We start in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, afterwards you explore the hot, sleepy city of Neiva and then San Agustín, where you will get to see ancient volcanic statues. From there on you will travel to Popayán, a small colonial town, and further to the Coffee Region, where you will enjoy a caffeine fueled, coffee tasting adventure. The journey will then take you to Medellín, which is famous for its stylish restaurants and legendary nightlife, and last but not least to the beautifully preserved colonial old town of Cartagena.
Tourstops: Bogota – Neiva – San Agustín – Coffee Region – Medellín – Cartagena
Arrival at the International airport of Bogotá, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. 2 nights in Bogotá including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Stroll through the surroundings of the hotel
♥ Our Insider Tip:
The popular sweet wafers with Arequipe, which also Mick Jagger seems to like a lot (available during day time).
After our first nutritious breakfast with eggs, bread, fruits and juice we meet our guide to start discovering the Colombian capital city. The tour starts with a trip in a funicular railway or cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill offering a spectacular view of the city. Afterwards we walk through the old town La Candelaria with its colonial architecture and visit at the main square Plaza Bolivar the government buildings. Finally we discover the famous Gold Museum, which houses the world greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts. The tour ends, with a visit to Paloquemao, an authentic market place, where we will see and taste all the typical fruits and learn everything about vegetables and other food products of the region.
★ Highlights:
• Historic Centre La Candelaria
• View from Monserrate
• Historic artefarcts at the Gold Museum
• Public market Paloquemao
• Versatile, gastronomic offer
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Looking closely, on Avenida Jimenez, one can see people trading emeralds in small paper bags.
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Neiva. Upon arrival transfer to the Tatacoa desert, the heat of the day is now gone and we will enjoy the sunset in the desert.
Transfer to our Hotel in Neiva. 1 night including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast between Bogotá and the desert area
• Sunset in the Tatacoa Desert
♥ Our Insider Tip:
When walking through the desert watch out for rocks lying around…Tatacoa is known for its many fossils.
We begin a 4-5 hour overland trip on the road that follows the Magdalena River to San Agustín. It is here, where some of the most significant archaeological relics in South America have been found. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we visit the San Agustín Archaeological Park, which is formed by the “Mesitas” and the “Fuente Ceremonial de Lavapatas”. We end the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum.
★ Highlights:
• Drive along the river Magdalena
• History and culture up close
• Extremely well preserved archaeological artefacts
• Lush green mountainous landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Achiras – a delicious, local, crunchy snack.
After breakfast we will head to the famous strait of the Río Magdalena. Here, the longest river of Colombia narrows and is just 2 meters wide. In the afternoon we continue to the nearby village of Isnos to see the Parque Arqueológico (archeological park) where at the Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras we will find some of the most impressive tombs and statues in the country.
★ Highlights:
• River Strait of Magdalena
• Archaeological excavations in Isnos
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Visit of an artisan Trapiche, where sugar cane is processed into panela.
We continue our journey from San Agustín to Popayán (4-5 hours), crossing the beautiful Puracé National Natural Park. We will observe some more Colombian landscapes like the andenean cloud forest and the Páramos. Arrival in Popayán, also known as the White City. In the afternoon walking tour through Popayán. 1 night including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Paramo Puracé
• The completely white fronts in Popayan
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Watch the sunset from the Morro, a little hill in the periphery of the city center.
Transfer from Popayán to the Coffee Region with a short stop in Buga, where the famous Basílica del Señor de los Milagros is located. Further transfer to Armenia in the heart of the Coffee Region. 2 nights at a Coffee Hacienda.
★ Highlights:
• Cathedral Senor de los Milagros in Buga
• Colourfull village Salento
• Lush green landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
The view from the mirador in Salento.
After breakfast we visit the farm right next to the hotel and learn everything about the Colombian Highland Coffee in a technical and practical introduction to the coffee cultivation and production process of the Hacienda. In the afternoon we visit the botanical garden and the butterfly rising.
★ Highlights:
• All about coffee
• Local culture up close
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Not only the coffee bean, but also the berries are highly energizing!
Today we visit Valle de Cocora: With breathtaking landscapes, this is one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. Here one will find the impressive “Palma de Cera”, the official Colombian national tree and one of the tallest species of palm in the world. On the way back to Armenia, we visit Salento, a picturesque village with artisanal and crafts shops.
★ Highlights:
• Waxpalms
• Green Andean landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
A tasty Canelazo (typical hot beverage).
In the morning time to relax at the Hacienda, afterwards transfer to Medellín (about 5 hours). Arrival at ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, where we will spend 2 nights at a hotel in the modern part El Poblado.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast between coffee region and Medellin
• Mild climate
• Versatile, gastronomic offer
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Gain an inside into Medellin´s night life by having a drink at one of the many bars in El Poblado.
