Curator’s statement
Be prepared to experience the many faces of Colombia, from the historic cobblestone streets of Cartagena with its colorful homes, to the transformed city of Medellin. Once synonymous with violence, Medellin has become one of Colombia’s safest and most beautiful cities. We will ride the cable cars, discover colonial towns and learn about Pablo Botero. Next, we will head to the lush coffee region, where we will explore a working coffee plantation and learn about coffee production. We will end this journey in the capital city, Bogota, to enjoy its very vibrant lifestyle with a stop in Zipaquira to visit the spectacular underground Salt Cathedral. This is just a tiny brief of what this excursion offers, plus the foodie bonanza, the exotic fruits and the friendliest people on earth that awaits you.
Whether you are into history, art, culture and or a foodie traveler, this package offers a myriad of activities to satisfy every appetite.
Join us, it will be an unforgettable journey with many lessons learned!
The Fora Difference
Book with Diana to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Cartagena
Reinvented and innovative hotel, which recreates a tropical palace where the walls and ceilings retain the historical magic of this 17th Century Colombian building.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 food / beverage credit.
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Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Marquee Medellín
Industrial-chic hotel boasting stylish rooms, a rooftop deck, outdoor pool and panoramic city views.
InterContinental Medellin
A convenient stay especially well suited for business travelers.
Hotel Poblado Plaza
Experience elegance and comfort at Hotel Poblado Plaza, your serene escape in the heart of Medellín.
Sazagua Hotel Boutique
Experience luxurious tranquility at Sazagua Hotel Boutique, where nature meets elegance in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Cultural Landscape.
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia
Immerse yourself in French-inspired luxury at Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia, where classic elegance meets contemporary comfort in the heart of Colombia's vibrant capital. With its stylish accommodations, gourmet dining options, and impeccable service, this hotel offers a refined haven for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience in Bogota
Fora Perks
- ★
Hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
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Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota
A sophisticated sanctuary boasting timeless charm, modern amenities, and unparalleled service, nestled within the vibrant energy of Colombia's capital.
Fora Perks
- ★
When you book Four Seasons through Fora, you will enjoy exclusive Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits. Your advisor will be pleased to give you more details.
W Bogota
Trendy modern hotel with contemporary rooms and funky amenities.
Fora Perks
- ★
$100 hotel / resort credit.
- ★
Breakfast daily.
- ★
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
Unlock perks by contacting Diana to book your trip.
Day 1: Arrive in Cartagena
Arrive in Cartagena. Check in to your hotel.
Day 2: Explore Cartagena
Embark on a guided walking tour of the renowned Fortress Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Here you will step back in time to learn its origins, battles and its impressive stonework design to the winding tunnels while you enjoy the great views of the colonial city from its walls. We will stop for lunch in the neighborhood of San Diego, walk the streets to admire the traditional Spanish architecture with its unique doors, right down to the intricate door handles used to signal the hierarchy in society. Your mind will keep wandering about each story.
After dinner, we will take an evening tour of the famous Chivita, where live music will accompany the guests. Following Colombian tradition, drinks will be served. Be prepared to be amused.
Day 3: Cartagena
After breakfast, we will set out to explore Getsemani, Cartagena’s emerging cultural quarter. Learn about the barrio’s street art scene and the graffiti gallery that has given a face to the neighborhood. You will stroll the thriving streets of Getsemaní to admire the creativity and message behind each painting.
We will eat lunch at a local restaurant and afterward we will meet our tour guide for a walking tour of the walled city, witnessing almost 500 years of piracy, wars and slavery — its steeped history is fascinating.
Day 4: Tour to Islas del Rosario
We will take a break from city life to visit the Islas del Rosario, approximately an hour from Cartagena by boat. We will spend the day on the island relaxing, or snorkeling, or simply watching the fisherman anchoring their boats to sell some fresh-out-of-the-sea lobster and shellfish. It will be a day to re-energize from all the walking done in the past few days.
Day 5: Fly to Medellin
From the Airport, go check in at your hotel.
