Archaeology & Culture

Travel Just 4U's representative in Colombia will meet you at the airport upon arrival. They will be holding a sign with your name after you leave the secure area with your bags. 

They will escort you to your private transfer, assist you on check-in at your hotel and present you with a detailed itinerary for your experiences in Colombia. This is your chance to run through specific pick up times and logistics for your tours in the country. 

If you have any questions regarding your itinerary, ask them now.

This modern hotel provides free WiFi and free parking in the exclusive Chico area of north Bogotá, 100 m from Virrey Park and 700 m from El Retiro Shopping Center and Zona T. A daily buffet breakfast is included.

Rooms at Hotel B3 Virrey are fitted with a flat-screen TV, a work desk and a private bathroom with hairdryer.

Guests can work out at the 24-hour fitness centre. The 24-hour front desk can arrange dry cleaning services. Chapinero is a great choice for travellers interested in nightlife, food and friendly locals.

After breakfast, you will begin a half day visit to the historic centre known as La Candelaria. This antiquated barrio is of great architectural and cultural heritage and is made up of old “stately homes” or large Spanish colonial buildings with iron windows, thick and sturdy wooden doors, balconies and internal patios with beautiful yet hidden gardens. Visit the Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great liberator Simon Bolivar is located. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza houses an important collection of religious artifacts such as textiles and artwork that has been collected over four centuries. 

The central area of Bogota, known as the Salon Eliptico, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. Around the Plaza de Bolivar are the Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices called the Edificio Liévano, the oldest school in the county called San Bartolome and the Casa de los Comuneros, thus named to remember those who participated in one of the first independence movements towards the end of the XVII Century

The visit continues with the Museo Botero, a colonial house filled with works of art done by and donated by Fernando Botero in addition to artwork from his own personal collection that includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. 

Next is the Museo del Oro (Gold museum) which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, ceramics and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Museo del Oro is considered as one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been functioning since 1939. Afterwards you will be returned to your hotel to spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Bogotá is the sprawling, chaotic and captivating capital city of Colombia. Long regarded as unsafe for tourists, Bogota is developing a new reputation as one of the most exciting and culturally diverse cities in Latin America. Bogotá is today a modern city with a bubbling cultural scene and vibrant social aspect. Picturesque, with an important architectural heritage, the most impressive collection of Pre-Columbian art in the world, unrivaled urban graffiti and fantastic museums; it is also a city of futuristic architecture with enormous and modern buildings. The poverty that lives alongside such wealth forms contrasts that make this both a fascinating and aggressive city. here are just some of the things to do whilst in this intriguing city:

Museo del Oro: or Gold Museum, is perhaps the most famous museum in Bogotá and Colombia. It is one of the most spectacular exhibits of pre-Hispanic art, culture and tradition ever displayed. 

Museo de Botero: Fernando Botero is one of Colombia’s most famous artists, known for his unique style that depicts people and animals with large, exaggerated or fat features. Even if you aren’t too interested in art, you’ll find Botero’s work lighthearted and unlike anything you’ve seen before.

Cerro Monserrate: or Monserrate Mountain, rises 3,152 meters (10,341 feet) above the sea level, and overlooks the entire city, providing spectacular views, day or night.

Bogotá Graffiti Tour: You might be wondering why you’d need a tour to see graffiti that is ultimately found all over the city. But this tour is well worth it. You’ll be visiting the murals of some of Bogotá’s most celebrated street artists

Laguna de Guatavita:If you’ve been to the Gold Museum, you have to follow it up with a visit to the Lake of Guatavita. It’s the site of the legend of El Dorado and holds significant importance in Colombia’s history

Optional: Not included in starting price

Duration: 5-6 hours.
Schedule: Thursday to Saturday at 20:00
Note: This tour can be modified by Latin rhythms such as reggaeton, vallenato, merengue, champeta and more.

This Salsa Night is perfect to meet the best salsa dancers in Bogota. Start your evening learning the basics of salsa with a professional dancer. Discover the highlights of salsa history while you taste typical liqueurs from the region. Practice the steps learned with locals in three of the best salsa clubs in the city and end the night with an impressing live music or dance performance by renown artists from Bogota.

In the morning depart from Bogotá to the north, towards Zipaquirá. After a journey of roughly 1.5 hours reach the impressive Salt Cathedral, a true achievement of engineering. The name Zipaquirá refers to Zipa, the leader of the Muisca tribe and the chief of these rich salt mines. The excursion will begin by visiting the cathedral in a series of tunnels that pass by the fourteen Stations of the Cross and continues on to the dome. The dome is lit in such a way that let one to contemplate the universe and the relationship between man and nature. Later, visitors reach the enormous cross carved into the saline rock and finally the three naves of the Cathedral that represent the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is where the main altar is located, above which lays the cross that heights 16m and has a width of 10 m. This is the largest cross made from salt in the world. 

