After breakfast at your hotel, drive 30 miles south of Cartagena to San Basilio de Palenque. Founded in the 17th century by escaped slaves, the small village is considered the first free town in the Americas. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site because of the strong African linguistic, musical, and cultural traditions. Walk around the village and visit the cultural center. Immerse in Afro-Colombian roots and traditions that are present in a distinct creole language (Palenquero), folkloric dance, cuisine, dress, hairstyles, political organization, and social structure. 

Next enjoy a rum tasting to immerse in the mythical world of pirates, where your palate witnesses this hidden treasure that Cartagena guards. This experience is led by a professional mixologist, who will unveil the coffee, caramel, vanilla and other aromas concealed in premium rum. 

Tonight, enjoy dinner as a group for your "Welcome to Colombia" dinner! 

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The morning and early afternoon is given as free time. We recommend that you spend some time on the beach! There are several highly rated beaches in Cartagena. 

Explore Cartagena's colonial section on a walking tour this afternoon. You'll be accompanied by a professional photographer who will show & help you take the best photographic shots in this city! Shoot important landmarks like the clock tower, pastel-colored colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant flowered balconies. 

Next, dive into the culinary traditions of Cartagena on a food tour. Discover what locals enjoy most. Get up close and personal with the real Cartagena: interact with locals, get an insight into their daily lives as you immerse completely in the food culture. Try food like empanadas,  arepa’huevo, arequipe, cocadas, and fruits like papaya, granadilla, and guanabana. Be charmed by Cartagena’s colors and character as you fill your belly and your heart. Celebrate New Years Eve with locals– Cartagena is the place to be in Colombia for New Years Eve! 

Meals included today: Breakfast, Light Dinner

Take a mid morning flight to the Coffee Region, departing around 10 AM and arriving around 2 PM.

As its name suggests, the Coffee Triangle is covered with coffee plantations due to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil in the hilly terrain. Not only does the land produce some of the world’s finest coffee, but it also produces breathtaking landscapes throughout the region. For many people, the Coffee Triangle is the heart and soul of Colombia, where Campesino (or rural life) has remained largely intact over the centuries. Transfer to the hotel for check in and enjoy the rest of the day and night to relax and take in the magical scenery. 

Meals included today: Breakfast

Drive through the hilly surrounding area and coffee plantations. Board "Willy jeeps" which are used by coffee and fruit farmers in the region. Drive through mountain chain and visit a small village. Arrive at a hacienda set in the hills, and enjoy a coffee tasting where you will learn the ins and outs of top quality coffee production. 

Return to the hotel for free time to relax. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Depart the coffee region this morning and head toward the city as your short 1-hour flight departs this morning around 9 AM for Bogota. 

Arrive in Bogota and upon arrival, drive to Zipaquira (25 miles outside the city), which is known as the City of Salt. Journey underground to visit the Salt Cathedral which is a church carbed from salt inside a cave. Walk through underground tunnels (chilly, colorfully lit, and very atmospheric!) and witness this wonder that has been built beneath the city. Here, you’ll find monumental crosses, angels, and the Madonna statue, and in addition to the main cathedral, there are several small chapels and 14 Stations of the Cross interconnected through labyrinthine tunnels. 

After, transfer to your hotel for check in. The balance of the day and evening is at leisure to explore at your own pace. 

Meals Included today: Breakfast

After a sumptuous breakfast, enjoy a full day guided tour of Bogota. 

Start in Calendelaria. the colonial part of the city, Bogota’s heart and soul, known for its Spanish and Baroque-style architecture. Visit the Gold museum, and then enter a very unique art museum, the Fernando Botero Museum. Botero’s art may be instantly recognizable with its oversized, larger-than-life style. The museum also features works of art by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Chagall and others. Stop at a cigar shop where you will learn about cigars and have the chance to make a purchase if you wish! Next, drive to the mountain top of Guadalupe, adjacent to Monserrate, where you’ll enjoy a marvelous view of the city. After, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant where you’ll share memories of your adventure in Colombia. 

Meals Included today: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your nonstop flight leaves Bogota this morning and returns to IAD in the afternoon. Welcome Home!