Inspiration Itinerary | Colombia

Cowboys &

Coffee Beans

Cowboys & Coffee Beans

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.

Colombia is well known for its coffee – therefore the next part of your adventure has you head to Hacienda Bambusa in the coffee region for a three-night stay. Enjoy staying at a traditional colonial hacienda with some time to appreciate the swimming pool and gardens with flowers, birds and various mammals such as monkeys, foxes and armadillos. Explore coffee plantations, day trips to Salento and Filandia, perhaps horseback riding, white water rafting and quite simply, the opportunity to reconnect with nature and to appreciate the spectacular scenery.

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 Medellin for two more nights at Patio del Mundo, a tranquil getaway in the centre of the city. During your time in town explore La Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city. Sample some of Colombia’s best food and enjoy some time at leisure – your stay will ‘fly be’ here!

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.

14 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 your accommodation and check in. Head out again later this afternoon with your guide to explore the streets of La Candelaria and its cobblestone streets, houses, plazas and cathedrals, and gain an insight into the city’s impactful street art

DAY 2 | BOGOTA

Transfer early this morning with your guide to the vibrant Paloquemao Market. Join a local chef and discover Colombia’s
infinite variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs used in natural medicines. Alongside a local art expert, visit some of the city’s top art galleries that feature classical Colombian art pieces and gain a deeper understanding of art in Colombia and how it is progressing.

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 | COFFEE REGION

Road transfer back to Yopal, then fly to Pereira. From Pereira drive the 2 hour journey to the lodge. Check in and the evening is at leisure.

DAY 7 | COFFEE REGION

After breakfast head out for a welcome hike on and around the working farm of Hacienda Bambusa. Admire the cacao plants, and bird watch along the way. Meet Bambusa’s chef and cook up a hearty warm lunch to enjoy afterwards, then appreciate and learn about and taste the different types of coffees such as commercial, traditional and special editions.

DAY 8 | COFFEE REGION

Depart with your driver/guide to the Valle del Cocora, home of the striking 60 meter wax palm
trees which have been classified as a protected species. Take a leisurely walk up the valley for panoramic views or relax while admiring the breathtaking landscape. Enjoy a traditional
lunch in the quaint town of Salento. |Spend the afternoon exploring Salento, this colourful town is one of the many pueblos that are part of the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO world heritage site. You will also have the chance to experience the traditional game of Tejo, a fun game that includes iron balls and gunpowder targets, Salento the local way!

DAY 9 | MEDELLIN

Road transfer to Pereira, then fly to Medellin. Check into your accommodation and the afternoon/evening is at leisure for you to explore as you wish.

DAY 10 | MEDELLIN

Meet your guide this morning for a full day tour of Medellin, visiting La Comuna 13 once known as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of the city, and admiring its graffiti. Enjoy a street tour for lunch sampling many of the city’s delicacies. The latter part of the afternoon is at leisure for you to shop, visit the many museums, galleries and gardens

DAY 11 | 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 12 | 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 13 | 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 14 | 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

Hacienda Bambusa – Coffee Region

Hacienda Bambusa is located in the southern part of the Zona Cafetera, the cradle of Colombian coffee. Activities available to experience include coffee tasting, horseback riding and more. A stay at Hacienda Bambusa is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and to relax amongst beautiful surroundings. Read More

Patio del Mundo – Medellin

Patio del Mundo in the heart of Medellin's popular El Poblado district is a magnificent example of calm, quietude and tranquility. The garden is stunning, filled with mango trees and wild orchids. Patio del Mundo the ideal spot to retreat to amongst exploring the city's fascinating sights and dining at many of its fabulous establishments. 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

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