Coffee, Cali & Cartagena

Get a good all-around taste of Bogota, the highlands, Cali, and Cartagena for
10D/9N Starting at $4375 per person

This 10-day trip features Bogota, the Coffee Zone, Cali and Cartagena.

We designed this itinerary to blend the dynamics of the cities, the nature of the coffee region, cultural immersion in Cali, with the history and laid-back atmosphere in Cartagena.

In Bogota you will tour the city with a local historian who will introduce you to the life and times of the city.

In the coffee zone the owners of a privately-owned coffee plantation will escort you through the world of coffee from plant to cup. You will experience the real Santiago de Cali with locals and as the locals do in their neighborhoods and away from the usual tourist spots.

At night you will be accompanied by a local couple who will show you the real Cali - the 'World Capital of Salsa' - take you out dancing at local clubs. On a full day there you will galavant around the city as you please with a private guide and car: eat and drink at local hot spots, stroll the streets and parks, meet with locals in bars, listen to jazz, practice your salsa at local clubs.

Cartagena

Finish up in the beautiful city of Cartagena. You will tour the old city with a local historian who will (like in Bogota) show you the city with a special perspective. Spend your last day cruising the Rosario Islands on a speedboat, swimming and snorkeling.

Culture, history, food and drink, music and dance - this trip will give you a true taste of Colombia.

 

Lost World Adventures itineraries can be tailor-made according to your plans and preferences: budget, hotel selections, travel dates, optional excursions, length of trip, etc.

Day 1 : Bogotá

Upon arrival in Bogotá you will be welcomed by your bilingual guide and transferred to your conveniently-located hotel.

Overnight at the Four Seasons Casa Medina, daily breakfast included - 2 nights. 

The Casa Medina was originally built as a private residence in 1945 and has re-opened as the first Four Seasons hotel in Colombia.  The hotel has a warm residential feel, with only 62 rooms it features Spanish colonial accents enhanced with artisanal and contemporary touches.  It is perfectly situated in Zona G, Bogota's main gastronomic area. Facilities and amenities include WiFi, Castanyoles Restaurant, Four Seasons bar, room service, fitness center, concierge services, business center.

Day 2 : Bogotá's Historic District & The Gold Museum 

Walk through the winding streets of La Candelaria accompanied by a history expert who will help you relive the fascinating stories behind the cobblestone streets, houses, plazas and cathedrals of this neighborhood. Passing by government buildings and the iconic Plaza Bolivar, get insight into Colombia’s difficult past and the recent political and economic revival. Continue to the Gold Museum, home of the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold.

Alongside an expert, understand the meaning of the extraordinary pieces recovered from archaeological sites throughout Colombia, and their relation to the cultures and traditions of ancient and existent indigenous tribes.

Day 3 : Bogotá - Pereira (Coffee Zone)

Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport for your flight to Pereira.  Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.  

The Secrets of Coffee - depart your hotel with your driver for the transfer to a traditional coffee plantation, where a local family will open the doors to their breathtaking hacienda. Walk along the property as a family member explains the intricate process of harvesting and producing premium quality coffee. Enjoy the lush landscapes, exotic flowers and stunning birds that inhabit this area.

After visiting the fields, have a traditional lunch with the owners of the farm (lunch is included). Then, let the experts guide you through a one-of-a-kind tasting session to learn about the coffee’s aroma and fragrance, how to differentiate between good and bad coffee, and how to prepare a perfectly balanced cup of coffee. 

Overnight at the Hotel Sazagua, daily breakfast included - 2 nights. 

The Hacienda Sazagua is a small boutique hotel in the center of the coffee cultural district. The hacienda has two floors with ten luxurious suites. All suites have LCD cable television and wireless Internet connection. Facilities and amenities include contemporary international restaurant, Spa, swimming pool, free Wi-Fi.

Day 4 : Exploring Filandia, Salento & Cocora Valley

Depart your hotel with your guide for a 45-minute drive along the lush countryside to Filandia, a small town that has perfectly conserved its colonial architecture and Andean way of life. This colorful town is one of the most beautiful pueblos, that make part of the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Continue driving around 40 minutes to the Cocora Valley, home of the 60-meter (200-foot) wax palm trees, the national tree of Colombia. Tour the area aboard a vintage Willy's jeep and take a leisurely walk up the valley to find the best views of the valley, or just relax while admiring the breathtaking landscape.

Finish the day with lunch and playing the local game of tejo, which consists of throwing a metal puck to hit small paper packets filled with small amounts of gunpowder. Tejo is completely safe, and the loud explosion sounds make this a riveting game, and a great story to share with friends back home! Return to your hotel in time for some well-deserved rest and an amazing dinner. 

