Colombia Discovery

Day 1  Bogotá          
On arrival, be welcomed at the airport by your Wendy Wu Tours representative and transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, taking some time to relax and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 2  Bogotá          
The beating heart of Colombia, Bogotá is an engaging and enchanting place to explore. Begin at Paloquemao market, and taste some of the local produce, before heading to the historic centre, La Candelaria, to admire the grand colonial architecture and impressive cathedral. Later, visit the Botero and Gold museums and enjoy enjoying some local delicacies for lunch. Ride the cable car up to the mountaintop Santuario de Monserrate for spectacular views over the city.

Day 3  Bogotá to Pereira      
Just outside of Bogotá, visit one of Colombia’s most unusual attractions, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. Built 200 metres below ground in a former salt mine and beautifully illuminated, this cavernous space is an outstanding example of modern Colombian architecture. Return to Bogotá this afternoon and catch your flight to Pereira.

Day 4  Pereira        
Head into the Central Mountains and the beautiful landscapes of the Valle de Cocora, taking an easy hike through a wax palm forest to discover the diverse range of flora and fauna that calls it home, including the Quindío wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Spend the afternoon in the traditional towns of Salento and Filandia, both full of colourful colonial architecture and handicraft shops, including a visit to a basket weaving workshop.

Day 5  Pereira        
Nestled in the foothills of the Andes, Pereira is part of Colombia's Coffee Axis and the UNESCO World Heritage listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia. Spend the morning exploring the coffee estates and pay a visit to a typical hacienda, enjoying an informative tour followed by a tasting session, guided by a master taster.

Day 6  Pereira to Medellín        
Transfer to the airport and fly to the hillside city of Medellín. After lunch, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure to explore the surroundings.

Day 7  Medellín      
Set in a valley and backed by mountains, Colombia’s second largest city, Medellín, is a progressive and innovative metropolis. Spend the day seeing the city's sights, taking the cable car up Cerro Nutibara for panoramic views, before admiring the sculptures of Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Later, explore the pioneering city transport system that links the suburbs to the city centre, and appreciating some excellent street art. Participate in a musical experience before enjoying a cooking demonstration for lunch.

Day 8  Medellín      
Travel out of the city to explore the surrounding region, stopping at La Piedra del Peñol, a towering rock monolith that was once worshipped by the local indigenous community. The 700-step climb to the top is optional, but those who do it will be rewarded with views across a huge reservoir created by a hydroelectric dam built in the 1970s. Continue to the town of Guatapé and wander the streets lined with vividly coloured buildings before returning to Medellín.

Day 9  Medellín to Santa Marta      
Depart Medellín and fly to the Caribbean seaside city of Santa Marta. In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, whose peaks can be seen from the beach, Santa Marta was founded in 1525, making it one of South America's oldest cities. On arrival, explore the beautiful old colonial district before heading out of the city to the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the bays of Rodadero and the fishing village of Taganga.

Day 10  Tayrona National Park      
Explore the exotic coastline of the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, winding through tropical forest before arriving at the Sea of the Seven Waves, a natural viewpoint from which to enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Walk a short way along a stretch of golden sand backed by lush rainforest and take a boat over to Playa Cristal, a beach of extraordinary beauty. Opt to take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear before returning to Santa Marta this evening.

Day 11  Santa Marta to Cartagena        
Travel by road this morning from Santa Marta to the Caribbean port of Cartagena, where the afternoon will be spent exploring the city, its vibrant historic centre, and its tastiest eats on a delicious street food tour.

Day 12  Cartagena      
This morning, take a city tour with panoramic views over the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Continue to San Felipe Fortress and the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver in the Ciudad Vieja (old city). Browse the wares of the artisan centre housed in the Bovedas (Vaults), before a rum tasting experience with a variety of favourites on offer, followed by a fun salsa lesson before dinner.

Day 13  Cartagena      
Explore La Boquilla, a steadfast Afro-descendant fishing village preserving its cultural heritage for over two centuries. Enjoy an immersive workshop, connecting with Afro-Colombian drum rhythms through hands-on interaction, before indulging in a serene catamaran sunset cruise before savouring tasty local cuisine in the heart of the walled city.

Day 14  Cartagena      
Your tour comes to an end following breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.