Tropical Fruits
A Colombia Food Safari
Colombia's culinary culture
It is often said that in Colombia you get five destinations for the price of one: the Pacific Coast, the Andes, the Amazon, the eastern plains and the Caribbean. This huge diversity and abundance gives rise to some of the finest gastronomic experiences in the world. In recent years neighbouring Peru has seized the gastronomy limelight, but Colombia is hot on its heels with a similar climate and topography plus the added influences of home-grown coffee and the productive Caribbean coast. In Colombia, modern chefs are turning traditional culture, produce, colour and flavour upside down and the results are taking the world by storm.
This example itinerary begins in Bogota where you will visit the bewildering Paloquemao produce market, sample a vast array of fruit and vegetables from across the country (many of which you won’t recognise), wander bohemian barrios and indulge in an exquisite 12-course tasting menu prepared by one of the world’s leading female chefs. Moving on to Cali and Medellin you’ll experience the goodness of rural life in a traditional hacienda, visit coffee plantations, taste your way through sizzling street food stalls, meet an ex-gangster-turned street artist and dine in a restaurant which prepares rare ingredients sourced from the Amazon. Your final stop will be the old town of Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colourful streets of mansions, bougainvillea-clad balconies and cobbled colonial charm. You’ll soak up the Caribbean warmth of this pretty town while tasting all the flavours of the ocean.
During the journey you’ll stay in an exclusive collection of luxury design-led hotels each selected for their style, comfort and location. Hosted by expert local guides, you will benefit from their professional experience, inside knowledge and insightful interpretations, enabling you to discover Colombia’s culture, history, climate and soul through its cuisine.
This bountiful and colourful journey will open your eyes, heart and tastebuds to a wealth of old world charm and innovative gastronomic delight!
You will love
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Rare ingredients from the Amazon
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Street food and fine dining
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Cartagena’s colourful, colonial charm
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Salsa dancing and street art
- Insider intel from expert local guides
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
12 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
DAY 1 | BOGOTA | 3 NIGHTS
Welcome to Bogota. Check in and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
DAY 2 | BOGOTA
Visit Paloquemao Market with a local guide to sample rare fruits and exotic juices, visit the Gold Museum and have lunch at Prudencia in La Candelaria Historic District. An afternoon tour of Bogota followed by dinner at the internationally acclaimed, super stylish El Chato.
DAY 3 | BOGOTA
A coffee tasting session in the Usaqune neighbourhood, then out to the countryside for a day at a hacienda and lunch prepared by a local chef. An afternoon at leisure, then dinner at LEO by Leo Espinosa, one of the top female chefs in Latin America.
DAY 4 | CALI | 2 NIGHTS
Drive to one of Colombia’s top coffee haciendas and visit the plantation followed by a traditional lunch. A quick flight to Cali, then time at leisure before dinner at Platillos Voladores.
DAY 5 | CALI
A morning exploration of Cali with stops for street food along the way. Visit a salsa school to meet the professionals. Dinner at El Falso Olivo, followed by a salsa bar-hop with a couple of friendly locals
DAY 6 | MEDELLIN | 3 NIGHTS
Fly to Medellin then an afternoon at lesiure. Dinner at El Barcal.
DAY 7 | MEDELLIN
Spend the morning with an ex-gangster exploring the changing culture and street art of Comuna 13. Visit the botanical gardens and have lunch surrounded by lush vegetation, see the sites of Medellin, then dinner at La Chagra tasting rare ingredients from the Amazon.
DAY 8 | MEDELLIN
Visit a private hacienda and discover the grounds on foot or horseback. Relax over an asado lunch and sample the country’s famous ‘firewater’ spirit. Return to Medellin for an afternoon and evening at leisure.
DAY 9 | CARTAGENA | 3 NIGHTS
A quick flight to Cartagena, then lunch at a famous ceviche house. A walking tour in the afternoon will take in history, culture and street food, then head to a rooftop bar for sundowners with a view. See a local dance group, then have dinner at a favourite local haunt, La Cocina de Pepina.
DAY 10 | CARTAGENA
Wander the Bazurto fish market with a chef to buy produce for a cooking class at a private villa. Have a rum and chocolate tasting in the afternoon alongside a top mixologist. Evening at leisure.
DAY 11 | CARTAGENA
Take a speed boat to the Rosario Islands to cruise, snorkel or paddleboard and enjoy a relaxed beach lunch. Time in the afternoon to relax or shop, followed by a farewell dinner at Proyecto Caribe.
DAY 12 | END OF ITINERARY
Transfer to the airport to begin your journey home or continue with onward arrangements. Hasta luego!
NEED TO KNOW
Please enquire for pricing
Start: Bogota
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Finish: Cartagena
This itinerary provides the perfect framework for a spectacular journey through Colombia’s gastronomy but it is an example only. All journeys will be individually designed and quoted on a case by case basis.
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