THE COLOMBIAN EXPERIENCE
A cultural tour of Colombia

Day 01: Arrive Bogotá
Upon arrival at Bogotá International Airport, we are cordially met and transferred to our hotel located in the colonial part of the city. The Spanish and Islamic styles exhibit a taste of 19th Century style with large houses artistically designed “zaguanes” (entrance corridors), interior patios and massive walls. One detects an influence of Neoclassicism or as it is locally called, “Republican”.
Overnight: Hotel Casa Plataypus, Bogotá (3 nights) (D)

Day 02: Bogotá
We begin our Colombia experience with a half day tour of Bogotá concentrating first on the rich and historical colonial part called La Candelaria followed by the International Centre, the world famous gold museum, the Botero museum and Bolivar square. The tour culminates with a cable car ride to Montserrat mountain where we get a majestic view of the landscape of Bogotá. Afternoon is free to enjoy shopping or walking around the maze of colonial streets. (B, D)

Day 03: Bogotá
A full day excursion to Zipaquira where we visit the unique Salt Cathedral. After the tour of the Cathedral, we continue through a picturesque Andean landscape. After lunch at a typical restaurant, we continue for the famous Guatavita Lagoon where we get to hear the interesting myth related to the lagoon. Late afternoon we return to Bogotá. (B, L)

Day 04: Bogotá / Neiva (flight) / San Agustin (220 Kms road)
Morning transfer to the airport for a short flight to Neiva which is located close to the Magdalena River between the east and central cordillera. Upon arrival, we drive alongside the Magdalena River and cross the Tatacoa desert to reach San Agustin arriving early afternoon. After a brief siesta, we take a detailed tour of San Agustin the most important archeological sites in Colombia and the statues and figures of San Agustin - all of which are located in the archeological park of San Agustin within the spectacular Andean landscape.
Overnight: Hacienda Anacaona, San Agustin (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 05: San Agustin
Another day into the history and culture as we explore Isnos with its “Alto de las Piedras” - the second most important archaeological park in this area. Here we find the largest statue at 7m in height followed by the “Alto de los Idolos” which contains tombs lined with stone slabs painted in different colours. Afterwards we continue to visit the two impressive cascades of “Salto de Mortiño” and “Salto de Bordones”. (B, D)

Day 06: San Agustin / Ibague (road 420 Kms)
A scenic over land journey gets us to Ibague, which lies on the eastern side of the central Andean range. This will be a day for photography as we see beautiful landscapes, typical villages where we stop to meet the locals and explore the Tatacoa desert. Lunch enroute.
Overnight: Hotel Sofitel Altamira, Ibague (1 night) (B, L)

Day 07: Ibague / Pereira - Coffee region (130 Kms)
Another exciting overland journey where we cross the central Andean range at La Linea which at 3300m, is one of the one of their highest pass points in Columbia. We then descend through the western part of the mountain range directly into the wonderful green coffee region of the country. Afternoon, we walk through the coffee farms learning the interesting story of coffee from the time it is grown to the time it gets into our cup at home.
Overnight: Hacienda Combia, Coffee region (3 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Coffee region
Another day into rural Columbia as we visit Salento, a typical village famous for it’s diverse landscapes. Here we get a good opportunity to befriend with the locals before we take an afternoon walk or horse ride into the enchanting Cocora Valley. (B, D)

Day 09: Coffee region
One day four seasons as we take a day’s excursion to see the Volcano Nevado del Ruiz. There are not many places in the world where one can experience almost all climate zones from 1000 m to 4500 in just one day. Located in the Andes mountains of South America, Nevado del Ruiz is the northernmost and highest Colombian volcano with historical activity. The summit is at 5,389 m where the volcano is covered with almost 25 km of snow and ice even though it's located only 500 km north of the Equator. (B, L)

Day 10: Coffee region / Cartagena
Our Columbia coffee sojourn comes to and end as we visit a coffee park which also offers a diverse beauty of Columbian beauty. Afternoon we are transferred to Neiva Airport for our flight to Cartagena. This flight goes via Bogotá. Cartagena, probably the most beautiful city of Columbia has intentionally been left towards the end of your Columbia Experience. Cartagena is Columbia’s most treasured tourist spots combining the Caribbean flair with the colonial architecture. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel – a cozy colonial structured property.
Overnight: Hotel Monterrey, Cartagena (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 11: Cartagena
Morning tour of this beautiful resort town of Cartagena visiting also the heart of the colonial part to include also the modern parts of Bocagrande and El Laguite, the fortress San Felipe and the monastery La Popa. Columbia is known for it’s emeralds and time permitting, we also get an orientation of emeralds, how they are prepared and actually put a hand at working on these stones. Afternoon is free to enjoy Cartagena.
(B, D)

Day 12: Cartagena / Rosario Island
After breakfast, we take our speedboat to Rosario Island National Park known also for it’s warm and crispy clear water. We have time to stroll or join the sea activities like snorkeling, diving and visiting an underwater zoo. Tonight it will be a unique accommodation of bungalows with the Caribbean Sea life.
Overnight: Hotel Majagua, Rosario Island (1 night) (B, D)

Day 13: Rosario Islands / Cartagena
Morning free before we take the afternoon boat to Cartagena (B, D)

Day 14: Departure
As all good things come to an end, so also our journey to Columbia as we are transferred to the airport for our departure flight. (B)

Departure Dates
2010 English Speaking Departures Every Saturday
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Airfares Bagota / Neiva, Armenia / Cartegna International airfares & Airport departure taxes Accommodation as mentioned or similar category Visas, insurance Meals as indicated (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) Tips and Gratuities All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary   Entrance fees to museums and sites   Services of local English speaking guides
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2010 US $ 2995 US $ 295
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 850 USA - West Coast US $ 500 Canada - East Coast US $ 850 USA - East Coast US $ 550
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 10 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.