The Secret Heart of Colombia
The Secret Heart of Colombia
The Secret Heart of Colombia
17 Days Starting and ending in Bogota
Visiting: Bogota, Villa de Leyva, Tatacoa Desert, San Agustín, Popayan, Coffee Region, Cacao Blunt, Manizales, Honda
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
Colombia is rapidly emerging from its reputation as the bad boy of Latin America to show its true colours as one of the most exciting corners of the continent. Put aside what you’ve read about Colombia’s murky past: for those willing to step beyond the stereotypes, the country offers a breathtaking array of world class attractions that are sure to leave an enduring imprint on the souls of all who visit. On this overland journey of discovery we take a trip back into the past, exploring both the magnificent colonial heritage of the capital Bogota, Villa de Leyva and Filandia, as well as unearthing pre-Columbian culture at the extraordinary site at San Agustin. We spend time in the famed coffee zone, experiencing rural life set amidst a dazzling array of spectacular scenery and jaw-dropping natural beauty. One of the most bio-diverse nations on the planet, the entire trip offers sights, sounds, smells and tastes that will overwhelm even your highest expectations and leave you bemused as to why this is such an unfrequented corner of the Americas. Join us to explore Colombia and become a convert to the joys of this welcoming and enigmatic nation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival In Bogota
Location: Bogota
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar
Meals Included: None
Arrive in Bogota and transfer to the hotel, located in the historic heart of the city. The rest of the day is at leisure to either explore or relax. If you have arrived early you may wish to visit the interesting Gold Museum which is very close to the hotel, housing one of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic metallurgy in the world, offering an insight into this lucrative but controversial activity which has brought wealth, war and fortune-seekers to Colombia’s shores for many centuries. Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar. No meals are included today.
Day 2 : Bogota Sightseeing
Location: Bogota
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the first full day on tour in Bogota exploring this vibrant city on foot and by vehicle. Firstly take a guided walk around La Candelaria – the historical centre of Bogota with colonial and baroque style buildings and cobblestone streets and plazas, and visit the Emerald Museum which catalogues the country’s rise to being the world’s largest emerald producer (make sure you bring ID) and then the San Francisco Church, a sixteenth century delight which still draws pilgrims as the oldest Christian site in the city. Continue to the Paloquemao for a visit to the bustling and colourful public market, essentially an authentic farmer’s market on an epic scale: a genuine cornucopia of foods and eating places, wander through the myriad of stalls and perhaps sample an arepa or pan de bono. Continue for spectacular views of Bogota City from one of its mountainous peaks at the Monserrate monastery, a seventeenth century shrine to ‘The Fallen Lord’. Overnight at Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar (BL)
Day 3 : Bogota - Zipaquirá – Raquira - Villa De Leyva
Location: Villa de Leyva
Accommodation Name: Hotel & Spa Getsemani or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Drive to the famous Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, carved into the tunnels of a salt mine, and experience the surreal journey into the heart of the mountain’s holy site. From here, continue as far as the charming village of Raquira, famous for its handicrafts and pottery. After a short break to admire local craftsmen’s skills, continue to the beautifully preserved and traditional town of Villa De Leyva, characterised by its clusters of white-washed colonial-style buildings and sweepingly elegant central square. Overnight at Hotel & Spa Getsemani or similar. (BL)
Day 4 : Villa De Leyva Sightseeing
Location: Villa de Leyva
Accommodation Name: Hotel & Spa Getsemani or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the morning exploring Villa de Leyva, visiting the central plaza with its churches, restaurants and handicraft shops. Take a guided walk through its atmospheric streets, many boasting huge cobblestone paving that boast colourful bougainvillea spilling from balconies, patios, courtyards and white-washed buildings with pan-tiled roofs. Continue to the “Santo Ecce Homo” Dominican convent, constructed in 1620 by the Spanish from local stone, studded with a profusion of fossils. The site offers a real window on the colonial era and religious missions from Europe. Having passed through the delightful gardens, within you will find a dozen beautiful galleries adorned with religious art and impressively informative guide materials. Later, continue to the extraordinary Museo el Fósil, which houses the 7-metre-long remains of a crocodile-like ancestor, the Kronosaurus, dated between 100 and 150 million years old, and beached here when the whole area lay on the shores of a tropical sea. Finish the tour at the Casa de Terra Cotta, claimed by architect Octavio Mendoza to be the largest piece of pottery in the world. Explore the whimsical rooms inside, fashioned entirely from clay, baked hard by the sun. The afternoon is at your leisure to further discover this charming town. Overnight at Hotel Hotel & Spa Getsemani or similar (BL)
