Essence of Colombia

Colombia

Experience the highlights of Colombia

10 days £2,595 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

This tour offers a rich introduction to Colombia’s culture, landscapes, and history, travelling from the Andean highlands to the Caribbean coast. Beginning in Bogotá, the country’s vibrant capital, explore colonial neighbourhoods, world-class museums, and the extraordinary underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.

Continue to the lush Coffee Region, where rolling hills, cloud forests, and colourful colonial towns reveal the traditions behind Colombia’s world-famous coffee. Visit the spectacular Cocora Valley, home to the towering wax palms - the tallest palm trees on Earth - before experiencing life on a traditional coffee estate.

The trip then moves to Medellín, a city that has transformed itself into one of Latin America’s most innovative urban centres, where modern infrastructure meets fascinating social history. Finally, arrive in Cartagena, a beautifully preserved Caribbean port city where cobbled streets, pastel-coloured houses, and historic fortifications evoke centuries of colonial heritage. This itinerary combines culture, nature, and local experiences to showcase the true essence of Colombia.

This is a non-exclusive small group trip (max 12 people), so you may be joining travellers who have booked through another company.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Wander cosmopolitan Bogotá
  • The colossal Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
  • Colonial villages in the Coffee Triangle
  • Botero sculptures and transformation of Medellin
  • Marvel at Cartagena’s beautiful architecture

Places Visited

Bogotá - Coffee Region - Medellin - Cartagena

What's Included

Shared arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Domestic flights
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Bogota

Arrive at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant high-altitude capital set at over 2,600 metres above sea level. Upon arrival, you will be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the historic centre of the city.

Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to take a short walk through nearby streets to begin experiencing Bogotá’s unique atmosphere, where colonial architecture, lively cafés, and contemporary culture blend seamlessly.

Overnight in Bogotá

Meal plan: n/a

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Day 2 : Excursion to Zipaquira

After breakfast, depart Bogotá for an excursion north into the fertile savannah of Cundinamarca. The journey passes through agricultural landscapes known for flower cultivation, where vast greenhouses stretch across the plains surrounding the capital.

After approximately 75 minutes, arrive in the historic town of Zipaquirá, once an important centre of the Muisca civilisation, whose wealth was based on salt extraction. Here you will visit the extraordinary Salt Cathedral, one of Colombia’s most remarkable architectural achievements.

Constructed within a former salt mine 180 metres underground, the cathedral is an immense subterranean sanctuary carved entirely from rock salt. Visitors follow a symbolic pathway representing the 14 Stations of the Cross before entering the vast central chamber, where an enormous cross carved into the salt rock dominates the space. The cathedral’s three main naves symbolise the birth, life, and death of Christ, creating a dramatic and atmospheric setting deep beneath the earth.

Return to Bogotá in the afternoon.

Overnight in Bogotá

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres under a halite mountain. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The name 'Salt Cathedral' is used principally to attract tourists; although it is a functioning church that receives up to 3,000 visitors on Sundays, it has no bishop and therefore no official status as a cathedral in Catholicism. The icons, ornaments and architectural details of the cathedral are hand-carved in the halite rock and impressive marble sculptures are on display within. At the entrance, there are 14 small chapels, representing the Stations of the Cross and illustrating the events of Jesus' last journey. The main altar is found in the central nave, above which is the largest cross made of salt in the world, measuring 16 metres high and 10 metres wide, made by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. The Salt Cathedral is considered one of the most notable achievements of Colombian architecture and has been designated a 'Jewel of Modern Architecture'. The cathedral represents for the Colombian people a valuable cultural, environmental and religious patrimony. The cathedral is part of a larger complex including "Parque de la Sal" (Salt Park), as well as a small museum of mining, mineralogy, geology and natural resources.
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Day 3 : Bogota - Coffee Region

This morning begins with a visit to a traditional local market, where stalls display a colourful variety of tropical fruits, herbs, flowers, and local ingredients used in Colombian cuisine. Here you can sample unusual fruits such as lulo, granadilla, and guanábana while observing everyday life in the capital.

Continue with a guided tour of La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic heart. Stroll through narrow colonial streets lined with colourful houses and visit Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s main square, surrounded by important national buildings including the Cathedral, the National Capitol, and the Palace of Justice.

You will also visit two of Colombia’s most important museums. The Botero Museum displays works by renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero alongside pieces from his private collection, including works by Picasso, Dalí, Monet, and Renoir. The nearby Gold Museum houses one of the world’s most impressive collections of pre-Hispanic gold artefacts, showcasing the craftsmanship and symbolism of Colombia’s ancient cultures.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Armenia, located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Region.

