Bogotá (2,650 msnm): Colombia’s high-altitude capital is a mesmerizing blend of colonial history and avant-garde urban spirit. Nestled against the Andean peaks, it serves as the nation’s cultural soul, boasting world-class museums and a vibrant, cool mountain atmosphere.

Climate: Cool mountain climate with average daytime temperatures of 18°C-20°C; expect sunny mornings and a higher chance of rain in the afternoons.

FD City Tour with Paloquemao, Monserrate & Botero Museum – with Bilingual guide
In the morning visit to the public market of Paloquemao, then city tour with visit to the colonial old town, the Plaza de Bolivar and the surrounding government buildings, churches worth seeing, the Botero museum and a cable car ride to the mountain Monserrate, from where one has a great view on Bogotá, In the afternoon detailed visit to the Gold Museum.
Lunch included

About 170 m / 3.5 hours

The Underground & The Sacred

We head north to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an awe-inspiring architectural feat carved 120m deep within a salt mine. After lunch, we ascend to the mystical Lake Guatavita (3,100 msnm). Surrounded by high-altitude Andean forest, you will uncover the Muisca legends that birthed the golden myth of El Dorado.
Approx. 9h
Total driving time: 6h
Difficulty: low/moderate

Descent to the Magdalena Valley
Leave the cool heights for the tropical warmth of Honda (225 msnm). Known as the “City of Bridges,” this historic port on the Magdalena River was once the country’s most vital artery. Wander through colonial alleys to learn about the golden age of river navigation and admire the iconic Navarro Bridge.

Colonial Riverside Charm
A walking tour through Honda’s beautifully preserved streets. Discover the history of the Magdalena River, the lifeline of old Colombia, and soak in the atmosphere of its colonial houses and historic plazas.
Approx. 2h

Transfer: approx. 7h/300km Andean crossing

A long but beautiful 7h drive over the Central Cordillera, destination is the lush Quindío region (approx. 1,300 msnm). We stop at some historically relevant and picturesque villages.
Remark: On the way, you can choose to stop at local hot spring a relaxing thermal bath (please coordinate with your tour leader).

Quindío: A UNESCO World Heritage landscape of rolling green hills and wax palms.
Climate: Mild “eternal spring” (avg. 20-24°C).

From Bean to Bar
Discover the fascinating world of Colombian cacao at a local finca. This immersive experience begins with a deep dive into the history and origins of chocolate, exploring different cacao varieties and their specific cultivation needs. As you wander through the groves—framed by the region’s typical Guadua (giant bamboo) forests—you will learn about the entire life cycle of the plant. This is a hands-on adventure: you will assist in processing the beans, witness the fermentation, and participate in the traditional artisanal grinding. To top it off, you’ll prepare and enjoy a delicious, authentic hot chocolate, tasting the pure results of your work right at the source.
Approx. 2h
Difficulty: low/moderate

The Wings of Quindío
A guided exploration of various natural attractions in the Botanical Garden of Quindío. Walk through Andean cloud forests, visit the bird observatory, and enter the Butterfly House, where over 1,500 butterflies from 30 native species flutter around you in a spectacular display of nature.
Approx. 2h
Difficulty: low

Transfer: approx. 100 km/3h through the heart of the coffee triangle.

Perched on steep hills, this city is famous for its high-altitude coffee culture and proximity to the Nevado del Ruiz.
Climate: Variable mountain weather (14°C–20°C). Expect misty afternoons and refreshing mountain breezes.

Coffee from bean to cup (shared group tour), 14:00
Join an immersive journey at this traditional working finca. After an introduction to history and aromas, walk through the plantations to see the harvest. Learn to select high-quality beans and witness the roasting process that turns green seeds into the fragrant coffee we love.
Approx. 2h

Enjoy the grounds of the finca: trails, birdwatching, or relaxing by the pool (optional acitvities, not included; can be booked directly at the hotel)

Afternoon
The Art of the Plantain (shared group tour)
Is it a banana or a plantain? Learn the secrets of this Colombian staple. You’ll prepare sweet and savory recipes – from patacones to maduros – and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Approx. 1,5h

Transfer: approx. 75 km/ 2.5h through picturesque mountain roads.

Salamina (1,820 msnm): This Heritage Town, known as the “City of Parks”, is famous for its intricate wood-carved balconies and tranquil colonial atmosphere.
Climate: Mild mountain weather (17°C–22°C). Expect misty mornings and fresh, crisp air.

