History and Culture
From Bogota to the ramparts of Cartagena, a journey through Colombia's most beautiful colonial jewels
Duration
11 days
From
€2,510/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, senior, With friends
The spirit of travel
A country with a rich history blending pre-Columbian and European influences, with exceptional natural heritage ranging from semi-deserts to equatorial forest via high volcanoes and Caribbean beaches, with multiple and multifaceted cultures and a warm population, Colombia has everything to fascinate visitors. There is something here for every taste, whether you are an art lover, archaeology enthusiast, nature lover, keen on meetings and exchanges or a party-goer!
This itinerary offers a historical and cultural discovery of some of the most beautiful villages and cities in the country: Bogota, Villa De Leyva, Barichara, Guane, Mompox, ending with the Pearl of the Caribbean, the beautiful Cartagena.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Walking tour of Bogota
Today we set out to discover the historic center of the Colombian capital: Candelaria. We explore its narrow streets with vibrant colors on foot and admire its lovely houses flanked by carved wooden balconies. During our wanderings we will not fail to pass by Bolivar Square and Plaza del Chorro, which reveal to us beautiful buildings with colonial architecture.
In the afternoon we head towards two of the most interesting museums in the city: 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 the works of some of the greatest Colombian artists.
Note: Gold Museum closed on Mondays, Botero Museum closed on Tuesdays.
On the way to the countryside
A change of scenery: we leave behind the urban hustle and bustle today for rural Colombie. The department of Boyoca, north of Bogota, is one of the most rural and agricultural in the country, offering peaceful landscapes and a wide variety of culinary and craft specialties. Our destination is the magnificent colonial village of Villa De Leyva.
Upon arrival we set off immediately to explore the town, where points of interest abound: the Plaza Mayor, workshops and boutiques, remnants of Spanish colonization… Two particularly remarkable sites are the Mill of Mesopotamia (a witness to life under the Spanish era) and the Convent of the Barefoot Carmelites (a community living in seclusion for nearly 4 centuries).
Around Villa de Leyva
The day is devoted to a deeper discovery of Villa de Leyva and its surroundings. We make several leaps into the past, to the fossil museum then to the archaeological park, where we learn a little more about the muisca civilization, the pre-Columbian people who lived in these places before the arrival of the conquistadors. The Santo Eccehomo monastery offers a restful setting thanks to its magnificent flowering courtyard with colonnades.
Half an hour to the south, the village of Raquira is Colombia's pottery capital. The tradition dates back before the Spanish invasion and permeates this pretty colorful village where craftsmanship is found at every corner.
Along the Andes Route
We are setting off this morning on the Andes road heading towards the small town of Barichara, one of the most beautiful in the country. The journey unveils the spectacular landscapes of the Santander department, conducive to numerous extreme sports such as paragliding, rafting and zip-lining.
Barichara is a small piece of paradise. An enchanting tranquility emanates from the village, which despite being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site has managed to preserve its calm and simplicity. It is a joy to wander aimlessly through its old streets discovering its charming little houses, its stone churches and its craft workshops, which we make sure to visit.
On the Royal Path
It is by a hike that we begin our day. The Camino Real is an ancient paved path built by Native Americans and used by the conquistadors in their colonial advance. It connects Barichara to the small village of Guane through a very beautiful countryside. In Guane, whose white houses and paved streets are similar to those of Barichara, we visit the archaeological museum (closed on Wednesdays), before heading back.
Travel to Barrancabermeja and check-in at the hotel.
Down the River
Barrancabermeja → El Banco
An unusual program awaits us today. In order to avoid long hours on the road, we spend most of the day on board a typical boat (chaloupe). Six hours of navigation along the legendary Rio Magdalena are necessary to reach El Banco. Rudimentary conditions (limited space and possible bad weather - bring a light sweater and a waterproof jacket) but guaranteed memories!
Mompox, colonial jewel
Mompox (or Mompós) is a small colonial town wonderfully preserved, which stretches lazily along the Rio Magdalena. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, it is probably its relative isolation and the time needed to reach it that have preserved the absolute calm of these timeless places bathed in sunshine. Very few motorized vehicles, smiling inhabitants on their doorsteps, time flows slowly here. We stroll peacefully and admire the colonial houses, churches, parks, cultural museum as well as an artisan 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.
Towards the Caribbean Coast
Cartagena de Indias
A grand city and gateway to the Spanish empire in South America, a major hub for slave trade and the transit of Aztec and Inca gold on its way to Spain, bordered by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and the lush vegetation of the inland areas, Cartagena fascinates visitors in more ways than one. We spend several hours strolling through its colorful historic streets where colonial architecture abounds. The neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo are obviously on our itinerary, along with Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Bolívar Park, the Gold Museum, Plaza de Santa Teresa, Plaza de Santo Domingo, the city walls and Las Bóvedas.
To conclude our stay in the temple of Afro-Caribbean music, the afternoon is dedicated to salsa! We take a dance class at the dance academy, in the historic center, a vibrant and warm place conducive to exchanges with locals.
Free evening to enjoy the charm and atmosphere of the city.
Have a good trip!
