Private Tour Highlights
- Witnessing the elaborate architecture of San Agustin Archaeological Park, with its corridors, columns and statues of stone found within its many tombs.
- Eyeing up curious artifacts at the Museo Paleontologico, including the remains of a giant sloth - megaterio - that reached up to 5 meters in size!
- Marveling at the sublime colors of the Tatacoa Desert, with its russet red earth, green cacti and undulating golden sand dunes.
- Peering down the strait at Magdalena River, a rocky gorge that forces the water into a tiny space just over 7ft wide.
- Listening to stories about the “walled city” of Cartagena at the Museo de Las Fortificaciones, before strolling along cobbled streets that reflect a time gone by.
- Exploring Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, on a private city tour, encompassing fascinating museums like the Emerald Museum and Gold Museum; to name a few.
Tour Overview
Get ready for adventure and history with Yampu’s Historical Colombia Tour: Megaliths, Museums and Heritage Sites! On this Colombia tour you’ll explore Bogotá, Colombia’s capital; Cartagena, a city filled with historic streets, alley ways and stories; the Tatacoa Desert, known for its eroded rock formations, red earth, cacti and yellow sand dunes; AND the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America.
This Colombia tour begins in Bogotá (the capital city). Set high in the Andes (at more than 8,000 feet), Bogotá is replete with culture and rich colonial heritage. You’ll see main squares, churches and museums, such as the Museum of Botero (home to the artwork of Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Monet, to name a few). From there, you’ll head to Cartagena, a city filled with historic streets, alley ways and stories. Take in the old, walled city’s tiled roofs, balconies and courtyard gardens, and be sure to pack your camera. Words don’t seem to do Cartagena justice.
Next up: the department (or state) of Huila, next to the Alto Magdalena River, where you’ll see the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America (from the 5,000-year-old, Augustinian civilization). It’s no shock that this collection constitutes a UNESCO World Heritage site; the preservation of the details of the monuments and sculptures is almost unbelievable. You’ll wrap up your tour in the Tatacoa Desert, or the Valle de la Tristeza, where you’ll see eroded rock formations, red earth, many cacti and yellow sand dunes.
Inclusions
Package Price: From £$ 4453
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.
Bogota City Tour
After read more...
After breakfast start a guided tour to the Colombian capital starting in the Plaza de Bolivar (the city’s main square), which is surrounded by federal government buildings, and continues into the old colonial part of the city better known as "La Candelaria", the San Francisco Church and the Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). The tour finishes with a trip in a cable car to the top of the Monserrate Hill, which offers a spectacular view of the city.
Afternoon at leisure. (If possible, it is recommended to check out another city museum)
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Bogota – Neiva – Tatacoa Desert
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Transfer to the airport and flight to Neiva. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. After that, set off on a private tour to the Tatacoa desert (named by the conqueror Jimenez de Quesada in 1538). The climate there is hot and dry, and the temperature tends to be around 27 degrees (80F). That wasn't always the case though. In the Tertiary period, the Tatacoa was a garden with thousands of flowers and trees to its name, and to this day, it's not uncommon to come across petrified mollusks.
Formerly inhabited by the Totoyoe and Doche Indians, the Tatacoa extends from the middle of the fertile valley to the banks of the Magdalena River and boasts eroded rock formations, red earth (known as "Cuzco") and many types of cacti. In “Los Hoyos,” the landscape changes, and yellow sand dunes, not rock formations, prevail.
After exploring the desert, transfer to San Agustin.
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San Agustin
After breakfast, take private visits of the San Agustin Archaeological Park; the Mesitas A, B, C, and D; the Fuente Ceremonial del Lavapatos; and the Museo Arqueológico.
In the afternoon, head to Colombian massif and the strait of the Magdalena River, a rocky gorge that forces the river to pass through a space that's only 7.22 feet wide. Return to San Agustin, and take a short visit of the town.
After breakfast, take private visits of the San Agustin Archaeological Park; the Mesitas A, B, C, and D; the Fuente Ceremonial del Lavapatos; and the Museo Arqueológico.
In the afternoon, head to Colombian massif and the strait of the Magdalena River, a rocky gorge that forces the river to pass through a space that's only 7.22 feet wide. Return to San Agustin, and take a short visit of the town.
San Agustin – San Jose de Isnos – San Agustin
After breakfast, (privately) visit two other parks listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites: Alto de los Idolos and Alto de las Piedras. Later that day, visit the Colombian Massif, the Mortino waterfalls (600 feet) and Salto de Bardones (1,050 feet). After visiting the waterfalls, return to the hotel.
