Where the peaks of the Andes tumble into Caribbean shores, Colombia unravels with centuries of rich culture and history, weaving it all together with the bright-green threads of the Amazon, home to some of the most dazzling wildlife anywhere on Earth. Escape to secluded jungle lodges, seek out the spectacular jungle wildlife and sip some of the world’s finest coffee on this thrilling journey into the heart of Colombia. Tailor-made to your tastes by A&K’s experts, this journey will bring you some of the finest cultural, natural and culinary experiences Colombia has to offer; whether on a guided tour of Bogotá’s rich arts scene to illuminating exchanges with indigenous Amazonian tribes, expect to uncover the many facets of this vibrant, diverse destination.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Delve into Bogotá’s rich cultural legacy on a tour of the capital’s museums and markets
- Meet members of Tikuna tribe to learn more about life in the Amazon, before canoeing through the jungle’s waterways
- Spot an array of stunning birdlife on an expert-led tour through the forests of Minca
- Soak up the colourful streets and beachside vibes of Santa Marta, the oldest European city in South America
- Stay in the heart of the jungle in lodges- Soak up the sultry atmosphere of Cartagena and learn to salsa in its sultry bars
Iconic art and 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:
Explore the sites and landmarks of Bogota, beginning the day at the lively Paloquemao market before visiting La Candelaria, the oldest part of the city. View works by Picasso and the Colombian artist Fernando Botero at the Botero Museum and head to the Gold Museum to see one of the most impressive collections of pre-Hispanic artefacts in the world. The next day, head out to the eastern hills for a hike to a striking 590-metre waterfall.
An emerald-green world of wild experiences
Amazon Rainforest, Colombia
South America’s verdant heart is as superlative as nature gets: it is the world’s most biodiverse place, drained by the largest river system on Earth. Adventures abound in this unimaginably vast jungle, where indigenous tribes thrive on nature’s bounty and you awake in your eco lodge to the sounds of howler monkeys, roaring jaguars and the melodies of extraordinary birdlife. Set out on foot and discover rare flora famed for their healing properties or spot caimans and pink dolphins on a boat trip or kayaking adventure.
EXPERIENCES:
Visit a local Tikuna community to learn more about how tribal life is tied so intimately to the river and rainforest, before hiking to the quiet Matamata Creek, where you will canoe beneath the thick jungle canopy all the way back to your lodge.
Old-world charm on Caribbean shores
Santa Marta, Colombia
Sitting coolly on the Caribbean Sea, with the palm-lined beaches of Tayrona National Park rolling away to the east, Santa Marta is the stuff of Latin daydreams. This is the oldest European settlement in South America, a decadent legacy writ large in the Spanish-era churches and grand townhouses. A lively bar scene keeps things going until well after the sun has dipped below the horizon, and the pretty, pastel-toned streets are tickled by Caribbean breezes.
EXPERIENCES:
Grab your binoculars to discover the incredible birdlife of Minca. Led by your expert guide, you will journey into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, looking out for species such as the golden-winged sparrow or black-backed antshrike – normally rare birds that thrives in Minca’s lush climes.
The Jewel of the Caribbean
Cartagena, 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:
Sail across the bay at sunset, looking back at the fortress walls, and master the rhythms of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and bachata at a local dance academy.