Private Tour Highlights
- Meandering through the quaint cobblestone streets of Villa de Leyva while admiring the Spanish-style houses and plazas of the town.
- Exploring Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, on a private city tour encompassing the beautiful colonial architecture in La Candelaria, the Emerald Museum and Gold Museum; to name a few.
- Admiring sweeping views of Bogotá and beyond from the top of Monserrate Hill, before visiting the old country home of Simon Bolívar at the foot of the hill to see the exquisite gardens and museum.
- Stepping foot in the beguiling Salt Cathedral just outside of Bogotá in Zipaquira, carved 120 meters underground from an old salt mine.
- Lapping up the extraordinary atmosphere of Cartagena, the picturesque walled city awash with cobbled streets and pretty plazas.
- Hopping over to the beautiful Rosario Islands, a National Park brimming with vibrant marine life, for a few relaxing days of swimming and snorkeling.
Tour Overview
Make your way to the beaches of Colombia before too many other travelers catch on to this up-and-coming travel destination with Yampu’s Cultural Colombia from Colonial Cities to Caribbean Coastline trip. Tour Bogotá, Colombia’s capital; Villa de Leyva, a small and colonial town declared a national monument by Colombia in the fifties; and Cartagena, an classic Colombian city filled with rich history, culture and architecture. This tour also includes a visit to Rosario Islands.
On this tour, you’ll spend 2 days in Bogotá (where you’ll visit La Candelaria, Plaza Bolívar, Monserrate and el Museo del Oro). You’ll visit the beautiful colonial city of Villa de Leyva and Zipaquirá’s Underground Salt Cathedral. Then you’ll spend 3 days in Cartagena (where you’ll take a trip to the Rosario Islands and tour the old, walled city center), and after that, you’ll spend 2 days in the beautiful Islas del Rosario. You may choose to add a few nights in Tayrona National Park or Santa Marta.
Inclusions
Package Price: From £$ 3765
Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.
Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.
Trip Type:
All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!
Tour Itinerary
Bogota
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Bogota is a modern capital city with stand-out cultural, intellectual and social draws as well as rich colonial heritage.
Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Bogota is a modern capital city with stand-out cultural, intellectual and social draws as well as rich colonial heritage.
City tour of Bogota with Monserrate
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First, visit the Museo del Oro (whose collection features nearly 34,000 gold objects and 20,000 in stone, ceramic, textiles and precious stones from the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures). The Museo de Oro's collection is considered one of the most meaningful and substantial collections of its kind—worldwide. Then, head to the historic center known as La Candelaria. Old “casonas” (grand houses marked Spanish influence) with iron windows, thick wooden doors, balconies and internal patios and gardens line the ancient streets. La Candelaria unfolds around the Plaza Bolívar, named after Simón Bolívar, El Libertador. Originally called Plaza Mayor, it was used for civil and military events and as a marketplace, bull ring and execution platform.
Upon leaving this area, continue on to la Quinta de Bolívar, the country house of Simon Bolívar. Set at the foot of Cerro de Monserrate and surrounded by impressive gardens, the museum is filled with documents, letters, maps, uniforms and personal possessions.
Notes: Travel by cable car up to 10,500 feet to the top of the Mountain that looks over Bogota; museums closed on Monday.
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Bogota – Zipaquira – Villa de Leyva
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While heading to the Salt Cathedral, see the central region of the savanna and pass typical Colombian villages as well as greenhouses (in the Flower Region). The structure of the Salt Cathedral is impressive, to say the least. The visit there begins in a tunnel that exhibits the fourteen stations of the Way of the Cross and leads to the dome from where one can observe the great cross sculpted in low relief. Then arrive at the three naves of the cathedral joined by openings that represent the birth and death of Christ. The central nave houses the main altar; a 16-meter cross; and the Creation of Man, a marble statue sculpted by Carlos Enrique Rodríguez.
Afternoon transfer to Villa de Leyva. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Founded in 1572 by Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva (by order of the kingdom of Granada), Villa de Leyva boasts Spanish style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets and the Plaza.
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Villa de Leyva – Bogota – Cartagena
Morning at leisure to tour Villa de Leyva’s historic city center. Transfer back to Bogota and visit the Convento Ecce Huomo on the way. Upon arrival in Bogota take a flight to Cartagena. Then transfer to the hotel. Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia and an important Caribbean port. After numerous pirate attacks in the colonial era, a wall was built to surround the historic city center and protect its inhabitants. Cartagena is now a popular tourist destination that retains its colonial architecture and charm.
Morning at leisure to tour Villa de Leyva’s historic city center. Transfer back to Bogota and visit the Convento Ecce Huomo on the way. Upon arrival in Bogota take a flight to Cartagena. Then transfer to the hotel. Cartagena is the fifth largest city in Colombia and an important Caribbean port. After numerous pirate attacks in the colonial era, a wall was built to surround the historic city center and protect its inhabitants. Cartagena is now a popular tourist destination that retains its colonial architecture and charm.
