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Colombia Transformed: Beyond the Cartels
Colombia Transformed: Beyond the Cartels
AV

Bogotá • Medellín • Guatapé • Santa Elena
Experience the magic of Colombia in one unforgettable journey—starting in vibrant Bogotá, where colonial charm meets cosmopolitan energy, from the historic streets of La Candelaria to breathtaking views atop Monserrate. Then fly to the dynamic city of Medellín, once infamous, now one of the world’s most innovative destinations—rich in culture, transformation, and unforgettable experiences. Sip world-class coffee in lush plantations, play the explosive national sport of Tejo, and explore colorful villages like Guatapé with its iconic El Peñol Rock. This is more than a trip—it’s a vibrant, immersive adventure blending history, flavor, and breathtaking landscapes into a seamless, luxury experience.


Day 1: The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Bogot
Flight from London Heathrow Airport to Bogota El Dorado Airport
Bogot
Bogotá is Colombia's capital city with approximately 8 million people; it is a cosmopolitan center of sophistication and has become an epicenter of business, politics, and entertainment. The city has been transforming itself into a surprising tourist destination and a welcoming city. Bogot has a thriving nightlife, superb al fresco dining, and bar culture as well as international shopping. Its privileged location and international airport make it highly accessible and functional as a main gateway to destinations throughout the country.


Day Itinerary
Welcome to Bogotá!
Private transfer from the international airport to the hotel + guide. Private transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver and English-speaking guide. Upon arrival at the International Airport El Dorado, you will be met by our representative and will be taken to your hotel. Our guide will assist you at the hotel with the registration procedures (check-in) and give you a detailed itinerary of all the services included in your trip. You will also receive information about our office contact details, including our 24-hour emergency phone number.


NOTE: Our transfer fee includes transportation of one bag per person of up to 23kg (50 lbs.) plus one carry-on. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please let us know in advance in order to assign a different vehicle capacity for the transfer. Please keep in mind that additional costs may be charged.
Overnight: The Artisan D.C. Hotel


Note: The suggested service charge is not included in the rate (charged at check-out). Inspired by local Colombian artists and their designs, The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Autograph Collection provides a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Bogot, Colombia. Feel the energy of the city from the hotel, which puts a modern twist on boutique. This hotel in the city centre is situated in the Financial District and amidst the Gourmet Zone (Zona G) containing some of the city's finest restaurants. Visit Osaki Restaurant for Asian cuisine in a casual environment and stop by The Cooper Lounge Bar for international fare plus handcrafted premium cocktails. Basis
Bed and Breakfast


Day 2: The Artisan D.C. Hotel, Bogot
Day Itinerary
City Tour Bogot + Monserrate + Lunch
Private service with a Spanish-speaking driver and guide service in English.
The tour starts with a transfer to the historical center called La Candelaria. You will be able to go back to the colonial era of Bogota, full of rich history and mystery. La Candelaria offers different urban landscapes that you will want to capture with your camera during the walk. You will pass by the Luis Angel Arango Library, the Plaza de Bolivar, the Primate Cathedral, the National Capitol, the Cardinal's Palace, the church of El Sagrario, the Casa del Florero (House of Independence), the Palace of Justice, the Livano Palace (Mayor of Bogota), the Presidential Palace (Casa de Nario) and the church of San Agustin. Then you will visit the Cerro de Monserrate, located east of the city. This mountain has a white catholic church at the top and has been on pilgrimage since 1657. From there, you will have a spectacular view of the city, and even on a sunny day, you will be able to see the Nevado del Tolima located to the west of the city.


The tour continues with a visit to the Gold Museum. This is recognized as the most important gold museum in the world and is one of the attractions of the city. The museum exhibits, on the three levels of the museum, one of the largest collections of pre-Colombian gold belonging to thirteen pre-Hispanic societies dating back almost 2,500 years. On the upper floor, inside a security vault, you will find several of the master objects from the museum's collections. Likewise, you will discover the room of The Offering, a mysterious and dark space that begins to illuminate little by little, revealing an enormous collection of gold and silverware characterized by representing symbols of the religion of these cultures. You will end with a visit to the Botero Museum. The museum is in a renovated colonial mansion that served until 1955 as the city's archbishop. The works on display were donated by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous contemporary artist. Some 120 of Botero's works are on display, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures. His work is characterized by the robust and exaggerated human forms, characteristic of the artist's works. In addition, the museum also houses works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet, and Giacometti, all donated by Fernando Botero.


