FRUIT MARKET OF PALOQUEMAO

Departure from our hotel for the Paloquemao fruit and vegetable market. It's a typical Colombia that we discover while walking through this retail market which is one of the most important in the country. Most catering professionals get their supplies from there, which is why it is in constant turmoil. We find all kinds of fruits and vegetables there, from the best known to the most original. Return to our hotel at the end of the tour.

Visit of the market: 1.30 – Transport : 40min

EMPANADA WORKSHOP!

100% local experience with this cooking workshop where we prepare a typical Colombian snack, the empanada! Equipped with all the necessary utensils, we have three different toppings so that everyone can find what they are looking for. After cooking, we enjoy our delicious Colombian-style empanadas, with fresh fruit juice.

Time: 30-45 minutes

WALKING TOUR OF BOGOTÁ

Discovery of Bogota like the “rolos” (nickname of the inhabitants of Bogota). The walking tour of the capital takes us to the most authentic and historic places in the city.

La Candelaria, the historic center, is a place full of charm with its brightly colored houses, carved wooden balconies and flowered patios. On the program: Bolivar Square, Chorro Square with its artists as well as its colonial houses

VISIT OF THE GOLD MUSEUM 

The Gold Museum in Bogotá houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts made of gold and other precious metals, offering visitors a fascinating journey through the history and culture of Colombia's ancient civilizations. The collection, made up of more than 55,000 pieces, highlights the ingenuity, craftsmanship and spirituality of pre-Hispanic peoples. This museum is a must-see for those wishing to discover Colombia's rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Time: 3 to 4h

Transfer from the historical center to the colonial town: approx. 30 minutes

Private transport to the hotel to the airport of Bogota. Driving time : approx. 30 minutes.

Domestic flight to Armenia 

Max weight allowed is 23kg per luggage. Any extra weight will have to be paid for at the airport.

Private transport to Casa La Rivera del cacao (approx. 40 minutes).

COCOA TOUR - BEAN TO BAR: CASA RIVERA DEL CACAO

Processing of the cocoa bean, including a brief tour of cocoa crops and the processes of bean grading, roasting, bean breaking, hulling, second grinding into cocoa liquor, fondue formulation 60% chocolate and assembly of the conching process. The activity includes lunch and fondue made during the activity accompanied by fruits at the end of the afternoon.

BOSQUE DE NIEBLA EL SILENCIO AND PIJAO

After breakfast, we leave by Willys from the hotel to visit the El Silencio mist forest and discover its peaceful beauty. You will also have the opportunity to appreciate the Quindio wax palms in a natural and pristine habitat, accompanied by the yellow-eared parrots who visit them and support them in their reproduction thanks to a symbiosis of species. The tour also takes you through a 250-year-old oak forest and an elaborate picnic lunch at Casa Rivera del Cacao, with views of the Durango Waterfall that adorns the site. On the Willys descent to Pijao, you will visit a coffee municipality and taste coffee of the same variety and from the same farm using three different processes (washed, honeyed and natural) to determine the influence of the process on the taste of coffee. 

A visit is then organized to a specialty coffee shop to taste a cold brew and an espresso made from the same coffee and to understand how the chosen processing method affects the taste of the drink. This shop sells some of the best coffee in the country. You will then visit the El Patio herbarium, where you will discover the benefits of different medicinal plants and taste a delicious fruit infusion. You will then return to Casa Rivera del Cacao.

Time: Full day 

Level: moderate

Private transport to Quindio in Jardin.

COFFEE TOUR - La Mina

We start the visit onsite by meeting our host family. Then we visit the coffee farm and they will teach us the whole process of the coffee production chain: Starting from the seed, we will observe different types of varieties until the roasting of the bean. During this tour, we will have the opportunity to participate in this process (planting the seed, cleaning the fruit and grinding the coffee) and then enjoy a tasting.

Visit: 2.5 hours 

OR 

for those who want to skip this,

Visit of the botanical garden and the butterfly farm of Calarca 

PANELA

Visit to a farm producing panela, a widespread local product in Colombia. It is a fantastic experience where we will live the entire artisanal process of sugar cane derivatives, in a traditional farm in the coffee axis.

WALKING TOUR JARDIN

Visiting Jardín, in Antioquia, Colombia, is a charming and tranquil experience. The city is renowned for its vibrant colonial architecture, colorful facades and traditional wooden balconies. The central square, Plaza El Libertador, is ideal for relaxing in local cafes.

With its welcoming locals and serene environment, Jardín is a destination not to be missed.

KARMATA RUA

The Karmata Rua indigenous route is an experience of 11 moments and approximately 6 hours, during which you will discover the history of the community of the Embera reserve, located 15 minutes from Jardín, Antioquia.

During this experience you will cross the ancestral territory, the colonial territory, the productive zone and the lagoon while getting closer to the indigenous Embera Chamí cosmogony, ancestral medicine, their traditional arts and flavors, their sacred places and of their rituals. With the elders and inhabitants of the resguardo, you will experience a ritual of spiritual and physical harmonization, as part of an awareness of the need to take care of the earth and one's own being.

A car will take you from Jardin to Medellin. 