Day 5 : Pereira - Cali

You will be met at your hotel this morning and transferred by private vehicle to Cali. Free afternoon at leisure. 

This evening, alongside a local couple, experience Cali's world-renowned salsa culture. Go dancing at some of the Cali's most authentic salsa clubs, learn a few dance moves and join the locals on the dance floor.

Overnight Movich Casa del Alferez, daily breakfast included - 2 nights.  

The Movich Casa del Alférez is located on a peaceful street but close to the sights and sounds of the lively center of Cali. Hotel facilities and services include outdoor terrace bar, fine dining at La Maria restaurant, coffee shop, spa with sauna, fitness center, business center, laundry service room service. The hotel has 40 rooms on 5 floors.  Room types include Superior King, Superior Queen, Superior Twin, King Suite.  All rooms are equipped with central air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, butler service, work desk, safe, minibar, Wi-Fi. 

Day 6 : Galavanting in Cali 

There's plenty to see and do in Cali: go for a drink at Absenta Bar in El Peñon, just minutes away from your hotel. This bar offers a wide drink menu and a relaxed environment, perfect for an afternoon at leisure. The music is just on point, with rhythms from various nations, regions and styles; it is everything but monotonous. Grab an outdoor table, get some cocktails and try some antojitos - their food menu was thoughtfully designed by locally-renowned chefs.

Take an afternoon stroll through the Cat Park, locally known as El Gato de Tejada. If you are a cat lover, and even if you are not, there are many reasons why you should not miss this spot while in town. This artistic park is the perfect spot to go people watching while you stretch your legs and catch some fresh air. On the main square there is a three-ton bronze sculpture by the late Colombian artists Hernando Tejada and around the rest of the park there are 15 smaller felines all by different artists.

Listen to live jazz and go salsa dancing to Punto Bare. This place brings together the best combos and on Wednesdays they have a 20-person orchestra that is truly amazing. Grab a drink and enjoy the music! Have brunch with locals at Dulcemia Gourmet. Being one of the top patisseries in the city, Dulcemia offers amazing breakfasts and a good environment to spend Saturday and Sunday mornings. Fresh products, artisan bread, and a superb service is what Dulcemia is known for, making it a ‘must go’ place when visiting Cali.

Day 7 : Cali - Cartagena

Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena.  Airport reception and transfer to your hotel.  

Afternoon and evening at leisure. 

Overnight Casa San Agustin, daily breakfast included - 3 nights. 

The Casa San Agustin is located in the historic center of Cartegena de Indias.  The hotel's 30 guest rooms and spacious suites include Deluxe Room, Junior Suite, Premium Room (with private patio with plunge pool or Jacuzzi), Prestige Suite (with large balcony), Suite del Virrey (two-bedroom, two terraces, outdoor Jacuzzi).  Hotel facilities include Alma Restaurant (fine dining, indoor and outdoor options) and Alma Bar.  Hotel services include 24-hour room service, twice daily housekeeping. Complimentary amenities include:  signature cocktail upon arrival, water, soft drinks, coffee and tea, newspapers and magazines, wireless Internet, shoe shine.

Day 8 : History & Architecture

Alongside a local historian, walk through the winding streets of Cartagena’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike traditional guides, your history expert will provide in-depth explanations and recount fascinating stories about the iconic plazas, cathedrals, colonial mansions and colorful streets. Learn about the Spanish colonization, Inquisition era, and pirate sieges that influenced Cartagena’s history.

Day 9 : Island Hopping

You will be met at your hotel and transferred in a private car to the dock. Head off to Islas del Rosario on a private speedboat. Spend the day cruising between islands, snorkeling among colorful reefs and enjoying the pristine waters of the Rosario Islands. The boat will be equipped with snorkeling equipment and your favorite snacks and beverages. Lunch will be arranged at one of the beach restaurants in the islands.

Day 10 : Int'l Departure

Hotel pickup and transfer to the airport.

 

Price from $4,375.00 per person, based on double occupancy
Days 10
Nights 9
Includes:

Domestic airfare 

Excludes:

Int'l airfare

Four Seasons Casa Medina

Perfectly situated in Zona G, Casa Medina was originally built as a private residence in 1945 and has re-opened as the first Four Seasons hotel in Colombia.

Sazagua Hotel Boutique

Sazagua has 15 exclusive rooms and a restaurant that features regional cuisine as well as a relaxing spa built with natural materials from the area, where guests are recharged with natural energy.

Casa San Agustin

You will experience a luxuriously chic and relaxed atmosphere at this authentic boutique hotel.

"Excellent trip!"

Everything worked out smoothly. We especially liked the relaxed and engaging attitudes of all the guides and transfer personnel. There was never a feeling of panic or too-tightly wound control. A work of art, really!

 

- Frederic P, Feb 2015

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