Day 5 : Villa De Leyva – Tunja – Bogota – Girardot
Location: Bogota
Accommodation Name: GHL Relax Hotel Club el Puente or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Leaving Villa de Leyva behind, drive back towards Bogota taking an alternative scenic back-road via Tunja, capital city of the department of Boyacá. Stop at the most important monument in Colombian history: the Boyacá Bridge, a tiny, white-washed stone crossing which belies its national significance. On that site Simón Bolívar won his most decisive battle against Spanish settlers which directly paved the way for independence from the Spanish Empire and the establishment of ‘Gran Colombia’. On arrival back in Bogotá, pay a visit to the foundation of Hogar de Paz and learn about their vital work to shelter and support adolescents with family difficulties by supporting them via community projects. Finally, continue south to Girardot. Overnight GHL Relax Hotel Club el Puente or similar (BLD)
Day 6 : Girardot – Villavieja/Tatacoa Desert
Location: Tatacoa Desert
Accommodation Name: Hosteria Matamundo or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast start the journey to Neiva along the reliable tarmac of Route 45 which gradually gives way to narrower roads alongside which are villages with clusters of houses amidst scattered woodland approaching Villavieja, a little village close to the Tatacoa Desert. In the afternoon we take a trip through the arid scrub where we will pass the labyrinthine profusion of eroded dry gullies in ochres and greys which make for some stunning photographic opportunities. We continue to Neiva where we spend the night. Overnight at Hosteria Matamundo or similar (BL)
Day 7 : Villavieja - San Agustin – Excursion To Rio Magdalena
Location: San Agustín
Accommodation Name: Akawanka Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave Villavieja in the early morning and drive through a vivid landscape, rising through dramatic mountain-scenery with the Rio Cabrera and then the Rio Ambica as constant companions. As the route winds around the edges of hills and wooded ridges, near the archaeologic hotspot of Colombia –San Agustin. We spend the next two nights imbibing the splendour of the area and its archaeological wonders. In the afternoon we drive to the famous Rio Magdalena Strait. Here, the longest river in Colombia narrows to a raging torrent just two metres wide. Returning to San Agustin, we visit a ‘trapiche’ traditional factory producing unrefined panela sugar from sugar cane. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently. Overnight at Akawanka Lodge or similar. (BL)
Day 8 : San Agustin Archaeology
Location: San Agustín
Accommodation Name: Akawanka Lodge or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend today exploring the village of San Agustin and its Archaeological Park, which comprises three main sites: Las Mesitas, the Fuente de Lavapatas, and the Bosque de Las Estatuas, all of which will astound and bemuse you in equal part. The visit ends with a fascinating visit to the Archaeological Museum which will provide fascinating context to what was seen throughout the day. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the tranquillity of the hotel. Overnight at Akawanka Lodge or similar (BL)
Day 9 : San Agustin – Isnos - Popayan
Location: Popayan
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Plazuela or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, continue to Popayan stopping at Village Isnos where nearby we will observe some impressive tombs and statues at Alto de Los Idolos, dating from the 1st century BC to the 5th century AD. In all, 16 tombs and 17 sculptures were built on an ambitious man-made platform between two hills. The region’s largest funerary statue, at 7m tall is also to be found there. Continue traversing the beautiful Puracé National Natural Park, named after the active volcano in this stunning mountainous region. Experience the unforgettable landscape of the Andean cloud forest where the road winds and climbs through lush vegetation which tumbles thick and steaming down the hillsides. On its fringes, pass through the little-known landscape of the Paramo: residing between exposed mountain-sides and forest, this wetland offers incredible biodiversity from over 200 orchid species, rare trees such as the Colombian Pine, Andean Oak and Wax Palm, and animals worth keeping a beady eye out for – like spectacled bears, cougars, howler monkeys, mountain tapir and the world’s smallest deer, the pudu. The sharp-eyed visitor may also spot circling Condor in the skies above. We expect to arrive in Popayan – known as The White City – around midday. This afternoon, take a walking tour to discover what the city has to offer. Overnight at Hotel La Plazuela or similar (BL)
