Unexplored Colombia: An Off the Beaten Path Vacation | Yampu Tours

Custom Travel Experiences Since 1998

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Unexplored Colombia: An Off the Beaten Path Vacation

PRIVATE TOUR - 12 DAY SAMPLE ITINERARY

FROM £$ 4982

Private Tour Highlights

  • Walking centuries old streets in Riohacha before a private tour of the color-changing salt pools of Manaure.
  • Capturing the stunning sunset views at the lighthouse Playa del Pilon de Azucar.
  • Passing through a forest of windmills in the experimental wind farm town of Parque Eolico.
  • Visiting the coal mines of Alta Guajira, one of Latin America’s most important and one of the largest in the world.
  • Lapping up the extraordinary atmosphere of Cartagena, the picturesque walled city awash with cobbled streets and pretty plazas.
  • Delving into the jungle at Tayrona National Park to glimpse the pre-Columbian civilization of the Tayrona at the archaeological site of Pueblito, before finishing up at heavenly beaches.
Interested in this tour?   Let us build you a customized quote based on your budget.

Tour Overview

Experience Colombia with Yampu’s Unexplored Colombia: An Off the Beaten Path Vacation. You may explore a capital city rife with culture; the salt marsh of Manaure and its small, White Mountains; the lagoon at the flora and fauna sanctuary of Los Flamencos; Tayrona National Park, known for stone paths that take you through the jungle to the Caribbean coast.

This Colombia tour begins in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital city. Set high in the Andes (at more than 8,000 feet), Bogotá is replete with culture and rich colonial heritage. You’ll see main squares, churches and museums such as the Museum of Botero home to the artwork of Picasso, Renoir, Matisse and Monet, to name a few.

After Bogotá, you’ll take in Riohacha and Cabo de la Vela (home to the salt marsh of Manaure and its small, white mountains) and the flora and fauna sanctuary of Los Flamencos (known for flocks of ibis). You’ll see deserted beaches, expansive desert and sand dunes, and you’ll learn more about legends of the Wayuu (the indigenous, nomads who live between Colombia and Venezuela), legends that indubitably add to the intrigue of La Guajira.

From there, you’ll head to Tayrona (a national park with a notably high concentration of biodiversity), where you’ll explore 37,000 acres of white Caribbean beaches and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

Your last stop will be Cartagena, a city filled with historic streets, alley ways and stories. Take in the old, walled city’s tiled roofs, balconies and courtyard gardens.

Inclusions
Prices include: Domestic air transportation from Bogotá to Riohacha and from Cartagena to Bogotá, private land transportation from Riohacha to Tayrona National Park and from Tayrona to Cartagena, private airport transfers including one piece of luggage, hotel accommodation including breakfast, meals where specified, guided tours with bilingual guide and entrance fees. Local airport taxes that are payable in the country of destination are not included. You may have to pay a surcharge if you book a trip during late December, early January or Easter.

*A Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended to enter Tayrona National Park.
Best Time to Travel
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Best Good Consult

Package Price: From £$ 4982

Prices shown above are per person. Hotel categories do not adhere strictly to international ratings; Yampu has evaluated the hotels according to destination and availability. Prices include local airfare (where applicable), hotel accommodation including daily breakfast; all transfers with baggage handling, all guided tours in English and all entrance fees.

Please note that prices are subject to change based on availability and seasonality, especially during the holiday season from December 20th through January 5th each year. Please contact a Yampu Travel Specialist for more information on best times to travel.

Trip Type:

All our trips are operated on a private basis unless specified otherwise. This is only a sample itinerary; your Yampu Tour Consultant will personalize this trip for you according to your available dates, interests and type of hotels. This is your trip and we will work on making it perfect!

Tour Itinerary

Day
1

Bogota

Upon arrival to Bogota transfer to the hotel. Bogota is a modern capital city with stand-out cultural, intellectual and social draws as well as rich colonial heritage.

Upon arrival to Bogota transfer to the hotel. Bogota is a modern capital city with stand-out cultural, intellectual and social draws as well as rich colonial heritage.

