From the Andes to Caribbean shores, the Treasures of Colombia are not only measured in gold! But also in the landscape, history, sweet fruits, coffee and strong sunset cocktails. With a week in Colombia, you will encounter more variety and adventure than in months in other places. It’s an exotic assault on the senses, a dive into history and romance and exciting culture.

Let South America Travel Specialist guide you through the thrills and surprises of Colombia. In Bogota, you’ll find a classic Andean mountain city with a Spanish colonial heart and a vibrant and thriving cultural scene. With your private guide, set your own timetable but making sure you don’t miss the amazing Gold Museum.

Cartagena has to be one of the most beautiful old cities in the world, perched on blue Caribbean waters. You have time to get lost among its evocative UNESCO World Heritage old town. South America Travel Specialist will also arrange private tours to experience the history and stories of the times of conquest and piracy. Heading out to sea on a private catamaran adventure to the beautiful Rosario Islands and see some of the natural treasures of Colombia.

In Colombia, you won’t have to stay in soulless hotels. We’ve picked some beautiful properties full of history to bring out the passion and romance of the New World.

In the end, your lasting memories of the treasures of Colombia will be the people of this fascinating country. Whether it be the dancers at a laid back salsa class, the people in the crazy Andres DC restaurant in Bogota, or the cool crew of your private catamaran. Colombians are interesting, cosmopolitan and complex – much like their country.

Treasures of Colombia Tour Highlights:

• Stay in colonial splendour in the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara in Cartagena

• A day in style in the Rosario Islands on a private catamaran

• Private tours to reveal Colombia’s rich history and your own timetable

• An evening at Andres DC restaurant in Bogota

• Sunset dining on an old Cartagena fort at Club de Pesca

Day 1 – To Bogota

Fly to Bogota, one of the highest capital cities in the wold in the Andes mountains. On arrival, your private guide will welcome you to Colombia and take you to the Four Seasons Casa Medina hotel for a 3-night stay.

The Four Seasons Casa Medina in Bogota is a landmark of Colombia. It’s set in the historic Casa Medina mansion where no two rooms are the same. It’s also in a great location in Zona G. The G stands for gastronomy as the area is full of restaurants.

Hotel: Four Seasons Casa Medina

Day 2 – Bogota private city exploration, Monserrate Hill and Bogota nights

Your expert private guide will introduce you to the intriguing city of Bogota, starting with a glimpse into daily life. Visit Paloquemao market, where you’ll be able to see, smell and taste the bounty of the fertile Andes. Have a look at the colours of potatoes, corns, fruits and medicinal herbs – so much more variety than you’d ever see in the supermarket. Your guide will help you try some of the exotic fruits and traditional snacks.

The historic city centre is striking, one of those new-world cities where the imposing cathedral dominates Bolivar square which is framed by the surrounding Andean hills. Travel up to Monserrate hill from where you can look down and see how the old and new city spreads in a bowl formed by the mountains. 

A must-see in Bogota is the Gold Museum, it’s one one of the most dazzling museums in the world. Head in with your guide to see the amazing displays of priceless ancient gold artefacts from before the arrival of the Europeans. It’s an amazing display of native craft in pure gold, the centrepiece being the pure gold boat the Balsa Musica. You can see why it was believed the fabled city of El Dorado was in these parts.

Close by is one of South America’s most regarded art museums, the Botero Museum. Fernando Botero’s sculptures feature large, curved figures and bizarre shapes and the collection is housed in one of the old colonial houses of the historic Candelaria district.

In the evening, you’ll be taken to Andres DC restaurant. It’s a  Bogota institution, a massive steakhouse and a pretty crazy place with all sorts of paraphernalia on the walls. For night owls it turns into a nightclub into the early hours.

Hotel: Four Seasons Casa Medina

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Bogota and the Andes with Monserrate hill Colombia

Day 3 – Zipaquira Underground Salt Cathedral

Travel out of the city this morning and into the hills to visit the unusual and amazing Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. The salt mines here were in existence for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans. Through the 20th century an amazing underground cathedral was carved into the salt, with a huge cross made of…yes, salt. It’s a pretty breathtaking site, and to get in there it’s not for the faint-hearted but as with many amazing sites, the journey is well worth it.

