Colombia tends to be an underrated travel destination, which just means there are more untouched parts of this beautiful country for you to explore. If you have two weeks to spare, there’s no better way to experience Colombia than to jump in with both feet and experience the national parks, beaches, and cities firsthand. Be a part of the revitalization of this warm, welcoming country and come back with more stories than you’ll ever have time to tell.
Bogota (2 nights), Villa de Leyva (2), Armenia (2), Salento (1), Medellin (2), Taganga (2), Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (1), Santa Marta (1), Cartagena (2)

Tour date: February 22 to March 9, 2019
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Classic Colombia:

Tour Highlights:


  • Visit the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, an underground church built within the tunnels of a salt mine
  • Explore the colonial walled city and fortress of Cartagena
  • Ride in a traditional 'Willy' to visit a working coffee farm
  • Admire some of the best street art in the Americas
  • Trek through the lush jungle of Tayrona National Park in search of remarkable wildlife and biodiversity
  • Soak up the sun in a Caribbean coastal fishing village
  • Hike the Cocora Valley, a fertile region famous for its wax palm trees
  • Learn the fascinating history of Pablo Escobar
  • The culinary experience of Colombia – we’ve chosen some amazing restaurants for this tour
  • Visit Bogota’s famous Gold Museum which has the largest collection in the world
  • And more…..


Bogota – Hotel Regina – 2 nights

Day 1 — February 22nd
Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. Officially named Bogotá and once known as Santa Fe de Bogotá, the capital city of Colombia is home to more than seven million inhabitants. The city is located at an elevation of about 2,650m (8,660 ft) on a plateau in the Andes Mountains. This captivating urban center has a rich cultural life and beautiful architecture. Like any self-respecting capital city, Bogotá is the country's capital of art, academia, history, culture, and government. 
Arrive and transfer to your hotel.

Day 2 – February 23rd – Breakfast and Dinner included
Following an orientation, we begin with a visit to Bogotá's most famous museum and one of the most fascinating in all of South America, the Gold Museum. It is the largest collection in the world containing more than 55,000 pieces of gold and other materials such as ceramics and textiles from all the major pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia. 
Our tour finishes at Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao, the most famous flower and food market in Bogota. This is an authentic experience and not your typical tourist market. A visit here will engage all of your senses, and provide us with a great insight into Colombian customs and local living in Bogota. This is the focal point where the produce of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the fertile Andes and the tropical jungle melt together. The market is divided into sections: flowers; fruit, vegetables, and aromatic herbs; and meat and fish. 
The afternoon is free for you to discover this wonderful city.


Villa de Leyva: Hospederia La Roca (2 nights)

Day 3 – February 24th – Breakfast and Dinner included
We travel north to visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground Roman Catholic Church was constructed over 200 ft underground in the tunnels and caves of an old salt mining operation. Explore the unique architecture, lighting, and features of this subterranean place of worship, including 14 small chapels representing the Stations of the Cross.
We continue our journey to the brilliantly colored colonial town of Raquira, known as the pottery capital. Upon driving up the main road, your eyes will be fixated on the vividly colored facades, the assortment of craft shops and artisans selling their artwork and pottery. Enjoy free time for lunch and shopping before our final destination, Villa de Leyva.

Day 4 – Breakfast Included
A morning visit to the fossil museum provides an introduction to the fossils that have been found in the area, which date back 110-130 millions of years ago. On display are ammonites and other prehistoric animals that roamed the area. In addition, the museum has an arboretum with gardens of palms, oaks, and an Andean forest.
The afternoon is yours to explore the Plaza Mayor, the town square, and check out the church, restaurants and shops.


Armenia: Hostal Mi Monaco (2 nights)

Day 5 – Breakfast and Dinner Included
Enjoy a morning in Villa de Leyva before an afternoon flight to Armenia; a city of history and beauty that is the center of commerce and trade in Colombia’s coffee region.
Spend two nights outside Armenia in a traditional hacienda.

Day 6 – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Visit Armenia town before visiting a local coffee farm to learn more about this important export. We will learn about the production of this important crop, from the planting stage all the way to your coffee mug, and of course we will get to try a sample!


Salento: Hotel Salento Real (2 nights)

Day 7 – Breakfast and Lunch Included
This morning we travel into the Cocora Valley for a hike to learn more about this fertile region. Enjoy the magnificent views of rolling hills and Colombia’s famous wax palm trees.
An afternoon arrival into the picturesque small town of Salento that has held on to its traditions and is the perfect place to try freshwater trout which is served in just about every home and restaurant. Salento is the coffee region’s little piece of paradise.


