the Colombia Andes, the whole site is simply enchanting: lagoons, lush greenery and friendly locals.
You will be surprised to see colors everywhere – on walls, stairs, balconies, cars or bikes. The different drawings are based on the customs and legends of the region. Moreover, the walls have been classified as natural and environmental heritage of the city!
From Guatape you will climb the 690 steps to the top of Piedra de Penol (about 220 m) where you have an impressive view of the surrounding landscape.
Overnight in Medellin
Travel time : 4h30
Day 11, 12 et 13 – Medellin – Nuqui – Choco region, community tourism
This morning you take a small plane to move to Nuqui, on the Pacific side of Colombia. A paradise for nature lovers! Its climate between 23 and 30 ° with a humidity around 90% makes it a very favorable region to a luxuriant and abundant nature.
Between July and November you can see the humpback whales that come to the Gulf to breed and feed the calves.
Here you join our community tourism project in collaboration with the native Jovi community. It is a question of valorizing their lands, but also especially to value their ancestral traditions and knowledge. In this way you will learn how to cook regional dishes as well as discover aromatic and medicinal plants. Special moments that will make your trip to Colombia a unique journey.
Of course, you have time to take long walks along the river, to swim in the waterfalls or in the natural thermal baths.
Overnight in Nuqui.
Day 14 – Nuqui – Bogota
Today we return first to Medellin and then to Bogota, still in national flight of 20 passengers.
Overnight in Bogota.
Day 15 – Bogota – Departure
We bring you back to the airport for your international flight.
Budget
We provide our tour plans as an example for you to get inspired and an idea of how your travel in northern Peru could look like.
Once you have your trip in mind, we are happy to create with you your dream trip according to the length of your stay. We suggest you interesting sites to visit, nice places to stay, how to get there and if you should choose a guide to travel with you in order to discover a more confidential side of Peru.
Contact us today at info@phimavoyages.com or through our contact form. We will get back to you within 24 hours.
The program includes
- English-speaking Tour conductor
- Private transportation
- National flights
- Bogota -Armenia
- Medellin – Nuqui (back and forth)
- Medellin – Bogota
- Entrances to all tourist attractions
- Accommodation in 3-star hotels in a double room or in a bed and breakfast, breakfast included
- Meals as indicated
- Personalized assistance throughout the tour, 24 hours a day
The program does not include
- Food not specified in the itinerary
- Alcoholic drinks
- Additional expenses for purchases of souvenirs or crafts
- Bank transfer fee
