12 Days Colombia Round Trip: Salsa, Coffee, & Caribbean

Colombia is the perfect destination to visit all year round because of its proximity to the equator, that’s why it’s famous for its constant temperatures! It’s warm all year (30°C +) in Cartagena, with the rainiest months in August, September, and October. Bogotá has a temperate climate ranging between 21°C and 22°C year-round. In July and August, the country is quite dry.

Upon arrival at Bogotá International Airport, your guide will meet you at your arrival gate and take you to your hotel. At Hotel Casa Deco, you can relax and acclimatize for the next two nights.

Bogotá is Colombia's capital and largest city, home to people from all over the country. Modern buildings and houses reminiscent of the colonial past sit side by side with buildings as far as the eye can see. Simón Bolívar Park is one of the city's largest and most beautiful parks. Stroll through the unique landscapes, relax under a tree, or get lost in the beautiful nature.

Travel time Bogotá Airport - hotel: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 14 km

Bed and breakfast in Bogotá, Colombia

Today begins with a city tour through the historic center of La Candelaria. This district is characterized by numerous universities, libraries, museums, and small, winding streets. Plaza de Bolivar is Bogota's central square, where you will discover the most important government buildings. Some highlights your guide will point out are the Gold Museum (home to over 7000 exhibits) and the Botero Museum. Your first impressions get even better! Hop into one of the city's famous cable cars to the 3,152 meters high Monserrate Mountain. Take some time to enjoy this fantastic view of the entire city.

In the afternoon, we have planned a visit to the underground salt cathedral Zipaquirá. The church is just outside Bogotá and is known for its saline vaults. The first section of the cathedral is the Way of the Cross, and at the end of the path, the highlight awaits you: the gigantic central nave with a 16-meter high salt cross.

Bed and breakfast in Bogotá, Colombia

After breakfast, you will leave Bogotá and fly to your next destination: Popayán.

Popayán is in the southwest of Colombia and is called the “white city” because of its white-painted houses and squares. In 2005, UNESCO named it a Gastronomic City because of its remarkable diversity and influence on Colombian cuisine.

You will get to know the city in the afternoon during a tour with your guide.

Travel time Bogotá hotel - Bogotá International Airport: about 20 minutes / approx. 14 km
Flight time Bogotá - Popayán: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes
Travel time Popayán Airport - Popayán hotel: about 5 minutes / approx. 2 km

Bed and breakfast in Popayán, Colombia

After a refreshing breakfast at your hotel, set off for the small mountain town of Silvia between Popayán and Cali. Visit the Guambiano weekly market that takes place every Tuesday. Locals bring goods from the countryside and sell fresh fruit, vegetables, and homemade household goods; the perfect place to find souvenirs for loved ones at home!

Afterward, you will drive along sugar cane plantations to Cali, the Valle de Cauca region's capital. Explore the city at your own pace before we whisk you off to a salsa bar in the evening. Colombia lives and breathes salsa dancing. You will find people dancing this technique countrywide, but there's nowhere in the country where the steps are this unique and the style more intense and faster than in Cali, the capital of salsa. December is a fantastic time to visit Cali because it's when the locals celebrate "Feria de Cali."

Travel time Popayán - Cali: approx. 2 hours 30 minutes / approx. 138 km

Bed and breakfast in Cali, Colombia

After your evening in the salsa bar, the morning begins with more salsa! Head to a salsa dancing academy where you will learn the basics of the famous dance! Let the music guide your hips as the Colombian joy paints a constant smile on your face. Next on your itinerary is a Cali city tour.

After this eventful day, you will fly to Medellín, where a transfer will pick you up and take you to your next hotel.

The mild and delightful climate has earned Medellín the nickname "the city of eternal spring." During your tour, you will see many historic buildings, gorgeous orchids that bloom all over the city, and the street's hustle and bustle.

Every year at the beginning of August, the "Feria de las Flores" (translates to "flower festival") takes place in the city. The festival includes the move of the Silleteros, where farmers from the surrounding area carry beautiful works of art more than 1.5 meters in size and around 120 kilograms on their backs through the streets!