Notes: The Gold Museum is closed every Monday, and the Botero Museum is closed every Tuesday. Please remember that when visiting the churches, monasteries, and sanctuaries, women and men should not wear shorts, and in the specific case of women, it is recommended not to wear miniskirts. 8 hours, including all entrance fees. Lunch is included in a typical restaurant of the area with a set menu. Monserrate VIP entrance included in this package. Activities La Candelaria
La Candelaria is located in Bogota, Colombia, and is the 17th locality as well as a historic centre. It is home to many of the top museums, palaces, narrow cobblestone streets, and stunning old colonial buildings. This historic neighbourhood is also home to many universities, museums, and libraries. The near killing and escape of Simon Bolivar took place in La Candelaria, as well as the execution of Policarpa Salavarrieta, who was a revolutionary heroine.


Cerro de Monserrate
Cerro de Monserrate is a mountain overlooking the centre of Bogot and serves as both a visitor attraction and a place of pilgrimage. At its summit sits a religious shrine, along with restaurants, cafs and souvenir shops. Access is provided by an aerial tramway, a funicular railway or a hiking path. From the top, extensive views stretch across central, southern, and western areas of the city.


Museo del Oro
The Museo del Oro is located in Bogot, Colombia. The museum is renowned for its extensive collection of pre-Colombian gold artefacts, making it one of the most significant museums in South America. Visitors can explore nearly 60,000 pieces of gold and other materials from Colombia's major pre-Hispanic cultures. The museum's unique exhibits include the famous Muisca golden raft, which symbolises the El Dorado legend. Visitors can immerse themselves in
interactive displays, view temporary exhibitions, and enjoy the museum's café and souvenir shop.


Museo Botero
Museo Botero was founded in 2000 after Fernando Botero donated a collection of 208 artworks to the Banco de la República. The museum presents 123 works by Botero alongside 85 pieces by international artists from his personal collection. It operates as part of the Banco de la República's cultural network and provides public access to modern and contemporary art in Bogot.



Day 3: Hotel Poblado Plaza, Medellin
Medellin
Medellin, also known as the "city of eternal spring" for its pleasant climate that ranges from 22 to 28 C throughout the year, is the second most important and populated city in Colombia after Bogot. It is located in the northwest of the country at 1,540 meters above sea level in the Valle de Aburr, a former territory of indigenous settlements. Mountain scenery filled with flowers, colorful colonial towns, and one of the best places to go shopping in Colombia, are among the attractions you will find in your visit to Medellin.


Day Itinerary
Private transfer from the hotel in Bogot to the international airport + guide & Private transfer from the international airport in Medellin to the hotel. Private transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver and English-speaking guide. Our guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and will take you to the International Airport El Dorado or Puente Aéreo (depending on your flight). We will assist you at the airport during check-in at the airline counter to help you connect to your next destination. Domestic Flight - Bogotá to Medellín - Not included. Upon arrival at Jos Mara Crdova International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide and transferred to your selected hotel, where he will assist you with the registration procedures (check-in). Please note that Medellin has two airports: Jos Mara Crdova International Airport, located in the municipality of Rionegro, approximately 45 minutes away from the city, and Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport (this airport only operates some regional destinations), located southwest of the city. For travelers who want to have fun with traditions...


