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Home > Colombia's archaeological treasures

                     Colombia's archaeological treasures                      

A journey to the deepest heart of Colombia, that of history, with its many pre-Hispanic cultures. Everything begins in the magnificent Gold Museum in Bogota, where the civilisations Quimbaya, Taironas, Muiscas and Tolimas amaze you with their goldsmithery. Moving on, Esencia takes you to discover the regions of Huila and Cauca regions, rich in pre-Columbian statues and tombs. Finally, admire the cultural heritage of Mompox, a prefectly preserved colonial town today UNESCO World Heritage, before finishing with the beauty of the south, Cartagena de Indias.

Map

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Bogota
  • Day 2: Bogota
  • Day 3: Bogota - Pitalito - San Agustin - Pitalito - San Agustin
  • Day 4: San Agustin Archaeological Park - San Agustin
  • Day 5: San Agustin Archaeological Park - San Agustin
  • Day 6: San Agustin - Tierradentro
  • Day 7: Tierradentro
  • Day 8: Silvia - Popayan
  • Day 9: Popayan - Bogota - Santa Marta
  • Day 10: Santa Marta - Mompox
  • Day 11: Mompox
  • Day 12: Mompox - Cartagena de Indias
  • Day 13: Cartagena de Indias
  • Day 14: Cartagena de Indias - Rosario Archipelago - Cartagena de Indias
  • Day 15: Cartagena de Indias - Bogota

TRAVEL BOOK

Day 1: Bogota

Arrival at Bogota El Dorado International airport.
Transfer to your hotel in Zona Norte district.
Free time to enjoy at your own Colombia´s capital city where modern districts and historic center, urban architecture and green parks stand alongside.
Overnight at Four Seasons Casa Medina Hotel in Deluxe room.
Included : transfer arrival, local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 2: Bogota

Full day tour of Bogota, the program:
- The Monserrate
- The Candelaria district
- The Gold Museum
- Botero Foundation
- Plaza Bolivar

Note 1 : Walking tour in the Candelaria quarter (3 to 4 hours wlaking in the city), visit of Montserrate and Paloquemao by car or van.

Note 2 : the order of visits may be modified ( Gold museum close on Monday ; Botero Fondation closed on Tuesday).
Overnight at Four Seasons Casa Medina Hotel in Deluxe room.
Included : entrance fees, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 3: Bogota - Pitalito - San Agustin

Transfer to Bogota airport for your domestic flight.
Domestic flight to Pitalito.
Arrival at Pitalito airport. You will take the road to San Agustin.

Note: 45 minutes drive.
Overnight at Akawanka Hotel in Standard room.
Included : transfer departure, domestic flight, private transport, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 4: San Agustin Archaeological Park - San Agustin

This day will be dedicated to the visit of San Agustin Archaeological Park, listed as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. You will go through the main sites:

- "Las Mesitas", housing crypts, figurines and funerary dolmens;
- "El Bosque de las Estatuas", numerous statues representing mostly male anthropomorphic figures, sometimes with feline features;
- "El Fuente de Lavapatas”, a religious monument engraved in the riverbed, considered as a sacred site by the indigenous people;
- "Alto Lavapatas", the oldest site of San Agustin (3300 BC), guarded by impressive statues and offering a unique view over the valley and the various archaeological sites;
- Horseback riding (optional) to reach El Chaquira and El Tablon sites while enjoying the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes.

Note: 3 hours walk.
Optional: 3 hours’ horse riding. If you are interested, please contact us.
Overnight at Akawanka Hotel in Standard room.
Included : private transport, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 5: San Agustin Archaeological Park - San Agustin

Day dedicated to the visit of natural and archaeological sites around San Agustin:

- The Archaeological Park Alto de los Ídolo characterized by the presence of many funerary complexes with slabs shaped dolmens, sarcophagi and statues guarding access;
- The Estrecho del Rio Magdalena (rocky gorge of 2.20 meters wide in which Colombia's longest river pushes its way with unimaginable force);
- A visit to a sugar cane farm production;
- The cascade of Mortiño (180 meters high) or Salto Bordones.

By late afternoon, return to the hotel in San Agustin.