After breakfast, (privately) visit two other parks listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites: Alto de los Idolos and Alto de las Piedras. Later that day, visit the Colombian Massif, the Mortino waterfalls (600 feet) and Salto de Bardones (1,050 feet). After visiting the waterfalls, return to the hotel.
San Agustin – Neiva – Cartagena
After breakfast transfer to Neiva’s airport to take the flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Neiva’s airport to take the flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.
Cartagena City Tour
After read more...
After breakfast, take a private tour of the tour of the Old City. Start off in Parque Bolivar, a central part of the district, surrounded by large trees and four fountains with a statue of El Libertador at their center. Around the square, see the Museo del Oro and the Palace of the Inquisition distinguished by its baroque entrance door. The meetings of the tribunal took place in the palace, and the palace also housed the prison and torture chambers for the alleged opponents of the Catholic Church. The tour continues to the Santo Domingo church and the cathedral and ends in the Ramparts and the Museo de Las Fortificaciones. Afternoon at leisure. ...read less
Cartagena
Day at leisure. An excursion to the Rosario Archipelago is highly recommended.
Day at leisure. An excursion to the Rosario Archipelago is highly recommended.
Cartagena
Day at leisure. Explore Cartagena.
Day at leisure. Explore Cartagena.
Cartagena – Bogota
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Bogota. Once in Bogota, take the international flight back home or overlap with an add-on of one’s choice.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight to Bogota. Once in Bogota, take the international flight back home or overlap with an add-on of one’s choice.
Bogotá - Bogota, Colombia
Tatacoa Colombia, Huila, Colombia
San Agustin
Cartagena - Bolivar, 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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Neiva
The provider of Colombia, the Magdalena River, gives life to Neiva, the capital of the department of Huila. This city of southwestern Colombia, founded in 1612, grows in a fertile valley consisting of arid plains and fertile lands which offers a number of interests to travelers. Travelers can visit the desert of La Tatacoa, where the dry cilia makes it easy to observe stars on clear nights. Visitors should be sure to stop by the local museums in the city and learn of the area’s history and culture.
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San Agustin
Known for its pre-Columbian archaeological sites, known as the San Agustín Archaeological Park, San Augustin is the gateway for visiting numerous stone statues. Stones cast from the nearby, now inactive, volcanoes are carved in many shapes from contorted humans to sacred animals like frogs and jaguars.
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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.
Media Gallery
Hotel Options
3 Star Properties
Hotel Casa Deco
Bogota , COLOMBIA
Hotel Casa Deco emerges in a wonderful Decó refurbished building. The inside has a pleasant Italian touch with lovely details. It offers the perfect combination between discrete service with a personal, cozy and artistic touch. The interior of the hotel has generous spaces, wooden floors, big windows and balconies to look out over the nearby pedestrian streets. The hotel has 21 rooms, each with its own color and fully equipped with Italian furniture, private bathroom, Cable TV, WIFI and Room service 24 hours. The social areas include a lovely tearoom, a breakfast lounge with fireplace and an amazing terrace where guests can have a drink at the bar while enjoying a breathtaking view.
Abadia Colonial
Bogota , COLOMBIA
The Abadia Colonial is an intimate hotel in La Candelaria. The hotel has just 12 elegant and tidy, colonial style rooms, with colorful bedding. They are equipped with heating, Cable TV, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and large windows making them bright. The hotel also offers an elegant and inviting restaurant with views of Monserrate Hill, one of the main touristic attraction of the town. The restaurant serves charming and delicious Italian cooking, as well as traditional Colombian dishes. Guests can also enjoy a daily American style breakfast.
Hotel Bantu
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
The Bantú by Faranda Boutique invites guests to discover one of the most amazing accommodations in the Caribbean, full of warmth and authenticity. A charming boutique hotel in the historic center of Cartagena de Indias, the Colombian colonial city par excellence. Bantú By Faranda Boutique offers an avant garde interior design, eighteenth-century colonial architecture and unique services such as a colonial courtyard, a chill-out terrace, solarium area and swimming pool, spa, sauna, Jacuzzi, and a bar and lounge area. The Cabildo restaurant offers Caribbean and Colombian cuisine.