Day 10 : Popayan – Silvia – Timbio - Popayan
Location: Popayan
Accommodation Name: Hotel La Plazuela or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we visit Silvia, where on Tuesdays, the indigenous Guambiano people come together dressed in their royal blue and fuschia native costumes to offer and buy their products at the market and to converse with one another. This takes place at the famous market in Silvia, which creates a special opportunity to see and meet these ancestral groups that are so fiercely proud of their culture. Depending on the length of the visit, we either have lunch in Silvia or back in Popayan, before we continue to Timbío, one of the few places where the silk production, which was initiated by the state about 40 years ago, still persists. Here, the entire production process – from cultivating the mulberry leaves to the production of the silk threads – is entirely in women’s hands. We are welcomed by the strong women whoshow and tell us everything about their daily work on a tour through the mulberry fields, the nursery and pupating stations of the silk worms, as well as the final processing of the raw silk. After a delicious local snack and a visit of the local silk craft store, we head back to Popayán. Overnight Hotel La Plazuela or similar (BL)
Day 11 : Popayan - Buga - Qimbaya (Coffee Region)
Location: Coffee Region
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Nora or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today we leave Popayan and head towards the Coffee Region, where we stop in Buga, where the famous Basilica del Señor de los Milagros is located – founded to celebrate the miracle of the gift of a crucifix from the local river to a generous and pious old woman. We then continue on to our charming hotel in the coffee region. Overnight Hotel Vila Nora or similar (BL)
Day 12 : Excursion Cacao Tour – Cacao Finca (Approx. Duration 6 Hours)
Location: Cacao Blunt
Accommodation Name: Hotel Vila Nora or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
We leave our hotel towards the city of Armenia. In case of bad weather we change to Willy jeeps to make our way to Hacienda Evelyza, where we visit the plantation of different native and non-native varieties of cocoa. The owner of the Hacienda shares his profound knowledge of the cultivation, history and culture of cacao. During the tour through we taste various cacao fruits, and see how the grafts for no new seedlings are made. Finally we arrive at the main house where we experience the fermentation-, drying- and artesanal grinding-process. After tasting a delicious, selfmade hot chocolate, we return to our accommodation. Overnight Hotel Vila Nora or similar (BL)
Day 13 : Qimbaya – Alarcá – Manizales
Location: Manizales
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Venecia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today we take it easy and enjoy the grounds of the finca in the morning, before we drive north towards Manizales. On the way we stop at a typical “trapiche”, where sugar cane is processed to raw sugar cane blocks called “panela”. Panela is used in every Colombian household and is a great alternative to white sugar. We either have lunch close by or continue to our final destination of Hacienda Venecia in the outskirts of Manizales. Overnight Hacienda Venecia or similar (BLD)
Day 14 : Menizales – Half Day Coffee Process
Location: Manizales
Accommodation Name: Hacienda Venecia or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the morning learning about the fascinating life and culture of those who inhabit the coffee region and learn about the complex process that transforms the humble coffee bean into one of Colombia’s most renowned exports as well as enjoying tastings of the farm’s product (this tour is shared by other visitors to the Hacienda). This afternoon will be at leisure for you to relax or explore further. Overnight at Hacienda Venecia similar (BL)
Day 15 : Manizales – Honda (Approx. Driving 4 Hours)
Location: Manizales
Accommodation Name: Hotel Casa Belle Epoque or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After a leisurely morning we leave Manizales and head to the quaint little city of Honda for two nights. Overnight Hotel Casa Belle Epoque or similar (BL)
Day 16 : Honda
Location: Honda
Accommodation Name: Casa Belle Epoque or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today take a half day walking tour through this historic river town, founded in 1643, located directly at the Magdalena River. Visits include the market (plaza de mercado), the puente Navarro Bridge, some colonial houses and the “Museo del rio”. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Casa Belle Epoque or similar (BL)
Day 17 : Honda – Bogota Departure (Approx. Driving Time 4 Hours)
Location: Bogota
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we drive back to Bogota via the central Andes mountains. Upon arrival and at a suitable time you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight (B)
What's Included
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Arrival and departure transfers
Transfers to and from the airport at the beginning and end of the tour are included.
