Essential Colombia
Overview
Discover the vibrant spirit of Colombia on this 8-day, 7-night journey through Cartagena de Indias, Salento and Bogotá. From the charm of the Caribbean coast to the lush heart of the coffee region and the dynamic pulse of the capital, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, landscapes and atmosphere. Each destination adds its own unique flavour to the experience, creating a well-rounded and memorable adventure across some of Colombia’s most iconic regions.
Format
Locations
- Cartagena
- Salento
- Bogotá
- Colombia
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight to Cartagena de Indias (if Flight & Hotel option is chosen)
- Round-trip economy class airfare between Cartagena de Indias and Pereira
- Round-trip economy class airfare between Pereira and Bogotá
- Airport and sightseeing transfers as per itinerary
- 7 nights Superior Accommodation (2 nights in Cartagena de Indias, 2 nights in Salento, 3 nights in Bogotá)
- Daily breakfast
More Moments activities included:
- Half-day city tour with San Felipe Castle
- Coffee Tour at Hacienda San Alberto
- Full-day city tour with Bolívar Square, Botero and Gold Museums and Monserrate
- Hotel taxes (except for customers travelling with a Colombia passport), fees and service charges
- Service of English-speaking local guide
- Entrance fee for the monuments as mentioned in the itinerary
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2026.
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Cartagena
Daytime flight to Rafael Núñez International Airport.
Upon arrival, you will need to clear customs and immigration. Afterward, you’ll proceed to collect your luggage and head to the exit, where a local representative will be waiting for you, holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your transfer to your hotel to check in.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Day 2
Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast, meet your dedicated tour guide in the hotel lobby and set off on an engaging half-day city tour. Discover the charm of Cartagena as you stroll through its vibrant streets and take in some of its most iconic and picturesque sites, rich in history and local flavour.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day city tour with San Felipe Castle
The tour begins at San Felipe Castle, a Spanish-built fortress atop a hill designed to control the bay, an impressive site both architecturally and historically. From there, enjoy a guided walk through Cartagena de Indias’ historic centre, starting at the Clock Tower in Plaza de la Aduana and continuing to the square in front of San Pedro Claver Church, known for its religious art and history, where you’ll pause for a refreshing juice or coffee. Next, visit Plaza de Bolívar, surrounded by some of the city's most iconic buildings, before heading to the 17th-century Monastery of La Popa for panoramic views from Cartagena de Indias’ highest point. Exit through the Clock Tower and pass Centenario Park, a downtown oasis home to sloths, marmosets and iguanas. The tour concludes on foot in the vibrant neighbourhood of Getsemaní, alive with graffiti, flowers, colourful houses and music.
Note: Please note that the vehicle will only be available for 1.5 hours while we visit Castillo de San Felipe. Transport back to the hotel is not included as the tour ends on foot in the historic centre.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 3
Cartagena de Indias – Pereira – Salento
After an early breakfast and check-out, a private transfer will take you to Rafael Núñez International Airport for your flight to Pereira, the gateway to Colombia’s coffee-growing region.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a private driver will be waiting to take you on a scenic journey to Salento, known as the gateway to the Cocora Valley and the heart of the Coffee Triangle.
Once you arrive at your hotel, check in and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 4
Salento – Buenavista – Salento
After breakfast, you will be picked up by a shared transfer that will take you on a scenic *1.5-hour drive to Buenavista, home of Colombia's most awarded coffee, where a **5-hour Coffee Tour at Hacienda San Alberto awaits! While walking among the coffee plants, you will enjoy amazing views and learn about coffee from seed to cup.
*Driving time may vary depending on the road and traffic conditions
**Duration may vary depending on the weather and operational conditions on the ground
Afterwards, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel in Salento. Rest of the day at leisure
More Moments Activities Included
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Coffee Tour at Hacienda San Alberto
Walk and enjoy a tour among the coffee plantations and the steep hills of the coffee region while you learn about planting, processing and the fine selection of this famous coffee brand.
You will walk into the coffee plantations to see different experimental and traditional species, planting cycles and techniques and differences in plant growth and crop production. After, you will move to see how coffee is processed after harvesting the beans. You will learn the different methods applied to dry and roast coffee and the machines involved, always focusing on how every detail affects the flavour. You will continue to the lab, where experts in coffee tasting evaluate coffee batches to see if they are worthy of being named Top Quality Coffee. Here, you will learn the methods experts use to differentiate good coffee from bad coffee and recognize the characteristics of the aroma, body and taste. Finally, you will have a coffee-tasting experience where you will be able to apply all the knowledge and enjoy top-notch coffee served at a beautiful place.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 5
Salento – Pereira – Bogotá
After an early breakfast and check out, your private transfer will take you to Matecaña International Airport in Pereira for your flight to Bogotá, known as the "Athens of South America" for its culture.
Upon arrival, collect your luggage and proceed to the exit, where a local representative holding a sign with your name will be waiting to greet you. You will then be escorted to your private transfer, which will take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 6
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day city tour, taking you through the most iconic landmarks of this vibrant metropolis.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Full-day city tour with Bolívar Square, Botero and Gold Museums and Monserrate
his is the most comprehensive way to experience the key sights of the city in a single day.
Your first stop will be Monserrate, a significant Catholic sanctuary for Colombians. Located at an altitude of approximately 3048 metres, it offers a stunning southwest view of the city.
Next, you'll explore the picturesque, cobbled streets of La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic heart. Here, you'll visit the Botero Museum, home to the eccentric and iconic works of Fernando Botero—one of Colombia’s most renowned contemporary artists.
A stop at Chorro de Quevedo will allow you to appreciate the rich contrasts of the historic centre and delve deeper into Bogotá’s layered history.
The tour then continues to Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s main square, surrounded by important administrative and government buildings that have played a central role in Colombia’s history—explained in detail by your tour guide.
Finally, you’ll stroll along Jiménez Avenue to reach the Gold Museum, which houses an impressive collection of indigenous gold artifacts. At the exit, you'll have the opportunity to browse for local crafts at the handicrafts market in Santander Park.
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 7
Bogotá
Take a breather and savour a day all your own in the vibrant heart of Bogotá. Whether you feel like wandering through hidden corners, indulging in local flavours or simply relaxing and soaking up the city’s lively energy, this day at leisure invites you to create your own perfect adventure. The city is yours to discover at your own pace and on your own terms!
Breakfast
Meal(s):Day 8
Bogotá – Canada
After an early breakfast and check-out, your transfer will take you to El Dorado International Airport for your flight back to Canada.
Breakfast
Meal(s):
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Superior Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Unless otherwise indicated, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Bed size(s): 1 king or 2 twin beds. Rollaway beds available upon request (locally)
Room occupancy:
ALL: Minimum: 1 guests / Maximum 2 guests
Important Information
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Weekly departures from December 20, 2025, to April 11, 2026
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NOT INCLUDED:
- Hotel Taxes are NOT included for customers traveling with a Colombian passport; proof of nationality will be required upon check-in.
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals outside of the ones mentioned within the itinerary below.
- Transfers for any optional activities and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above.
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Additional activities and excursions
- Visa fees (where applicable)
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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- Car - Shared transfer service from/to airports unless noted otherwise.
- Plane – Round-trip flight service from Cartagena de Indias to Pereira.
- Car – Private inter-city transfers
- Plane – Round-trip flight service from Pereira to Bogotá.
- Car - Shared transfer service for all sightseeing unless noted otherwise.
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Please be advised that upon arrival at Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena de Indias, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in. Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.