Next, we visit the mine where there is an excellent auditorium that can seat up to two hundred people, host film screenings and events such as fashion shows. The trip ends at a mirror of water where it is possible to experience the amazing visual effects of water on carved saline rock. 

You will then have lunch and head towards the legendary Guatavita Lake. The lake is located within the forest reserve of the Cacique Guatavita and Cuchilla de Peñas Blancas. In this magical and mystical place, formerly inhabited by the ancient Muisca people, it is possible to observe a great variety of flora and fauna endemic to the high-altitude Andean woodlands.

See hummingbirds, hawks and blackbirds flitting between the trees. There is also a great variety of interesting trees. The legend of El Dorado emerged from Muisca traditions. You will ahve the chance to visit the town of Guatavita and the lake of Tominé, striking with its white painted houses, beautiful square and tranquillity. Afterwards you will return to your hotel in Bogota

For the duration of your private tour within Colombia you will have a private vehicle and a driver guide to accompany you for the duration of your Colombian adventure. While your driver guide does speak English, the level may be slightly more basic than city based guides you will encounter on other guided tours. 

This is an amazing opportunity to interact with a local Colombian who will be incredibly proud to show you their country on this unique road trip

Upon arrival at Neiva airport you will meet your Colmbian driver who will be with you for your time in Colombia. You will transfer to the north to visit the town of Villavieja and the Paleontological Museum. Then, visit the Tatacoa Desert crossing crevasses eroded by wind and water. The trip continues 217km to the south over a paved road until you arrive at San Agustín. 

This scenic journey allows you to enjoy views of the extensive floodplains of the Magdalena River valley all the way up to San Agustín. After a journey roughly 6 hours you will arrive at San Agustin and will check into the hotel and have the evening at leisure.

Akawanka Lodge is surrounded by the natural landscapes of San Agustín. Its convenient location allows guests to enjoy less than 10 minutes' walk to nearby parks and museums.

This property offers free WiFi and features mountain views from the balcony and rooms. The ensuite bathroom also comes with a shower.

Akawanka Lodge features an on-site restaurant and bar. It also provides guests with 24-hour reception and a garden terrace. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding and hiking. 

This morning you will begin to explore San Agustin by visiting the San Agustín Archeological Park, which was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. See these enormous stone statues up close with your own eyes; how the each raised plateau is man-made and has been created specifically for the stone monuments, making where you are treading, holy and sacred ground. 

Walk on to the ceremonial Fuente de Lavapatas before heading up the hill to the Lavapatas terrace from which you can enjoy a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside. Also visit the small Museo Arqueológico. 

Afterwards you will visit the wonderful Colombian massif and the source of the Magadalena River, a spectacular rocky gorge that forces the river to pass through only 2.20 meters. You will then return to your hotel.

Today you have a full day to explore the rural town of Isnos to see further Archaeological Parks such as the Alto de los Ídolos and the Alto de Las Piedras. Some of the most well-preserved tombs that still show some of the original paintwork and some of the largest stone figures found are located here.

Moving between these sights gives you the breathtaking view of the Macizo Colombiano and the incredible waterfalls of Salto del Mortiño (180 Mts) and Salto de Bordones (320 Mts). Then, visit La Chaquira, a very special place in the edge of a river canyon mixing a beautiful geographical site with an archeological site, where is a woman’s figure carved in a large rock. Afterwards you will be driven back to San Agustín and have a short visit to the town before returning back to your hotel. 

After breakfast, your driver will begin the journey to Popayán. This drive will take approximately 5 hours on unpaved roads.

The town of Popayán is a small and perfectly formed colonial town often referred to as the White City due to the prevalence of the chalk-white facades of the homes and buildings in the historical center. Founded in 1537 by the Conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar, it played an important role in colonial times as it was the middle point in the journey between Cartagena and Quito.

Enjoy the journey surrounded by the Andean scenery of mountains and high-altitude plains. Upon arrival check-in and have the evening at leisure.

Featuring an on-site regional restaurant, Hotel La Plazuela offers free Wi-Fi and American breakfast in Popayan. Caldas square is 100 m from the property. 

Featuring a 24-hour front desk assistance and providing a tranquil environment, the rooms in this 18th-century house feature private bathrooms with showers. Room service is also available. Guests at La Plazuela Hotel can order a great variety of fusion and regional dishes at the restaurant.

Today you will have a half day visit to the historic center Popayan founded in 1537, concentrating on Parque Caldas. Around the Parque Caldas are the main religious and government edifices, as well as the city’s original buildings such as the Torre del Reloj, considered one of the symbols of the city, built between 1673 and 1682 and set in 1737. 

Continue towards the Puente de Humilladero and The Morro de Tulcán, Popayán’s main archaeological site, and consists of a pre-Columbian truncated pyramid. Visit the Iglesia de Santo Domingo, a baroque style church designed by the Spanish architect Antonio García, the Iglesia de San Francisco, considered the most beautiful baroque church in town, and the Panteón de los Próceres. Resting in the pantheon are the remains of some of the most illustrious sons of Popayán, including Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera and the botanist Francisco José de Caldas. 

Then visit the Museo de Arte Religioso, which houses an interesting collection of religious art, and the Casa Museo Mosquera, the Settecento style house that belonged to General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera before returning to your hotel.

After breakfast, it will be time to say goodbye to your driver as they will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight.

Alfiz is a boutique hotel in Cartagena de Indias´s Old Town. Its restored colonial building offers rooms with modern amenities and décor from different historical periods. Free WiFi is provided.

The 4-star accomodation at Alfiz Hotel includes air conditioning and satellite flat-screen TV. It also offers a safe, a telephone and a minibar. Guests enjoy à la carte breakfast in the room or in the eating area.

Facilites comprise a reading room, a sun terrace and a swimming pool in an internal patio. Guests can schedule several tours organized by the hotel, such as a cultural walk by the Old Town.

This morning you will enjoy a half day visit to Cartagena starting with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa. Formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon. Constructed in 1606 this church and monastery are located at a height of 140masl from where you can enjoy 360º views of the city, the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean. 

Continuing onto the San Felipe fortress, erected in honor of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa”. It was built on the San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. You can walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways. Then, head to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convert and Church of the San Pedro Claver compound which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”.

Lastly, follow to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center to appreciate local handcraft. Afterwards you will be returned to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. 

Optional: Not included in starting price

This tour gives you deeper insight towards Cartagena focused on the alternative and cultural quarter and coolest barrio: Getsemani. The stories are told with present graffiti paintings with images of tropical scenes, palenqueras, and local flora and fauna.

This neighborhood has shaken off the gritty reputation, and turned to street-art as a way of incorporating the voice of local residents and artists into the fabric and the narrative of the city streets. Graffitis transformed the neighborhood in recent years, after the first Graffiti Festival in Getsemani that took place in December 2013.

Have a complete knowledge of the impressive history of Getsemani starting at the clock tower, from there, go to the street of La Sierpe (where all the murals are) and Trinidad Plaza, which has an historical, cultural and national value. Also walk on top of the city wall. The tour ends at Puerto Duro with a cultural explanation of the bus stop and the motorbike-taxis in front of the statue India Catalina and flower park.

Founded in 1533 on an original indigenous Caribe settlement, the Spanish conquistador Don Pedro de Heredia founded the city of “Cartagena de Poniente” to distinguish it from “Cartagena de Levante” in Spain. Later the city became known as “Cartagena de Indias” Just walking through its narrow yet remarkable streets there is enough to understand why Cartagena is in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This colonial area is split into three zones, the Centro, San Diego (both inside the wall city) and Getsemaní. Here are some interestings things to do while you are vistiting this very unquie city:

Ciudad Amurallada: Located in the heart of Cartagena, this ‘walled city‘, protected by a fortress, was once used to shelter the city from pirates and storms. Within this small sector you will find an incredible array of bars, restaurants, shops and some beautiful (and rather expensive) hotels.

Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca is undoubtedly one of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches. Located on Baru island, it is 45 minutes by boat from Cartagena port, or around a two-hour car journey from the main city. Crystal-clear waters lap the perfectly white sand and visitors have the option to spend a day relaxing on this incredible beach

Museo de Oro: Almost every large Colombia city has a gold museum, and Cartagena is no exception. Although it is small, the Museo de Oro hosts a fantastic collection of the gold and pottery of the Zenú (also known as Sinú) people.

Mercado de Bazurto: It’s loud, busy and pretty overwhelming, but for those travelers looking to experience the real Cartagena, a visit to Mercado de Bazurto is a must. This food market sells everything from fresh fruit to cooked turtle (which is discouraged by authorities but considered a traditional meal in many indigenous communities) 

Eat some incredible ceviche at La Cevichería: Regarded as one of the best ceviche and fish restaurants in the whole city, head to La Cevichería for a break from all the fritos (fried food) you’ve been eating and experience some incredible Peruvian-Colombian fusion food.

Optional: Not included in starting price

Today you will explore the islands of the Archipiélago del Rosario. The Rosario island is one of 46 national parks in Colombia and it was created to protect one of the most important coral reefs bordering the Colombian Caribbean coastline. The park covers 120,000 hectares and comprises the underwater shelf and the coral reefs to the west of the island of Barú, the reef that shields the Nuestra Señora del Rosario archipelago as well as the islands of Tesoro, Rosario, Múcura and Maravilla.

You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the pier to board the shared boat transfer for approximately one hour (45km.) During the transfer, you will be able to observe the impressive and beautiful landscapes of the islands with its clear waters and gentle breezes. 

Upon arrival to these islands, you will have free time to enjoy the beach, snorkel and relax. Lunch is served on the island and in the afternoon you will return via boat back to your hotel in Cartagena.