After breakfast we discover Medellín, a city which stands for the change in Colombia, like no other place. Once being a city known for many problems, Medellín recognizes itself nowadays for its friendly people, good weather and its projects of social inclusion, like the Metrocable. The tour starts in the heart of the center by exploring the San Antonio Park, Plaza de San Ignacio, the traditional Avenida La Playa and the Sculpture Park, which contains more than 20 sculptures, donated by Maestro Fernando Botero, a son of Antioquia and Colombia’s best-known artist. We finish the tour with a trip by Metro and by Cable Car to the Biblioteca de España.
★ Highlights:
• The different facets of Medellín
• Botero’s sculptures
• Profound insights into the local culture and history
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Today’s lunch should be the typical dish Bandeja Paisa.
Today we leave the andenean region of Colombia and fly directly to Cartagena at the Caribbean Coast. Arrival at Cartagena de Indias and transfer to our hotel located at the Old City. Today Cartagena is Colombia’s fifth largest city, has the best preserved colonial architecture in the country and is one of the most famous vacation resorts – it was declared a World Heritage by the UNSECO in 1984. 2 nights including breakfast. In the evening we take a first walk through the beautiful Old City of Cartagena. We spend 3 nights in Cartagena.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast of the Andean region and the Caribbean coast
• Charming alleys in Cartagena
• Great variety of culinary delights
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Dinner at the restaurant Interno, a project of a local womens’ prison.
After breakfast transfer to the convent of La Popa (the highest point of the city) and the Castillo de San Felipe, an immense fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, we visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos, the “Old Shoes”. In the afternoon time for leisure.
★ Highlights:
• Historic city centre with its romantic alleys
• View from the city wall (especially at sunset)
• Castillo San Felipe
• La Popa Convent
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Enjoy the last sunset of this trip from the city wall or a rooftop bar
Breakfast and day for leisure. Opportunity to take an optional half-day tour to La Boquilla, a fisherman’s village about 30 minutes by car from Cartagena, where travelers will be taken by natives in dugout canoes through the mangrove labyrinths of the swamps close by to the village. Or by boat together with other tourists to one of the Rosario Islands to enjoy the white sanded beaches and the cristal-clear water of the Caribbean (optional tours, not included).
★ Highlights:
• Culture up close, encounter with locals
• Mangroves
• White, caribbean beaches
• Crystal clear water
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Grab your snorkel and explore the caribbean underwater world on the Rosario Islands.
After breakfast time to enjoy the last hours in Colombia, transfer to the airport and flight home or departure to optional extension program (see optional Tours below).
Bogotá: Hotel Casa Deco (http://www.hotelcasadeco.com/)
Neiva: Hostería Matamundo (http://www.hosteriamatamundo.com/)
San Agustín: Hacienda Anacaona (http://www.anacaon-colombia.com/)
Popayan: Hotel La Plazuela (http://hotellaplazuela.com.co/en)
Zona Cafetera: Hotel Bosque de Saman Estandar (http://www.elbosquedelsaman.com/)
Medellín: La Campana Boutique (http://www.lacampanahotelboutique.com/)
Cartagena: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (http://www.hoteldonpedrodeheredias.com)
De Luxe Category:
Bogotá: Hotel La Opera (http://www.hotelopera.com.co/)
Neiva: Hotel GHLNeiva (https://www.ghlhotelneiva.com/)
San Agustin: Akawanka Lodge (http://hotelakawankalodge.com/)
Popayan: Dann Monasterio (http://www.hotelesdann.com)
Zona Cafetera: Hotel Bosque de Saman Superior (http://www.elbosquedelsaman.com/)
Medellín: Diez Hotel (http://www.diezhotel.com/)
Cartagena: Bovedas Santa Clara (http://www.bovedasdesantaclara.com/)
Minimum requirements of participants: 2
Dates 2023:
13.01./10.02./03.03./21.04./05.05./23.06./21.07./18.08./15.09./20.10./17.11.
We start in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, afterwards you explore the hot, sleepy city of Neiva and then San Agustín, where you will get to see ancient volcanic statues. From there on you will travel to Popayán, a small colonial town, and further to the Coffee Region, where you will enjoy a caffeine fueled, coffee tasting adventure. The journey will then take you to Medellín, which is famous for its stylish restaurants and legendary nightlife, and last but not least to the beautifully preserved colonial old town of Cartagena.
