Bogota and Cartagena

Colombia

A multiple sided country, a nation that shows step by step the passion with which their people live.

Culture in Cartagena

Cartagena offers the best-preserved colonial architecture in the country.

Go back in time while visiting its breathtaking colonial architecture on a horse-drawn carriage. The fairy-tale charms of Cartagena will make you fall in love instantly. The cobbled street city is one of the most beautiful destinations in Colombia; it is has been an inspiration for artists, writers, historians, and musicians.

PACKAGE DETAILS

DAY 1 - BOGOTA

A representative of Link Experiences will be waiting for you at Bogota’s airport in order to welcome you and accompany you during the transfer from airport to hotel. Accommodation Bogota

DAY 2 - BOGOTA CITY TOUR

The tour begins with a transfer to the famous and well preserved historical colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria. Steeped in history, this area is a must for photographers with its splendid colonial architecture; you will want to take the opportunity to capture the sights and sounds of this fascinating part of Bogotá. Discover the history of this old part of the city by visiting the Cathedral, the Congress Palace, the Cardinal’s Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, the Independence House, the Palace of Justice and the City Hall which are all located in this impressive square. Continuing to the east, on top of the forested mountains, you will find “Cerro de Monserrate”. This mountain has a white catholic church located at the top and has been a site of worship since 1657. On a clear day you will have the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular view of the city. You also might see snowcap of “Nevado del Tolima” on the far west side. The tour then follows with a visit to the “Museo del Oro”, the most important gold museum in the world and a ‘must see’ when traveling to Bogotá. This museum displays one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold. Galleries on three levels display exquisitely crafted pieces dating back nearly 2.500 years. Meals included: breakfast, lunch Accommodation: Bogota

DAY 3 - SALT CATHEDRAL

This visit begins with a panoramic view of the city and the vast plateau of the northern area of Bogotá. You will arrive to the small town of Zipaquirá where you will take an underground tour to discover the famous Salt Cathedral. Passengers will have the opportunity to experience the extraordinary architecture and engineer of this remarkable underground mine. This cathedral was carved inside an active salt mine formed 250 million years ago, under the Halite Mountains. Here you will find 14 small chapels that represent the Stations of the Cross and Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, a sanctuary and a main cathedral. Although this is a popular tourist destination to be visited, this is also a place of pilgrimage for the local community. Afterwards continue to visit the town of Zipaquirá which was founded on 1600 and still conserves its colonial heritage. Stop at the main square, where you will find whitewashed houses decorated with olive-green trim and base as well as the most important municipal buildings. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch Accommodation Bogotá

DAY 4 - BOGOTA – CARTAGENA

After breakfast, your guide will go with you to the airport for domestic flight to Cartagena. Transfer to the hotel In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious and colorful experience where you will be able to taste some of the local flavors of the city and learn about its culture. This walking tour through the inner walled section of the colonial city will let you experience Cartagena like a local resident in a neighborhood where people live, eat and shop. This experience takes you to discover different sites and people from the colonial city, with whom the local residents relate on a daily basis as they pass by and stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or typical snacks. Featuring seven authentic food stops with different delicious tastings, you get to escape the crowds and taste the best of what the city has to offer. Along the way, your guide will entertain and tell you stories and insights into Cartagena’s culture and history. Take a break from being a tourist and discover the real Cartagena with us! Meals included: Breakfas, food tasting Accommodation: Cartagena

DAY 5 - CARTAGENA

The tour begins with a visit to the “Castillo de San Felipe”. This castle was built by the Spaniards in the 1600s and it is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built in a Spanish colony. Located at the top of San Lázaro hill, its purpose was to protect and guard the city’s landward side from any attack or invasion. This fortress provides a complex system of tunnels connected with strategic points to distribute provisions and facilitate a possible evacuation. Additionally, the tunnel’s architecture was built so that any noise would echo along them, in order to make internal communications easier and hear even the slightest sound of the enemies approaching. Afterwards, a walk through “Las Bóvedas” is included. These 23 vaults were built in the 18th century and they are considered the last major colonial construction made within the city walls for military purposes. The vaults were used as storerooms for munitions and provisions by the Spaniards, and later on, they became jail cells. Nowadays, they are used as crafts markets where you can find handicrafts, antiques, galleries, jewelry, clothing and souvenirs, among other things. At the end of the tour you will visit the “Iglesia y Convento San Pedro de Claver”; then enjoy a delicious Colombian meal at a local restaurant Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Cartagena

DAY 6 - ROSARIO ISLANDS

It is time to step outside the walls of Cartagena and experience the beauty of one of the many islands located in Islas del Rosario: Isla Grande. The Rosario Islands are located about 30 miles away from the city. An archipelago formed by coral reefs with small white sand beaches, and clear Caribbean waters that invite you to appreciate the diverse marine life. These small islands have been protected by the authorities since 1977, when they were declared a National Park. The park’s coral reefs, mangrove habitats and lagoons support more than 1,300 different species in nearly 500 square miles. The day starts at your hotel where you will be picked up and transferred to the port. The boat usually departs at 9:00 am. You will head out from the port into open water for a 60 minute ride approximately to the island. Upon arrival you will disembark and have time to explore the island or just to relax. You can sit on the small beach and rest, enjoy a walk around the island, sign up for a diving course in the coral reefs, swim or relax with a massage session. The hotel has a beach front bar and snacks can be purchased throughout the day. You will be arriving back to Cartagena between 4:00 and 4:30 pm. Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Cartagena

DAY 7 - DEPARTURE

Private transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Bogota. When you arrive in Bogotá, a local guide will help you during the check-in process to your international flight. Meals included: Breakfast

INCLUDED

TOUR GUIDE:

  • English-Spanish speaking – guide-driver in private basis

ACCOMMODATION:

  • Double accommodation with daily breakfast. Accomodation is subject to availability until confirmation.

TRANSPORT:

  • All transfers & private ground transportation as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Assistance with the check-in procedure at airport

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

  • All excursions as mentioned in the itinerary with private bilingual speaking guide (English & Spanish)
  • Meals as detailed on the program, Colombian and international gastronomy.
  • Personalized assistance 24/7

NOT INCLUDED

Personal expenses, Extras and Tips.

YES

Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Meals not stated in the program.

YES

International air tickets.

YES

Medical services.

NOT

Personal travel insurance.

NOT

Early check-in / Late check-out.

NOT

RECOMMENDATIONS

Comfortable and warm clothes, windbreaker and rain jackets, and comfortable walking shoes are convenient when visiting Bogota. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sun glasses, one small backpack, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay

“Link Experiences staff led our small family on a mind-blowing ten-day adventure through Quito and the Andes. Behind-the-scenes tours of important historical places, special access, specialists that knew where and how to go. No-way we could have come close to doing this on our own (which we usually try).”

Lukeda Savage

Bogota, COLOMBIA

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