Overnight at Akawanka Hotel in Standard room.
Included : private transport, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 6: San Agustin - Tierradentro

Departure to the valley of the Rio San Andres, for the discovery of the largest Colombian archaeological site.
Arrival in San Andres Pisimbalá village, situated1754 meters high and head of the department. This is the land of Indian Nasa (or Paez) proud defenders of their cultural identity.

Note : 6-7 hours drive (one track part)
Overnight at Albergue El Refugio Hotel (very basic comfort).
Included : private transport, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 7: Tierradentro

Day dedicated to the visit of archaeological and natural attractions.

The park, very wide, is organized around six main sites:

- Ethnographic Museums
- Archaeological Museum
- Alto de Segovia
- Alto El Duende
- Alto del Aguacate
- Alto de San Andres

We recommend combining the visit of these sites with the discovery of the nearby villages by walk, to enjoy the richness of the region between historical relics, culture and extraordinary landscapes.
IMPORTANT: the tombs are scattered on the tops of several hills. Access is by foot, the nearest site is 20 minutes’ walk (Alto de Segovia), and the farthest 2 hours. Note that the trail might be rugged and steep, sometimes in the rain ...

Note: visits will be organized on site with your guide, depending on the interests of each, as well as access conditions (in terms of time, climate and opening sites)
Overnight at Albergue El Refugio Hotel (very basic comfort).
Included : local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 8: Silvia - Popayan

Departure to Popayan, nicknamed the "White City" because of its buildings in lime and wrought iron balconies.
Also, you will stop by Silvia, the town is known for its colorful weekly market (on Tuesdays) and for its inhabitants, the Guambianos originating in Ecuador.
Transfer to the hotel.

Note: 3-4 hours drive

Overnight at Dann Monasterio hotel in Standard room.
Included : local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 9: Popayan - Bogota - Santa Marta

Visit Popayan and its splendid colonial and architectural heritage.
By foot, you’ll visit the historical center, between narrow streets, religious buildings and monuments testifying the past of Colombia. Among the best sights: the Caldas Park (departure point for processions of Holy Week), churches La Ermita (the oldest in the city) and Santo Domingo (remarkable carved stone decoration) and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Asunción.

Transfer to Popayan airport for your domestic flight.
Domestic flight to Bogota.
Domestic flight to Santa Marta.

Transfer to your hotel.

Overnight at Don Pepe Hotel in Standard room.

Included : local english-speaking guide , private transport, domestic flight, room & breakfast

Day 10: Santa Marta - Mompox

In the morning, departure for Mompox.
Arrival and transfer to your hotel. End of the day free.

Note: about 6 hours drive.

Overnight at Bioma Hotel in Standard Room.
Included : private transport, room & breakfast

Day 11: Mompox

In the morning, you will visit the goldsmith workshops known for the delicacy of filigree gold or silver jewelry (filigrana Momposina). Lunch on the banks of the Rio Magdalena, before exploring La Cienaga de Pijio on board a traditional boat. On the water, enjoy the picturesque scenery and wildlife watching (egrets, herons, iguanas, monkeys ...) and abundant flora (mangrove).

Overnight at Bioma Hotel in Standard Room.
Included : excursion (private), local spanish-speaking guide, room & breakfast

Day 12: Mompox - Cartagena de Indias

Departure by road heading to the Caribbean Coast.
Transfer to your hotel in the historic center of Cartagena.
End of the day free to enjoy the city as you desire.
Note: about 6 hours´ drive.

Overnight at Casa San Agustin Hotel in Deluxe room.

Included : private transport, room & breakfast

Day 13: Cartagena de Indias

Morning dedicated to the visit of the main historic and cultural sites of Cartagena:

- The Convent of the Popa: perched on a hill that embraces the whole bay, this monastery houses a beautiful patio, a colonial museum and a chapel dedicated to the Virgen de la Candelaria.
- Panoramic View from the Castle of San Felipe Barajas: at the doors of the colonial city, it is one of the greatest strongholds ever built by the Spanish Army. The view of the city is impressive.
- Direction Fuerte San Sebastian del Pastelillo now listed Historical and Cultural Humanity Heritage by UNESCO. This is the first fort built in Cartagena, in 1741. It was there that took place the famous attack of British Pirate Sir Francis Drake. The fort was restored in the 1970s and is home to the famous restaurant Club de Pesca.
In the afternoon, you will go for a guided walking tour through the Walled City, including the visit of the most beautiful areas such as San Diego, Plaza Santo Domingo, Getsemani and other landmarks with very rich history.
Note: lunch at Club de Pesca, contact us if you are interested.

