Must See Colombia

Itinerary Highlights

Quickly establishing itself as a cornerstone South American destination, Colombia offers a delightful blend of landscapes and experiences for both enthusiasts of the continent as well as first-time visitors. Vibrancy abounds in each corner of the country, from the bustling cities of Bogota and Medellin to Cartagena’s Caribbean coast and lush nature found in the Coffee Region.

This itinerary highlights Colombia’s essential destinations with bespoke immersions off the beaten path along the way. Beginning in Bogota, discover the history of the country’s capital city along with its rich culture and rapidly evolving status as one of South America’s most important hubs. Taste the flavors of Bogota with an unforgettable private chef experience and delight in the urban sophistication of your hotel, Four Seasons Casa Medina. You’ll slow down the pace as you head to the Coffee Triangle, Colombia’s countryside known for its remarkably fertile soil that produces some of the world’s finest roasts. Here you’ll find not only breathtaking landscapes but incredible active adventures like hiking, cycling and river rafting. Your time in the Coffee Triangle will almost certainly be most memorable thanks to Hacienda Bambusa, a stunningly renovated farmhouse and Craft Travel favorite that provides an idyllic and authentic backdrop to the region.

Next stop is Medellin, a city whose trajectory, like Bogota, has been remarkably upward in the last several decades and continues to wow culturally-mind visitors from all over the world. Explore the “City of Eternal Spring” from its urban art scene to its beautiful outskirts bustling with flower farms. Spend your evenings at the newly minted and utterly chic El Cielo, a hotel whose owner is behind the city’s finest restaurant of the same name.

Your final destination is Cartagena, a scintillating fusion of Colombia’s colonial history, modern spice and coastal respite. Located in the heart of the old walled city, Casa San Agustin is steeped in elegance and exclusivity, home to one of the city’s most iconic restaurants. This colorful city is a perfect end to your adventure, particularly as you embark by boat to a private island for a day of fun in the sun with top-notch culinary experiences.

Detailed Itinerary

Welcome to Colombia! Your guide will be waiting for you and will escort you to your car and driver. From there you'll head toward the city to immediately begin your exploration. 

One of the most recognizable attractions in Colombia's capital Bogota, Cerro de Monserrate, is a hill towering above the city with a church perched on its top. The skyline of Bogota would not be complete without a visit to Monserrate. Many people (mainly locals) reach the top by walking — it takes about an hour — while others prefer to take the funicular or cable car up. The views from the top of the hill are truly spectacular and the church is very picturesque as well. Included will be a skip the line pass to ensure an optimal experience. 

Return to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure. 

Overnight at Four Seasons Casa Medina

Find the richness of Colombia in one place! It is well known that if you want to have a real immersion in a culture and a country, the best idea is to visit a local market. You will find from traditional to exotics products (fruits, vegetables, handcrafts, diversity of Colombian flowers). You will meet at the entrance of the market a Bogotano Chef, passionate and expert in Colombian gastronomy and food culture. Together, explore the market for en enriched experience during 2 hours. At the end of the market visit, keep exploring Bogotá with your guide. You'll meet up with your chef again later in the evening!

Explore the north area of the city, called the 82nd, this trendy neighborhood is filled with restaurants, and all kinds of shops, here you can find all the well known designer stores and Colombian designers shops. The 82nd street is a perfect place to end a long day touring have some drinks, dine or enjoy walking, just as locals do.

Bogotá has many hidden gems. The workshop you will visit is undoubtedly one of them: a place where you can find a heartwarming legacy of a family and the traditional Colombian craftsmanship.  The family transformed this activity into an exceptional and sustainable craft as well as a luxury experience. Take a look inside this factory located in an industrial neighborhood, and surprise yourself meeting the charming people behind this activity. After the tour, cross the street and meet their showroom where you can truly understand the sublime of this place and see an incredible "tree of life" built by the same principles. Their goal is to create an ode to Latin American and international design.

Usaquen was once a small village, now absorbed by the metropolis, which still keeps its charm. With pretty cobblestone streets, a beautiful church and a pleasant square, the neighborhood is a refreshing change from Bogota‘s monolithic malls.  Each Sunday, Usaquen hosts an open flea market where you can find local artisan works. Ring, bracelets, belts or any home small decoration can be found, all representing the Colombian traditions and culture.

Lunch will be included at a restaurant during your tour before returning to the hotel for a late afternoon at leisure.

At night, your driver will pick you up at you hotel to drive you to your chef’s private cooking space. Meet again and enjoy a meal prepared with the products you personally picket at the market. A gourmet and interactive experience.

Overnight at Four Seasons Casa Medina (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

At the scheduled time, you’ll head with your driver to the Bogota Airport and board a nonstop flight to Armenia in the heart of the Coffee Triangle. Meet with your local guide as you transfer to the breathtaking estate of Hacienda Bambusa, just 30 minutes away.

If you are feeling energized, after checking-in, consider a welcome hike. There are 500+ acres that surround the area and are actively cultivated with fields of cacao, plantain, tangerine and herds of white Brahman cattle. The hike can last from 2-3 hours.

Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa (Breakfast & Dinner)

The area of Salento will impress you with great scenery- led by the stunning nature of Valle de Cocora. Salento is a bustling colonial market town at the center of the Coffee Region. You will visit the town, which has perfectly conserved architecture and great restaurants. Wax palms, which are among the highest in the world and can reach a height of up to 70 meters, will catch your attention. Enjoy a walk in this beautiful environment of Colombia's national tree.

Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Lead by a sociologist and local coffee expert, this very special day will open your eyes to the daily life of people living in a rural coffee village like Pijao. It is an experience that seeks to authentically connect travelers with coffee culture.