Overnight in the Coffee Region

Meal plan: Breakfast

Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Bogotá, or Santafé de Bogotá to give it its full title, is a city of contrasts, with high-rise buildings standing next to colonial churches, museums and artisan cafés. Its influences range from Spanish and English to Indian. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone era. 



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Day 4 : Coffee Region

Today explore the spectacular landscapes of the Cocora Valley, part of Los Nevados National Natural Park. This lush Andean valley is famous for its extraordinary wax palms, Colombia’s national tree, which rise dramatically up to 60 metres above the surrounding cloud forest.

Walk along scenic trails through rolling hills and forested slopes while observing the rich biodiversity of the region. The area is home to numerous bird species, including hummingbirds and the endangered yellow-eared parrot. Trails cross small rivers and pass through pastures dotted with the iconic palms that define the landscape.

After time to explore the valley, continue to the charming colonial town of Salento, one of the oldest settlements in the region. Wander along Calle Real, lined with colourful balconies, artisan shops, and cafés, before visiting viewpoints overlooking the surrounding hills.

Later, visit the nearby town of Filandia, known for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture and relaxed atmosphere. Spend time strolling around its main square, sampling regional coffee or traditional liqueurs, and enjoying the peaceful ambience of this authentic coffee town.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon.

Overnight in the Coffee Region

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Filandia and Salento are two small pretty colonial style villages in the coffee region of Colombia, both set in stunning surroundings. Salento is the oldest village in the Quindio region with cobblestone streets and a wealth of restaurants, cafés and bars. Filandia is home to the beautiful María Inmaculada church. Its streets lined with colourful buildings with wooden balconies.

 In a country full of beautiful landscapes, the Valle de Cocora stands out as one of the most picturesque. The valley stretches east of Salento into the lower reaches of Parque Nacional Natural de los Nevados. Everywhere, you’ll see the famous Quindian wax palm, Colombia’s national tree and the largest palm in the world (up to 60 metres tall). Valle de Cocora is also home to a trout farm and the trout dishes are particularly good. The endemic fauna is semi-mythical:  mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, pumas, sloths, yellow-eared parrots, black-billed mountain-toucans, Andean condors and hummingbirds. Wow!

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Day 5 : Coffee Region - Medellin

After breakfast, visit Hacienda La Morelia, a traditional coffee farm nestled within the rolling hills of the Coffee Triangle.

Here you will learn about the entire coffee production process, from cultivation to roasting. Walk through the plantations to see how coffee cherries are grown and harvested, then observe the processing stages including pulping, drying, sorting, roasting, and grinding. The experience concludes with a barista demonstration and a tasting session where you can appreciate the aromas and flavours that make Colombian coffee among the finest in the world.

In the afternoon, travel overland to Medellín, a scenic journey of approximately 4-5 hours through mountainous landscapes.

Overnight in Medellín

Meal plan: Breakfast

Colombia's coffee triangle is so named for the triangle formed by the region's three main towns - Armenia, Manizales and Pereira. Between these is the region that produces the majority of Colombia's coffee - arguably the best coffee in the world. Coffee growing contributes to more than one in three jobs in agriculture in Colombia, and coffee is an integral part of Colombian life and culture. UNESCO inscribed Colombia's "Coffee Cultural Landscape" into its World Heritage List in 2011. 

The harvest in Colombia takes around a year, although the main period is between October and May/June. Most of the plantations in Colombia cultivate Arabica beans, which produce a delicate and light-tasting coffee that is widely recognised and consumed. The process begins when the bean is planted and takes approximately 75 days to germinate. The seedling is then placed in a plastic bag and placed in partial sunlight until its base dries. Two years after plantation, the tree bears its first fruit, which is harvested when the bean is red in colour, dry and ripe. Once the fruit has been picked, the pulp is stripped away and the bean is cleaned and dried in the sun (the big haciendas now use special machinery to strip and dry the beans quickly). The beans are dried or exported in preparation for sale, before being ground up and prepared for human consumption. 
 

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Day 6 : Excursion to Guatapé & El Peñol

Today take a full-day excursion into the countryside surrounding Medellín to visit the picturesque region of Guatapé.

The highlight of the visit is the immense El Peñol Rock, a dramatic granite monolith rising more than 200 metres above the surrounding countryside. Those wishing to reach the summit can climb the 654 steps to the top, where breathtaking panoramic views stretch across the vast reservoir and its maze of islands.

Continue to the colourful lakeside town of Guatapé, famous for its vividly painted houses decorated with intricate bas-reliefs known as zócalos. After lunch, enjoy a short boat ride on the reservoir, offering a different perspective of the surrounding landscape.

Return to Medellín later in the afternoon.

