Colombia Explorer Holiday

You will depart the UK on your international flight to Bogota, Colombia. Upon arrival in Colombia’s vibrant capital, you will transfer to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is your own to settle in and enjoy the city at your own pace.

The following day you'll enjoy a half-day tour of the city, beginning with an exploration of the beating heart of the capital, the historic La Candelaria, characterised by its quaint cobbled streets, colonial buildings and an array of boutique outlets, museums and restaurants. Spend time in the bustling Plaza de Bolivar (originally called Plaza Mayor) and visit Bogota’s neoclassical Cathedral which houses an impressive collection of religious artefacts, textiles and priceless artworks.  You will also visit other highlights, including the Gold Museum. 

Take a short flight from Bogota to Yopal and transfer to a traditional lodging in the heart of the El Encanto Natural Reserve de Guanapalo.

On your first full day, explore the reserve on an unforgettable 4x4 safari. Observe wildlife including capybara, deer, spectacled caiman, wild horses, anteaters, and pumas in their spectacular natural habitat. In the evening enjoy a special dining experience with indigenous ingredients cooked upon an open fire whilst traditional guitar and harp music accompanies a wonderful demonstration of joropo dancing.

On your second, day delve deeper into the local culture, learning the ways of the llaneros at a ranch. See how the relationship with horses has become a pivotal way of life for the llaneros and visit the archaeological remains of the Achaguas indigenous people. Later try your hand at making chocolate made with cacao before enjoying a tasty traditional lunch at the ranch. Finally, take a canoe tour down the river observing the wildlife that is drawn to its banks.

Transfer to Yopal where you will spend the night.

Fly to the beautiful historic city of Cartagena (via Bogota). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to wander peacefully through the city’s ambient cobbled street

The next day, enjoy a guided tour of the city, visiting the 1606 Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa which offers spectacular vistas of Cartagena and the Caribbean Sea. Continue to the San Filipe Fortress, built on the San Lázaro hill to fend off pirate attacks. You will finish the tour with a visit to the artisan region of Bovedas.   

Transfer to Cartagena’s pier and travel by boat to the coral island of Isla Mucura to end your Colombian adventure with a relaxing 2-night beach stay. Your time in Isla Mucura is completely your own to enjoy the crystal-clear sea and idyllic white sand beaches.

Travel back to Cartagena and spend the night in the city before your onward flight. 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your onward flight.