You can also arrange for a scenic hot air balloon ride over the region’s majestic landscapes or opt for an Aguardiente tasting. Cane distillates are famous throughout Latin America, each country perfumes them as desired; in Colombia, they are made with anise. The Aguardiente has been drunk since the 18th century and since then it has been a tribute to life drink: it can give you the courage to speak to the woman you love, it is a drink shared by friends in the victories of soccer scores or it can also accompany to broken hearts. It is impossible to leave Colombia without tasting Aguardiente and enter a bit of the party atmosphere. In the evening our guide will tell you a little more about the history of the drink, while you drink a few shots. You will also try a cocktail to celebrate your trip through the coffee region.

Overnight at Hacienda Bambusa (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Enjoy your last morning at Hacienda Bambusa before transferring to the Armenia Airport for your nonstop flight to Medellin.

Upon arrival into Medellin you'll be greeted by your guide and immediately begin your exploration of the area. Medellín, the “City of Eternal Spring”, is nowadays one of the most innovative cities of Latin America. Its recent past was strongly related to the life of Pablo Escobar and violent gang fights. Over the last twenty years, Medellín underwent  drastic change, transforming the city from one of the most dangerous in the world into a modern example of urban progress. 

Discover the story of Fernando Botero with a specialist guide af the Museum of Antioquia who will provide vast insight into his life and art. This place holds one of the largest collections of Botero’s artwork. As well while realizing the tour learn about Botero’s life, work and how his exaggerated representations are a reflection of his criticism, humor and irony.

Take the Metro Cable up to Santo Domingo, once a notorious area of gang violence in Medellín. The cable car was constructed to integrate people from the outskirts with metro medellin. This allows visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people In the Comuna 13 district and its unique Electric Escalators you observe another innovative project that improved the life quality of the people of Medellín. 

Return to your hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

Overnight at El Cielo (Breakfast)

Put on your hiking shoes and come spend a day away from Medellín’s hustle and bustle, diving into a lush green environment. Climb 649 steps to reach the top of La Piedra de Guatapé and revel in a magnificent view 200m (650ft.) above the Peñol-Guatapé Dam and Guatapé Lake. While you enjoy the view, get a snack and quench your thirst with a cold beverage offered at little food stalls on top of the rock. Hear the story about two cities claiming La Piedra as their own and learn about the history of the area. Explore the picturesque town of Guatapé with its colorful houses and remarkable architecture as you stroll down its cobblestone streets. Relish in a typical lunch in a cozy restaurant chosen by your expert guide.

In the way to come back visit the small village of Santa Elena, located less than an hour of Medellín. It is home to a great variety of traditional flower farmers. The flower arrangements of the Flower Festival (“Feria de Flores”), called “silletas”, have an impressive history and are today a cultural symbol of Medellín. On this tour we visit an organic flower farm and experience the traditional peasant culture of Santa Elena.

Overnight at El Cielo (Breakfast & Lunch)

After breakfast and a morning of leisure, your driver will take you to the Medellin Airport where you’ll board your nonstop flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival your guide will meet you and take you to the historic city center where you’ll immediately begin your exploration on foot, discovering Cartagena’s flavors.

One of the biggest interests when traveling is to try the typical food of the destination. You will walk through the streets of the walled city and go to those places where the people of Cartagena meet to order their typical fried foods, eat their fresh fruit and drink their natural juices. Feel like a "cartagenero" tasting the typical food! Exotic tropical fruits, fried arepas, patacones, coco water, coco lemonades, and much more are waiting for you!

Overnight at Casa San Agustin (Breakfast)

Discover one of the most beautiful neighborhoods of the city, Getsemaní. This is the formal commercial quarter, where the revolution of the city started, making the province of Cartagena the first free district of Colombia, governed independently from the Spaniards. 

In this three hour tour, your guide will explain how this neighborhood became one of the "coolest” neighborhoods in the world and what history tells each house, wall, person and painting. But this does not end here. We will also enjoy a local fruit tasting, experience the best flavors of native tropical produce. 

In the afternoon, get ready to experience the best and brightest of Colombian culture, hands (and feet!) on. Music is one of the most important elements of Colombian culture. Get ready to move your body to the rhythm of salsa with five-time world champions. The expert dancers will broaden your knowledge about this dance and they will fill you with energy and love for salsa during this 1.5 hour dance lesson. Mojito included!

Overnight at Casa San Agustin (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the Cartagena harbor to board your private speed boat to explore the Rosario Islands. The Rosario Islands are located approximately 40km (approx. one hour by boat), south-west of Cartagena. They consist of 27 islands with 20 hectares of coral reefs. Explore the impressive, beautiful landscapes of the Rosario Islands with their clear waters, gentle breezes, and maritime life such as dolphins. Today, the entire surrounding area, including the Islas de Barú and the Islas de San Bernardo, are officially protected sites.

During this day trip at Isla del Encanto you will have enough time to explore the beautiful nature and relax on the beach. Enjoy the snorkeling trip at Isla del Encanto as well. You will stop at different islands for snorkeling and beach time. Lunch will be served on a beautiful private island.

Overnight at Casa San Agustin (Breakfast & Lunch)

Enjoy your final morning of fresh juices and aromatic local coffees. At the scheduled time, your driver will escort you from the hotel to the airport for your departing flight home.

(Breakfast)

• 10 nights accommodation based on double/twin occupancy

• Daily breakfast

• All meals at Hacienda Bambusa (excluding beverages)

• Additional meals as described

• All internal flights

• English speaking guides for all activities described

• All airport and ground transportation on private basis

• All entrance and national park fees

• *Not included: gratuities, visas (if applicable), international flights, meals and drinks not described above, items of a personal nature