Overview
Gorgeous colonial towns, Andean cloud forest, pre-Hispanic sites, and a culture alive with dance, music, and gastronomic delights—this is the dazzling realm of Colombia! On our Private Journey, you’ll be among the first to explore a magnificent country revealing itself anew. This adventure avoids the crowds as you begin in Bogotá, taking in the Gold Museum, home of the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold in the world, then head east to discover the cobbled streets of Villa de Leyva, founded in 1572. After a hike in the cloud forests of Iguaque National Park, enter lush Santander province, the “adventure capital of Colombia,” land of the green mountains of the eastern Andes and the vast canyons of the Rio Chicamocha. From the magical colonial village of Barichara, set atop a vast plateau and seemingly lost in time, set out for hikes on colonial-era cobblestone paths called caminos reales and into the rugged scenery of the deep Cañón de Chicamocha. Colombia has a 100-year legacy of growing the world’s finest coffee, and spending a night at a peaceful, family-run coffee hacienda allows you to sample some of Colombia’s finest organic coffee. Got more time? Extend your adventure in Cartagena, Medellin, or the Coffee Triangle.
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Bogotá / Villa de Leyva / Iguaque Cloud Forest
After a walking tour of old Bogotá and a visit to the impressive Gold Museum, head to Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful colonial towns in Colombia, followed by a hike with a local naturalist amid the giant tree ferns, bromeliads, and orchids of the Andean cloud forest.
Days 4-7
Barichara / Camino Real to Guane / El Roble Hacienda
From the unique ecosystem of Iguaque cloud forest, explore the village of Barichara, set atop a vast plateau and seemingly lost in time. Set out for hikes on remote colonial-era cobblestone paths called caminos reales and into the rugged scenery of the deep Cañón de Chicamocha, where spectacular cliffs rise above the river. Colombia has a 100-year legacy of growing the world’s finest coffee, and you’ll overnight at a family-run coffee hacienda to sample some of Colombia’s best brew.
Day 8
Depart
After a tour of the coffee plantation, depart via Bucaramanga, the “cattle capital” of Colombia, or continue on an extension to Cartagena, Medellin, or the Coffee Triangle.
Colombia Private Journey
Highlights
Highlights
Details
Easy to moderate day hikes, 3-6 hours a day most days, cultural explorations, and walking tours
