Remote Andean retreats, colonial history, coffee plantations and the beach

Hacienda Bambusa is surrounded by the enormous mountains of the Central Andes Mountain, centenary trees, gardens and farms; it’s an oasis of peace and natural beauty. The perfect base to explore.

The Hacienda Bambusa offers eight impeccable decorated, spacious and confortable rooms. Ideally disposed for resting and relaxation, with pool and garden views. The air-conditioned rooms have fine linen, king beds, private bathrooms, TV, minibar, safe, and FREE Wi-Fi. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking.

Today, enjoy a guided visit to a local premium coffee producer at Hacienda San Alberto who have been producing coffee since the early 1970’s. We take a shared coffee tour around the Hacienda and learn about  the coffee bean germination process, visit the coffee nursery, walk around the coffee plantations and visit the processing plant. Afterwards enjoy a coffee tasting - a sip of coffee will never be the same again!

Situated far from any major trade routes in a high-altitude valley, the colonial town of Villa de Leyva has seen little development over the last 400 years.

As a result, it is one of the few towns in Colombia that has seemingly frozen in time, with much of its original style and architecture still intact; its streets are paved in stone and many of its whitewashed buildings date back to the 16th century. 

With your guide you will enjoy a walking tour of the village, include the impressive Plaza Mayor. At the end of your excursion, you will be transferred to your hotel in Barichara, the Casa Yahri, for a two-night stay.

Barichara is a small town that seems to be frozen in time, with its white-walled houses, cobbled streets, and red-tiled roofs. The town has been a refuge for artists and anyone looking for somewhere to be inspired. On our included walking tour meet locals, learn about the town's history and enjoy the handicraft shops.

Guane us a small town, older than Barichara, was one of the main cities of the Guane indigenous community. Today you will leave from Barichara village and trek on one of the "camino real", an indigenous path that has been used and transformed through the centuries and connect the different villages of the region.

In the past, the route was used to carry agricultural products to the Magdalena River. Return to Barichara in the afternoon by tuc-tuc, stoping for lunch at the private home of a lovely couple how grow their own organic products and cook delicious vegetarian food.

Transfer to Bucaramanga Airport where we take a flight to Cartagena. On arrival, transfer to your chosen hotel for a 4-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Discover Cartagena's rich history and beautiful colonial architecture; the old houses, stunning balconies and different little squares. Experience the lively ambiance, with students, vendors, and locals who make this city such a draw. Explore the main square called "Plaza de Bolívar", the "Plaza de la Proclamación", where the town gathered to support the declaration of independence on November of 1811. Continue to the "Plaza de San Pedro de Claver", and "Plaza de los Coches", a triangular plaza surrounded by the old city wall, Our final stop is the "Plaza Santo Domingo", full of life and entertainment to enjoy.

Today, enjoy a guided half-day tour of the city, starting with a visit to the "Convento de la Popa", located on a hill overlooking the city. We visit "Castillo de San Felipe", and take a walk through "Las Bóvedas", 23 vaults built in the 18th century considered the last major colonial construction made within the city walls for military purposes. At the end of the tour you will take a walk through the inner walled section of the colonial city.

Transfer to the mainland and Cartagena Airport for your flight to Bogota, to connect with your international overnight flight back to the UK.