Zipaquira’s historic colonial centre invites a wander and a place to breathe some fresh mountain air after the visit to the mine. Stop for lunch in Zipaquira in a local restaurant before heading back to Bogota and a bit of time to explore or relax in the great style of the Four Seasons Casa Medina.

Hotel: Four Seasons Casa Medina

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 4 – To Cartagena

Fly north up to the Caribbean coast and the city of Cartagena, which has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Framed by green hills and blue Caribbean seas, the sea-faring city of Cartagena is like a movie set. Twisting old streets head down to the port enclosed by city walls.

Continue this feeling of escapism with a four-night stay at the Sofitel Santa Clara. This 300-year-old building lies in the heart of the old town near the harbour walls and was once the Santa Clara Convent. As well as all the trappings of a 5-star hotel, you can spend days exploring the courtyard, the old colonnades, the former crypt and secret doorways. There are even cannonballs from pirate attacks.

Spend the rest of the day exploring the mazy streets of the old town. Duck into a cafe or two, head to the market or catch some rays by the pool and don’t miss a walk on the ramparts which encircle the old town. From here you can have awesome views from the city walls, especially at sunset.

The balconies of Cartagena and Cathedral tower

Meals: Breakfast

Day 5 – Cartagena’s secret history and salsa

There’s much to explore in and around Cartagena, and plenty of places to dive into the local culture which a lot of visitors miss. So it’s well worth having your expert local guide to take you around and reveal the city to you.

Start up in the hills for a bird’s eye view of the city and the coast stretching into the distance from Convento de La Popa, built in the 17th Century. This rich history continues at Castillo San Felipe, which must be one of the most elaborate and impregnable fortresses built in the Americas. Cartagena was the first Spanish colony on the South American continent and the fortress was built in the 16th century to repel pirate and enemy invaders. It’s an evocative place to explore and to stand on the huge ramparts and towers looking out to sea.

The day continues with fascinating visits to see Cartagena’s rich heritage and hear the colourful stories of a turbulent city. Visit the Church of San Pedro de Claver and see grisly history in the Museum of the Inquisition.

Shake off the weight of history in the afternoon with a bit of Crazy Salsa. Strictly no expectations here, it’s a chance to wind down, meet some locals and get into a Latin spirit. Salsa is a vibrant part of Cartagena culture, and these guys are very relaxed. Try a salsa class tuned to how you want. Or dance a bit of merengue or even try reggaeton which is taking the music world by storm.

Dinner this evening is at a Cartagena landmark, Club de Pesca. Dine on an old fort as passing yachts head to the harbour and drink in the sight of sunset on the old town and the new town skyscrapers across the bay.

Hotel: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Meals: Breakfast, dinner

Day 6 – The Rosario Islands and the Caribbean Sea by private catamaran

Time to cast off the anchor and head out to sea. Sail out in a private catamaran across Cartagena Bay towards the Rosario Islands. The Rosario Islands are a collection of tiny islets formed by coral reefs with white sand beaches, lagoons and mangroves spread across this national park in the Caribbean sea.

It’s a popular day trip from Cartagena, and with your private catamaran and crew, allowing you to get away from the crowds and find your own coves to explore. Head onto a quiet beach for a gourmet picnic…a glampicnic if you will.

Dive into azure seas, snorkel the reefs and laze on board, enjoying the stylish catamaran. Appreciating the tastes of the Caribbean and a bit of “pirate spirit” with rum tasting. Here let your rum sommelier recount the rich history of rum on the high seas.

Hotel: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Meals: Breakfast, lunch

Day 7 – Cartagena

We recommend a day on your own as by now you’ll know the city pretty well, and there’s still plenty of nooks and crannies to explore in the old town. The vibe of Cartagena will also make you slow down and watch the world go by. Maybe grab a fresh passion fruit juice shake from a street vendor and hang out by the harbour and hop into the market or boutiques for some souvenirs. Cartagena is also known for its emeralds, and you can ask your guide for the most reputable places to shop.

Hotel: Sofitel Legend Santa Clara

Meals: Breakfast

Day 8 – Depart

Spend the morning relaxing in old Cartagena, with the bittersweet feeling of not wanting to leave. Alternatively ask South America Travel Specialist about extension options around Colombia or further afield?  We really love the quiet beaches further down the coast and we are certain you will too as they offer some rustic retreats on quiet beaches.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 9 – Arrive home

Land back with a bottle of rum, textiles, jewellery or any of the other treasures of Colombia as a keepsake.