COLOMBIAN EXPERIENCE - 2012 / 2013
A cultural tour of Colombia

Colombia has been reawakening into the tourist world. This two weeks journey covers the best, historically most important as well as the scenic sites of this South American country.  A rich  insight of the culture and panorama of Colombia is the main focus of this tour as we cover sites at Bagota,  San Augustin, Ibague, Pereira, the Coffee Region, Carteigna and the Rosario Island.

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 theTatacoa 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)
http://www.anacaona-colombia.com

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 Estelar Altamira, Ibague (1 night) (B, L)
http://www.hotelesestelar.com

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 Colombia. 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: Haciena Combia, Coffee region (3 nights) (B, D)
http://www.combia.com.co

Day 08: Coffee region
Another day into rural Colombia 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
This day you have one of the following options to take: The first option offers four seasons in one day 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. The 2nd option is a full day’s trip to the hot thermals of Santa Rosa de Cabal which is beautifully surrounded by forests and a spectacular waterfall. This day also includes lunch with an interesting ecological walk. (B, D)

Day 10: Coffee region / Cartagena
Our Colombia coffee sojourn comes to and end as we visit a coffee park which also offers a diverse beauty of Colombian 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 Colombia has intentionally been left towards the end of your Colombia Experience. Cartagena is Colombia’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)
http://www.hotelmonterrey.com.co

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. Colombia 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.
Overnight: Hotel Monterrey, Cartagena (1 night) (B, D)

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

Departure Dates
2012 / 2013 English Speaking Departures Every Saturday
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Accommodation as mentioned or similar category Domestic flights Bogota/Neiva/Cartegna/Bogota currently @ $ 435 Meals as indicated (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner) Visas / Insurance All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary Tips / Gratuities 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 2012 US $ 3095 US $ 495 2013 US $ 3195 US $ 535
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1400 USA - West Coast US $ 900 Canada - East Coast US $ 1300 USA - East Coast US $ 800
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.