Tourstops: Bogota – Neiva – San Agustín – Coffee Region – Medellín – Cartagena
Arrival at the International airport of Bogotá, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel. 2 nights in Bogotá including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Stroll through the surroundings of the hotel
♥ Our Insider Tip:
The popular sweet wafers with Arequipe, which also Mick Jagger seems to like a lot (available during day time).
After our first nutritious breakfast with eggs, bread, fruits and juice we meet our guide to start discovering the Colombian capital city. The tour starts with a trip in a funicular railway or cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill offering a spectacular view of the city. Afterwards we walk through the old town La Candelaria with its colonial architecture and visit at the main square Plaza Bolivar the government buildings. Finally we discover the famous Gold Museum, which houses the world greatest collection of pre-Hispanic Indian gold crafts. The tour ends, with a visit to Paloquemao, an authentic market place, where we will see and taste all the typical fruits and learn everything about vegetables and other food products of the region.
★ Highlights:
• Historic Centre La Candelaria
• View from Monserrate
• Historic artefarcts at the Gold Museum
• Public market Paloquemao
• Versatile, gastronomic offer
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Looking closely, on Avenida Jimenez, one can see people trading emeralds in small paper bags.
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Neiva. Upon arrival transfer to the Tatacoa desert, the heat of the day is now gone and we will enjoy the sunset in the desert.
Transfer to our Hotel in Neiva. 1 night including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast between Bogotá and the desert area
• Sunset in the Tatacoa Desert
♥ Our Insider Tip:
When walking through the desert watch out for rocks lying around…Tatacoa is known for its many fossils.
We begin a 4-5 hour overland trip on the road that follows the Magdalena River to San Agustín. It is here, where some of the most significant archaeological relics in South America have been found. On arrival, transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon we visit the San Agustín Archaeological Park, which is formed by the “Mesitas” and the “Fuente Ceremonial de Lavapatas”. We end the day with a visit to the Archaeological Museum.
★ Highlights:
• Drive along the river Magdalena
• History and culture up close
• Extremely well preserved archaeological artefacts
• Lush green mountainous landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Achiras – a delicious, local, crunchy snack.
After breakfast we will head to the famous strait of the Río Magdalena. Here, the longest river of Colombia narrows and is just 2 meters wide. In the afternoon we continue to the nearby village of Isnos to see the Parque Arqueológico (archeological park) where at the Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras we will find some of the most impressive tombs and statues in the country.
★ Highlights:
• River Strait of Magdalena
• Archaeological excavations in Isnos
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Visit of an artisan Trapiche, where sugar cane is processed into panela.
We continue our journey from San Agustín to Popayán (4-5 hours), crossing the beautiful Puracé National Natural Park. We will observe some more Colombian landscapes like the andenean cloud forest and the Páramos. Arrival in Popayán, also known as the White City. In the afternoon walking tour through Popayán. 1 night including breakfast.
★ Highlights:
• Paramo Puracé
• The completely white fronts in Popayan
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Watch the sunset from the Morro, a little hill in the periphery of the city center.
Transfer from Popayán to the Coffee Region with a short stop in Buga, where the famous Basílica del Señor de los Milagros is located. Further transfer to Armenia in the heart of the Coffee Region. 2 nights at a Coffee Hacienda.
★ Highlights:
• Cathedral Senor de los Milagros in Buga
• Colourfull village Salento
• Lush green landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
The view from the mirador in Salento.
After breakfast we visit the farm right next to the hotel and learn everything about the Colombian Highland Coffee in a technical and practical introduction to the coffee cultivation and production process of the Hacienda. In the afternoon we visit the botanical garden and the butterfly rising.
★ Highlights:
• All about coffee
• Local culture up close
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Not only the coffee bean, but also the berries are highly energizing!
Today we visit Valle de Cocora: With breathtaking landscapes, this is one of the most beautiful valleys in Colombia. Here one will find the impressive “Palma de Cera”, the official Colombian national tree and one of the tallest species of palm in the world. On the way back to Armenia, we visit Salento, a picturesque village with artisanal and crafts shops.
★ Highlights:
• Waxpalms
• Green Andean landscapes
♥ Our Insider Tip:
A tasty Canelazo (typical hot beverage).
In the morning time to relax at the Hacienda, afterwards transfer to Medellín (about 5 hours). Arrival at ‘The City of Eternal Spring’, where we will spend 2 nights at a hotel in the modern part El Poblado.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast between coffee region and Medellin
• Mild climate
• Versatile, gastronomic offer
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Gain an inside into Medellin´s night life by having a drink at one of the many bars in El Poblado.
