8 Day Classic Colombia

Full Day Guatape & Piedra del Penol Depart from Medellin this morning, on a scenic drive through the Eastern Highlands of Antioquia. Arrive at one of the area's top attractions, the Peñol Rock (La Piedra del Peñol), a 656 foot high monolith. You'll have the opportunity to climb more than 700 stairs to reach the top of this spectacular landmark and enjoy panoramic views of Guatapé Lake and the surrounding mountains. Continue with a visit to the town of Guatapé. Tour the iconic sites of the town like the historic church, town square and traditional colored streets. After lunch on your own, enjoy a boat ride on Lake Guatapé, one of the country's largest lakes. Time to stroll along the boardwalk and relax at one of the cafes. Return to the hotel in Medellin. Entrance fees to the Peñol Boulder and boat ride on the lake are included. Approximate tour duration is 10 hours. OnDay : 3 Price : $85 Half Day Bird-watching at the Colombian National Aviary Depart Cartagena and travel south for about an hour through the picturesque countryside to the Colombia National Aviary, which houses more than 1,750 birds, representing 135 species. It’s the second biggest aviary in Latin America, and sixth in the world. This fascinating place, with its unique flora and fauna, aims to educate and create awareness about the diversity of birds found in Colombia. Take a walking tour through the three ecosystems, tropical rainforest, seaboard and desert. At the end of the tour, enjoy a typical Colombian coffee before returning to Cartagena. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours. OnDay : 5 Price : $66 Half Day Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira Drive north from Bogota towards Zipaquira. Traveling through the Sabana de Bogota, you'll see the many greenhouses used for the cultivation of carnations and roses, an important industry in this region. Next, arrive at the impressive Salt Cathedral, built within the tunnels of a salt mine at 500 feet beneath the surface, a true feat of engineering. Begin the tour in a tunnel that passes the 14 Stations of the Cross and continues to a lit dome. Later, see the enormous cross carved into the rock and the three naves of the Cathedral representing the birth, life and death of Christ. In the central nave is the main altar, with a huge salt cross created by the Colombian artist Carlos Enrique Rodriguez. After your visit stop by the Café, located in one of the underground tunnels to have a delicious Colombian coffee before returning to Bogota. Approximate tour duration is 5 hours OnDay : 6 Price : $56 Half Day Santa Elena Depart for Santa Elena, a small colonial town high in a mountainside near Medellin. It is one of the most typical "Antioqueño" towns, where the "Silleteros" tradition, linked to the flower production of the area, was born. Tour the area where the well-known floral arrangements have become a famous symbol of Medellin. Explore a quaint family-run organic flower hacienda and immerse yourself in the euphoric sights and smells of the plants. Marvel at the spectacular flower sculptures and diverse species of plants. At the end of the tour, enjoy a typical Colombian coffee. Afterwards, return to the hotel in Medellin. Approximate tour duration is 4 hours. OnDay : 2 Price : $50 Monserrate Funicular Train Ride Board the Funicular Train that takes you up to Monserrate Mountain. After a short hike, reach the top of Monserrate. At more than 10,000 feet above sea level, see outstanding views of downtown Bogota. Visit the 17th century church and the "El Señor Caído" shrine that welcomes pilgrims all year long. *This Optional Tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking, fear of confined space or heights, or who have heart conditions. Approximate tour duration is 2 hours. OnDay : 7 Price : $29 Emerald Jewelry Workshop Upon arrival, meet your main instructor and watch a video about Colombian emeralds to learn fascinating facts regarding these gemstones, including how they are mined and carved. Colombia is the world's largest producer of emeralds. A hands-on class follows, where you use 925 sterling silver wire and Colombian emeralds to create three pieces of jewelry, a pair of earrings, a bracelet and a ring. At the conclusion of the class you will receive a diploma and one piece of jewelry that you created. Approximate tour duration is 3 hours. OnDay : 5 Price : $25

Additional Information: Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers, but does include flights Medellin-Cartagena & Cartagena-Bogota.