Meal plan: Breakfast & lunch

Located on the outskirts of Medellín, the town of Guatapé is known for its brightly coloured houses and is a popular weekend getaway for residents of Medellín. One of the town's main attractions is its reservoir, created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam, and the huge El Peñol rock that stands within it. It is possible to climb El Peñol, with a zig-zagging staircase winding its way to the top with over 600 steps. The reward for the climb is panoramic views of the whole Guatapé reservation.

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Day 7 : Medellin - Cartagena

This morning discover Medellín, often called the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year-round climate. Once known for its turbulent past, Medellín has undergone a remarkable transformation and is now recognised as one of Latin America’s most innovative cities.

The tour explores key areas that illustrate this transformation, including Comuna 13, where outdoor escalators and vibrant street art have revitalised a once-marginalised neighbourhood. You will also travel by Metrocable, the cable-car system that connects hillside communities with the city centre, dramatically improving mobility and quality of life for residents.

Later, visit Botero Plaza, home to 23 monumental bronze sculptures donated by Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero.

In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena, Colombia’s historic Caribbean port city.

Overnight in Cartagena

Meal plan: Breakfast

As the second largest city in Colombia, the bustling streets of Medellín are awash with features that highlight its historical and cultural significance. Medellín is also noted for its numerous sculptures from local artist Fernando Botero. Botero’s sculptures frequently show people that have been purposely swollen and enlarged, something done to convey his negative attitude towards politics.

This is a city reborn from the ashes of the notorious Escobar cartel that controlled it until the 1990s. Its resurgence is considered nothing less than remarkable.

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Day 8 : Cartagena

Begin the day with a visit to the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, the largest Spanish fortification built in the Americas. Constructed in the 17th century to defend the city from pirates and foreign invaders, the fortress features an ingenious system of tunnels, ramparts, and defensive structures.

Continue with a walking tour through Cartagena’s beautifully preserved walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through cobbled streets lined with colonial mansions, flower-covered balconies, and lively plazas.

Highlights include Bolívar Park, the Palace of the Inquisition, and Santo Domingo Church, one of the oldest churches in the city. End the tour along Cartagena’s historic ramparts, where the sea breeze and views of the Caribbean evoke the city’s golden age as a Spanish colonial port.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Meander through Cartagena’s picture-perfect streets. You cannot fail to admire a city that oozes beauty and whispers its long history from its famous battlements.

Founded in 1533, Cartagena became the main port on the Caribbean coast during Spanish rule. Treasure was stored in the city until it could be taken to Spain and for this reason, in the 16th century, Cartagena suffered five sieges including one led by Francis Drake in 1586. This is why the Spaniards then built the forts (Fuertes) and walls (Las Murallas) that still encompass the old town. The Puerta Del Reloj (Clock Gate) signals the entrance to the inner part of the walled city, also called Calamari. Just behind this is the old slave market situated in the Plaza de los Coches. The Plaza de la Aduana and Plaza de Bolivar also have fascinating historical context, as well as the numerous churches, museums, convents and monuments.

Built by the Spanish and named in honour of King Philip IV of Spain, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas is a fortress located on the Hill of San Lázaro. Sited there because its strategic location dominated access to the city by land or sea, the fortress has been expanded over the years. The castle has resisted French, British and Spanish attack throughout its chequered history, As for the walls of San Felipe de Barajas, as Cartagena was a major slave port, they are said to be splattered with the blood of traded captives. 

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Day 9 : Cartagena

Today is free to explore Cartagena at your own pace.

You may wish to wander through the colourful streets of Getsemaní, known for its vibrant street art and lively cafés, visit museums within the walled city, or simply relax at one of the city’s rooftop terraces overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Optional excursions to nearby islands or beaches can also be arranged.

Overnight in Cartagena.

Meal plan: Breakfast

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Day 10 : Departure (or extension)

After breakfast, transfer to Cartagena Airport for your onward flight.

Alternatively,  you can extend your stay in Parque Tayrona or other regions of Colombia. Contact us for more information.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Extensions

Luxury Colombia

Eco-retreats in the rainforest, converted coffee farms and more

Tayrona Extension (3 days)

Explore the beauty of Tayrona National Park

Colombia's Beaches (1-7 days)

Remote beaches along the Caribbean and Pacific coast

Colombia's Cities (1-5 days)

Discover Medellin's statues, Bogota's street art and Cartagena's charms

Active Colombia (1-14 days)

Hiking, diving, horseriding and more

Coffee & Cuisine of Colombia (2-7 days)

Stay on a coffee farm, experience Caribbean cooking and fine dining

Colombian Odyssey (18 days)

An epic journey through Colombia

Black & White Carnival (16 days)

Get carried away at Carnaval de Negros y Blancos

Birds & Mammals of Colombia (15 days)

See Why This is Earth’s Second-most Megadiverse Country

Culture & Birds of Colombia (15 days)

A gentle intro to Colombia's birds and historical sights

Classic Colombia (14 days)

Discover the history, charms and rhythms of Colombia

Essence of Colombia (10 days)

Experience the highlights of Colombia

Colombia Adrenaline Rush (8 days)

Rafting, rappelling and paragliding in Santander

Lost City Trek (7 days)

The most intrepid trek of all

Amazon Adventure (7 days)

Venture into the heart of the Amazon

Caribbean Chillout (6 days)

Idyllic beaches, water sports and great seafood

Cartagena & The Carnival

Revel in Colombia`s carnival atmosphere!