Overnight at Casa San Agustin Hotel in Deluxe room.

Included : entrance fees, private transport, excursion (private), local english-speaking guide , room & breakfast

Day 14: Cartagena de Indias - Rosario Archipelago - Port de Carthagène - Cartagena de Indias

Transfer between your hotel and the port of Cartagena.
Free day of relaxation in the heart of the beautiful Rosario archipelago. On the program: relaxing on the beaches, swimming in the heart of the Caribbean sea, exploring the mangrove, deep sea exploration and tasting local dishes based on fish and coconut rice ...
Note 1: when you will arrive at Cartagena port, you will have to pay a tax (15 500 COP on this day)
Note 2 : 2 hours of boat.
Transfer between the port and your hotel in Cartagena.

Overnight at Casa San Agustin Hotel in Deluxe room.

Included : private transport, boat ticket, lunch, excursion (private), shared transport, welcome cocktail, room & breakfast

Day 15: Cartagena de Indias - Bogota

Transfer to Cartagena airport for your flight to Bogota. Connexion to your international flight.
IMPORTANT : depending on your flight schedule, make sure you have the time for connexion. Otherwise, choose to stay overnight in Bogota the day before departure.
Domestic flight to Bogota.
Included : transfer departure, domestic flight

Casa Medina Four Seasons Hotel   Bogota

Level : 5*
Included : room & breakfast

Recognized as one of the finest hotels in Bogota, the Casa Medina, a jewel in the capital city, is now a Four Seasons signature. Perfectly situated for a business or leisure trip, this hotel is near the Zona G (G for Gourmet), where are the best restaurants of Bogota. With its stone columns and its beautiful brick facade, the hotel was declared “Monument of Cultural Interest” by the Colombian Ministry of Culture. Step through the doors and you will be surprised by the beauty of the building, where the Spanish colonial accents blend with the contemporary. The place is intimate and invites to comfort. The Spa is as the expectations of the prestigious Four Seasons brand.

Akawanka Hotel   San Agustin

Level : 3*
Included : room & breakfast

This charming hotel located few minutes away from the center of San Agustin is a haven of peace. Each room is decorated differently by the owner who used to travel a lot. The dining room heated by wood fire is the perfect place to relax.

Albergue El Refugio Hotel   

Level : 2*
Included : room & breakfast

Basic hotel but very well located in the Tierradentro region. Enjoy a relaxing time at the pool after a long day of walking. The property offers spacious rooms and access to hot water.

Dann Monasterio   Popayan

Level : 4*
Included : room & breakfast

Built on a Franciscan convent from 1570, Hotel Dann Monasterio represents the emblem of the White City, Popayan. With its elegance and iconic past, this luxury hotel will make you travel through the centuries while retaining its modernity and avant-garde touch. The hotel has 47 rooms with a charming space.

Don Pepe Hotel   Santa Marta

Level : 5*
Included : room & breakfast

The Don Pepe Hotel Boutique offers guests a unique experience of relaxation, history and tradition in the oldest city of the Americas. Located on the most beautiful bays in the Caribbean surrounded by the Sierra Nevada, Don Pepe has distinguished itself in the upscale hotel in Santa Marta. The hotel has 12 rooms, each of them decorated with meticulous details and a private terrace. The hotel restaurant, Bacota, offers gastronomy meals which combines flavors of the world.

Bioma Hotel   Mompox

Level : 3*
Included : room & breakfast

Located in the beautiful colonial city of Mompox, Bioma hotel features an outdoor pool surrounded by lush tropical gardens and a hot tub on the roof with panoramic views of the Magdalena River. Rooms at Bioma Boutique Hotel have large ensuite bathroom with white tiles and pastel linens.

Casa San Agustin   Cartagena de Indias

Level : 5*
Included : room & breakfast

Casa San Agustin invites you to live an experience in the heart of the colonial center whose architecture evokes the glory days of the 17th century. In the heart of Cartagena, this little gem has been fabulously restored and refurbished to meet the demands of a new generation of international travelers attracted by a contemporary revival and artistic Caribbean touch.

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