Cowboys & Coffee Beans
Colombia
Cowboys & Coffee Beans
Arrive to Bogota, Colombia’s vibrant capital, cradled by the Andes Mountains. The city is a comfortable blend of modern and colonial architecture and during a two night stay here you can have some time to rest and recuperate after a long flight, combined with time exploring Bogota’s traditional attractions such as out from the Plaza de Bolivar. Perhaps go to a concert at Teatro Mayor, peruse the Paloquemao market with your guide, or climb the Monserrate Hill.
Colombia is well known for its coffee – therefore the next part of your adventure has you head to Hacienda Bambusa in the coffee region for a three-night stay. Enjoy staying at a traditional colonial hacienda with some time to appreciate the swimming pool and gardens with flowers, birds and various mammals such as monkeys, foxes and armadillos. Explore coffee plantations, day trips to Salento and Filandia, perhaps horseback riding, white water rafting and quite simply, the opportunity to reconnect with nature and to appreciate the spectacular scenery.
Next up, make your way to Los Llanos, the 550,000 square-mile region of flooded grassland and savannah that is often dubbed as the ‘Serengeti of South America’. Stay for three nights at Corocora Camp, a stylish tented camp on a private reserve partly run as a traditional cattle ranch where you can explore the area on horseback, by four-wheel drive, in a canoe or even helicopter to spot capybaras, anacondas, anteaters, howler monkeys, giant otters and maybe if you’re lucky, ocelots and pumas!
Journey across to Medellin for two more nights at Patio del Mundo, a tranquil getaway in the centre of the city. During your time in town explore La Comuna 13, once one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the city. Sample some of Colombia’s best food and enjoy some time at leisure – your stay will ‘fly be’ here!
You will love
- Tasting coffee, cacao & exotic fruits
- Exploring UNESCO World Heritage Cartagena
- Walking through La Comuna 13
- Glamping in Los Llanos
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
14 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
Arrive to your accommodation and check in. Head out again later this afternoon with your guide to explore the streets of La Candelaria and its cobblestone streets, houses, plazas and cathedrals, and gain an insight into the city’s impactful street art.
DAY 2 | BOGOTA
Transfer early this morning with your guide to the vibrant Paloquemao Market. Join a local chef and discover Colombia’s infinite variety of fruits, vegetables, flowers and herbs used in natural medicines. Alongside a local art expert, visit some of the city’s top art galleries that feature classical Colombian art pieces and gain a deeper understanding of art in Colombia and how it is progressing.
DAY 3 | LOS LLANOS
Fly from Bogota to Yopal, then take a road transfer for just under three hours to reach the camp. Check in and the remainder of the afternoon/evening is at leisure.
DAY 4 | LOS LLANOS
Included in your stay are experiences to embark on such as nature walks, birdwatching, canoeing, artisanal fishing and learning about the conservation program.
DAY 5 | LOS LLANOS
Enjoy more of the activities included in your stay or elect to pay a supplement to ride with the llaneros, spend time with locals and learn about llanero traditions, have a bonfire, take part in a river expedition and traditions at a local ranch, head out for a four-wheel drive expedition, or on a helicopter deep into the Los Llanos reserve.
DAY 6 | COFFEE REGION
Road transfer back to Yopal, then fly to Pereira. From Pereira drive the two-hour journey to the lodge. Check in and the evening is at leisure.
DAY 7 | COFFEE REGION
After breakfast head out for a welcome hike on and around the working farm of Hacienda Bambusa. Admire the cacao plants, and bird watch along the way. Meet Bambusa’s chef and cook up a hearty warm lunch to enjoy afterwards, then appreciate and learn about and taste the different types of coffees such as commercial, traditional and special editions.
DAY 8 | COFFEE REGION
Depart with your driver/guide to the Valle del Cocora, home of the striking 60-metre wax palm trees which have been classified as a protected species. Take a leisurely walk up the valley for panoramic views or relax while admiring the breathtaking landscape.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in the quaint town of Salento. Spend the afternoon exploring Salento, this colourful town is one of the many pueblos that are part of the Coffee Culture Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO world heritage site.
You will also have the chance to experience the traditional game of Tejo, a fun game that includes iron balls and gunpowder targets, Salento the local way!
DAY 9 | MEDELLIN
Road transfer to Pereira, then fly to Medellin. Check into your accommodation and the afternoon/evening is at leisure for you to explore as you wish.
DAY 10 | MEDELLIN
Meet your guide this morning for a full day tour of Medellin, visiting La Comuna 13 once known as one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods of the city, and admiring its graffiti. Enjoy a street tour for lunch sampling many of the city’s delicacies.
The latter part of the afternoon is at leisure for you to shop, visit the many museums, galleries and gardens.
DAY 11 | CARTAGENA
Road transfer to the airport and fly to Cartagena. After check in, your guide will take you for a short orientation walk near the hotel to get acquainted with the surroundings and identify the recommended restaurants, cafes, shops and other places of interest.
DAY 12 | CARTAGENA
This morning meet your guide and head out to explore Cartagena’s colourful historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk past and learn about the iconic plazas, cathedrals and colourful houses that characterise El Centro and Getsemani. Learn about Spanish colonization, pirate sieges, Cartagena’s festive culture and taste the exotic fruits and traditional snacks found along the way. The afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 13 | CARTAGENA
Meet your guide and head out for an exotic fruit and Colombian cacao tasting. After some free time for lunch, enjoy a Colombian rum distillation and tasting, learning about how different rums are processed and aged, in order to recognize their unique characteristics.
DAY 14 | END OF ARRANGEMENTS
After breakfast, check out of your accommodation and end of arrangements.
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