Travel time: approx. 3 hours.

STROLLING IN MEDELLÍN

The aim of this tour is to discover the city as if you were one of its inhabitants: we take public transport to the administrative center “la Alpujarra”, where important buildings are located such as that of the government of the department of Antioquia. The path continues towards the railway station, once there we cross San Juan Avenue and the traditional Carabobo Street, to arrive at Botero Park, to admire the sculptures made by Fernando Botero. Then we end our day with a visit to the Plaza Mayor and the Pies Descalzos park.

Visit: 4 hours

LAS COMUNAS EXPERIENCE

This will be a volunteering experience.  

COMUNA 8 : FROM NEIGHBORHOOD TO MOUNTAIN 

A visit where we sow vegetables and hope. We go to the highest part of Comuna 8 to visit the initiatives in this territory, which aim to generate sustainability through planting and more conscious planning of the territory.

We will take the tram and Metrocable to this meeting point between urban and rural areas. There we will visit an association of women entrepreneurs, then we will walk on green paths to a viewpoint with a privileged view of the city and, finally, we will visit the community gardens, where we will share a snack based on products biological. An experience of connection with the land, families and the city that beats beneath our feet.

Duration: approx. 4 hours

MANRIQUE : TANGO, SALSA AND FLOW

We will go to Manrique to learn how dance was the pretext to save young people from neighborhood violence, by taking them to the big stages and offering them another way of life: art.

To get to know Manrique, a neighborhood where every street corner is linked to a story or a song and where any excuse is good for dancing, we will start with the main street that connects the neighborhood and its most popular places. We will then visit a house built in honor of the most famous tango singer in history: Carlos Gardel. After tango, we will taste Latin rhythms, in a dance school and a community project. This is where we will learn with them some dance steps to show off at any party!

Duration: approximately 4 hours

Transport privé de Medellín à Guatapé.

Domestic flight to Cartagena

Max weight allowed is 23kg per luggage. Any extra weight will have to be paid for at the airport.

Arrival and welcome at Cartagena airport and transfer to the hotel located in the heart pf this magic colonial town. Driving time: approx. 20 minutes.

VISIT OF GUATAPÉ

The famous El Peñol rock atop of which we discover an extraordinary landscape of lagoons, and the village of Guatapé, classified as a natural and environmental heritage site. 

Return to Medellin at the end of the afternoon.

Transfer: 3 hours 

HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR OF CARTAGENA

Let's follow in the footsteps of the famous pirates and let ourselves be surprised by the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, this city with a mixed and exotic heritage whose cultural wealth can only amaze us. This excursion along the streets of the beautiful city of Cartagena takes us back to the colonial era, with its colorful houses and lively parks. It is therefore the opportunity, during this walk, to go back in time and relive some highlights of the history of the city, the second Spanish bastion established on the South American continent. Cartagena suffered repeated attacks from pirates, the most famous of which was Captain Francis Drake! We discover the beauty of its monuments, its squares, its churches, its walls, witnesses of times past but which always defy the horizon... some pirate ghost in sight…

Time of visit: 4h

Private transport hotel-Cartagena-La Boquilla : approx 30 minutes

TRADITIONNAL DRUMS WORKSHOP 

Arrival at La Boquilla, a fishing village where an Afro-Carthaginian community lives. This is where we are going to discover Colombian folk music through a traditional drumming workshop which will introduce you to the rhythms of Colombia, Mapalé and other dances of the region. 

During the morning we will also take a canoe trip in the mangroves, a favorite place for observing many species of birds.

Time of activity: approx. 3 hours

Free morning.

ARTISANAL RHUM TASTING 

Colombian artisanal rum is considered one of the best in the world. Let's take advantage of this afternoon to discover the tastiest rums from Colombia, ranging from 4 to 27 years old. To accompany this tasting, a delicious local chocolate is also offered. This experience is led by Abraham Dau, one of the five best mixologists in Colombia, who welcomes us with a delicious cocktail prepared by him.

Time of experience: approx. 2 hours

Transfer from hotel to Cartagena airport (approx. 20 minutes).

· Colombia is the 2nd richest country in biodiversity after Brazil

· It is the birth country of Shakira and Sofia Vergara and Gabriel Garcia Marquez 

· The calendar has 18 national holidays in the year

· The country organizes the largest Flower and Salsa festivals

· Medellin is the fashion capital of South America

· Only country in South America with 2 coasts: the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean

· 1/3 of the country is in the Amazon

· More than 9,100 animal species are unique to Colombia

· Counts the tallest palm trees in the world (we're going to see them)

· More than 70% of the world's emeralds come from Colombia

Highlights of your Colombian curated experience

Travel stress free, live and feel the beat of Colombia

- Immerse yourself in the Coffee Lifestyle of Colombia

- Step into the wonders of many cities such as the pulsating capital Bogota, the colorful coastal Cartagena, the vibrant Medellin and the bright Andean pueblo of Jardin

- Learn the art of making empanadas in an interactive cooking class

- Pamper yourself with 2 festive Gastronomic Meals 

- Live unforgettable moments with indigenous communities

- Travel beyond the cup of a delightful hot chocolate 

- Contemplate the highest palm trees in the world

- Delve into the colorful fruit markets and stuff yourself with arepas

- Make artisanal delights of sugar cane, La Panela

- Dance to Salsa for a cause & with a twist: an experience filled with emotion 

- Feel the pulse of the country with an authentic and traditional drum workshop

- Soak up the sunset vibes & many stunning landscapes

Bogota and surroundings

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located in the Cundinamarca region in the center of the country at an altitude of 2,600 meters.

