Style
Luxury Travel Idea
Destinations
Bogota, Pasto, Las Lajas, Tulcan (in Ecuador), Popayan (Silvia), Santiago de Cali, Coffee Cultural Landscape
Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
COLOMBIAN ANDES
Let us take you on a journey through the Colombian Andes, starting in Bogotá, fast becoming one of Latin America’s urban highlights, then heading southwest to the border of Ecuador, and ending in the coffee region, which will be the icing on the cake.
Landing in Bogotá you will have time to rest and start to absorb the city’s atmosphere, before visiting the magnificent underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. A city tour will take you to the old town with all the cultural heritage, well-preserved churches, and the quaint old neighborhood of La Calendaria. You’ll take a cable car to the top of the mountain, the Sanctuary of Monserrate, where you can take in the spectacular views of the city.
Continuing your adventure, you’ll take a flight to Pasto, the capital of Nariño and Colombia’s most south westerly department, set at the foot of the Galeras Volcano in a dramatic mountainous landscape. After checking in to your hotel-chalet situated in the beautiful La Cocha Lagoon, take a boat tour that offers a glimpse into the well-preserved evergreen cloud forest and the diverse flora and fauna of the area.
The following day you will visit one of the modern wonders of the world, Las Lajas Sanctuary, a fantastic neo-gothic church built on a stone bridge spanning a deep gorge, You will cross the border into Ecuador, where you’ll visit the town of Tulcan and its famous cemetery surrounded by Cypress trees shaped into iconic symbols.
Afterwards, your journey will take you to Popayan, a very impressive Colonial City known for its white buildings giving it the name “Ciudad Blanca”. Here you will discover the market Silvia and one of the most traditional indigenous groups in Colombia, the Guambianoswho come to the picturesque mountain village to sell their fruits, vegetables, and hand-woven garments.
Travel from the grandeur of the Andes to the palm-filled sultry Cauca Valley, with its astonishing variety of natural beauty. You’ll travel from the cold to a warmer climate, and arrive in Santiago de Cali, what the locals call “A Branch of Heaven”. Take a tour of the city, see the landmarks, and stroll along Rio Cali to soak up the atmosphere before a good night dancing salsa.
The final experience is a trip to the Coffee Region, where you’ll visit a traditional Coffee Farm in Quindio, learn the process of coffee growing, see some of the country’s most traditional villages, and appreciate the kindness and warm hearts of the “paisa” people. You’ll explore the Unesco World Heritage site of Cocora Valley and the wax palm trees, the oldest and tallest in the world. The adventure will end with an authentic Colombian Experience, riding through the coffee area the traditional way, in a Jeep Willy.
Remember that our adventures are tailor-made at Magical Colombia, for you to enjoy! We are happy to personalize the journey of a lifetime for you.