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Overland transport throughout with professional driver
All necessary overland transportation throughout the tour is provided, accompanied by a professional driver.
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All accommodation
Accommodation for the duration of the tour is included.
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Services of English-speaking guide / tour leader
The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader to enhance your travel experience.
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Meals as listed
Meals are provided as indicated in the itinerary, including breakfast (B), lunch (L), and dinner (D).
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Entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary
Entrance fees for all sites listed in the tour itinerary are covered.
What's Not Included
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International flights
International flights are not included in the tour price.
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Any airport taxes
Airport taxes are not included and must be paid separately.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended for all travelers.
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Visa - when required
Visa fees are not included and are the responsibility of the traveler.
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Drinks
Drinks are not included and will need to be purchased separately.
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Items of personal nature
Personal items such as souvenirs, laundry, and other personal expenses are not included.
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Tips (Discretionary)
Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are at the discretion of the traveler.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes arrival and departure transfers, overland travel with a professional driver, ensuring a comfortable journey through Colombia's diverse landscapes.
Accommodation
Guests will enjoy stays in charming hotels such as Hotel Casa de la Vega, Hotel & Spa Getsemani, and Hacienda Venecia, offering a mix of colonial elegance, modern comforts, and unique local character.
Check out our Q&As
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What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include international flights, any airport taxes, travel insurance, visa fees when required, drinks, items of personal nature, and tips (discretionary).
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What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes arrival and departure transfers, overland transport throughout with a professional driver, all accommodation, services of an English-speaking guide / tour leader, meals as listed, and entrance fees for sites listed as part of the itinerary.
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What are the highlights of the Secret Heart of Colombia tour?
The highlights of the Secret Heart of Colombia tour include visiting vibrant Bogota and the Candelaria neighbourhood, discovering the subterranean Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, taking a stroll around historic Popayan’s and its amazingly preserved colonial relics, learning about coffee cultivation in the Coffee region, the core of the Arabica-growing region, taking in the breath-taking and unique landscapes of the Cocora Valley and Tatacoa Desert, marveling at the little-known archaeological mysteries of San Agustin, and exploring more of Colombia with an optional extension to the Caribbean coast to visit UNESCO protected Cartagena and Tayrona National Park.
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What dietary options are available on the tour?
The information provided does not specify the dietary options available on the tour.
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What languages are offered by the tour guides?
The tour includes the services of an English-speaking guide or tour leader.
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What type of accommodations can be expected on the tour?
Accommodations for the duration of the tour are included, with specific hotels mentioned such as Hotel Casa de la Vega or similar, Hotel & Spa Getsemani or similar, Hosteria Matamundo or similar, Akawanka Lodge or similar, Hotel La Plazuela or similar, Hotel Vila Nora or similar, GHL Relax Hotel Club el Puente, and Hacienda Venecia or similar.
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I’m a single traveller – will I feel out of place?
In a word, no. We get a good mix of single travellers and couples on our group tours.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We are happy to allocate a twin room to two single same-sex travellers. If there is no one else to travel
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
No, sorry this is not possible.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We offer fully transferable group tour deposits (excluding any flight payments which are always non-refundable). You can change your group tour booking up to 10 weeks before departure and not lose your deposit – we will put your deposit towards any new group booking as long as you travel within 2 years of the original departure date.
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Can I alter the tour?
On our scheduled departures this isn’t possible, simply due to the fact that you’ll be travelling with other people. However, if you like the look of one of our advertised trips but want to tweak it slightly, then we can offer tailor made itineraries just for you, to accommodate your specific requirements.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
There are no hard and fast rules about what type of people travel on Undiscovered Destinations’ group tours – we attract people from all ages, nationalities and walks of life. What you are likely to find though is that travellers share a similar outlook about travel. We tend to attract people with a curiosity about the lesser visited corners of our planet.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
We have been going since 2004.
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Free Date Changes
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Undiscovered Destinations allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform undiscovered destinations, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Undiscovered Destinations requires a minimum deposit of 350 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of undiscovered destinations charges.
Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 40% of booking price.
At 34 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 20 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.