Pastel-painted colonial architecture, lush rainforest, white-sand beaches and vibrant city life – encounter the remarkable wealth of experiences on offer across Colombia as you travel around its most impressive destinations. A tailor-made journey with expert local guides and exquisite hotel stays will help you get under the skin of this Latin American gem. Admire the colonial charms of historic Bogotá and experience the tastes and aromas of the country’s mountainous coffee region. Witness the astonishing resurgence of once-troubled Medellín, take in the cultural highlights of Cartagena and crown your adventure with a relaxing stay in the Rosario Islands, a true Caribbean paradise.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Bogotá’s vibrant Paloquemao Market and explore the city’s monuments and museums
- Travel to Colombia’s best-known coffee-producing region, recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Witness the amazing social transformation of Medellín and meet a local family business owner
- Spend time in the picturesque resort town of Guatape, strolling the cobblestoned streets past charming pastel-painted buildings
- Immerse yourself in Cartagena’s fascinating culture, gastronomy and music
- Discover the beautiful Rosario Islands, a Caribbean paradise with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear water
Iconic art and historic architecture in Colombia’s lofty capital
Bogota, Colombia
Set more than 8,500ft above sea level, Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is a modern metropolis that benefits from a year-round spring-like climate. Stroll the lively Paloquemao market and sample local delicacies at its food stalls. Explore La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogotá, with its colonial-era architecture. Visit the Botero Museum to view works by acclaimed Colombian artist Fernando Botero, alongside pieces by Picasso, Renoir and Monet. The fascinating Gold Museum, which boasts 34,000 pre-Hispanic artefacts, is also not to be missed.
EXPERIENCES:
Take the funicular railway or cable car to the summit of Monserrate, a majestic mountain in the center of Bogotá, for panoramic vistas of the city. When the weather is clear you can see for miles across Colombia – an unforgettable experience.
Verdant valleys, charming villages and some of the best coffee on the planet
Eje Cafetero, Colombia
Colombia’s mountainous coffee region has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it’s easy to see why. From your hotel, set within an estate planted with coffee, bananas and sugarcane, explore life on a working coffee farm, learn to discern the qualities of different beans, and conclude your visit with a coffee tasting guided by a local expert. Later, enjoy a delicious dinner with a curated selection of the region’s finest cuisine while immersed in the serenity of nature.
EXPERIENCES:
Visit one of the coffee region’s most impressive destinations, the majestic Cocora Valley. Walk through verdant groves that are home to the Quindío wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Spend time in the charming village of Salento, strolling its colorful streets, visit the Cerro de la Cruz viewpoint and peruse local handicrafts before stopping off in Filandia, another stunning example of architectural conservation in the region.
Colombia’s once-troubled second city is now a marvel of regeneration
Medellin, Colombia
Set among the green hills of Colombia’s Antioquia region, Medellín lives up to its nickname: the City of Eternal Spring. After some difficult years, it has blossomed into a shining example of social transformation and urban regeneration. Explore Medellín’s parks, museums and cultural treasures with an expert A&K guide, who will help you gain a deeper understanding of this fascinating city. Highlights include a trip to the Comuna 13 neighborhood where you will see how regeneration projects have improved the quality of life of inhabitants and visit a local business to hear from the owner about the positive impact this has had on their family
EXPERIENCES:
Journey east of Medellín to the picturesque resort town of Guatape, admiring breathtaking landscapes along the way. Stroll through Guatape’s cobblestoned streets and pastel-painted buildings and marvel at the massive Peñol rock – believed to be a meteorite – that sits in the middle of the city’s scenic reservoir. For an even closer view, enjoy a boat ride around the reservoir.
The Jewel of the Caribbean
Cartegena, Colombia
Exuberant, colourful, tropical and beautiful, Cartagena is widely regarded as Colombia's crowning destination. Visit its colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Not to be missed are the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial military engineering built to defend the city from pirate attacks, and the imposing church of San Pedro Claver with its fine collection of stained-glass windows.
EXPERIENCES:
Discover Cartagena’s extraordinary culinary culture by sampling the superb dishes – served from small stalls in every corner of the old city – that honor the heritage of its Spanish, African, Arab and Chinese immigrants. A visit to one of the city’s excellent restaurants offers a further chance to explore the unique flavors of Colombian Caribbean cuisine.
A Caribbean island paradise with some of Colombia’s best coral reefs
Baru Island, Colombia
Departing by private vessel from the city, travel though the Bay of Cartagena, past the twin forts of the San Jose and San Fernando, out into the Caribbean Sea to the stunning Rosario Islands. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and some of the best coral reefs in Colombia, the islands are now a designated national park. Soak up the sun on glorious white-sand beaches, swim or snorkel, and then retire to your luxurious accommodation on Isla Barú.
EXPERIENCES:
Explore the tropical beach life of Isla Barú, famed for its white and pink sands, pristine water and many colorful fish – or enjoy a blissful day of rest and relaxation at your hotel.