Medellin: Hotel Florencia Plaza (2 nights)

Day 8 – Breakfast and Dinner Included
Today we will drive through beautiful valleys and mountains on our way to Medellín.
Once infamous for gangs and drug activity, Medellin has been transformed. It’s now a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a culturally rich vacation. The natural beauty and unique climate of Medellín is something to behold. Set 4,905 feet above sea level in a valley surrounded by tall green mountains, its close proximity to the equator ensures constant spring-like temperatures year round.
The afternoon is free to relax before setting out this evening to explore the city.

Day 9 – Breakfast Included
Really get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.
Some free time this afternoon will allow you to visit the famous rock El Peñol or hop on a sightseeing bus. Ride the Metro Cable, part of Medellín’s public transportation, for sweeping views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Taganga: Ocean Taganga (2 nights)

Day 10 – Breakfast and Dinner Included
This morning we discover the fascinating legacy of Pablo Escobar, a notorious drug lord hailed as one of Colombia’s most famous figures. Learn about complex cocaine operations and the diverse opinions of a man declared both a Robin Hood-type hero and a despicable villain.
Later this afternoon we catch a flight to Santa Martha on the Caribbean Coast and transfer to the small fishing village of Taganga.

Day 11 – Breakfast Included
Spend the day soaking up the Caribbean feel of this coastal village. Be sure to indulge in the area’s fantastic fresh seafood or hang out in one of the many cafés along the beach. You can opt for more active options like snorkelling or hiking, or relax on one of the beaches or maybe in a hammock.



Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: Ecohabs (1 night)

Day 12 – Breakfast Included
Today we travel to Tayrona National Park which is one of the many hidden jewels of Colombia. The park is famous for its biodiversity, remarkable wildlife and beautiful beaches. At its heart, the Pueblito ruins are an archaeological site accessed via forest trails, with terraces and structures built by the Tayrona civilization.
We set out a relaxed hike to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
Tonight we stay in the park surrounded by nature in cozy bungalows that are built with native wood and have high roofs covered in palm leaves, a design inspired by the ancient Tayrona tribes.

Santa Marta: Hotel Santa Marta Real (1 night)

Day 13 – Breakfast and Dinner Included
Enjoy a relaxing morning before returning to Santa Marta for an included dinner in town.

Cartagena: Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (2 nights)

Day 14 – Breakfast Included
This morning we take a flight to Cartagena and arrive in time to spend the afternoon exploring the colonial old walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Learn more about Cartagena’s history on a tour of this lively city. Visit the clock tower, Plaza Bolivar, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and enjoy a walking tour from San Pedro Claver Church to Santo Domingo Church.

Day 15 – Breakfast and Dinner Included
There’s plenty to see and do in Cartagena, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a day trip to Rosario National Park, visiting Castillo de San Felipe, and exploring the Gold Museum.

This evening we have our farewell dinner to reminisce our favorite memories from the trip.

Day 16 – Breakfast Included
Adios! Today we transfer to the airport for our flights home.

2018 Classic Colombia Tour Dates & Prices
February 25 return March 12, 2018
Tour Cost per person based on double occupancy$3995.00 CADAir Fare: Flights to Colombia are available from many Canadian cities. Contact our office for air fares and flight information.Call for air fares from your citySingle supplement$1300.00
In order to make each tour a special experience space is limited to 20 people. We encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment and for the best air fares.
Flights: Call us for flight and air fare information from your closest airport in Canada as we can often access flights not easily found on the Internet and offer alternatives.

Tour price includes:

  • 15 nights accommodation based on double occupancy
  • Meals: all breakfasts, 2 lunches and 8 dinners
  • All admissions and cultural visits listed in itinerary
  • Air conditioned motor coach transportation
  • Fully escorted by a Canadian Tour Leader and Colombian (naturalist) guide
Not included: Travel insurance, air fare and transfers if your deviating from the scheduled group transfer.
Singles wishing to share: We often get requests for single travellers wishing to share accommodation. If you are interested in traveling with a companion please let us know and we can try to match you up with a suitable traveling partner.
Insurance: Medical insurance is mandatory. Cancellation and trip interruption insurance is optional. Premiums depend on your age, the length of time away and the cost of your tour and insurance will be discussed and quoted at the time of booking.

Payment Schedule:

Cancel-TermsTour Deposit: $300.00 per person.
Forms of Payment: Cheque, Visa and Master Card or by e-mail. Payments made by credit cards will be subject to a 3 percent processing fee. For information regarding e-mail payments contact your financial institution. It is easy and convenient.
Cancellation Policy: In the event that you have to cancel you must notify Discovery Tours immediately in writing. The following scale of charges will apply according to the date that notice is received. Air fare penalties may differ and will be discussed at the time of ticket purchase.