Walking Tour: Stroll through the quiet streets, visiting the central plaza, the cathedral, and admiring the heritage architecture that has remained unchanged for decades.
Approx. 3h

The High Andean Giants, Samaria Valley Experience (approx. 2,900 msnm)

Our adventure begins with a scenic Jeep Willy ride from the hotel through rolling rural landscapes and deep into the majestic Andes. We first stop at a high-altitude viewpoint to admire the magnitude of the mountains before arriving at the charming village of San Félix for a traditional snack.
From there, we continue to the Samaria Valley, one of the world’s most significant Wax Palm forests and home to Colombia’s National Tree. We will walk among these awe-inspiring giants, which soar up to 60 meters into the sky—a sight found nowhere else in the region. To complete this immersive experience, we will enjoy a traditional lunch surrounded by the serene beauty of the forest, before heading back to Salamina at around 2pm.

Remark on Difficulty: The full hike takes a bit over 1 hour and is rated as medium/high difficulty due to the terrain and altitude; for those preferring a gentler pace, we offer an alternative 500-meter walk that leads directly to a spectacular 360° viewpoint of the palm forest, which is easily accessible for most travelers.

Approx. 6h (Start aprox. 09 am, return apro. 15:00)
Difficulty: low/moderate

Transfer via Aguadas: Total driving time approx. 6h/130km through the rugged landscapes of Caldas and Antioquia. Partly dirt road (about 2 hours)

Woven Legacy
An immersive dive into the traditions of Aguadas. Visit a farm to see the Iraca palm treatment, meet the master weavers of the famous Aguadeño Hat, visit the National Hat Museum. Before continuing to our final destination Támesis we try a local coffee.
Approx. 3h

Támesis (1,600 msnm):
A hidden gem in the Cartama Valley. A land of water and ancient spirits, offering lush landscapes and indigenous history.
Climate: Pleasant subtropical climate (18°C–25°C). Perfect for nature walks and outdoor activities.

Flowers & petroglyphes
We start the day with a visit to the arquaeological museum “Museo Cártama” to get a first idea of Támesis’s ancestral history.
Afterwards we embark on a gentle, beautiful walk through the Ruta de las Flores, passing colorful rural gardens with a stop at Café OMCE, a community project with breathtaking views of the Cauca Valley. After a tasty coffee and snack, we continue to the suspension bridge over the river Rio Frío. We enjoy the natural surrounding and a picknick lunch bedore walking back to the village. (optional we can drive back)
Duration: Approx.4h
Difficulty: low/moderate

After returning to Tamesis, we have some time to rest before we walk the Petroglyphs Route in the late evening to discover ancient indigenous rock carvings along ancestral stone paths.
Approx. 3h
Difficulty: low

Water & Views

Ascend to the Alto del Burro viewpoint for a vast, stunning panorama of the Antioquian southwest (by car). We then continue to our next stop, to spend a refreshing morning at the natural pools and waterfalls of Rio Frío. (Have a picknick lunch here).
Duration: Approx. 3,5h
Difficulty: low

In the afternoon we try our luck at spotting the beautiful local bird “Gallina de Roca“.
Duration: Approx. 1,5h
Difficulty: low

Transfer via Jericó to Medellín: approx. 4h/130km solely driving; Partly dirt road (about 1.5 hours)

Heritage Stop
On the way to Medellín, we stop in Jericó (1,900 msnm). Explore the botanical garden and climb to the Cristo Redentor viewpoint for a magnificent view of the Cauca River Canyon. Enjoy a coffee in the plaza before continuing to the “City of Eternal Spring.”
Approx. 2h

Medellín: The “City of Eternal Spring,” located in the Aburrá Valley. A hub of innovation and culture.
Climate: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” (18°C–28°C). Pleasantly warm days and mild, comfortable nights year-round.

After breakfast we stop at Plaza Botero in Medellin’s city center. We see the famous statues by the local artist Botero.
We then continue to the public cable-car station Santo Domingo to go up and down the hill, see the city from above and experience the way Medellin’s habitants commute every day.

Urban Constellations Tour
A deep dive into the social transformation of Medellín. Explore the hills of Comuna 3 to see how art, community libraries, and urban planning have reshaped the city’s future.
Approx. 3h

Garden to Table
At an ecological finca on the outskirts of the city (Itagüí), harvest fresh ingredients from their organic garden. Learn to cook traditional recipes in a sustainable environment and enjoy a late lunch surrounded by nature.
Approx. 2,5h

Private transfer from our hotel to Medellín Airport – Only driver
From the airport you continue your onward journey either back home or to one of the additional optional destinations (see extensions).

Keep in mind our exciting extensions:

Caribbean Coast, 7 Days – Tayrona, Cartagena

Los Llanos, 5 Days – Yopal

Pacific Coast, 6 Days – Nuqui

Southern Colombia, 7 Days – Cali, Popayán, San Agustín