Jewels of Colombia
Jewels of Colombia
Jewels of Colombia
9 Days Starting in Bogotá, Colombia and ending in Cartagena, Colombia
Visiting: Bogotá, Pereira, Medellín, Cartagena
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SL-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the "Jewels of Colombia" tour, exploring the vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes of Colombia. Begin your journey in the bustling capital of Bogotá, where you'll experience the city's colonial beauty, colorful street art, and exquisite gastronomy. Travel to the heart of the Coffee Triangle in Pereira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the lush Cocora Valley and charming villages of Salento and Filandia. Continue to Medellín, where you'll delve into the city's history and vibrant art scene. Finally, unwind in the coastal city of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and beautiful beaches. Enjoy guided tours, local cuisine, and ample leisure time to explore at your own pace.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Bogotá,Colombia
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Cité Hotel
Your Small Group Discovery tour begins!
Day 2: Bogotá
Location: Bogotá
Accommodation Name: Cité Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
BOGOTÁ The Green Metropolis Bogotá is located in the center of Colombia at an altitude of 2,640m (8,660ft.) above sea level. The vibrant capital is surrounded by the Andes Mountains and blends a rich history, colonial beauty, colorful street art, beautiful architecture, and exquisite gastronomy. Your city tour includes the famous Paloquemao food market where you’ll appreciate the beautiful and aromatic flower market for a [LF] tasting of local fare. Take the cable car up Monserrate Hill for spectacular views, visit the Gold Museum, and more. This evening, celebrate your Bogotá adventure with dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE Join your small group to taste a variety of local specialties at the Paloquemao food and flower market. Browse the rows and stalls filled with fruits, vegetables, herbs, fish, seafood, and meats. Enjoy an exclusive tasting of local fruits, fruit juice, or traditional salty snacks like tamal, lechona, and pan de bono con avena. Stroll to discover traditional kitchenware like wooden spoons, molinillos (a wooden grinder), pataconera (a hand-operated machine to toast plantains), and totumo (a container made with the jícaro fruit’s shell).TOUR HIGHLIGHT CULTURAL TREASURES After a short drive to Monserrate Hill, take the cable car up to top, at an altitude of 3,048m (10,000ft.). Spend time here, visiting the iconic church and appreciating the unparalleled views over Colombia’s capital. Continue to “La Candelaria,” a historical enclave in downtown Bogotá. Walk along the cobblestone streets and enjoy the district’s blend of beautiful buildings, Spanish colonial architecture, and baroque churches that contrast with modern graffiti, cafés, and contemporary museums. In “Plaza Bolívar,” the main square, see the Cathedral and the Liévano Palace. Visit the popular Gold Museum that contains over 34,000 gold pieces and countless bone, stone, ceramic, and textile artifacts that belonged to some 13 pre-Hispanic societies.
Day 3: Bogotá,Pereira (Coffee Triangle Area)
Location: Pereira
Accommodation Name: San Carlos Lodge en Pereira
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
BOGOTÁ–PEREIRA–ARMENIA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA) Colombia’s Coffee Triangle Fly to Pereira in the heart of the Coffee Triangle of Colombia, the third-largest producer of coffee in the world. It is a territory with a special natural charm, impressive green landscapes and a model of agricultural exploitation that coexists and takes care of the environment, which has led it to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 as “Coffee Cultural Landscape.” Upon arrival, travel to the small town Calarcá and travel by Jeep to a [LF] coffee hacienda. Then, travel to your hotel in Armenia for a free evening. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITE SMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE The coffee axis is a region of central Colombia that makes up the "“Coffee Triangle.” Explore these generous and prosperous valleys of Colombia's "coffee zone," rich with endless coffee plantations and vibrantly hued wooden houses with flower-laden balconies of its picturesque landscape. Travel by Jeep with your small group for lunch with the owners of a coffee hacienda to enjoy traditional regional dishes before strolling through the coffee plantations. Learn everything there is to know about coffee: the seed planting, bean picking, roasting, and coffee tasting. Stroll the plantations with the local experts to discover the production process secrets and learn about the fine art of coffee tasting.
