Essential Colombia: Bogota & Cartagena

Welcome to Bogota! Upon arrival to this beautiful city, grab your bags and sit back during your private transfer into town. After checking in, spend the rest of the day exploring at your leisure! 

La Candelaria, Bogota's historic heart, is the city's oldest district and birthplace, represented by the iconic Plaza Bolivar, which is surrounded by grand colonial buildings and churches. The Plaza's centerpiece is a statue of Simon Bolivar, set amidst the Palace of Justice, Colombian Congress, and the dominant Primary Cathedral. Beyond the square, the labyrinth of streets and alleys reveals La Candelaria's captivating character. Vibrant and bustling, it is a hub of student life and commerce, encapsulating Colombia's past and present. Nestled in La Candelaria, the Botero Museum showcases Fernando Botero's iconic "oversized" art, an emblem of Colombian creativity. This exhibition spans two floors, displaying his canvases and sculptures alongside works by renowned artists like Dali, Monet, and Van Gogh, some donated by Botero himself. Amidst Bogota's liveliness, this museum offers a serene artistic escape. After walking the streets of La Candelaria and exploring the Botero Museum, your guide will return you to your hotel.

Today, set out to enjoy a bit of local life by playing a traditional game of Tejo, and sample a few craft beers along the way. Craft beer has surged in popularity worldwide in recent years, and Colombia is no exception. The days of large breweries are gone, and in their place are unique microbreweries crafting Colombia-inspired beers. With your guide leading the way, you’ll visit a local brewery, learn about their project, and of course taste their creations. Later, you’ll learn how to play the immensely enjoyable game of Tejo. A traditional Colombian game, it merges sandbag tossing with explosives; yes, you read that correctly. In a Tejo match, lanes separated by fencing contain explosive firecrackers. Players throw a metal puck into a clay pit, aiming to trigger explosions. Points are earned for detonations or proximity to the target. Tejo, often viewed as a rural activity, is a trendy pastime in Bogota at a number of upmarket bars and venues. Today, you’ll try your hand at Tejo while enjoying a beer and connecting with locals in a lively atmosphere. Before long, you’ll be returned to your hotel.

Enjoy one last breakfast in Bogota before grabbing your bags and heading to the airport via private transfer to catch your flight to Cartagena. Catch your next private transfer into town and spend the rest of the day at your leisure until you get ready to head out for the evening. 

Experience Cartagena's vibrant day-to-night transformation. Daytime brings lively streets filled with vendors and locals, while nights light up with a different energy. As the temperature cools, Cartageneros take to bars, restaurants, and plazas. Younger residents dance to salsa beats, while their elders enjoy fine dining. This tour offers a taste of Cartagena's nightlife, starting with a cocktail at a sea-view lounge like Café del Mar. Then, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant, each with its unique charm. The night ends at a local bar, perhaps Cafe Havana, where salsa rhythms and local dances create an unforgettable atmosphere. After a night out enjoying vibrant Cartagena, you will be returned to your hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Nacar Curio Collection

This half-day experience takes in two of the most iconic sights in Cartagena. Located just outside the historic old town, the imposing San Felipe de Barajas fortress is one of the city's most distinctive landmarks and is a formidable example of military might and architecture. Rising above the skyline, from this dominant vantage point the Spanish kept watch over the entrances to the city both by land and sea. San Felipe is the largest Spanish-built fortification in the New World, and along with the ramparts and stone walls was part of the city's defence against marauding pirates. Built on top of the San Lázaro hill, construction began in 1536 and continued for some 200 years. Underneath this amazing structure is a labyrinth of tunnels, many of which are still accessible. The sun-soaked fortifications are a living breathing history book, steeped with tales of old. The La Popa Convent sits in a privileged position, and is the highest landmark in the city. The convent started life as a humble and modest wooden chapel in the early 1600s but was later fortified and expanded to its current majesty. The cool, leafy, flower-filled courtyard and patio lead out to a viewing platform. From here there are panoramic vistas that stretch out over the city, old town, the bay of Cartagena, and the Caribbean Sea beyond. Inside the small chapel is the immaculate gold-plated and carved alter and ornate decoration dedicated to the "Virgin de la Candelaria", patron saint of the city. The convent still plays an important role in the life of the city's Catholics and is often full to bursting on religious holidays.

Indulge in the perfect pairing of fine rum and decadent chocolate with a local expert mixologist and rum sommelier. Discover Colombia's mastery of these exquisite treats. Local rums, aged for rich flavors, and a variety of chocolates, from sweeter to bitter, will be expertly paired for a sensory experience like no other. Learn about distillation processes, Colombia's love for rum, and its rise in the global cacao industry. This delightful combination unveils the treasures of Colombia's flavors, evoking stories of pirates and camaraderie. Rum and chocolate - a truly tempting indulgence.

Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure!

Today is yours to discover! Lounge by the beach, stroll the streets, sample cuisine, or explore new avenues! The day is at your leisure!

Time to wrap up the adventure and enjoy one last breakfast! Grab your bags and sit back during one last private transfer to the Cartagena airport. Drop off the bags, catch your plane, and prepare to head back home!