Day 6: Explore Medellin
After breakfast, we will embark on a guided walking tour of the city. You will gain insights into Medellin’s reputation, history and its evolution. We will visit some of Medellin’s parks, squares and streets while learning about the city’s history, culture and people. One of the highlights will be walking through Plaza Botero to admire the huge collection of spectacular sculptures donated to the city by the artist. It will be a tour to remember as you hear fascinating stories, explanations and legends.
Day 7: Day trip to Guatape
Be prepared for a magical day. The bus will pick us up for our day tour. Our first stop will be 40 minutes from Medellin to enjoy a delicious typical breakfast. The journey continues as we take a short break at Marinilla, a neo-colonial village. We will tour the main plaza and enjoy their surrounding landscapes. The next stop will be at El Penol, where the adventure begins. We will see the world’s third largest stone and the first to be able to be climbed by stairs. The climbing is not for the fainted soul, because there are 720 steps. From the top you will not only be able to appreciate the immensity of the dam and its surroundings but you'll also experience one of the most scenic views in the entire country. Enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant. The journey doesn’t end here. We will stop at the town of Guatape, a small town that will excite you with its unique architecture, cobbled streets and brightly colored houses decorated with a peculiar type of molded art on the skirtings’ of every house. It’s very typical of this area and is said to represent the family, daily life and enjoyable pastimes. We will end the day on a scenic boat cruise around the lake’s islands before we head back to Medellin.
Day 8: Arvi Park & Comuna 13
Today we will take Medellin’s famous aerial lift system and escalators up to Comuna 13 and see how this neighborhood has been transformed. Be mesmerized with the elaborate street art in Comuna 13, then travel by cable car for almost five miles to Arvi Park. You will experience phenomenal views of the city, where you can hike around the park and enjoy the tranquil forest and much more!
Day 9: Fly to Pereira
Get ready to our next destination, Pereira. Check in to your hotel.
Day 10: Day Trip to Salento, Valle del Cócora & Tour of Coffee Plantation
We will head to the countryside this morning and we will visit Valle del Cócora where we will take a hike surrounded by the world's tallest palm trees. If you haven’t seen them, you can’t imagine how tall they are. Then, we will head to the colorful town of Salento, walk its streets and enjoy the charm of the town. Be ready for a ride on a Willy Jeep that will transport us behind the scenes on a tour of a coffee plantation to learn all there is to know about coffee, from growing, harvesting and roasting to brewing it for our enjoyment. We will return to our hotel for a relaxed evening.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Free Day
A relaxation day for our own enjoyment.
Day 12: Fly to Bogota
Your journey through the capital of Colombia begins. You will learn about the history and traditions of its colonial past.
Day 13: Bogota downtown walking tour and visit to Monserrate
Embark on a guided tour of La Candelaria, with its elegant colonial facades going back to the 16th century. Visit the Botero Museum, which houses one of Latin America’s most important art collections. Then we will head up to the hills to take a funicular to visit Monserrate, which is over 10,000 ft. above sea level, and enjoy the views of the sprawling city below. We will tour the famous cathedral and enjoy its lovely gardens. We will return to the hotel, and you will be free to explore the evening on your own.
Day 14: Day trip to Zipaquira
Be ready for a spiritual encounter in the tunnels of a former underground salt mine, in the small town of Zipaquira. There is a stunning cathedral unlike any other you have ever seen, built inside the depths of a salt mine, about 700 ft. underground. Hundreds of multicolor lights illuminate the spectacular cathedral. The walls and pillars of salt shimmer and sparkle as the lights illuminate this underground church. After the tour, we will head to the town's main plaza, where you can stroll the streets, visit the shops at your leisure or just enjoy a cup of coffee in a local coffee shop. We will return to Bogota to have our farewell dinner in a very special place.
Day 15: Return home
Return home!
Need to know
This itinerary is not set in stone — it’s a sample of what it could be. Contact me to tailor it to your wishes and desired number of days.
![Advisor - Diana Rodgers](https://media.foratravel.com/image/upload/v1711123407/contentful-migration/advisors/image/IMG_4021_-_Diana_Rodgers.jpg)
Travel Advisor
Diana Rodgers
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Colombia. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Discover PERU… the Sacred Land of the Incas!