Travel time Cali hotel - Cali Airport: about 45 minutes / approx. 30 km
Flight time Cali - Medellín: approx. 1 hour
Travel time Medellín Airport - Medellín hotel: about 40 minutes / approx. 25 km

Bed and breakfast in Medellín, Colombia

Today is all about the city's cultural heritage. Medellín was once considered the most dangerous city in Colombia and the stronghold of Colombia's most dangerous drug lord, Pablo Escobar. Years later, and now, it's a pulsating metropolis with unique crevices that await you!

Visit Parque de los Pies Descalzos and the Botero Sculpture Park. Afterward, take a cable car up to the Spanish library, an architectural masterpiece,

In the evening, join us for a culinary journey. Stroll through the local market and have the opportunity to try delicious empanadas (similar to dumplings), buñuelos (fried cornballs with cheese), or arepas (round cornbreads filled with various meat and cheese fillings). For people with a sweet tooth, you will have the opportunity to taste multiple sweet desserts, exotic fruits, and fresh juices.

Bed and breakfast in Medellín, Colombia

In the morning, visit a coffee plantation in the Medellín mountains! Learn about the different stages of the world’s favorite bean, from planting and ripening to harvesting and drying to fermentation. After the tour, you will try the plantation’s freshly brewed coffee.

Next on your itinerary, a unique city tour awaits. You will visit the essential locations of the famous drug dealer Pablo Escobar! The guide will give you inside information about Escobar’s history and tell you what the population still thinks of him today.

Bed and breakfast in Medellín, Colombia

After three exciting days in Medellín, it’s time to pack your bags and continue your journey to the next destination. Energize yourself at the hotel’s breakfast buffet, then hop on a domestic flight to Cartagena. After landing, a transfer will take you to your hotel in the old town.

Cartagena, also known as the “Pearl of the Caribbean,” is one of South America’s most beautiful colonial cities. UNESCO named the old town a World Heritage Site because of its art and culture. Immerse yourself in the distinctive ambience of colorful houses, cathedrals, romantic courtyards, and delicious restaurants.

You can design the coming days according to your wishes. Here are some optional excursions you can book with us:

• Rum tasting: Learn about the history of rum and get an insight into the different types of Colombia’s favorite drink. The grand finale is a rum tasting and a small snack.
• Excursion to the Rosario Islands: The national park islands are about an hour away from Cartagena. You can look forward to the extraordinary underwater world and the paradisical snow-white Caribbean beaches.

Travel time Medellín hotel - Medellín Airport: about 40 minutes / approx. 25 km
Flight time Medellín - Cartagena: about 1 hour
Travel time Cartagena Airport - Cartagena hotel: about 15 minutes / approx. 5 km

Two nights with breakfast in Cartagena, Colombia

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before going on a Cartagena city ​​tour. Visit the San Felipe fortress, stroll through the city's colorful streets, and at the end of the journey, visit the San Pedro Claver monastery.

From Cartagena, you will drive past Barranquilla and along the coast to Palomino in northeast Colombia. The small seaside resort promises pure relaxation with romantic sunsets on the Caribbean sandy beach. The next few days are dedicated to indulging yourself in your final vacation moments.

Travel time Cartagena - Palomino: about 5 hours 30 minutes / approx. 300 km

Bed and breakfast in Palomino, Colombia

Doze off under the palm trees that line the secluded beach. During your stay at this hotel, relaxing moments and an adventure lies ahead. Unwind by one of the two outdoor pools and harmonize your body and mind with a massage.

Various excursion possibilities are available to book! In addition to fishing, kayaking, and surfing, you can also get to know the area on horseback or a walk to the San Salvador River.

Bed and breakfast in Palomino, Colombia

Depending on your departure time, a transfer will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Santa Marta Airport. You will fly to Bogotá and then continue your journey home. Are you excited to tell your loved ones back home about the countless impressions from the past days? You will carry these moments with you for a lifetime.

itravel - For that moment.

Hotel Casa Deco***, Bogotá, Colombia (Two nights)

Hotel Casa Deco awaits you in a renovated Art Nouveau building in the old quarter of La Candelaria. The 21 rooms boast different colors and promise a pleasant atmosphere, featuring high ceilings, large windows, and wooden floors. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a balcony or terrace, cable television, a safe, and a telephone. Don’t forget to check out the hotel’s highlight: the 300 m² roof terrace’s bar, where you can see spectacular city views.

