Colombia Explorer

Delve into Colombian Cowboy Culture

Discover the fascinating world of the llaneros (cowboys) on this 13-day tour taking in historical cities, expansive nature reserves and idyllic beaches. 

The last of Colombia’s cowboys, spend time in Llanero culture, learning about their customs and their way of life which has remained largely untouched for many centuries.

On this holiday designed to showcase the contrasting scenery of Colombia, you will also visit Bogota and Cartagena which will transport you to a bygone era - a land of cobbled streets, neoclassical cathedrals and colourful baroque buildings with colonial influences felt throughout. 

Finish your tour with a relaxing stay on Isla Mucura.

Highlights

• Explore Colombia's vibrant capital - Bogota

• Discover IIanero culture and tradition in the El Encanto Natural Reserve de Guanapalo

• Discover the historic and charming city of Cartagena

• 2-nights relaxation on the Caribbean coast

Quick Itinerary

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Days 2 & 3 - Bogota

Days 4 - 6 - El Encanto Natural Reserve de Guanapalo

Days 7 & 8 - Cartagena

Days 9 & 10 - Isla Mucura

Day 11 - Cartagena

Day 12 -  Depart Cartagena

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be made truly individual to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Day 1 - Depart the UK

Today you will depart the UK on your international flight to Bogota, Colombia

Days 2 & 3 - Bogota

Arrive in Colombia’s vibrant capital and 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. 

Days 4 - 6 - El Encanto Natural Reserve de Guanapalo

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. 

Days 7 & 8 - Cartagena 

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 streets.

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.   

Days 9 & 10 - Isla Mucura

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.

Day 11 - Cartagena 

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

Day 12 - Depart Cartagena

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your onward flight. 

Day 13 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Colombia.

Price from £3,999 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room)

Includes:

• International flights

• 10 nights’ accommodation

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

• Half-day Bogota city tour

• 4x4 llanero safari

• Ilanero dining experience

• Full-day activities at a Reserve Ranch including a river canoe experience

• Half-day Cartagena city tour

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Meals not indicated in your itinerary

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites