Colombia Snapshot

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

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

Sazagua Hotel offers spacious rooms, an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi. It is located 10 km from the centre of Pereira  which is in the heart of the coffee region in the Central Andes of Colombia.

Rooms at Hotel Sazagua are spacious and decorated with a mix of wood that creates a warm atmosphere. They are equipped with a TV and a ceiling fan and either includes a patio or a private balcony. Some rooms also have a hydromassage tub.

Guests have the opportunity to go horseback riding. Dining options at Sazagua include à la carte breakfast and a restaurant, serving contemporary cuisine. Room service is available 24/7.

The coffee zone is a geographical area that comprises of three Colombian departments: Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío; with their respective capital cities of Manizales, Pereira and Armenia. The departments have many things in common including a deep-rooted coffee culture, the pre-Columbian history that is more ingrained than the Spanish legacy, its beautiful landscapes, the friendliness and hardworking nature of the people.

It is believed that coffee was first cultivated by the Jesuits and then its use started growing gradually throughout the country and then for exportation towards the end of the XIX century. Coffee comes from a bush-like tree of the rubiáceas family and what is cultivated here in Colombia is the Arabica strain which is the most popular type. Historically coffee has always been present in one shape or form during man’s existence. It has been the drink of love and the drink of loss, happiness and sadness, friendship and loneliness.

Today you will get to visit the Finca del Café, a place where coffee tastes better when you live the experience of the farm. Once you reach the farm, the tour begins with an expert who will take you through the coffee plantations, showing you the process from planting, manual picking and pulping. After this, you will toast the beans of this special coffee in a wood stove in the typical kitchen of the country house, having an authentic coffee experience. 

During the tour, you will have several stations with viewpoints made in bamboo where you can appreciate the coffee landscape and the natural environment of the place. Finally, you will go to the innovative drying process of the coffee bean and then to the coffee processing center.

After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. This makes up part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados and is the ideal place to marvel at the “Quindian wax palm” (Ceroxylon quincense), the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. 

Around here a great number of species of birds live, in particular some types of hummingbird and the orejíamarillo or the palm parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti) which is endangered. 

Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (at additional cost), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway which takes you past the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshiped this tree. Then you can have a typical lunch and enjoy some free time.

In the afternoon, continue on, towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colorful balconies and the handicrafts shops with the Cocora viewpoint.

Afterwards, you will transfer to the traditional village of Filandia to enjoy a city tour that includes the viewpoint, the colonial homes, the Plaza de Bolivar and the coffee shops. Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel in Pereira. 

 Please Note: The luggage restriction for this flight is 15kg of checked luggage and a carry-on baggage allowance of 5kg, you can purchase extra baggage upon check in

Today you will get the chance to see the real Medellin This half day tour will take you to visit those places that best represent the social transformation that has taken place in Medellín. The tour will show the symbolic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one of the most dangerous in the world, up to today where many projects have fostered the city’s change. 

Enjoy an exciting tour through the history and present day of Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metrópolis. 20 years ago, Medellin was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Back in the early 90s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medellin's drug cartel was at its peak. Until the turn of the millennium the struggles about Escobar's successor continued, but since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world.

Visit the barrio San Javier, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín. Located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metro cable car that joins the north-east area with the city centre, which has been life changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar and also get to know the innovative transport-system in the poorer neighborhoods first hand. 

Explore Medellin’s newest invention: the electric stairways of the district Comuna 13, discover stories about its past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see some graffiti that symbolizes a form of expression of the community. Here it is possible to have a beautiful view over the city from the balconies of San Javier. 

Then, go on to La Plazoleta located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero, donated by this famous local artist in year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural transformation around these works placed in a public space. You will then be returned to your hotel to enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Poblado Alejandría offers stylish accommodation in El Poblado, within a 5-minute walk to Oviedo mall. The hotel features a spa with a steam bath, 24-hour room service and free Wi-Fi.

Rooms at Hotel Poblado Alejandría have parquet floors and are decorated in lively colors with polished wood finishings. Amenities include air conditioning, cable TV and mini bar. A breakfast may be served in the shaded garden or in the sun terrace, with a panoramic view of Medellin. Poblado Alejandría also offers a fitness center and currency exchange service. 

Leave Medellín and head to the town of Guatapé in order to visit the enormous rock.  It is located in the outskirts of Medellín and has a reservoir created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam, in the middle of the reservoir it is the Peñol Rock. 

The drive takes around two hours, during which you can appreciate the outstanding landscape of Antioquia. The Peñol Rock is possibly a meteorite due to its size. Walk up the stairs if you are full of energy (there are 654 steps to get to the top), to view the entire Guatapé reservation, this is an optional activity. 

Then visit the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colors. After lunch (included), tour the Guatapé reservoir by boat (30 minutes) before returning to Medellin.

Optional: Not included in starting price

Medellin is well known and appreciated because of its nice weather, its natural wealth and its flowers. Just an hour away from the city near the airport is located Santa Elena, a small town where the silleteros are from. They are responsible for the symbolic annual silletero’s parade, main event of the Flowers Fair. The most important tradition for them is the making of silletas with flowers grown in their own gardens.

The tour begins early in the morning heading to the east side of Antioquia, passing through Corredor de Las Palmas, the main highway to the international airport. On the way, visit a typical craft market to appreciate the local handcraft or to taste a typical meal of the region. Also, enjoy the view of the green mountains landscapes that surround Medellin, the Andes. Arrival in Santa Elena to visit the typical flower farm, where there are traditional local farmers and connoisseurs of the silleteros art. Meet with locals and learn more about this art. Keep in mind this is a rural area, roads to plantations aren’t always paved.

The word silleta comes from colonial times, when the Spanish nobles were carried by the native Indians on their backs using a structure made of wood, shaped like a chair. This tradition continued nowadays, not for carrying people but for products. You will then be transferred back to Medellin. 

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.

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.

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. 

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.