Colombia has shaken off its turbulent past to offer a vibrant and diverse luxury holiday experience. Head off-the-beaten-track to see bustling markets with a chef, seek out hummingbirds and orchids in the Cocora Valley, and salsa the night away in Cartagena.
Upon arrival at the airport you’ll be met by a representative and escorted by private car to your accommodation.
After settling in, the rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
Begin your trip with a half-day private tour of Bogotá.
You’ll take a gentle bike ride through the historic quarter known as La Candelaria, an area of great architectural and cultural heritage and made up of old stately homes.
Lastly, you’ll be taken by cable car up to Monserrate mountain to see the views of the city and to get a grip on this huge metropolis of 20 districts and more than 1,200 quarters.
This morning you’ll leave Bogotá and head towards Zipaquirá.
An hour into your journey you’ll reach the impressive Salt Cathedral. Visit the cathedral in a tunnel that passes the fourteen Stations of the Cross and witness the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ.
You’ll continue to Villa de Leyva, one of the area’s most beautiful towns.
The remainder of the day will be spent at leisure. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer will be able to advise on activities and/or restaurants prior to departure.
After breakfast you’ll return to Bogatá, stopping on the way at the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo, an important point of evangelisation in a region populated by infidel Indigenous communities.
You’ll then head to the airport for your flight to Quindio, where you’ll be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel in Armenia Province.
Spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation where you can chill by the pool, go on a guided nature walk, try horse riding, or just explore the 250 acres of pineapple, plantain, ginger, orange and cacao plantations at the property.
This morning you’ll leave for the Valle de Cocora, in the central mountains of Quindío.
Upon arrival you’ll have the chance to go hiking, horse riding, or to head into the cloud forest. You’ll stop at a trout farm for a traditional meal.
After lunch you’ll continue to Salento to enjoy a city tour of the Plaza de Bolívar with its colorful balconies, the Calle Real, the shops and the Cocora viewpoint.
You’ll visit the traditional village of Filandia to learn about its colonial homes, the Plaza de Bolivar, and to visit some local coffee shops. Soak up the atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to your hotel.
Spend half a day visiting the San Alberto coffee estate.
You’ll start your tour at the main house where you’ll learn about local architecture and history, and have an introductory chat about coffee, its preparation, toasting and characteristics. Afterwards, you’ll stroll through the plantations where you’ll see the locals at work and learn more about the production system.
The rest of the day will be spent at leisure.
This morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cartagena.
On arrival you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel and the rest of the day will be spent at your leisure. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer can suggest activities prior to departure.
This morning you’ll head on a private city tour walking around the old town and explore the cobbled streets, pretty houses and churches.
Afterwards you’ll visit ‘San Felipe’, a castle-fortress of tunnels, underground galleries and passageways built to defend the city from pirate attacks.
After a morning at leisure you’ll embark on a private street food tour.
Prepare your waistline for ten different food stops that focus on different flavours and delicacies. You’ll also have the chance to join a cookery course with some local women.
Take a private transfer to Cartagena's beautiful Caribbean coast and the famous Rosario and Baru Islands.
Spend the day by or on the water or a few extra nights at the gorgeous Agua Baru hotel with impressive views of the islands and crystal clear water.
This morning you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey home.
AUTHENTICITYWe won't take you to the usual tourist traps, instead we'll introduce you to people that show you the true side of a country. With our contacts in each destination, we can arrange for you to meet locals away from the crowds and ensure an authentic experience.
EXPERTISEYou can rely on our extensive first-hand knowledge and years of experience in the country you’re visiting. We use only the best expert guides, and provide insider tips on the local customs, and everything from vibrant festivals to hidden Himalayan monasteries
PERSONAL SERVICEYour holiday will be as unique as you are. By getting to know you and what makes you tick, we fuse our wealth of expertise and a deep understanding of our destinations to create unique day by day itineraries that are built around you.
