A Colombian Journey

• UNESCO sites of Cartagena, San Agustin and Tierradentro
• The colonial town of Villa de Leyva
• Andean scenery, friendly people and local markets

Colombia is genuinely one of the most remarkable countries on the planet; a land of extraordinary natural beauty and diversity, as well as remarkable history. From Bogota, with its fabulous Gold Museum and charming Villa de Leyva, this introductory tour then heads south to the extraordinary archaeological region of San Agustin, before culminating with Cartagena, one of the most iconic cities in all the Americas.

Day 1  London/ Bogotá – Arrive in Bogotá.

Day 2  Bogotá – Tour the historic centre, the magnificent Gold Museum and the Botero Art Museum. Afternoon cable car up to Cerro Monserrate forincredible panoramic views.

Day 3  Zipaquirá, Villa de Leyva – Journey north to Zipaquirá visiting the labyrinthine underground Salt Cathedral. Continue on to the beautifully preserved colonial town of Villa de Leyva.

Day 4  Villa de Leyva – Morning sightseeing including the 17th century Dominican Ecce Homo Convent, with visits also toMuseo El Fósil, with its gigantic 120 million year old fossil, and Parque Archeológico de Moniquiera, an interesting Pre-Columbian site. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5  Bogota/ Neiva, San Agustín – Return to Bogota for the flight south to Neiva and then on to San Agustín, one of the most important archaeological sites in The Americas and certainly one of the most mysterious.

Day 6  San Agustín – Morning at San Agustín Archeological Park, a UNESCO site, touring the enigmatic mesitas, some almost five metres tall. Continue to the ceremonial Fuente de Lavapatas, followed by San Agustin’s archaeological museum.

Day 7  Isnos – Head to Isnos’ remoter archaeological sites of Alto de los Ídolos and Alto de las Piedras, which boast tombs displaying original paintwork.

Day 8  San Agustín, Tierradentro - Journey through the Central Andes on partly unpaved roads to Tierradentro.

Day 9  Tierradentro, Popayán - Morning visit to Tierradentro Archaeological Park exploring the incredible subterranean galleries and museums. Visit San Andrés de Pisimbaláto to learn about the Paeces community which inhabited this region. Afternoon scenic journey to Popayán along unpaved roads.

Day 10  Popayán, Silvia – Morning visit to the small town of Silvia for market day. Silvia transforms every Tuesday into a colourful, bustling, picturesque place when the Guambiano Indians come into town dressed in their traditional anacos to sell their produce and handicrafts. Return to Popayán to visit the historic centre of town around Parque Caldas.

Day 11  Popayán, Cartagena - Fly north to Cartagena via Bogota, the beguiling jewel in Colombia’s crown, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 12  Cartagena – Full day exploring Cartagena, one of the most fascinating cities in the Americas, with its Caribbean charm and well-preserved colonial architecture.

Day 13 & 14 Cartagena/ London – Fly overnight back to London.

Sarah Woods

Sarah Woods is an award-winning freelance writer and author of the Bradt guide to Colombia. She has lived and travelled extensively throughout Latin America, but her foremost love is for Colombia. Her great strengths are her enthusiasm and providing real insight into this exciting country which she knows so well.