Alfiz
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
The Alfiz Hotel is located in a XVII century colonial house in Cartagena’s historical quarter. The restoration and decorative design of the eight rooms take in to account the most important periods of Cartagena’s history in order to provide a stylish getaway and encounter with Colombia’s historic city. The hotel offers 8 rooms featuring modern comforts such as air conditioning, Satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and a private bathroom. The hotel also features a beautiful garden, a library, a rooftop terrace, and an outdoor pool. Guests can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast, served daily, a coffee shop, and a bar and lounge area.
4 Star Properties
Bogota : Hotel de la Opera – standard Room
Hotel de la Opera – standard Room
Bogota , COLOMBIA
The Hotel de la Opera is located in La Candelaria, next to the Cristobal Colon Theater. The generous interior spaces have been beautifully renovated and designed to provide some of the best accommodation in the city in a magnificent historic setting. Guests can enjoy the exquisite Mediterranean cuisine at La Scala, or regional cuisine at El Mirador. The Hotel de la Opera has 42 rooms decorated with fine Italian-made furniture, central heating, Wi-Fi, cable TV, minibars, and all the comforts of the best luxury boutique hotels. Guests can also enjoy services such as a bar and lounge, and a Thermae Spa offering body treatments and therapies.
Andino Royal
Bogota , COLOMBIA
The Andino Royal Hotel, offers a cozy atmosphere that make guests feel right at home. Located in a landscape of business, meeting and pleasure travel pursuits. This hotel stands in a beautiful cobblestone street that invites guests to take walks and visit the various famous boutiques, upscale restaurants, and luxury shopping centers. The 70 comfortable rooms are specially designed for business and leisure. Among the services and amenities offered are: complimentary buffet breakfast, complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the property, 24 hour Business Center, Restaurant, 24 hour rooms service, meeting facilities, dry cleaning service, gym and sauna.
Sonesta
Bogota , COLOMBIA
Sonesta Hotel Bogota is a modern and exclusive hotel in northern Bogota, with a cutting edge design and sophisticated customized service. The hotel has 126 spacious and contemporary rooms offering oversized soundproofed windows and natural light, writing desk, 40″ LED Cable TV, complimentary high speed Internet access, minibar, and private bathroom. The hotel also features a charming fireplace in the lobby, a fitness center, therapeutic massage treatments, and a lobby bar. Restaurant Cook’s brings together the most authentic taste of Colombia to a higher level.
Cartagena : Sofitel Santa Clara (Classic)
Sofitel Santa Clara (Classic)
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
A perfect blend of vintage and contemporary, striking a balance between art and beauty to accommodate modernity and technology in unique surroundings. Each detail tells a story. The Sofitel Santa Clara hotel offers the perfect combination of age-old tradition, local hospitality and French luxury. The hotel offers 122 rooms, including 19 suites. With its blend of colonial architecture and modern comforts, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, personalized service, gourmet cuisine, a first-class spa, meeting rooms and cutting-edge technology for events, conventions and weddings.
Cartagena : Hotel Casa Pestagua
Hotel Casa Pestagua
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa, known as “the most beautiful house in Cartagena”, belonged to the 18th Century Count of Pestagua. Distinguished by its exquisite architectural and artistic harmony, today the Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa offers luxury hotel services, with the comfort and technology expected by the most demanding hotel standards. Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa is a boutique hotel with its exclusive offer of 11 rooms housed in spacious grounds, worthy of a first rate luxury hotel. Enjoy the privilege of being attended to in the Casa Pestagua Hotel Boutique Spa and receiving a totally personalized service in an oasis of peace and tranquility.
5 Star Properties
Bogota : The Orchids Real – Suite
The Orchids Real – Suite
Bogota , COLOMBIA
Strategically located in the heart of the cultural and diplomatic life of Bogota, the Orchid Hotel is a neoclassical house that dates back to 1892 and showcases a welcoming contrast between functionality and sophistication. The backyard invites a haven of fresh air and sunshine with a water fountain. All the suites at The Orchids Hotel have generous and inviting spaces, full of the sophistication and comfort of a modern hotel, and are equipped with fireplaces, internet, TVs, and private bathrooms. Besides the fine cuisine, The Orchids Hotel provides the option of savoring the well-known gastronomy of its associate Chef Harry Sasson.
