Surprising Colombia

Day 2 | Bogotá

In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and introduced to Colombia’s graffiti culture. In La Candelaria, alongside beautiful historic buildings, you’ll also find a wealth of colourful graffiti. Graffiti, also known as street art, is a major part of Colombian culture, particularly in the big cities. Your guide will tell you more about the significance of graffiti culture to Colombians and the impact it has had, both socially and politically. During your walk, you’ll come across many colourful murals, each telling its own story. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: HAB hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 3 | Bogotá – Yopal – El Encanto de Guanapalo

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport, where you will board your domestic flight to Yopal. Today you will travel to Los Llanos, a vast nature reserve with endless grasslands, home to the Colombian cowboys (Llaneros). Upon arrival, you’ll be met by staff from the El Encanto de Guanapalo nature reserve, where you’ll be staying for the next few days in traditional ‘Llanero Hatos’, or typical Colombian farms. Here, you’ll get a taste of Colombian farm life. Johan has also been here – curious about his experience? Read about it here. After lunch, you’ll ride on horseback to ‘Las Queseras’, the junction of the three farms that together form the El Encanto de Guanapalo nature reserve. This ride takes about 4 hours and along the way you’ll see many birds, reptiles and mammals.
Overnight stay: Hato Mata de Palma | full board

Day 4 | El Encanto de Guanapalo

Today you’ll start with a canoe trip whilst admiring the sunrise, with the chirping of birds in the background. You’ll learn more about traditional fishing methods, then remount your horse and ride to the next hato, where you’ll spend the night. Enjoy the beautiful scenery around you along the way and keep your eyes peeled – you might even spot an anteater. Upon arrival at Hato Montana, you’ll enjoy lunch before setting off in the afternoon in search of the howler monkey. In the evening, you’ll experience a traditional evening, during which the llaneros will perform songs, stories and legends. Llanero music has been designated by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
Overnight stay: Hato Montana | full board

Day 6 | El Encanto de Guanapalo – Yopal – Bogotá

After breakfast, you’ll take a flight back to Bogotá. You’ll stay here for one more night before travelling on to Medellín.
Accommodation: HAB hotel | bed and breakfast

Day 7 | Bogotá – Medellín

You will be collected from your hotel in the morning and taken to Bogotá airport, where you will board your domestic flight to the city of eternal spring, Medellín. The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, featuring works of art, sculptures, fashion designs and literature, amongst other things. Twenty years ago, this was one of the most dangerous cities in the world, but in recent years there has been investment in infrastructure and education, and the city has undergone a complete social transformation. Today, it is one of the most innovative cities in the world. The world-famous artist Fernando Botero, known for his paintings and sculptures of voluptuous people and figures, comes from Medellín.
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Ladera | bed and breakfast

Day 8 | Medellín

Today you’ll be exploring Medellín by e-bike. As Medellín is situated at an altitude of 1,500 metres, the city enjoys a spring-like climate all year round, with average temperatures of 25 degrees. A perfect temperature for your cycle trip through this vibrant city. You’ll set off from El Poblado towards the Laureles and Belén neighbourhoods, making a few stops along the way to sample local delicacies such as crispy arepas and fried snacks. Take a break to enjoy a cup of coffee in a small square, whilst watching local life unfold around you. Today, you’ll be visiting small, authentic eateries that the Paisas (the people of Medellín) themselves love to frequent. Afterwards, you’ll be taken back to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Hotel Quinta Ladera | bed and breakfast

Day 9 | Medellín

A free day is planned. There are plenty of options to fill your day. For art lovers, the Antioquia Museum is highly recommended. This museum houses an impressive art collection spanning the pre-Columbian and colonial periods, as well as contemporary artworks. San Antonio Park, also known as La Plazoleta, is another must-see. In this park, you’ll find 23 sculptures by Fernando Botero. These were donated by the artist to his hometown in 2000. Plazuela de San Ignacio is one of the most historic parts of Medellín and is certainly worth a visit. You can also take a ride on a traditional tram or cable car. This mode of transport is ideal for easily reaching the city’s mountainous outskirts. From here, you’ll have a sweeping view of the city of Medellín.
Accommodation: Hotel Quinta Ladera | bed and breakfast

Day 10 | Medellín – Cartagena

In the morning, you will be collected by one of our local staff and taken to the airport, where you will board your domestic flight to Cartagena. On arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to your hotel. Cartagena de Indias is a beautiful colonial town on the Caribbean coast. The old town features a maze of small, picturesque streets, with brightly coloured colonial buildings and romantic squares. Outside the old city walls, the city has since expanded to include modern, attractive neighbourhoods. From the city ramparts near the old town, you can take in both the charming colonial city centre and the impressive skyline of Boca Grande at a single glance.
Accommodation: Hotel Bantú | bed and breakfast

Day 12 | Cartagena – San Andrés

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport, where you will board your flight to San Andrés. On arrival, you will be taken to your hotel. Your hotel is situated right on the beach. San Andrés has stunning beaches, bays and colourful coral reefs.
Overnight stay: Hotel Casablanca | bed and breakfast

Day 13 | San Andrés – Providencia

Today, a short flight will take you on to Providencia, a small and relatively undiscovered island. The island is situated between Jamaica and Nicaragua, some 800 km north of Colombia. A perfect destination for beach lovers!
Accommodation: Posada del Mar | bed and breakfast

Days 14 & 15 | Providencia

These days are free to plan as you wish. These days are free to plan as you wish, allowing you to enjoy the sun, sea and beach. This island is the perfect spot for snorkelling and diving. We highly recommend snorkelling at Crab Cay, a small rock off the coast of Providencia. Set amidst a coral reef and crystal-clear water, here you can spot tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle. You can reach Crab Cay by hiring a canoe from Bahia Maracaibo. Right next to Providencia, you’ll find another small island surrounded by beautiful beaches. You can walk straight there via the Lover’s Bridge. Would you rather just do absolutely nothing? The beautiful surroundings offer you the chance to spend endless hours relaxing on the beach.
Accommodation: Posada del Mar | bed and breakfast

Day 16 | Providencia – San Andrés – Cartagena

Today you will be collected from your hotel and taken to the airport, where you will board your flight back to Cartagena. On arrival, you will be welcomed and taken to your hotel.
Overnight stay: Hotel Bantú | bed and breakfast

Day 17 | Cartagena

The final day of your trip has already arrived. Enjoy your last day in this vibrant city.
Accommodation: Hotel Bantú | bed and breakfast

Day 18 | Cartagena – Amsterdam

Unfortunately, your wonderful trip of Colombia has come to an end. You will be collected from your hotel for your transfer to Cartagena Airport. Here, you will board your intercontinental overnight flight to Amsterdam.

Day 19 | Amsterdam

You arrive in Amsterdam today.