San Pedro Claver Church, Cartagena, Colombia

Highlights of Colombia

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

15 Days

Prices Start from

£4,695pp(ex. flights)

Combine a host of Colombia’s cultural highlights, spending time in vibrant cities, peaceful mountain villages and fertile coffee growing valleys, topped off with time on the coast.  

This holiday to Colombia connects the highlights and unveils some of the hugely varying landscapes. Journey from the grand colonial churches and street art of Bogota to the whitewashed mountain villages of Villa de Leyva and the coffee growing regions of Armenia. Finish with time in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Cartagena before escaping to an island retreat on the shores of the Caribbean.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Colonial Buildings, Cartagena, Columbia 1

Old Town Cartagena

Wander the charming avenues and colourful cobbled streets of Old Town Cartagena.

Coffee Plantation, Colombia 2

Sip Colombian Coffee

Ride on a WWII Willys Jeep and learn about the Colombian coffee making process.

3

Island Time

Stay in a thatched bungalow and relax on the sandy beaches of Isla Baru.

Santa Ecce Homo Monastery, Villa de Leyva, Colombia 4

Whitewashed Town

Visit whitewashed colonial Villa de Leyva, which appears to be frozen in time.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Colombia on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Bogota (Hotel de la Opera)

  • Days 2 - 3

    Bogota (Hotel de la Opera)

  • Day 4

    Bogota - Villa de Leyva (Casa Terra)

  • Day 5

    Villa de Leyva (Casa Terra)

  • Day 6

    Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Armenia (Hacienda Bambusa)

  • Days 7 - 8

    Armenia (Hacienda Bambusa)

  • Day 9

    Armenia - Cartagena (Casa San Augustin)

  • Days 10 - 11

    Cartagena (Casa San Augustin)

  • Day 12

    Cartagena - Isla Baru (Hotel Las Islas)

  • Days 13 - 14

    Isla Baru (Hotel Las Islas)

  • Day 15

    Isla Baru - Cartagena

Day 1

Bogota (Hotel de la Opera)

Arrive into Bogata and transfer to your hotel to overnight.

Days 2 - 3

Bogota (Hotel de la Opera)

Spend two days exploring Bogata and the surrounding areas. The Baroque and Spanish colonial architecture and plazas of historic La Candelaria are some of the city’s biggest draws, while the modern uptown zone is packed with restaurants and cafes abuzz with a new generation of “rolos” revelling in an era of peace and stability.

Day 4

Bogota - Villa de Leyva (Casa Terra)

Transfer to Villa de Leyva, a journey of around three hours. This photogenic whitewashed village is set in a peaceful mountain valley and feels untouched by time.

Day 5

Villa de Leyva (Casa Terra)

Explore the town and surrounding areas. Brimming with convents and churches as well as a lovely farmers market, the town also neighbours the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Infiernito.

Day 6

Villa de Leyva - Bogota - Armenia (Hacienda Bambusa)

Return to Bogata airport and fly to Armenia. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your accommodation. Overnight Hacienda Bambusa

Days 7 - 8

Armenia (Hacienda Bambusa)

Spend two days exploring the region – ride on a WWII Willys Jeep and learn about the Colombian coffee making process from plantation to cup.

Day 9

Armenia - Cartagena (Casa San Augustin)

Transfer around an hour to Pereira for flights to Cartagena. Transfer to your accommodation on arrival. Overnight Casa San Augustin

Days 10 - 11

Cartagena (Casa San Augustin)

Spend two days exploring – wander the charming avenues and colourful cobbled streets of Old Town Cartagena. Visit the colourful Bazurto Market accompanied by a professional chef – sift through fresh produce, spices and grains before preparing a traditional lunch together.

Day 12

Cartagena - Isla Baru (Hotel Las Islas)

Transfer to the jetty and board a boat for a short transfer to your island accommodation on Isla Baru.

Days 13 - 14

Isla Baru (Hotel Las Islas)

Spend two days at leisure on Isla Baru.

Day 15

Isla Baru - Cartagena

Transfer by boat back to Cartagena where you will be driven to the airport for onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

San Alberto Coffee Farm, Coffee Region, Colombia
San Alberto Coffee Farm

WWII Willys Jeep Tour

Colombia is known for producing some of the finest coffee in the world. Spend time in the fertile valleys of Armenia exploring the region on foot, by horseback and in a former US Army vehicle otherwise known as a WWII Willys Jeep. In the company of an expert local guide, move through the stunning Cocora Valley and the foothills of the Los Nevados Mountains, traversing cattle pastures and temperate rainforests and discovering the complexities of coffee bean growing en route. Learn how to prepare a good espresso, macchiato or mocaccino from a professional barista.