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Domestic and international flights
- Meals not mentioned (estimate 3 to 15 € per meal per person)
- Personal expenses
- The entries to sites not specified in the program
- National park entrances, individual tourism taxes (San Andrés, Leticia, Nuqui, Bahía Solano, La Macarena airports and Cartagena pier)
- Medical and repatriation insurance
- Tips
- VAT for Colombians and residents in Colombia
- Everything not mentioned in the inclusions
Included
- The accommodations mentioned or similar depending on availability
- Land transports in a private and air-conditioned vehicle
- Les trajets en bateau mentionnés
- Breakfasts (not guaranteed if early departure from the hotel)
- The services of local professional English-speaking guides (subject to availability)
- The activities mentioned and site entries
- Our 24/7 assistance
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- Plus de 60 jours avant le départ : 40 % du prix total (acompte retenu)
- Entre 60 et 30 jours avant le départ : 50 % du prix total
- Moins de 30 jours avant le départ : 100 % du prix total
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
Les informations ci-dessous concernent les voyageurs ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen (EEE), de la Suisse et du Canada se rendant en Colombie dans le cadre d'un séjour touristique. Les règles d'entrée pouvant évoluer, nous vous recommandons de vérifier les informations auprès des autorités officielles avant votre départ.
Passeport
Pour entrer en Colombie, votre passeport doit être valide pendant toute la durée du séjour prévu et comporter au moins une page vierge pour les tampons d'immigration.
Le document doit être en bon état (pas de pages détériorées, déchirées ou modifiées).
Séjour touristique sans visa
Les ressortissants de l'Espace économique européen, de la Suisse et du Canada bénéficient d'une exemption de visa pour les séjours touristiques en Colombie.
À ce jour, cette exemption permet un séjour pouvant aller jusqu'à 90 jours lors de l'entrée sur le territoire. Une prolongation de 90 jours supplémentaires peut généralement être demandée sur place auprès des services d'immigration colombiens (Migración Colombia), dans la limite de 180 jours par année calendaire.
Les autorités peuvent également demander :
un billet de sortie du territoire (vol retour ou continuation),
une preuve de ressources financières suffisantes pour la durée du séjour.
Enregistrement à l'immigration
À l'arrivée en Colombie, les voyageurs doivent se présenter aux contrôles de Migración Colombia. Un formulaire de contrôle migratorio peut être remis à remplir avant ou pendant le vol, ou être disponible sous format numérique selon le point d'entrée.
Les informations généralement requises comprennent :
informations du passeport
détails du vol et du point d'entrée
adresse du premier hébergement en Colombie
Il est recommandé de conserver le tampon d'entrée ou le document remis par l'immigration pour le présenter lors de la sortie du territoire.
Santé et vaccinations
Aucun vaccin n'est obligatoire pour entrer en Colombie depuis l'EEE, la Suisse ou le Canada. Toutefois, certaines vaccinations sont fortement recommandées selon les régions visitées :
le vaccin contre la fièvre jaune est recommandé pour les séjours dans les zones tropicales (Amazonie, Llanos, certaines côtes) et peut être exigé à la sortie vers d'autres pays,
les vaccins contre l'hépatite A et la typhoïde sont conseillés.
Il est recommandé de consulter un médecin ou un centre de vaccination internationale avant le départ.
Voyage avec des enfants
Les mineurs doivent être titulaires de leur propre passeport valide couvrant la durée du séjour.
Dans certains pays européens, lorsqu'un mineur voyage sans l'un de ses parents, une autorisation de sortie du territoire peut être exigée selon la réglementation du pays de résidence.
Autres nationalités
Les conditions d'entrée peuvent varier selon la nationalité. Les voyageurs concernés doivent se renseigner auprès de l'ambassade ou du consulat de Colombie de leur pays de résidence.
Pour participer à nos voyages, il est fortement conseillé d'être assuré en assistance-rapatriement et frais médicaux à l’étranger.
Votre agence locale vous encourage à prendre connaissance du contrat spécifique élaboré avec notre partenaire CHAPKA ASSURANCES et AXA ASSISTANCE.
Pour souscrire à une assurance, connaître les garanties et les tarifs, suivez le lien ci-dessous.
CAP EXPLORER : La solution d’assurance complète conçue pour vivre sereinement votre voyage !
Choisissez la formule qui vous correspond le mieux:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Spécifiques à nos voyages, nous suggérons fortement d’y souscrire.
Si vous choisissez de souscrire à l’une de ces formules, la convention détaillant l’ensemble des garanties et les modalités de déclaration du sinistre sont disponibles sur le site Internet de l'assureur.
Votre agence locale en aura connaissance, mais seul le participant est responsable du respect des procédures de déclaration de tout sinistre. Le participant doit donc conserver cette convention avec lui pendant toute la durée de son voyage.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
For a stay in Colombia, a valid passport for the entire planned duration is required. Proof of departure from the country may be requested at boarding. Visa exemption periods vary depending on your nationality. Before booking, consult the Colombian consular authorities to find out the rules applicable to your situation.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailor-made trip, budget between 140 and 240 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and English-speaking guide. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. Colombia remains affordable compared to its premium Andean neighbours.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed pacing, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to captivate children with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you reach the perfect version. You confirm and leave with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST guarantee (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Central Andes
Explorer of Colombia's many faces, based in Carthagène
Colombia is a country that constantly surprises. Each region has its own atmosphere, its own pace, its own light… and it's often this diversity that leaves the strongest impression on travelers.
— Caroline