Bogota : Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – Superior Room
Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – Superior Room
Bogota , COLOMBIA
The name Victoria Regia refers to an elegant Colombian water lily that floats in the Amazon and it is known for the strength of its leaves. The hotel reflects its beauty and vigor. True to its architectural concept of elegant lines and rich materials, this beautiful hotel is the ideal combination of the classic and contemporary. Renowned architect Miguel Soto has achieved a fine blend of elegant and modern French style, with characteristic local features, creating a welcoming and distinctive design. The hotel’s 102 rooms, including 5 private suites, offer a luxurious stay. The gourmet restaurant awakens the culinary senses and the three French-style meeting rooms are perfect for any event.
Cartagena : Ananda Hotel Boutique
Ananda Hotel Boutique
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
Ananda Hotel Boutique is located in the heart of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias. The hotel offers 23 spacious rooms, each one individually furnished and equipped with free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, minibars, and private bathrooms. The hotel also features a beautiful outdoor pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi with a comfortable lounge area, a massage room for total relaxation, and a gorgeous rooftop terrace. Carmen Cartagena offers contemporary cuisine with a fusion of ingredients and preparations from all over the world.
Cartagena : Sofitel Santa Clara (Superior)
Sofitel Santa Clara (Superior)
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
A perfect blend of vintage and contemporary, striking a balance between art and beauty to accommodate modernity and technology in unique surroundings. Each detail tells a story. The Sofitel Santa Clara hotel offers the perfect combination of age-old tradition, local hospitality and French luxury. The hotel offers 122 rooms, including 19 suites. With its blend of colonial architecture and modern comforts, the hotel offers comfortable rooms, personalized service, gourmet cuisine, a first-class spa, meeting rooms and cutting-edge technology for events, conventions and weddings.
Cartagena : Casa del Arzobispado
Casa del Arzobispado
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
Located in the center of the walled city of Cartagena de Indias, Casa del Arzobispado is the perfect retreat to relax, and soak up the charm of the city. At Casa del Arzobispado, guests can experience the magic and style of colonial times within the original architecture of the beautiful house. The 10 comfortable and attractive rooms feature antique pieces and modern amenities needed to provide the perfect combination of rest and relaxation in a luxurious atmosphere. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool with Jacuzzi, a steam room, and a solarium. There is also a complimentary breakfast served daily, as well as an onsite restaurant serving regional cuisine.
Luxury Properties
Bogota : Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota
Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota
Bogota , COLOMBIA
With its stone columns and handsome brick façade, Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá has been declared a monument of cultural interest by the Colombian Ministry of Culture. Step through the doors and be enveloped in welcoming residential comfort, with Spanish colonial accents. The Hotel’s flagship restaurant and bar adds an elegant new destination to the exciting Bogota restaurant scene in the Zona G, featuring the best of Spanish cuisine and cutting-edge mixology. Its lively streetside terrace and sheltered courtyard will feature some of the district’s most desired tables. All this is complemented by a serene and intimate spa and the intuitive, personalized care for which Four Seasons is known.
Cartagena : Hotel Casa San Agustin
Hotel Casa San Agustin
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
A luxurious small hotel lovingly restored and reimagined for a new generation of travelers, exquisite Casa San Agustín echoes Cartagena’s fresh contemporary style and colorful Caribbean sensibility. From original frescoes in the library to centuries-old wood-beamed ceilings in the guest rooms, Casa San Agustín’s art and architecture evoke the city’s rich history as 17th century Spanish stronghold. The hotel’s 30 beautifully decorated guest rooms and spacious suites showcase an authentic Colombian style while seamlessly incorporating the modern services and amenities that contemporary travelers seek. Guests can also enjoy the swimming pool with poolside bar, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Cartagena : Charleston Santa Teresa
Charleston Santa Teresa
Cartagena , COLOMBIA
Charleston Santa Teresa, in Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is where a regal mix of historical grace and contemporary cool, meets the warmth of Colombian hospitality. After exploring the sites of the city, relax in the sumptuous and chic guest rooms, unwind in Cartagena’s most luxurious hotel spa offering number of therapies and body treatments, and then experience the magic of a Caribbean sunset over dinner in La Terrazza, one of the best restaurants in Cartagena serving a daily buffet breakfast as well as a broad menu with unique flavors.
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
Barbara
Traveled February 2016
First and foremost, we had a fabulous trip!
Thank you and the whole local team so much!! We truly appreciate the immediate attention and swift action due to the missed flight connection. It was handled very professionally with lots of communication, so we had no anxiety, and while we missed some sleep since we arrived in San Agustin quite late, we were very pleased not to have to sacrifice any of the planned tour as a result of it.
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.
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