Colombia Holidays
Remote Andean retreats, colonial history, coffee plantations and the beach
Barichara Tour - 18 Night Itinerary
A first class tour discovering the stunning mountain countryside to Barichara, luxury character coffee plantation, historical cities, ancient villages and the beautiful beaches on the exquisite Baru Island.
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Tour Route
- Coffee Plantation Luxury - 3 Nights
- Bogota - 3 Nights
- Villa de Leyva - 1 Night
- Barichara - 3 Nights
- Cartagena - 4 Nights
- Baru Island - 4 Nights
- Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
Travel Highlights
- Stay in some of the best hotels, resorts and lodges in Colombia
- Enjoy the rural idyll of Armenia and stay in a first class coffee plantation
- Explore the historic capital Bogota with our local expert guide
- Stay in the Villa de Leyva, a town unchanged for centuries
- Visit the colonial city of Barichara, wonderful architecture & cobbled stones
- Take a trek to the village of Guane and enjoy lunch with a local family
- Explore the colonial history of Cartagena, with its squares and colourful streets
- Relax for 4 nights in a first class resort on Baru Island
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Tour Itinerary
Coffee Plantation Luxury - 3 Nights
Day 1 - Fly to Bogota
Day 2 - Arrive & connecting flight to Armenia.
Day 3 - Half-Day Coffee Tour
Day 4 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Monday, 02 December 2024
Fly to Bogota
Depart the UK in the evening on a direct overnight flight to Bogota.
Tuesday, 03 December 2024
Fly to Armenia
Arrive early morning in Bogota and take a domestic flight to Armenia, in the centre of Colombia's coffee growing region on the side of Andes. You will be met and transferred to the small, luxury hideaway, Hacienda Bambusa for a 3-night stay on a half board basis (breakfast and dinner every day).
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.
Wednesday, 04 December 2024
Coffee tour
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!
Thursday, 05 December 2024
At leisure
A final day at Hacienda Bambusa to enjoy the rural hideaway. Perhaps take a trek of bike ride into the scenic hills or relax by the pool.
Hacienda Bambusa
Coffee Region - Luxury Hacienda
The Hacienda Bambusa offers eight impeccable decorated, spacious and confortable rooms. Ideally disposed for resting and relaxation, with pool and garden view of the property. The rooms are provided with fine linen, king beds and private bathrooms. TV, minibar, safety deposit box, free Wi-Fi and air conditioning are available in all rooms. A breakfast is served every morning, which can also be enjoyed in the privacy of your room. At Hacienda Bambusa you will find free bicycle rentals, a tour desk and luggage storage. An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including cycling and hiking.
Bogota - 3 Nights
Day 5 - Fly to Bogota
Day 6 - Full day tour of Bogota
Day 7 - At leisure in Bogota
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 06 December 2024
Fly to Bogota
Fly back to Bogota transfer to your chosen hotel for a 3-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. This is also the opportunity for our guide to provide you with expert local advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax and explore Bogota on your own. Bogota is a vibrant capital steeped in history, with colonial churches and squares, surrounded by the peaks of the Andes.
Saturday, 07 December 2024
Full day tour of Bogota
Enjoy a fascinating full day tour of Bogota. We drive through the colonial neighbourhood of La Candelaria and make stops for photographs at Plaza de Bolivar, the main square and heart of Bogota. We continue on foot through the streets where you will see the library of Luis Angel Arango, cathedral, Congress Palace, Cardinal's Palace, the colonial churches of El Sagrario and San Agustin, House of Independence, Palace of Justice and the City Hall. We visit the famous Gold Museum, which houses the world greatest collection of pre-hispanic Indian gold crafts. The galleries on 3 levels display pieces dating back nearly 2500 years. Afterwards, we visit the Fernando Botero Museum which contains around 120 paintings and sculptures of this famous contemporary Colombian artist. His work is well-known for the 'proportionally exaggerated' fat figures. In addition to his work, his personal collection includes pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Degas, Chagall, Matisse, Monet and Giacometti.
Sunday, 08 December 2024
At leisure in Bogata
A day for your own explorations of Colombia's fascinating capital city. Our guide can also offer a range of optional excursions, bookable locally.
Cite Hotel Bogota
Bogota - First Boutique
Cite Hotel is situated very close to the Virrey and Calle 85 and is located in the business and entertainment centre of Bogota, overlooking Virrey Park. The rooms of Hotel Cite have wooden floors and large windows with park views. They are all equipped with air conditioning, cable TV with DVD player, minibar and safe. The hotel's gourmet French Bistro is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Room service is also available. Guests can make use of the free gym access, located within walking distance from the hotel. Chico is a great choice for travellers interested in nightlife, restaurants and gourmet food.
Villa de Leyva - 1 Night
Day 8 - Travel to Villa De Leyva
- Full Description
Monday, 09 December 2024
Travel to Villa De Leyva
We journey north through the plateau of Bogotá, taking in magnificent mountain scenery to our first stop, the town of Sutatausa. We visit the colonial church to admire the excellently kept and unique wall paintings made by an anonymous artist during the XVII century. The paintings show, among others, a native woman dressed with Indian textiles, which probably were used to assist the Sunday service. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant.
Continue to the town of Ráquira, famous for its pottery and colony of artisans. We also visit to one of the factories where clay pots, decorations and handicrafts are made by the people of the village. We overnight in Villa de Leyva.Villa de Leyva was founded in 1572 and still exudes a grand yet faded colonial charm. We take a walking tour of the town, enjoying the colonial architecture, large square and relaxed ambiance.