A Game Of Tejo
Experience Colombian culture while playing... Discover the world of Tejo, the national sport of Colombia, practiced for over 500 years. This sport offers a glimpse into the history and culture of Colombia's indigenous peoples, as it was an integral part of the festivities of the Muiscas, the ancient inhabitants of central Colombia. Originally played with gold discs, the game has evolved over the centuries, while maintaining its essence as a cultural symbol. You will begin with a detailed introduction to the rules and techniques of Tejo. Each player throws a metallic disc, known as a tejo, towards a clay box located several meters away. In the center of this box is a metal ring called a bocn, surrounded by small fuses filled with gunpowder. The challenge is to throw the tejo in such a way that it hits the fuses, causing an explosion that scores points and adds another explosion of excitement to the game. The closer you manage to throw the tejo to the bocn, then the more points you will earn, especially if you manage to blow a fuse. The clay court will be the stage where your aim will be put to the test, where a combination of skill, accuracy, and a bit of luck come together in a highly entertaining game. After enjoying Tejo, a delightful display of Colombian gastronomy awaits you. You will enjoy traditional dishes full of the flavors of Colombia. The tour includes morcilla blood sausage, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, or a vegetarian alternative. You can also opt for lechona cooked in craft beer, a typical dish that combines slow-cooked suckling pig stuffed with rice and spices. And to accompany this meal, craft beers are included, perfect for pairing with the dishes and refreshing after the game. Includes: 2 hours of tejo, 1 portion of morcilla (house special) or vegetarian side dish, 1 portion of lechona cooked in craft beer or vegan option, and 2 craft beers.


Note: Maximum 8 people per court. Children under 18 years old can only enter on Sundays. Minimum 4 people, or its equivalent in money.
Overnight: Hotel Poblado Plaza


Note: The: The suggested service charge is not included in the rate (charged at check-out).
The Hotel Poblado Plaza is an invitation to enjoy leisure and business in a natural, relaxed and calm way in one of the best areas of Medelln. Modern and classic in style, the rooms offered by the Hotel Poblado Plaza perfectly combine exclusive details of comfort with functional furniture and services, ideal for business trips and executive meetings on the Golden Mile of Medellín. In addition, you can savour the best of international cuisine with local touches at the legendary La Terraza Restaurant next to the hotel.



Day 4: Hotel Poblado Plaza, Medelln
Day Itinerary
Medellín History of Transformation Private service with a Spanish-speaking driver and guide in English. Twenty years ago, Medelln was one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In the early 1990s, during the pursuit of Pablo Escobar, the head of the Medellín drug cartel, the city was at its peak of violence. However, the era of "El Patrón" eventually came to an end. Despite continued struggles over Escobar's successor until the early 2000s, Medellín began to undergo significant changes in 2002. Local politicians began investing heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today, the "City of Eternal Spring" stands as one of the most innovative metropolises globally. Join us on an engaging tour exploring the history and transformation of Medellín to learn more about this captivating city's past and present


Notes: Includes refreshments per person. During some parts of the tour, public transportation will be provided. Duration: 4 hours.
Medellin - Pablo Escobar - A Historical Perspective Pablo Escobar Gaviria is sadly the most famous son of the city of Medellin. Nevertheless, the history of Escobar and the Cartel of Medelln is a unique example of how organized crime organizations impact a whole country. During the 1980s, Escobar controlled huge parts of the international cocaine traffic. Due to impressive financial revenue, he was able to create a powerful network of corruption and social control over the population of Medelln. In the early 1990s, when the hunt for Pablo Escobar took place, the head of Medelln's drug cartel was at its peak, but it came to its end with his death in 1993. Get some insight on the historical dimension of the phenomenon of Pablo Escobar visiting some of the most emblematic sights of his life. Understand better why Pablo Escobar is still the most controversial person in Colombia's recent history.
Notes: Duration 4 hours approximately. Includes private transportation and hotel pick up, visit to Parque de Inflexin, visit to Museo Casa de la Memoria, and refreshments.


Day 5: Hotel Poblado Plaza, Medelln
Day Itinerary
Coffee Express Experience Envigado
Private service with a Spanish-speaking driver and guide in English. Experience the Colombian coffee culture on a traditional coffee farm located in the hills of Medelln. Get an insight into the daily life of a Colombian coffee farmer. Stroll through the coffee plantations and learn about the entire coffee process from the plant to the cup! Be impressed by how close to the vibrant mega city of Medelln Colombian country life starts.
Notes: The farm is in Envigado. Duration: 4 hours.


