5 Day Highlights of Columbia exploring Bogota and Cartagena.
Includes:
This site is for information purposes only - please contact Dudley Dream Travel on 202-905-7673 to book.
DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Colombia
Depart for Bogota, Colombia. Welcome to Colombia, a country of great diversity, culture, and natural beauty. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Later, join your fellow travelers for a light meal and an orientation meeting at approximately 8 pm with your Tour Manager. We recommend that you select flights which arrive in Bogota no later than 7 pm on Day 1 of the itinerary or earlier, if possible
Overnight: Bogota ▲
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2, Saturday - Bogota City Tour
Start the day with a walking tour of the colonial section of La Candelaria, stopping at Plaza de Bolivar, the main square of the city. Surrounding the square you'll see the Cathedral, Palace of Congress, the Cardinal's Palace and the colonial church of El Sagrario. Next, to the astonishing Gold Museum, where you'll see the world's greatest collection of pre-Hispanic native gold crafts. Continue to the Fernando Botero Museum, housing many of the paintings and sculptures of this world-famous contemporary Colombian artist. Let the Colombian lifestyle sink in during an included coffee break. Then, stop to watch an energetic local game of Tejo*, the national sport of Colombia. Originally, gameplay consisted of hurling golden discs into a hole, at a distance of about 65 feet. However, the conquistadors did make their own subtle improvement to the game; they added explosives. Today, the game is played with metal disks in fields across the country. You will learn how to play and try your hand at throwing the disk. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city independently, with its more than 60 galleries and museums and shops with the latest fashions or, join the optional Funicular Train Ride** up to Monserrate for great views of the city. You will also see the church and the Shrine of "El Señor Caído", a popular place for pilgrims and prayers for years. Tonight, join your Tour Manager for a walking tour to Parque de la 93 and its surroundings with many pubs and restaurants showing you the exciting nightlife of Bogota
*Colombian laws prohibit all people under 18 from entering places where tejo is played
**Funicular train ride may be substituted with a cable car ride without notice
Optional: Monserrate Funicular Train Ride (PM)
Overnight: Bogota
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3, Sunday - Bogota to Cartagena
This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. In the afternoon, take a walking tour of Cartagena, a magical city with a richness of architecture, massive fortifications, and wonderful sea breezes. See expansive views of the city, sea and the port zone as you make your way to the San Felipe castle-fortress built on San Lazaro Hill, the largest in South America, to defend the city from pirate attacks. At the Walled City, walk through the multicolored houses and buildings of the Old City of Cartagena. Visit San Pedro Claver Sanctuary and Church built in the mid-17th century. Then, on to "The Vaults", built in the late 1700's, were the final colonial constructions in the Walled City, and were used to store armaments and later as a prison. Today, the entire area is a thriving artisans' center with beautiful local handicrafts. Remainder of the day is at leisure
Overnight: Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Monday - Full Day in Cartagena
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Cartagena to further explore the city on your own or, join the optional half day La Boquilla Mangrove. Enjoy a tour of the mangroves of La Boquilla, a fishing village located twenty minutes north of Cartagena. Glide through the dense growth of mangroves, on an original wooden canoe and view up-close this rich and diverse ecosystem.
Overnight: Cartagena
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5, Tuesday - Depart Colombia
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
▲ Due to the high elevation, travel in the Colombian highlands may cause some passengers to experience the temporary effects of altitude sickness. If you have any concerns about traveling to higher than your accustomed elevation, please consult your healthcare provider.