Inspiration Itinerary | Colombia

El Presidente

Colonial Heritage

Exploring El Dorado!

Arrive to Bogota, Colombia’s vibrant capital, cradled by the Andes Mountains. The city is a comfortable blend of modern and colonial architecture and during a two night stay here you can have some time to rest and recuperate after a long flight, combined with time exploring Bogota’s traditional attractions such as out from the Plaza de Bolivar. Perhaps go to a concert at Teatro Mayor, peruse the Paloquemao market with your guide, or climb the Monserrate Hill.

Next up, make your way to Los Llanos, the 550,000sqm region of flooded grassland and savannah that is often dubbed as the ‘Serengeti of South America’. Stay for three nights at Corocora Camp, a stylish tented camp on a private reserve partly run as a traditional cattle ranch where you can explore the area on horseback, by 4×4, in a canoe or even helicopter to spot capybaras, anacondas, anteaters, howler monkeys, giant otters and maybe if you’re lucky, ocelots and pumas!

Journey across to Barichara, the Spanish colonial town saturated with atmosphere, filled with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings with red-tiled roofs constructed up to around 300 years ago! During your three-night stay explore the local area with your guide and with some time at leisure, as well as making a visit to the town of San Gil and hiking to Guane for lunch.

For the final part of your itinerary, head to UNESCO World Heritage Cartagena for three nights where you can explore the Old Town, its huge churches, cobbled streets, castles, convents, bastions, colourful buildings, food, perhaps its beaches and colourful reef, and don’t forget to sample the local rum!

Leave Colombia, the ‘gateway to South America’ after a busy but fun-filled 11 days with many memories to reflect on, new experiences well appreciated, full bellies and an insight into local culture and cuisine.

12 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS

PLEASE NOTE:

This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.

DAY 1 | BOGOTA

Arrive to Bogota and transfer to your accommodation. Check in and some time is at leisure before heading out with your driver to visit the Gold Museum – the worlds largest collection of pre-Colombian gold. Evening at leisure.

DAY 2 | BOGOTA

A full day tour is organized for your today to explore the highlights of Bogota walking through the historic centre of La Candelaria, visiting the Botero Museum and taking the cable car up to Monserrate Sanctuary to enjoy unrivalled views over the city. Time is free for lunch in the middle of the day.

DAY 3 | LOS LLANOS

Fly from Bogota to Yopal, then take a road transfer for just under 3 hours to reach the camp. Check in and the remainder of the afternoon/evening is at leisure

DAY 4 | LOS LLANOS

Included in your stay are experiences to embark on such as nature walks, birdwatching, canoeing, artisanal fishing and learning about the conservation program

DAY 5 | LOS LLANOS

Enjoy more of the activities included in your stay or elect to pay a supplement to ride with the llaneros, spend time with locals and learn about llanero traditions, have a bonfire, take part in a river expedition and traditions at a local ranch, head out for a 4×4 expedition, or on a helicopter deep into the Los Llanos reserve.

DAY 6 | BARICHARA

Road transfer back to Yopal, then fly to Bucaramanga. Upon arrival drive to Barichara. After a long day of travelling, check into your accommodation and the late afternoon/evening is at leisure.

DAY 7 | BARICHARA

Spend the morning with your guide on a walking tour of Barichara exploring the pretty colonial streets. Later head to the town of San Gil for a walkabout and for lunch. Return back to Barichara late this afternoon.

DAY 8 | BARICHARA

After a leisurely breakfast, hike from Barichara to Guane, approximately a 2 hour mostly downhill journey with stunning scenery. Enjoy lunch in Guane and return with your driver to Barichara in the afternoon.

DAY 9 | CARTAGENA

Road transfer to the airport and fly to Cartagena. After check in, your guide will take you for a short orientation walk near the hotel to get acquainted with the surroundings and identify the recommended restaurants, cafes, shops and other places of interest.

DAY 10 | CARTAGENA

This morning meet your guide and head out to explore Cartagena’s colourful historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk past and learn about the iconic plazas, cathedrals and colourful houses that characterise El Centro and Getsemani. Learn about Spanish colonization, pirate sieges, Cartagena’s festive culture and taste the exotic fruits and traditional snacks found along the way. The afternoon is at leisure.

DAY 11 | CARTAGENA

Meet your guide and head out for an exotic fruit and Colombian cacao tasting. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a Colombian rum distillation and tasting, learning about how different rums are processed and aged, in order to recognize their unique characteristics.

DAY 12 | END OF ARRANGEMENTS

After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and end of arrangements.

ACCOMMODATION

A handpicked selection

Four Seasons Casa Medina – Bogota

Set in Zona T, where the city’s high society comes to see and be seen, the Four Seasons provides a welcoming haven in the city that never sleeps. Housed in a historic apartment building, originally built in 1946, the Four Seasons is one of Bogota’s most intimate hotels with many of Bogota’s top attractions on your doorstep. Read More

Corocora Camp – Los Llanos Wetland

In the vast Llanos Orientales region of Colombia lies Corocora Camp. With just four safari-style luxury tents the camp is exclusive, comfortable and adventurous. Days can be spent on safari looking for capybaras, caiman, anteaters and puma, on horseback or experiencing the traditional rural life of the locals in a beautiful setting. Read More

Casa del Presidente – Barichara

Casa del Presidente, Barichara, is quite literally the former home of the late president Belisario Betancur. The adventure seeker can venture out to bike, trek or embark in extreme sports within the adjacent Chichamoya Canyon or those interested in art and nature can stroll the town's cobbled streets, people watch and take it all in. Read More

Casa San Agustin – Cartagena

Casa San Agustin is located at the heart of Cartagena’s historic centre within the walls of the Old Town. The boutique hotel comprises three colonial homes dating from the 17th Century. It is sympathetically reimagined for a new generation of travellers, which echoes Cartagena’s proud heritage and colourful Caribbean soul. Read More

Enquire Now

Exellent and wonderful, reaching way above expectations.

Elizabeth Mackintosh

Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.

Milford family

We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.

Kim & Brad Balance

The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.

Rowntree family

Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.

Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones

We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!

Laurence & Remi Cunningham

An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!

Sheryl & Robert Taylor

Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.

Paul Cozzi

Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!

Jane & Robert Happell

Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.

Tim Bradley

You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!

Buckingham Family

The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.

Emma Jeffcoat

Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.

Simon & Jackie Adams

Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!

Ros Wheeler

Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.

Andrew & Pip Stevens

If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.

Miriam & Joseph Harrison

Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.

Ron & Alison Guthrie

Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10

Di & Kingsley Yates

The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.

Annette Whiley

It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.

Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud

Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!

The McGowan Tribe

An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.

Judith & Roger Williams

begin your journey now

Take advantage of our highly personalised advice, inspiration and experience

CALL 1300 130 218