Hotel La Plazuela***, Popayán, Colombia (One night)

The renovated 18th-century house offers 24 rooms on two floors and quiet evenings because of its location on the main square’s less busy side. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower, a television, and a telephone. You can enjoy an American breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant in the morning and regional delicacies in the evening.

Hotel Obelisco****, Cali, Colombia (One night)

Hotel Obelisco is in the heart of Cali, making it an ideal place to explore its surrounding restaurants and bars. Stay in one of the 70 rooms equipped with a satellite TV, a safe, and air conditioning. Enjoy an American breakfast, delicious international dishes, and the country’s famous empanadas at the hotel’s restaurant. Round off the day with a drink in the bar or enjoy the spa’s massages and sauna.

Hotel La Campana***, Medellín, Colombia (Three nights)

Since the hotel nestles in the exclusive El Poblado district, it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the city’s highlights. Restaurants, bars, clubs, shopping malls, and art galleries are within easy reach. You can even enjoy the hotel’s permanent exhibition of Colombian art. The 13 rooms come equipped with all luxury amenities: air conditioning, work desk, closet, cable TV, 32 “LED flat screen, free WiFi, minibar, telephone, hairdryer, clock radio, and a private bathroom with a marble interior. You can enjoy traditional local dishes on the outdoor terrace.

Hotel 3 Banderas***, Cartagena, Colombia (Two nights)

Hotel 3 Banderas is in the old town, close to several restaurants, bars, and shops. Are the tropical colors and decorations impressing you? The hotel offers excellent facilities such as two large terraces, a roof terrace, and a garden with a waterfall. All rooms have air conditioning, cable TV, and free WiFi. Nearby you will find street cafes, galleries, and the Caribbean Sea a few blocks away.

Hotel Aite***, Palomino, Colombia (Two nights)

The eco-friendly Hotel Aite is just a few steps from the beach*,* welcoming you with two outdoor pools and a restaurant. Nature surrounds the rooms and bungalows, creating an oasis of calm for all guests. If you listen carefully, you can hear the birds and animals that live in the lush landscapes. The rooms feature modern furniture, and amenities include a wardrobe, a minibar, a fan, and a private bathroom with a shower. Since the hotel is eco-friendly, solar energy warms its water! The pool bar spoils with cold drinks, and the spa area attracts with delectable massages. You can look forward to various activities such as beach volleyball, soccer, horse riding, fishing, surfing, and kayaking. The courteous staff is happy to advise you!

Closest city: Bogotá

Closest airport: El Dorado International Airport

Duration of the trip: 12 days / 11 nights

Including

• Twelve nights in the accommodations mentioned above or similar:

  • Two nights at Hotel Casa Deco*** with breakfast in a standard room, Bogotá

  • One night at Hotel La Plazuela*** with breakfast in a standard room, Popayán

  • One night at Hotel Obelisco**** with breakfast, Cali

  • Three nights at Hotel La Campana*** with breakfast, Medellín

  • Three nights at Hotel 3 Banderas*** with breakfast, Cartagena

  • Two nights at Hotel Aite*** with breakfast in a standard room, Palomino

• Visits according to the program, including entrance fees

• All transfers

Included experiences

• Bogotá:
  • City tour
  • Gold museum
  • Mount Monserrate
  • Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
• Popayán:
  • Sightseeing
  • Visit the market in the mountain village of Silvia
• Cali:
  • Visit a salsa bar
  • Dance lesson in a salsa school
  • Sightseeing
• Medellín:
  • Sightseeing
  • Street food tour
  • Visit a coffee plantation
  • Pablo Escobar city tour
• Cartagena:
  • Sightseeing

Excluding

• National and international flights

• Colombian airport tax

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Excursions (visits, admissions, etc.)

• Tips and personal expenses

• Travel insurance

Notes

• All transfers and excursions include tour guides that change locally except for Cartagena: the Palomino route only consists of a Spanish-speaking driver.
• The hotels check the entry stamp in passports: the correct stamps contain the following code: PIP-5 or PTP-5 or Visa-TP-11. If you do not have any of these three codes in your passport, a 19% tax will be charged.
  • The tax must be paid in Colombian pesos or by credit card. Passengers who refuse to pay this entry tax will be denied entry.
• Please check the accuracy of the entry stamp when you pass the Colombian passport control.