Los Martires, Bogota, Colombia
Los Martires, Bogota
Bogota, Graffiti
Bogota, Graffiti

Bicycle Tour of Bogota

The sprawling metropolis of Bogota, still fringed with shanty towns to the south, merges enchanting churches, vibrant cultural events, engaging museums and a plethora of gastronomic experiences. Hop on a privately guided bicycle tour of historic central Bogota, the canvas for highly imaginative and colourful graffiti and murals. Learn about the strong social and political messages of current and past injustices, conveyed by the artists.

Piscina Bungalow, Hotel Las Islas

Hotel Las Islas

Built using recycled and organic materials, Hotel Las Islas is located on the northern tip of Isla Baru, on the Caribbean coast, just 45 minutes from Cartagena. Settle into a seafront or treetop bungalow and spend days relaxing in the spa or on the white sandy beaches. If seeking something a little more active, take to the water to snorkel or kayak, take a tour through the mangroves, or explore the nearby Islas del Rosario.

Accommodation

Below you can see some of the wonderful places we have recommended for this journey.

Hotel de La Opera £££££

  • Colombia
  • City

Hotel de la Opera is located in the historic centre of the Colombian capital, near attractions such as the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), Teatro Colón and Palacio San Carlos. 50 rooms are split into architectural styles that span three centuries of history including Colonial, Republican and Deco. La Scala la and Mirador Restaurants offer a selection of Colombian and Mediterranean cuisine. Bar Automático is ideal for a drink in a cosy colonial atmosphere, whilst the Thermae Spa evokes the 1940s Art Deco era and is equipped with a Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, sauna and massage zone.

View Property

Hacienda Bambusa £££££

  • Colombia
  • Boutique

The hacienda is built of bamboo and clay tiles, in the typical style of the houses in the coffee region. The 250 acres that surround the hacienda are cultivated with fields of banana, cacao, orange, coffee, pineapple and cattle. There is a good-sized swimming pool. The restaurant serves dishes that are largely produced from food grown on the farm. There are just seven rooms, all of a good size and comfortably furnished. Views are either to the pool or gardens.

View Property

Casa San Agustin £££££

  • Colombia
  • Boutique

Casa San Agustin is located in the historic centre of Cartagena and effortlessly combines traditional Spanish colonialism and Cartagena’s Caribbean coast with modern-day living. 32 rooms boast centuries-old wooden beams, yet soft-blue shades and specially made furnishings resound with the nearby Caribbean Sea. Moreover, coral stone walls and some 300-year-old frescos are found in the library. The Caribbean influence is also evident in Alma, the hotel’s alfresco restaurant with delicious dishes such as conch, ceviche, Colombian-style bouillabaisse and marinated roasted sea bass. Additional facilities include a sun terrace and a small pool with a bar.

View Property

How does this holiday make a positive impact?

Our partners in Colombia have recently been approved as a Sustainable Travel Agency within their home country. This award recognises their proven commitment to sustainability, reducing any negative impacts of tourism, promoting the authentic culture of the communities and contributing to local economies.

In conjunction with the Malpelo Foundation and Conservation International, Hotel Las Islas have created coral nurseries off the island shores, working towards the rejuvenation and preservation of surrounding reefs. Learn about this conservation project and others during your stay.

Villa de Leyva is one of 18 towns within Colombia that is part of the Tourism Network of Heritage Towns. This initiative promotes sustainable development, heritage appropriation and the participation of the community in the progress of their municipalities.

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A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From £4,695 Per person

When to travel

Colombia in January

December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes. December and January, in particular, is a busy time both for locals and tourists holidaying, so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.

Colombia in February

December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes.

Colombia in March

December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes.

Colombia in April

April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.

Colombia in May

April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.

Colombia in June

April to June is the beginning of the rainy season, but it is mainly restricted to short, sharp, showers. Easter is a popular time for locals to travel so be prepared to plan ahead should you wish to visit then.

Colombia in July

July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.

Colombia in August

July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.

Colombia in September

July to September is a great time to explore the Andes region, as it is a mini dry season. The Amazon continues to receive a lot of rain throughout the year.

Colombia in October

October and November are the wettest months in much of the country, so visitor numbers are low. Road travel can become tricky, but periods of bright sunshine can still be enjoyed.

Colombia in November

October and November are the wettest months in much of the country, so visitor numbers are low. Road travel can become tricky, but periods of bright sunshine can still be enjoyed.

Colombia in December

December to March is peak season in the country, with plenty of sunshine and dry weather perfect for relaxing on the beach or hiking in the Andes. December and January, in particular, is a busy time both for locals and tourists holidaying, so it is worth booking accommodation in advance.

Holiday Inspiration

Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.

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