Day 6: Hotel Poblado Plaza, Medelln
Day Itinerary
Flowers of Santa Elena and Guatap
Private service with a Spanish-speaking driver and guide in English. This day trip combines a visit to the flower village Santa Elena and a tour to the famous Peol Boulder in Guatap. Start the day in the small village of Santa Elena, which is located high up in the mountains of Antioquia, less than an hour outside of Medelln. Visit the area where the well-known floral arrangements have become a famous symbol of Medelln. Travel through the green hills to the Peol Boulder in Guatap, known as one of the most spectacular destinations in the surrounding area of Medelln and climb the 220 m high monolith with a staircase of 740 steps. In Santa Elena, we visit an organic flower farm and get in touch with the traditional culture of the mountain villages of Antioquia. In Guatap, we enjoy the local food and breathtaking views of the stunning surroundings full of green mountains and blue lakes. Guatap is famous for its colorful paintings decorating the houses of the village.


Notes: Typical lunch included with set menu, includes a snack. Duration: 8 to 10 hours, all entrance fees are included.
Activities
Santa Elena
Guatape
Piedra Del Peol


Santa Elena
Situated just east of Medellin, the small town of Santa Elena is set high up in the mountains of Antioquia. Dubbed the Flower Village, it is known for its fertile soil, tropical climate, and its abundance of exotic flowers. Santa Elena exports its tropical flowers to international markets abroad and is known for its unique flower arrangements called Silletas. Each year, visitors can attend the Flower Festival, or Feria de Las Flores, in nearby Medellin. Soak up the buzzing atmosphere and watch the amazing parade showcasing the floral splendour of Sana Elena.


Guatape
Walking the cobbled streets of Guatap in Colombia's Antioquia district might have you believing you've stepped back in time. This picturesque village, surrounded by green hills and freshwater lakes, tells its own story by way of beautiful pastel-coloured paintings that adorn the lower half of most of the buildings. On weekends, the waterfront boardwalk bustles with local vendors selling art, food, and souvenirs. Boat trips are on offer, while adventure lovers can take a ride on the Cable Vuelo, a canopy zip-line over Guatap Lake, or climb El Peon, the massive monolithic structure for which the town is famous.


Piedra Del Peol
The Piedra Del Peol in the town of Guatape in Antioquia, Colombia, is a stand-alone rock. Nature enthusiasts can climb to the top of the 200-metre hill by way of the unique stairway on the northern side. Visitors can view the shrine to the Virgin Mary, which is halfway up the rock. The summit of the rock features an observation deck where visitors can enjoy panoramic views, a convenience store, and a seating area. Facilities at the base of the rock feature various food vendors and shopping stalls.


Day 7: End of Itinerary
Day Itinerary
Private transfer from the hotel to the airport + guide
Private transportation with a Spanish-speaking driver and English-speaking guide. Our guide will meet you at the lobby of the hotel and will take you to the José María Cordova International Airport in Medellín. We will assist you at the airport during check-in at the airline counter to help you connect to your next destination.


NOTE: Our transfer fee includes transportation of one bag per person of up to 23kg (50 lbs) plus one carry-on. If you plan to travel with additional luggage, please let us know in advance in order to assign a different vehicle capacity for the transfer. Please keep in mind that additional costs may be charged. Goodbye Colombia!


What is included in the offer
• International flights with 23kgs baggage
• 2 nights at 4* The Artisan Hotel with bed & breakfast
• City Tour Bogotá + Monserrate + Lunch
• 4 nights at 4* Poblado Plaza Hotel with bed & breakfast
• A Game of Tejo
• Medellín – History of Transformation
• Pablo Escobar - A Historical Perspective
• Coffee Express Experience – Envigado
• Flowers of Santa Elena and Guatapé
• Private transfers throughout the service.hout


Prices & Departures:
Total price inclusive of all charges
B37494 London Heathrow from £3389pp
b38299 Manchester from £ 3689pp
b38305 Glasgow from £ 3845pp
b38308 Dublin from £ 3879pp
Deposit £375pp


Terms & Conditions:
Based on 2 Adults



Meal Plans

  • As per Itinerary