Bogotá and the Andes

Welcome to Bogotá!
Arrive at any time – your driver will be waiting to collect you from the airport and take you to
your hotel.
There are no activities planned for this day, so just relax and drink plenty of water to help you adjust to the altitude.

You’ll be collected from your accommodation in Bogotá, and taken on a guided excursion where you’ll encounter the most notable historical locations within La Candelaria.
See where the rebellion against the Spanish was first planned; the Palace of Justice; Plaza
Bolivar, and many more. Once you have visited these beautiful sites you will have time to ascend to the great height of 10,341 ft (3152m) and the summit of Monserrate – almost 2,000ft higher than Bogotá. For this climb, you have the choice of taking either
the teleferico (aerial tramway) or the funicular.
Here you’ll have time to wander through the artisan markets, visit a beautiful 17th-century monastery and enjoy some of the most spectacular panoramic views of the capital city of this great nation.

Today, your driver will take you to the salt mine of Zipaquirá. Here, you’ll uncover the ingenuity of the people who converted this ancient 590 ft (180 m) deep underground salt mine into the amazing church that receives around 3000 people every single Sunday.
Your next destination is the town of Zipaquirá where you’ll check out the Grand Plaza, Independence Square and one of the oldest churches in Colombia.
Raquira
Next on the itinerary is the wonderful town of Ráquira, a town full of artisans and a paradise for anyone who likes to shop Colombian-made items from hammocks to pottery. Fantastic streets and a wonderful town plaza full of clay statues are waiting for the photo-enthusiasts.
In the late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the final destination – Villa de Leyva. Take a quick tour with your guide, before you enjoy a night in cobblestone streets, lit with romantic lanterns.

Enjoy a fantastic breakfast, followed by an amazing tour of the most important locations in and
around Villa de Leyva.
Visit the Monasterio Del Santo Eccehomo, part of Colombia’s architectural heritage, founded in 1620. This beautiful monastery is built on a hillside and consists of a wonderful cloister, church, cemetery, and plaza, with beautiful views.
Explore the worldwide largest piece of pottery, the Terracotta House. Wander through the many rooms and take photos from different angles. This is really quite amazing!
Another interesting place not to be missed is the Fossil Museum. See, touch and feel the bones of dinosaurs, that once ruled this world.
El Socorro
Following lunch, you’ll begin your voyage into Santander, the region that is home to one of the most beautiful towns of Colombia; Barichara. Your first stop will be the beautiful and important town Socorro, where the movement towards independence started.
After a brief tour and a quick coffee, you’ll visit San Gil, the adventure capital of the world. It is
full of exciting activities: bungee jumping, rafting, canyoning, caving, and more. An extra day of extreme sports in San Gil can be arranged.
After a brief stop, you will head to your final destination, Barichara, consistently voted the most beautiful town of Colombia. Within a few minutes after arrival, you’ll understand why. Discover the beauty during some free “me time” in the evening.

You’ll have the complete morning to explore the town and its environs. Barichara is renowned for its colonial architecture, cobbled roads, artisan workshops, adobe houses, and craft shops. Visit remarkable chapels, churches, graveyards, parks, sculptures, and more.
Juan Curí Waterfalls
Treat yourself to a wonderful lunch at the Plaza in Barichara before continuing on to the Juan Curí Falls. Fall in love with the spectacular views of the 820 ft (250 m) waterfalls surrounded by native rainforest. Take the opportunity to climb or hike to the very top, take amazing photos,
or simply relax in the natural pools.
After this beautiful experience in unspoiled nature, you’ll travel back to Barichara for another wonderful night in this beautiful town!

After another wonderful breakfast in Barichara, you’ll start your voyage to Giron, one of the 17 Colombian towns with a national heritage rating. As the colonial architecture is so well preserved, you will find it easy to visualize how individuals lived 300 years earlier.
Next, go to Bucaramanga and take a cable car ride to the Santisimo Ecoparque. Suck in the spectacular views from a viewing platform above a 121 ft. giant statue of Christ. Along with
this, you’ll also enjoy the beautiful water and light show and simply sensational sunset.

Today it is farewell to Bucaramanga and Colombia.
Enjoy a private car service to the Airport.
Safe travels home, and visit again soon! Hablamos pronto!