Reviews

Thanks for making my trip possible and so successful in such a short time. I loved every single second and the trek to the Lost City is amazing. Would do it again in this precise moment. And Colombia was a pleasant surprise, the country is incredible and really safe against the common stereotypes. It is a place I would be happy to live in, with the good weather, the colours and on particular the music. The food was incredible and freshly cooked. I am normally a fussy eater but I had every single meal almost cleaning the plate every time! Really enjoyed the fresh fruit supplied during the breaks.
The package was excellent considering the very short notice. I was impressed by the efficiency and the great communication.

Lisa Zardoni , Lost City Trek, Colombia

David and Rahul, what a great company you run! My tailormade trip to Colombia was just perfect! Your advice and guidance in advance of the trip was excellent. I loved the accommodation in Bogota and Cartagena; quaint and traditional. And the staff were incredibly friendly, welcoming and helpful. Your agent, Russell, was very attentive, and the drivers allocated to transport me were punctual, friendly and helpful! I cannot fault a thing. Thanks so much for planning such smooth-running trip for me. And, naturally, Colombia was the big star; can`t wait to visit again!

Stuart Robinson , Tailormade Colombia

I would recommend Travel The Unknown`s Colombian Odyssey tour for anyone who wants a fairly comprehensive tour of the highlights of Colombia. I would definitely advise an add on to Cartagena, if you haven`t already visited. Colombia is a wonderful place to take a holiday whether you have been to Latin America many times before or even if it is your first trip. Travel The Unknown have definitely chosen the best places to stay and we were very well looked after. If you want a completely tailormade trip, I`m quite sure that the experience would be equally excellent. It`s good to find a smaller company where you get a more personal service and which goes to off beat places or off beat areas of well known but far away places.

Julie Crank , Colombian Odyssey, Colombia

There have been so many highlights on our 15-day trip to Colombia: the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, Colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Cartagena, learning about the coffee culture, the wonderfully crazy Carnaval de Negros Y Blancos at Pasto to name a few. The guides were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to introduce us to the local culture, making this one of the most memorable trips I've ever taken.

Albert Chau , Festivals of Colombia, Colombia

We have just returned from a three week trip to Colombia organised on a private basis by Travel the Unknown. This followed our tours with them to both Eastern and Western Turkey in 2015 and to Iran in 2014. We view all three trips as great successes, wherein everything that was promised, was delivered. We will be planning further trips with them.

James & Margaret Stewart , Tailormade Colombia

The Lost City trip was amazing. Would recommend this trip to anyone who has a sense of adventure and not afraid to leave their comfort zone. Machu Picchu is nothing like this and the sense of achievement you get when you reach the Lost City is truely outstanding. I am now looking for a similar adventure in another part of the world.

Daniel Bean , Lost City Trek, Colombia

Seamless, worry-free travel in a far flung corner of the world. It was the best way to make sure we used our travel time seeing the country, interacting with the people, and tasting the food. I`ve already spent enough time, in queues, on buses, or just generally lost to appreciate a well planned trip.

Sean and Bonnee Gregg , Tailormade Colombia

This was a great adventure. Be prepared to get hot and wet but the rewards are worth it. Beautiful scenery and we learnt a lot about the history of Colombia and the local region from our guide. Would recommend Colombia to any travellers. Thanks to Travel the Unknown for organising trip, we had no issues which allowed us to appreciate the country even more. This was one of the best treks I have done. Very enjoyable and some amazing scenery.

Terry Cooper , Lost City Trek, Colombia

Thanks so much for a wonderful trip. The whole trip was fantastic. Our guides throughout were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. The Humming Bird walk in Manizales was probably the highlight but it`s not easy to choose. We will definitely travel with Travel the Unknown again.

Shaun Matthews , Tailormade Colombia

An amazing and comprehensive tour of Colombia. This is a beautiful county, go now before it gets too touristy!

Gillian Lowe , Tailormade Colombia

Travel the Unknown organised a brilliant three-location private trip to Colombia, including Bogotá Gold Museum, coffee-country and colonial and Republican Cartagena. Practical arrangements for transport, hotels and guides worked well. It was a delightful tour.

Tony Cram , Tailormade Colombia
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