Bogota-PlazadeBolivar-Colombia
Day
2

Bogota City Tour

After breakfast start in on the private tour to the historic center known as La Candelaria. Old “casonas” (grand houses marked Spanish influence) with iron windows, thick wooden doors, balconies and internal patios and gardens line the ancient streets. La Candelaria unfolds around the Plaza Bolivar, named after Simon Bolivar, El Libertador. Originally called Plaza Mayor, it was used for civil and military events and as a marketplace, bull ring and execution platform.
The cathedral beside the square (on the land where Bogota’s first church was built in 1539) holds weighty collection of liturgical, textile and ornamental objects collected over four centuries. Next to it is the Capilla del Sagrario, known for its superior architecture, and nearby is the Capitolio, built between 1847 and 1926. Influenced by Ionic, Neoclassical and Renaissance styles, it is made of white stone built by several generations of stonemasons. The central area is occupied by the Salon Eliptico, where the meetings of congress take place. The wings house the current Camara de Representantes and Senate. Busts of former presidents as well as General Tomas Cipriano de Mosquera and Rafael Nunez (the composer of the national hymn) line the internal patio. The tour finishes up in the Palace of Justice.
From there, go to the Museo Botero home to the artwork of Picasso, Renoir, Dali, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti, to name a few (donated by the artist Fernando Botero and others). After that, head to the Museo del Oro whose collection features nearly 34,000 gold objects and 20,000 in stone, ceramic, textiles and precious stones from the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Museo de Oro's collection is considered one of the most meaningful and substantial collections of its kind—worldwide.
Afternoon at leisure. (If possible, it is recommended to check out another city museum)
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Candelaria-Bogota-Colombia
Day
3

Bogota – Riohacha – Cabo de la Vela

Take flight from Bogota to Riohacha. Riohacha, founded in 1526 (with the name Nuestra Senora de la Nieves), is a small, quiet town on the narrow bay of Boca de Camaron. Set off on a private 37-mile road trip to the salt marshes of Manaure, large salt pools that change color. Sometimes they're white. Sometimes they're purple. Sometimes they're somewhere in-between. After that, visit Uribia, where one can take a break and check out local craftsmanship, from hammocks to hand bags. Then, continue on a dirt road that runs parallel to the railway (used by the trains that transport coal from the mine to the port of Bolivar, where it is exported on cargo ships). Beyond the railway, the road goes into the desert. Now and then, pass cacti and Wayuu housing. Arrive in Cabo de La Vela and check-in at the hostel. Afterwards, have a typical lunch and later on, be taken to Playa del Pilon de Azucar to enjoy the stunning La Guajira sunset at the lighthouse. ...read less

La-Guajira-Colombia
Day
4

Cabo de la Vela – Punta Gallinas

After breakfast, travel North towards the northern most point of Colombia, Punta Gallinas. Pass through the experimental wind farm of Parque Eolico situated 3 km from Puerto Bolivar. Located in Bahia Portete in the Alta Guajira, this is the most important coal terminal in Latin America and one of the largest in the world. There will be a lunch break in Pusheo before heading off to the beaches at Bahia Honda. From there, take a boat and view the bay from the sea and also visit some other interesting locations such as the Punta Soldado and tres Islas. There are some fantastic opportunities for unique photography in this baron but beautiful location. ...read less

Cabo-de-La-Vela-Colombia
Day
5

Punta Gallinas – Riohacha

Morning read more...

Morning at leisure. After breakfast, visit the beautiful beach called Punta Aguja where one can relax and enjoy views across the Colombian desert and onwards towards the Caribbean Sea. Return for a local lunch in Punta Gallinas which will be served at the Rancheria. In the afternoon, be taken to the lighthouse and afterwards a visit to the Taroa Beach which is famous for its unforgettable sunsets. This beach is the most northern point of South America. See the rolling sand dunes that fall directly into the sea and cherish the tranquility.
In the afternoon, after lunch, return to Riohacha and check-in at the hotel there.
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Tabatinga-Colombia
Day
6

Riohacha – Tayrona National Park

3-hour private transfer to Tayrona National Park after breakfast. Upon arrival check-in at Ecohabs, round, ecologically-friendly, two-floor cabins with thatched roofs (in the style of Tayrona Indian architecture). The rest of the day will be at leisure.

3-hour private transfer to Tayrona National Park after breakfast. Upon arrival check-in at Ecohabs, round, ecologically-friendly, two-floor cabins with thatched roofs (in the style of Tayrona Indian architecture). The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Ecohabs-Colombia
Day
7

Tayrona National Park

Day at leisure. One may want to go to the beach or take one of the excursions available in the park.

Day at leisure. One may want to go to the beach or take one of the excursions available in the park.

Juice-shack-Tayrona-National-Park-Colombia
Day
8

Tayrona National Park – Cartagena

After breakfast, travel by car to Cartagena. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, travel by car to Cartagena. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel.