Barichara - 3 Nights
Day 9 - Villa de Leyva and travel to Barichara
Day 10 - Explore Barichara
Day 11 - Hike to Guane and private home visit
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 10 December 2024
Villa de Leyva and travel to Barichara
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 and a bed and breakfast basis.
Wednesday, 11 December 2024
Explore Barichara
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.
Thursday, 12 December 2024
Hike to Guane and private home visit
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.
Casa Yahri
Villa de Leyva & Barichara - Luxury Boutique
Casa Yahri is located in Barichara, known as the prettiest village in Colombia.
Still untouched by mass tourism, you will find a quiet ambiance, perfect weather and an authentic Colombian way of living. The hotel is situated in the "La Loma" neighbourhood, the most exclusive area of Barichara. Casa Yahri preserves the architecture that makes Barichara a magical place frozen in colonial time.
The air-conditioned suites have a private bathroom, beautiful terraces and spaces designed for rest, furnished with King size beds, the best linens, minibar and free Wi-Fi.
Public areas include a lounge, terraced gardens and a wonderful infinity pool to enjoy.
There is much to do and explore in this area, including craft workshops, a visit to a coffee plantation, a visit to Guane and the archeological museum and a cable car ride across a nearby canyon.
Cartagena - 4 Nights
Day 12 - Fly to Cartagena
Day 13 - Walking tour
Day 14 - Colonial Tour of Cartagena
Day 15 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Friday, 13 December 2024
Fly to Cartagena
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.
Saturday, 14 December 2024
Walking tour of Cartagena
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.
Sunday, 15 December 2024
Colonial Tour of Cartagena
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.
Monday, 16 December 2024
At leisure
Your final day in Cartagena to enjoy at your leisure.
Hotel Agua
Cartagena - First Hotel
Hotel AGUA a typical colonial house dating back to the XVII century,has been completely renovated and conditioned with excellent modern facilities and personalised service that will make guests feel like a home away from home. This luxury boutique hotel has only 6 rooms each decorated differently always with luxury amenities, king size or twin beds, private bathroom and bath. The Hotel has a small pool and relaxing area on the rooftop and the communal areas are very pleasant and peaceful ideal for reading or enjoying the sounds of soulful latin american music in the background. Agua has an excellent location walking distance from many art galleries and excellent restaurants. It also has a sister Hotel Agua Baru where one can spend the day relaxing by the beach or even spend a few nights combined with your stay in Cartagena.
Baru Island - 4 Nights
Day 16 - Travel to Baru Island
Day 17 - At leisure
Day 18 - At leisure
Day 19 - At leisure
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Tuesday, 17 December 2024
Travel to Baru Island
Today we leave Cartagena and travel by boat to nearby Baru Island, part of the Rosario Islands, for a 4-night stay on a bed and breakfast basis. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Wednesday, 18 December 2024
At leisure
Relax on the beach or at your resort.
Thursday, 19 December 2024
At leisure
Take advantage of a wide range of activities from your resort, with boat trips, fishing, water sports and adventures inland.
Friday, 20 December 2024
At leisure
Your final day at leisure at your island retreat.
Hotel Las Islas
Rosario Islands and Baru Island - Luxury Hotel
The hotel Las Islas is located in the Archipelago of the National and Natural Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park, known as the Rosario Islands. The islands are formed by coral reefs where the magic of its crystalline waters and small coralline beaches are the best accomplice for rest activities, relaxation, snorkeling. In order to reach the hotel you need to take a 45-minute speed boat ride from Santa Cruz Pier in Cartagena which will get you to the private beach access of the hotel.
Located both at sea level and within the trees, the exclusive bungalows include a furnished deck, air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom is stocked with premium Hermes products and a robe and slippers. The restaurants and bars at Hotel Las Islas offer exquisite dining options to satisfy every appetite. Relax with friends and family at Las Guacas, sample ceviche at Tía Coco or satisfy your sweet tooth with an ice cream at Los Mangos. Pair your drink with live music at Monaprieta, or catch a glimpse of the island in all of its splendor at Las Islas Bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day, enabling you to dine in the comfort of your accommodations.
Vitalize your mind and body with a visit to Spa Niña Daniela. Designed by a renowned local architect, the hotel’s beachfront spa and wellness center is a haven of tranquility within the breathtaking beauty of our surroundings, and features a full menu of soothing treatments.
Fly back to the UK - 0 Nights
Day 20 - Fly back to the UK
Day 21 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
Saturday, 21 December 2024
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the mainland and Cartagena Airport for your flight to Bogota, to connect with your international overnight flight back to the UK.
Sunday, 22 December 2024
Arrive in the UK
Arrive back in the UK in the morning.
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan - 30 June, 6 Sept - 17 Dec | 1 July - 5 Sep, 18 Dec - 31 Dec |
| Room Arrangement | First | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Room | £6,054 | £6,460 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 21 Days / 18 Nights
- International flights (2 overnight)
- Internal flights
- Accommodation as shown on the itinerary
- Breakfast everyday and meals as described on the itinerary
- Transfers to and from airports
- Transport throughout the itinerary
- Excursions listed, all with expert, English-speaking guides
- Prices are per person
- Prices for Special Events, Christmas, New Year's Eve, Easter on request
- Prices do not include the extension to Tayrona National Park
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