Day 4: Pereira (Coffee Triangle Area). Excursion To Cocora Valley,Salento,Filandia
Location: Pereira
Accommodation Name: San Carlos Lodge en Pereira
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
ARMENIA–PEREIRA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA). EXCURSION TO COCORA VALLEY, SALENTO–FILANDIA Palms & Parrots Drive through the region of Quindío to Cocora Valley with your Local Guide, where you will find Colombia’s national tree, the Palma de Cera (wax palm)—the highest palm trees in the world. Continue to Salento, the region’s oldest village. Stroll the small shops amid vibrant balconies before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Later, discover Filandia’s quaint streets and richly hued architecture, in the town known for handicrafts, innovative gastronomy, and stunning lush views. (B,L) TOUR HIGHLIGHT NATURAL WONDERS Walk along the ecological trail and see the world’s highest palm tree: the Palma de Cera. Colombia’s national tree can reach up to 60m (200ft.) and is characterized by its long, cylindrical trunk covered in wax. While here, give back to the local community and environment by planting a Palma de Cera. Keep an eye out for rare parrots who call the palm groves home.
Day 5: Pereira (Coffee Triangle Area),Medellín
Location: Pereira
Accommodation Name: Diez Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
ARMENIA–PEREIRA (COFFEE TRIANGLE AREA)–MEDELLÍN City Of Everlasting Spring Fly to Medellín, the second-largest and most progressive city in Colombia. Cradled in the Aburra Valley, Medellín is one of the most beautiful in South America and is dubbed the “City of Everlasting Spring” due to its mild, year-round climate. The afternoon is free for optional excursions or free time to explore this vibrant city before dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)TOUR HIGHLIGHTFASHION, HISTORY & ART Medellín is also known as ‘The City of Eternal Spring’ for its pleasant climate and moderate temperatures. Take a cable car up and appreciate the stunning views of the lush valley surrounded by beautiful peaks. Medellín has had a remarkable turnaround and is one of the country’s most important cities for business, politics, fashion, and nightlife. Explore the historical center, appreciate the vibrant graffiti and art by Fernando Botero, try local street food, or head to the city’s outskirts and immerse in nature.ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Medellín by visiting one of the many shops or galleries, visit the Museo Casa de la Memoria, or chat with a friendly paisa, or local. Get local maps and more tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 6: Medellín
Location: Medellín
Accommodation Name: Diez Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
MEDELLÍN Sizeable Sculptures & Street Art Explore Medellín and get an insight into the city’s history. Start your tour at the top of Nutibara Hill. Pueblito Paisa is a quaint village with a fountain, cobblestone streets, a church, and small shops. From here, enjoy the spectacular 360º views over the city. Then, continue your tour to the old quarter and visit the famous Botero Square—home to the voluptuous sculptures by famed artist Fernando Botero. Browse the exhibitions of the Antioquia Museum in Botero Plaza, then take the cable car up to San Javier and take the electric stairways to the graffiti-rich [LF] Comuna 13 district. (B,L)LOCAL FAVORITESMALL GROUP EXCLUSIVE A must-see sight in Medellín is the legendary Cumuna 13 district. Once considered the most dangerous district in the city—besieged by violent drug cartels, Comuna 13 is now a mecca for street artists whose graffiti helped changed the atmosphere through positive social reform. A local social leader introduces your small group to Cumuna 13 to peruse the passionate murals and hear the history of how this vibrant enclave in Medellín was transformed into a positive culture of graffiti, hip hop, and a popular tourist destination.TOUR HIGHLIGHT ART & ARTISTRY Stroll Botero Square, named for the famed sculptures of Fernando Botero. Here, gaze upon the larger-than-life sculptures recognized for their oversized depictions of lovably rotund figures of people and animals for which the celebrated Colombian artist is known.
Day 7: Medellín,Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Estelar Cartagena de Indias
Meals Included: Breakfast
MEDELLÍN–CARTAGENA Caribbean Vibes Fly to Cartagena on the Caribbean coast. Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in well-preserved colonial architecture. Upon arrival, your private guided tour includes a visit to the Monastery of La Popa. Built on a hillside at the beginning of the 17th century, it features panoramic views of the city, its beaches, and the bay. Next, tour San Felipe Fort, built to protect the city from pirates as well as the British and French. Later, head into the walled colonial city and see the brightly hued streets and plazas of Old Cartagena. End the day with a tour of the San Pedro Claver Convent, housing impressive Pre-Columbian artifacts. (B)TOUR HIGHLIGHTCULTURE & TRADITION Visit the convent of San Pedro Claver, originally founded by the Jesuits in the 17th century, and admire its 3-story building made of stone façade, stained-glass windows, and marble details. Inside, browse the many amazing artifacts of religious art, pre-Colombian ceramics, and Afro-Caribbean paintings and masks.