Cartagena Old Town Walk
Guided walk along the walled old town. (The walled, colonial city center of Cartagena was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.) See churches; colonial houses (their balconies and other architectural nuances); the Museum that was the residence of the five-time president of the Republic, Rafael Nuńez; the Santa Catalina bastion; and Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), where one can find hand-crafted souvenirs. Afternoon at leisure.
Guided walk along the walled old town. (The walled, colonial city center of Cartagena was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.) See churches; colonial houses (their balconies and other architectural nuances); the Museum that was the residence of the five-time president of the Republic, Rafael Nuńez; the Santa Catalina bastion; and Las Bovedas (The Dungeons), where one can find hand-crafted souvenirs. Afternoon at leisure.
Cartagena
Day at leisure to tour Cartagena. One may also want to add an excursion to the Totumo Volcano, for a mud bath (known for its medicinal properties) followed by a regular bath at El Totumo Lagoon. Totumo Volcano is just 50 minutes from Cartagena.
Day at leisure to tour Cartagena. One may also want to add an excursion to the Totumo Volcano, for a mud bath (known for its medicinal properties) followed by a regular bath at El Totumo Lagoon. Totumo Volcano is just 50 minutes from Cartagena.
Islas del Rosario
Cruise to Rosario Islands (to the south of the Bay of Cartagena). These Islands constitute a National Natural Park on account of their 23 coral islands and marine fauna. The coral islands were formed by volcano activity that raised the seabed and created ideal conditions for the development of coral reefs. There will be a chance to swim and snorkel. Lunch Included. Overnight on Rosario Island.
Cruise to Rosario Islands (to the south of the Bay of Cartagena). These Islands constitute a National Natural Park on account of their 23 coral islands and marine fauna. The coral islands were formed by volcano activity that raised the seabed and created ideal conditions for the development of coral reefs. There will be a chance to swim and snorkel. Lunch Included. Overnight on Rosario Island.
Islas del Rosario
Day at leisure to explore the Rosario Islands.
Day at leisure to explore the Rosario Islands.
Cartagena – Bogota
Return to Cartagena and transfer to the airport to take the flight to Bogota. Upon arrival connect with the international flight back home.
Return to Cartagena and transfer to the airport to take the flight to Bogota. Upon arrival connect with the international flight back home.
Villa de Leyva - Boyaca, Colombia
Bogotá - Bogota, Colombia
Cartagena - Bolivar, Colombia
Isla Del Rosario - Magdalena, Colombia
Places You'll See
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Bogota
Located in the center of Colombia, the city of Bogota appeals to all types. The La Candelaria area draws in the lovers of art and culture with its many museums including the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum. Other notable attractions include botanical garden Jose Celestino Mutis, the National Observatory, and over 100 shopping malls.
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Villa de Leyva
The charming city of Villa de Leyva is full of original and authentic history. It is one of the few Colombian towns able to preserve nearly all of its colonial architecture. Visit one of the numerous museums scattered throughout the town, including Museo Paleontoligico for its fossil collection or the Museo del Carmen for its collection of beautiful religious art.
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Cartagena
The walled city of Cartagena, with its cobblestone streets and gorgeous colonial architecture, is full of exciting and engaging sites and activities. Visit the Palacio de la Inquisicion, where the Spanish Inquisition condemned men accused of crimes against religion. Or spend the day at the Playa Blanca beach, enjoying the surf and the sand.
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Isla del Rosario
These Islands are a National Natural Park consisting of a group of coral islands surrounded by a crystal clear sea. The 23 coral islands were formed by volcano activity causing the seabed to rise creating ideal conditions for the development of coral reefs. This area is a great natural habitat for a large variety of marine fauna.
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Testimonials
Caroline T.
Traveled January, 2016
Our trip was excellent!
Highlights from our trip: Bogota museums and the Sunday bike ride (absolutely fabulous guide for that), Hotel in Villa de Leyva (the best!), Medellin (wonderful Aquarium, also visit to Level 1 neighborhood, also great restaurant), Botero sculptures and museum, walking around in Cartegena, hotel in Cartegena, great restaurants in Cartegena, snorkeling.
Traveled To
Edoardo
Traveled February 2016
It was a most memorable trip and we enjoyed every minute of it
It was a most memorable trip and we enjoyed every minute of it, thanks to the impeccable Yampu’s organization and the great support offered by your local agents.
Claudia is feeling much better and thinks it was thoughtful of you to send her some teas.
Traveled To
Claudia ed Edoardo
Traveled February, 2016
It was a most memorable trip
And we enjoyed every minute of it, thanks to the impeccable Yampu organization (it is not a novelty…) and the great support offered by your local agents. Excellent guides, interpreters and drivers. Remarkable choice of hotels. To sum it up: a fantastic trip. Would you please convey our deepest thanks to all of your local agents for their generous assistance and their willingness to satisfy our requests.
A special grateful thank you to you, Wendy. I did appreciate your unstinting support, your professional approach and your astonishing ability to interpret and develop your customer’s project.
We do not say addio but arrivederci, hoping to travel with Yampu again.
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