Cartagena-night-Colombia
Day
9

Cartagena City Tour

After breakfast, set off on a private tour with a panoramic view of the city from the monastery and church of La Popa. Built in 1606 and perched on the area’s only noteworthy elevation, the church used to be known as “La Popa del Galeon” on account of its strong resemblance to the stern of a galleon.
Next up: a visit to the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas, built on the San Lazaro hill in order to defend the city from pirate attacks.
From there, head to the old town to visit the convent of San Pedro Claver and the artisan center in Las Bovedas. Afternoon at leisure.
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Plaza-Santo-Domingo-Cartagena-Colombia
Day
10

Cartagena

Day at leisure. An excursion to the Rosario Islands is recommended.

Day at leisure. An excursion to the Rosario Islands is recommended.

Islas-del-Rosario-Colombia
Day
11

Cartagena

Day at leisure. Explore Cartagena.

Day at leisure. Explore Cartagena.

Colombia_Cartagena_rooftops
Day
12

Cartagena – Bogota

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Bogota, to take the flight back home or overlap with an add-on of one’s choice.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to Bogota, to take the flight back home or overlap with an add-on of one’s choice.

Cartagena - Bolivar, Colombia

Tayrona National Park, Magdalena, Colombia

La Guajira, Colombia

Bogotá - Bogota, Colombia

Places You'll See

  • Plaza-de-Bolivar-Bogota-Colombia

    Bogota

    Located in the center of Colombia, the city of Bogota appeals to all types. The La Candelaria area draws in the lovers of art and culture with its many museums including the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum. Other notable attractions include botanical garden Jose Celestino Mutis, the National Observatory, and over 100 shopping malls.

  • Tayrona-National-Park-Colombia

    Tayrona National Park

    Tayrona National Park is a protected area in northern Colombia, encompassing over 50 square miles of land and some of the loveliest coastlines of Columbia. With its two ecosystems between the sea and the mountains one may see some of the local wildlife including the elusive Titi Monkeys.

  • Cartagena-Colombia

    Cartagena

    The walled city of Cartagena, with its cobblestone streets and gorgeous colonial architecture, is full of exciting and engaging sites and activities. Visit the Palacio de la Inquisicion, where the Spanish Inquisition condemned men accused of crimes against religion. Or spend the day at the Playa Blanca beach, enjoying the surf and the sand.

Hotel Options

3 Star Properties

Bogota : Hotel Casa Deco

Bogota : Abadia Colonial

Tayrona National Park : Playa Koralia

Cartagena : Hotel Bantu

Cartagena : Alfiz

4 Star Properties

Bogota : Hotel de la Opera – standard Room

Bogota : Andino Royal

Bogota : Sonesta

Tayrona National Park : Cabanas Arecife

Cartagena : Sofitel Santa Clara (Classic)

Cartagena : Hotel Casa Pestagua

5 Star Properties

Bogota : The Orchids Real – Suite

Bogota : Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – Superior Room

Tayrona National Park : Ecohabs Tayrona

Cartagena : Ananda Hotel Boutique

Cartagena : Sofitel Santa Clara (Superior)

Cartagena : Casa del Arzobispado

Luxury Properties

Bogota : Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – Suite

Bogota : Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota

Tayrona National Park : Hotel Merecumbe

Cartagena : Hotel Casa San Agustin

Cartagena : Charleston Santa Teresa

Testimonials

Claudia ed Edoardo

Traveled February, 2016

It was a most memorable trip

And we enjoyed every minute of it, thanks to the impeccable Yampu organization (it is not a novelty…) and the great support offered by your local agents. Excellent guides, interpreters and drivers. Remarkable choice of hotels. To sum it up: a fantastic trip. Would you please convey our deepest thanks to all of your local agents for their generous assistance and their willingness to satisfy our requests.
A special grateful thank you to you, Wendy. I did appreciate your unstinting support, your professional approach and your astonishing ability to interpret and develop your customer’s project.
We do not say addio but arrivederci, hoping to travel with Yampu again.

Traveled To

Edoardo

Traveled February 2016

It was a most memorable trip and we enjoyed every minute of it

It was a most memorable trip and we enjoyed every minute of it, thanks to the impeccable Yampu’s organization and the great support offered by your local agents.
Claudia is feeling much better and thinks it was thoughtful of you to send her some teas.

Traveled To


Caroline T.

Traveled January, 2016

Our trip was excellent!

Highlights from our trip: Bogota museums and the Sunday bike ride (absolutely fabulous guide for that), Hotel in Villa de Leyva (the best!), Medellin (wonderful Aquarium, also visit to Level 1 neighborhood, also great restaurant), Botero sculptures and museum, walking around in Cartegena, hotel in Cartegena, great restaurants in Cartegena, snorkeling.

Traveled To

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