Wonderful Colombia

Arrival at Bogotá airport, where we are greeted and transferred to our hotel.

Today we set off to discover the historic center of the Colombian capital: Candelaria. We explore its small brightly colored streets on foot and admire its pretty houses flanked by carved wooden balconies. During our wanderings we will not miss passing through the Bolivar Square and the Plaza del Chorro, which reveal beautiful buildings with colonial architecture.

In the afternoon we head towards two of the city's most interesting museums: the Gold Museum, which houses an exceptional collection of gold objects and emeralds dating from the pre-Columbian era, and the Botero Museum which presents works by some of the greatest Colombian artists.
Note: Gold Museum closed Mondays, Botero Museum closed Tuesdays.

We head to the nearby Cocora Valley, where we discover the majesty of the place on foot, during a magnificent guided hike: the famous Palmas de Cera, these tall and slender palm trees, emblematic trees of Colombie.

Return to Salento in the afternoon and visit the village before returning to our hotel.

The day is dedicated to exploring by car the region around Salento, notably the charming typical villages of the Quindio region and the superb lush landscapes.

Return to Salento and night in the same hotel.

The Tayrona National Park is a spectacular and enchanting site that combines mountains, lush tropical forests, immense volcanic rocks as well as Colombia's most beautiful white sand beaches. We explore this magical ecosystem through a jungle hike followed by stops at several beaches. An opportunity to discover local fauna and flora and enjoy snorkeling. Lunch is at your own expense along the way.

Return to the hotel at the end of the afternoon.

Unless otherwise stated, park entrance is not included. In high season it is advisable to book several days in advance (please contact us).

Items to bring for the park excursion:

• passports

• tickets and receipts if applicable

• sunscreen and insect repellent

• hiking shoes

• swimsuits and towels

• cash for lunch + entrance fee

• plastic bags for valuables in case of rain

Mompox (or Mompós) is a small colonial town wonderfully preserved, which stretches lazily along the Rio Magdalena. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is probably its relative isolation and the time required to access it that have perpetuated the absolute calm of these timeless places bathed in sunshine. Very few motor vehicles, smiling inhabitants on their doorsteps, time flows slowly here. We stroll peacefully and admire the colonial houses, churches, parks, the cultural museum as well as a craft workshop.

In the afternoon to cool off we take a boat ride on the river, discovering the birds and reptiles that inhabit the Pijiño marshes. The sunset over the river is a moment of contemplation and wonder.

A major city and gateway to the Spanish empire in South America, a major hub of the slave trade and transit point for Aztec and Inca gold en route to Spain, bordered by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lush vegetation of the interior, Cartagena fascinates visitors in many ways. We spend several hours strolling through its colorful historic streets where colonial architecture abounds. The neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo are naturally on our itinerary, along with the Plaza de los Coches, the Plaza de la Aduana, Bolívar Park, the Gold Museum, the Plaza de Santa Teresa, the Plaza de Santo Domingo, the city walls and las Bóvedas.

The village of La Boquilla is a blend of Afro-Colombian culture, and its inhabitants have been striving for generations to preserve their cultural specificities and traditions. At the heart of these is the traditional drum. Working alongside the team at the Batambora drum school, we are introduced to ancestral Afro-Colombian rhythms, which color local folk music (cumbia, mapalé, champeta). A musical experience but also a human one, shared by these dynamic entrepreneurs who are fighting for their community's development and the preservation of their African cultural heritage.

Turquoise waters, multicoloured fish, white sand and cocktails under the coconut trees, the perfect menu to end this stay in Colombia in style! We meet the Gente de Mar team at the Santa Cruz de Manga marina, about a quarter of an hour's drive from our hotel. From there, an hour's fast boat ride takes us to Isla Grande, in the small Rosario Islands archipelago Between swimming, volleyball, snorkelling or a stroll through the mangrove, we are also offered a welcome cocktail and a delicious local lunch by the water.

- Included: transport, lunch, cocktail, volleyball court, towels, sun loungers, facilities
- Not included: other activities, entrance fee to the Rosario Islands natural park, port tax in Cartagena (17,000 COP per person)

We are taken back to Cartagena port and then to our hotel around 4:30 pm.

Last evening free.