Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Colombia – Bogota – Tayrona Park – Cartagena – Isla Baru
100% customisable for you
Your adventure in Colombia starts today. Head to the airport and speed through security for your flight to Bogota. It takes around 11 hours if flying direct or around 15 hours if flying via a European hub.
After you’ve landed and collected your bags, you’ll be met and privately transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay in the bohemian Chapinero Alto neighbourhood, which is ideally located for exploring this vibrant capital.
Bogota is a city of contrasts –?surrounded by chilly Andean peaks, it’s steeped in history, rich in colonial and baroque architecture, and buzzes with a contemporary art scene and innovative restaurants – all of which you can start exploring tomorrow…
Rise and shine this morning because we’ve arranged a private guided bike tour of the city. Live like a local as you whizz through its maze of narrow streets, trendy neighbourhoods and La Candelaria, the historic heart of the capital.
Afterwards visit the Gold Museum, where exhibits tell the story of pre-Colombian civilisations, and the Botero Museum – an art collection curated by the Colombian artist Fernando Boterio, who donated his own works along with pieces from other international artists.
For the best views, climb the steep path (or take the cable car) up Cerro de Monserrate, an iconic mountain that towers over the sprawling city at 10,341ft high. At the summit, rest at the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Montserrat (an elegant neocolonial church) then check out the restaurant that’s housed in a traditional manor house, before strolling the nature trail that weaves through the lush High Andean Forest to spot hummingbirds.
Today you’re swapping the city for palm-fringed beaches and lush cloud forests as your next destination is Tayrona National Park – one of Colombia’s most stunning protected reserves, where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta foothills meet the Caribbean Sea.
After a private transfer to the airport and a 90-minute flight to Santa Marta, you’ll be whisked to your lodge for a three-night stay. After settling in, take a stroll to a nearby beach (there’s plenty to choose from) where you’ll find golden sands, giant boulders and coconut palms lapped by turquoise waves.
En route, listen out for howler monkeys barking and grunting in the trees and keep your eyes peeled for distinctive tropical birds including the small Santa Marta parakeet (who have green plumage with a scarlet patch on the forehead and scarlet belt on their belly), Albert’s curassow (who look like they’re wearing black tie) and the king vulture, that has a jaw-dropping four foot wingspan.
After waking at sunrise, you might see a snuffling tapir or grazing red brocket deer as you take in the mountain views this morning. Later, you’ll meet some of the local Kogi community who are directly descended from pre-Columbian Tairona civilisations.
Historically, the Kogi have resisted contact with the outside world, so this is a rare opportunity to learn about their traditions. As guardians of nature, they regard the Sierra Nevada as a sacred place and the ‘heart of the world’.
Sealed off by mountains and with no cars allowed, the only way to get around the national park is on foot (or horse). So, you’ll meet your local guide at your lodge, then embark on a scenic hike to reach a mountain village inhabited by the Kogi community. Spend some time with them and learn about their ancient traditions, and how they live in harmony with nature. Then walk back down the mountain and return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Don’t forget your camera as today is yours to explore hiking routes and soak up the tropical colours, scents and sounds. Spanning 30,000 acres of land and 7,000 acres of coral-rich sea, this paradise is brimming with flora and fauna and diverse landscapes – think seagrass meadows, golden beaches, mangroves, coastal lagoons, cloud forests and jungle-clad hills.
Fancy a swim or beach day? Head to Playa Cabo San Juan del Guia where the palm-fringed sands are surrounded by huge volcanic rocks.
Fun facts: nearly 400 species of bird have been recorded in Tayrona National Park. It’s also home to over 100 species of mammal, including jaguars and pumas.
Expect sun-kissed beaches and salty breezes at your next destination –?Cartagena, Colombia’s historic walled city by the Caribbean Sea. Start the day with a private transfer to the airport, where you’ll catch a flight that takes around four hours including a layover, and on landing, you’ll be driven to your charming hotel for a two-night stay in the Old Town.
Founded in 1533, the city grew into a prosperous place for trade and commerce, throwing people together from all over the world. Afro-Caribbean, indigenous and Spanish influences are still reflected today through its architecture, music and cuisine.
During your stay, a clued-up local guide will show you around and stop at culturally significant places including the church and monastery of San Pedro Claver, a monk who became the patron saint of slaves. Must-sees are the fortresses of San Felipe de Barajas and San Fernando de Bocachica, which were built to stop plundering pirates.
Today is all about discovering the sights and flavours of Cartagena. In between wandering around shady plazas (Plaza Trinidad is the place to be) and peering into ornate churches, grab a tinto (Colombia’s black coffee) or a local rum for a pick-me-up, or check out Getsemani, a bohemian neighbourhood with a buzzing food scene and colourful street art.
Nearby is leafy Centenario Park, an urban oasis that’s also a sanctuary for rescued sloths, scampering tamarin monkeys and sharp-clawed iguanas that climb trees and roam free.
And if you’re a fan of the magical realism author, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, retrace his steps to see places that inspired his works or visit his memorial at the University of Cartagena, where fans pay respect to their literary hero.
Later today, we’ve arranged a chef-led cooking class for you to learn how to make different types of ceviche (raw fish marinated in citrus juice), including a Caribbean twist on this classic dish, with coconut milk.
Rum cocktails (or delicious tropical mocktails) are waiting for you on the Baru Peninsula, just down the coast. This morning, head to the pier to catch a one-hour boat trip to Baru, where you’ll check into your villa nestled in the rainforest for a two-night stay.
The next two days are all yours, whether it’s lazing in hammocks and taking gentle strolls along palm-fringed beaches, or going on thrilling dive trips to explore crystal-clear turquoise waters and their dazzling underwater world.
As part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, the peninsula is home to the largest and one of the most important coral reefs in the Caribbean, thanks to vast array of flora and fauna.
Are you feeling hungry? Find a beach-side restaurant for a blow-out feast that zings with Colombian and Caribbean flavours, and watch the sunset go down on another blissful day.
Sadly, it’s your last day in Colombia today, but there’s still time to hit the one last time this morning. After squeezing in every last drop of beach vibes, take the return ferry to Cartagena in the afternoon, then hop in your private transfer to the airport.
Flights to the UK from the city take around 15 hours, including a layover, arriving on home turf the next day.
Everything in this itinerary is entirely customisable, down to the smallest details. Here are some more suggestions of what could be included
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