The city, which has around 8 million inhabitants, has many tourist attractions such as the colonial district of Candelaria, Bolivar Square, its museums, its historical monuments, its shopping centers and a renowned national and international gastronomy.

A few hours from the capital, you can visit the Guatavita Lagoon, ancestral site of the Muisca indigenous community, enjoy the paramos of the Chingaza national park where the Siecha lagoons are located, the Chicaque park or visit the salt cathedral in Zipaquirá.

Coffee area 

The Coffee Region is undoubtedly the most essential destination in Colombia when you want to discover the roots of Colombian culture in which coffee plays a important role.

In this coffee triangle, drawn by the 3 cities of Manizales, Armenia and Pereira, you can stay in a coffee-producing hacienda, learning everything there is to know about coffee, from harvesting to tasting.

But, whether you like coffee or not, Eje Cafetero has much more to offer... By Jeep Willis, on horseback or on foot, you must explore the Cocora Valley where the immense wax palms grow and admire a landscape that will take your breath away. You will particularly enjoy visiting the quiet and colorful village of Salento, where you can taste the specialties of the region.

Medellin and beyond

Medellín, the country's second city, is considered the economic capital and fashion center of the country with its large textile production. Since the end of the drug cartels, the city has quickly transformed to become the most dynamic in the country. The city of eternal spring, as its inhabitants call it, is also renowned for the richness of its cultural activities, a very active nightlife with tango and its numerous bars and nightclubs.

Santa Fé de Antioqua, Jericó, Jardin and Guatapé are must-see villages in the region. The colonial architecture in the middle of the mountains, the banana and coffee plantations and the kindness of the farmers make Antioquia the richest department in Colombia.

Carthagèna and the area

Cartagena is one of the most important ports for the country's economy and is a connection point between the islands of Rosario, San Bernardo and Providencia with the interior of the country. It is also the gateway to South America, through which the Spanish arrived and adopted their customs and architectural influences. The landscapes of this area are majestic with exceptional vegetation. The magnificent Caribbean beaches and the mix between modern and colonial make this region a paradise for visitors.

Any cancellation is charged as follows: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY AND SEND US A MESSAGE THAT YOU HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE BELOW CONDITIONS

• In case of a cancellation up to 3 months / 90 days prior: 25% of the individual rate

• From 89 to 60 days to the start of the trip: 45% of the individual rate

• From 59 to 30 days to the start of the trip: 65% of the individual rate

• From 29 days up to the day of departure: 100% of the rate

• If one of our suppliers applies special cancellation conditions, these will be indicated upon confirmation of the services booked and will be strictly applied according to the supplier's policy.

There will be no refunds in case of cancellations outside of the time frame mentioned above, no matter the reason, whether (but not limited to) health, medical, death in the family, wedding, pregnancy, unforeseen life circumstances, etc. 

Again, please note, we will not refund any payments already made. 

It is MANDATORY to have good travel cancellation insurance (not included in the package).

We are in no way responsible of your travel insurance, or of the decisions taken by them. It is up to you to find one and make a deal with them and follow up in case of cancellation.

Certain changes to the program may occur for reasons beyond our control.

Any specific diet, allergies, physical and/or mental disability, or any other impairment that must be taken into consideration to participate in and enjoy a program must be communicated – in writing – at least 30 days before the start of the trip.

Tourleb and its partners do not tolerate discrimination, angry outbursts or abuse towards service providers. In the event that an outburst occurs, the person will be escorted to the hotel or bus. In the event of a recurrence, the person will have to stop the trip and no reimbursement will take place.

Tourleb will ensure that all special conditions informed by the customer are respected as best as possible, for optimal progress of the program.

If additional expenses are necessary to satisfy specific requests from participants, the client undertakes to assume these additional costs and to make payment before the start of the trip.

Each participant is required to comply with police, customs and health regulations at all times during the trip. Under no circumstances can Tourleb and its partners replace the individual responsibility of its customers who must take responsibility for obtaining all formalities before departure and throughout the duration of the trip, including the completion of customs formalities.

Non-compliance with these regulations, the inability of a client to present proper documents, any delay, imply the sole responsibility of the participant who will bear the costs incurred.

International and national Air Fare 

International and domestic airlines may change flight schedules without notice. Tourleb and its partners cannot therefore guarantee the flight times indicated on the programs. In the event of delay, modification, or cancellation of national or international flights, Tourleb and its partners will do their best to adjust the program in accordance with the initial program but the costs caused by these modifications remain the responsibility of the customer. 

Your luggage remains your own responsibility throughout your stay. 

Tourleb and its partners will not be responsible in the event of a delay in the arrival of baggage from your country of origin, loss of baggage or loss of valuable items.