Day 8: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Accommodation Name: Estelar Cartagena de Indias
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
CARTAGENA A free day in Cartagena Full day at leisure to explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach and enjoy the sun and the waves. Farewell dinner hosted by the Tour Director. (B,D)ENHANCED FREE TIMEEXPLORE MORE in Cartagena with an optional visit to Islas del Rosario, a rum tasting and salsa dancing class, or join an evening bay tour with wine and 4-course dinner. This and more options throughout your tour are available for purchase with MyGlobus. Get local maps and tips for free time on your GlobusGO mobile app.
Day 9: Cartagena
Location: Cartagena
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your tour ends with breakfast this morning.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Accommodation in Bogota at Citè Hotel, in Pereira at San Carlos Lodge, in Medellin at Diez Hotel, and in Cartagena at Estelar Cartagena de Indias.
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Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are included.
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City Tours
City tours in Bogota, Pereira, Medellin, and Cartagena are included.
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Excursions
Excursions to Cocora Valley, Salento, Filandia, and Comuna 13 district in Medellin are included.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia and the Port, Fortress, and Group of Monuments in Cartagena are included.
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Local Guides
Local guides for various excursions and city tours are included.
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Internal Flights
Internal flights from Bogota to Pereira, Pereira to Medellin, and Medellin to Cartagena are included.
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Farewell Dinner
A farewell dinner hosted by the Tour Director is included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights to and from Colombia are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and beverages are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities during leisure time are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuities for guides, drivers, and hotel staff are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Meals
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners
Notes
Maximum elevation on this tour is 10,000 ft.
UNESCO Sites
Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia (Coffee Triangle)|Port, Fortress and Group of Monuments, City of Cartagena
Accommodation
Bogota: Cité Hotel, Pereira: San Carlos Lodge en Pereira, Medellin: Diez Hotel, Cartagena: Estelar Cartagena de Indias
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I expect in Bogotá?
In Bogotá, you will visit the famous Paloquemao food market, take a cable car up Monserrate Hill for spectacular views, and visit the Gold Museum. The day will end with dinner at a local restaurant.
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What will we do in Pereira?
In Pereira, you will fly to the heart of the Coffee Triangle, visit a coffee hacienda by Jeep, and have a free evening to explore or relax at your hotel.
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What is special about the Cocora Valley excursion?
In Cocora Valley, you will see Colombia's national tree, the Palma de Cera (wax palm), which are the highest palm trees in the world. You will also visit the village of Salento and the town of Filandia, known for its handicrafts and stunning views.
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What can I expect to see in Medellín?
In Medellín, you will visit Nutibara Hill for 360° views of the city, explore Botero Square and the Antioquia Museum, and take a cable car to the graffiti-rich Comuna 13 district.
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What are the highlights of the Cartagena tour?
In Cartagena, you will visit the Monastery of La Popa for panoramic views, tour San Felipe Fort, explore the walled colonial city, and visit the San Pedro Claver Convent.
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What will I do on the free day in Cartagena?
On the free day in Cartagena, you can explore the town on your own, take an optional adventure, or visit the beach to enjoy the sun and waves. The day will end with a farewell dinner hosted by the Tour Director.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
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Are there any UNESCO World Heritage Sites included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes visits to the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia and the Port, Fortress, and Group of Monuments in the City of Cartagena.
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Are there any elevation considerations on this tour?
Yes, the tour includes elevations exceeding 9,000 feet, with the maximum elevation reaching 10,000 feet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
For over 90 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest Covid-19 policies
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
The Globus Lighthouse Project - an illuminating initiative where we can all come together to tread lightly and give generously for the globe's greater good. Globus, along with sister companies Avalon Waterways and Cosmos, invite our travellers and partners to help us in supporting causes that provide for a more sustainable planet and a brighter tomorrow.
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Low Deposit
Barrhead Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 98 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of barrhead travel charges.
Up to 98 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 97 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 28 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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