After breakfast we discover Medellín, a city which stands for the change in Colombia, like no other place. Once being a city known for many problems, Medellín recognizes itself nowadays for its friendly people, good weather and its projects of social inclusion, like the Metrocable. The tour starts in the heart of the center by exploring the San Antonio Park, Plaza de San Ignacio, the traditional Avenida La Playa and the Sculpture Park, which contains more than 20 sculptures, donated by Maestro Fernando Botero, a son of Antioquia and Colombia’s best-known artist. We finish the tour with a trip by Metro and by Cable Car to the Biblioteca de España.
★ Highlights:
• The different facets of Medellín
• Botero’s sculptures
• Profound insights into the local culture and history
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Today’s lunch should be the typical dish Bandeja Paisa.
Today we leave the andenean region of Colombia and fly directly to Cartagena at the Caribbean Coast. Arrival at Cartagena de Indias and transfer to our hotel located at the Old City. Today Cartagena is Colombia’s fifth largest city, has the best preserved colonial architecture in the country and is one of the most famous vacation resorts – it was declared a World Heritage by the UNSECO in 1984. 2 nights including breakfast. In the evening we take a first walk through the beautiful Old City of Cartagena. We spend 3 nights in Cartagena.
★ Highlights:
• Contrast of the Andean region and the Caribbean coast
• Charming alleys in Cartagena
• Great variety of culinary delights
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Dinner at the restaurant Interno, a project of a local womens’ prison.
After breakfast transfer to the convent of La Popa (the highest point of the city) and the Castillo de San Felipe, an immense fort filled with history and mysteries hidden in its stonewalled tunnels. Leaving the castle, we visit the monument of Zapatos Viejos, the “Old Shoes”. In the afternoon time for leisure.
★ Highlights:
• Historic city centre with its romantic alleys
• View from the city wall (especially at sunset)
• Castillo San Felipe
• La Popa Convent
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Enjoy the last sunset of this trip from the city wall or a rooftop bar
Breakfast and day for leisure. Opportunity to take an optional half-day tour to La Boquilla, a fisherman’s village about 30 minutes by car from Cartagena, where travelers will be taken by natives in dugout canoes through the mangrove labyrinths of the swamps close by to the village. Or by boat together with other tourists to one of the Rosario Islands to enjoy the white sanded beaches and the cristal-clear water of the Caribbean (optional tours, not included).
★ Highlights:
• Culture up close, encounter with locals
• Mangroves
• White, caribbean beaches
• Crystal clear water
♥ Our Insider Tip:
Grab your snorkel and explore the caribbean underwater world on the Rosario Islands.
After breakfast time to enjoy the last hours in Colombia, transfer to the airport and flight home or departure to optional extension program (see optional Tours below).
Bogotá: Hotel Casa Deco (http://www.hotelcasadeco.com/)
Neiva: Hostería Matamundo (http://www.hosteriamatamundo.com/)
San Agustín: Hacienda Anacaona (http://www.anacaon-colombia.com/)
Popayan: Hotel La Plazuela (http://hotellaplazuela.com.co/en)
Zona Cafetera: Hotel Bosque de Saman Estandar (http://www.elbosquedelsaman.com/)
Medellín: La Campana Boutique (http://www.lacampanahotelboutique.com/)
Cartagena: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (http://www.hoteldonpedrodeheredias.com)
De Luxe Category:
Bogotá: Hotel La Opera (http://www.hotelopera.com.co/)
Neiva: Hotel GHLNeiva (https://www.ghlhotelneiva.com/)
San Agustin: Akawanka Lodge (http://hotelakawankalodge.com/)
Popayan: Dann Monasterio (http://www.hotelesdann.com)
Zona Cafetera: Hotel Bosque de Saman Superior (http://www.elbosquedelsaman.com/)
Medellín: Diez Hotel (http://www.diezhotel.com/)
Cartagena: Bovedas Santa Clara (http://www.bovedasdesantaclara.com/)
Minimum requirements of participants: 2
Dates 2023:
13.01./10.02./03.03./21.04./05.05./23.06./21.07./18.08./15.09./20.10./17.11.
Deutsch, Spanisch, Englisch
Bei Neptuno seit 2023
Jose wuchs in Deutschland auf und besuchte mit 22 Jahren das Land seiner Großeltern, Kolumbien. Während seiner Reise erkundete er die Natur, die Landschaft und verliebte sich in die Menschen, die Kultur und die Geschichte Kolumbiens. Jose liebt kolumbianischen Kaffee und hat Kaffeefarmen im Land besucht. Als deutscher Reiseführer mit über 6 Jahren Erfahrung in Kolumbien lebt er seine Leidenschaft für die Geschichte und den Kaffee aus.