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This trip will take you to places where you contemplate nature at its finest, to give a brief introduction you will first visit Colombia's capital city Bogotá ,then take off to the Amazonas. Just minutes before landing in Leticia, look out the window of the plane and you’ll see a tight blanket of trees that frame a huge brown river snaking through the jungle. This is your first glimpse of the 4,225-mile Amazon, the longest river in the world!
Vibrant and diverse Bogotá, the country’s capital and commercial back-bone. Colombia's bustling metropolis is a mix of old and new, trendy and traditional, stately and charming. Home to a dazzling array of museums, churches, colonial mansions and stately buildings Bogotá has a fine balance between its historical past and its movement in to the future. This city in central Colombia is located at an elevation of 2,650 m./8,660 ft. on a mountain rimmed plateau high in the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes Mountains. The city lies only 4°36' north of the equator. Bogotá was founded on the 6th of August 1538 by the Spanish conqueror Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. The new city became the vice-regal capital of New Granada in 1717. It was captured by Simón Bolívar in 1819 and was the capital of the independent nation of Great Colombia (which included modern day Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, and Venezuela). It became the capital of New Granada (later renamed Colombia) in 1830 when Great Colombia was dissolved. The city initially grew slowly because Bogotanos (cachacos) wished to preserve their old culture. They cherished their churches, convents, homes (built in the ornate Spanish colonial style) and the National University, founded in 1573. They also prided themselves on speaking the purest Spanish in the New World. The city however expanded rapidly after 1940 as large numbers of rural Colombians migrated there in search of greater economic opportunities. It is sometimes called the Athens of South America. Bogotá is now Colombia's largest financial, political, and cultural centre. The National University of Colombia and many other universities located there make Bogotá the nation's chief educational centre. Bogotá is for many people the gateway city in to Colombia, and a fine start point for your Colombian adventure. Read more
La Candelaria is Bogota’s heart and soul, from its humble beginnings this is the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar (Main Square) are high on any visitor’s agenda. The Square is the focal point of this historic part of the city. Surrounding the square are several important Colonial and Republican style buildings including the Palace of Justice and Colombian Congress. The Plaza is also home to the Mayor’s office and the Primary Cathedral of Bogota that dominates an entire corner. Standing proud in the plazas centre is a statue of Simon Bolivar (Founder of Colombian independence) the first public monument to be erected in the city. As you wander the streets of La Candelaria away from the main square, your guide will not only explain the history of Bogota but also the intricacies of current Colombian culture and daily life. There will be time for a refreshment stop in one of the cities coffee houses. The Botero Museum or Donation is a permanent exhibition of works of art by Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist who’s "oversized” art is instantly recognisable. There are several rooms over 2 floors with displays of his work both on canvas and sculpture. The museum not only houses work by Botero but also other world famous artists such as Dali, Monet and Van Gogh. Next door is the Casa de la Moneda, or mint is home to a museum that takes you on a tour of the history of Bogota through the currency and money used in Colombia. With your guide the next stop will be the Gold Museum which is situated on the northeast corner of the Parque Santander. The Museum is within the premises of the Banco de la Republica, and is one of the finest collections of Pre Hispanic gold in the world. This is a “must see” when in Bogotá, with more than 35,000 pieces of pre-Colombian gold work in the collection. Many of the works are said to be unsurpassed by goldsmiths of today and it’s easy to understand when you allow yourself time to study examples such as the Balsa Muisca (Offering boat). This golden raft is one of the focal point of the display and was the driving force in the Spaniards quest to find El Dorado. Then a short drive or interesting walk from the centre of the old town takes you to the base of the hill that leads up to the hill top view point and monastery of Monserrate. The summit can be reached by either funicular railway or cable car. From the highest point the view across the city will enable you to see the different sectors of Bogota. From La Candelaria and its terracotta tiled roofs to the high rise business sector and then on across the sabana (flat plains) and off in to the distance. The new convent is a pilgrimage site for many Colombians whom make their way past the fourteen Stations of the Cross until reaching the convent. There are a few artisan shops, with others selling snacks and refreshments Read more
For some this is a religious monument, others a celebration of engineering or maybe even an artistic masterpiece. One of the marvels of Colombia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is well worth the visit. For the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its earth and the hidden jewel beneath the earth’s surface, Zipaquirá is somewhat of a must during a stay in Bogotá. Travelling north of the city, through countryside once occupied by the native Muisca Indians, Zipaquirá is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Colombia. Zipaquirá is most famous for its Cathedral carved underground in a still functioning salt mines just west of the town. The subtle lighting pronounces the fourteen Stations of the Cross as you descend in to the mine, each station sculpted by a different artist. At the deepest point of the cathedral, 180 m below the earth’s surface, you encounter the nave and the north and south aisles dominated by the 16m high central cross. The illumination and execution of the work is a tribute to modern techniques and years of work from the miners and artists. Your guide will explain all about the cathedrals construction and how it and the mine still function in harmony. However you view this construction, you can’t fail to be impressed by its size and grandeur. Around the central square of the town of Zipaquirá the colonial buildings still hold their charm footed by brickwork paving and overlooked by the Cathedral Diocesana de San Antonio. Read more
The Colombian Amazon forms part of the largest Eco-system on the planet. More than one third of the worlds species live in the Amazon rainforest, a giant tropical forest and river basin with an area that stretches more than 5,400,000 sq km. The River Amazon runs through the Amazon jungle and is a lifeline for so many species and humans alike. The river provides water, fishing and habitat and without it many thousands of people and a far greater number of species of birdlife, mammals and marine life would not exist today. From its humble source in Peruvian Andes to its immensity at the Atlantic coast of Brazil this giant eco system is truly one of the natural world’s greatest marvels. Using the river as your primary means of transport it is possible to see indigenous tribes, wildlife such as the famous pink river dolphins and pass over the three frontiers of Colombia, Brazil and Peru. Most people start in the Departments capital of Leticia. This interesting city borders both neighbours Brazil and Peru and is fast merging with Tabatinga on the Brazilian side. It is only possible to enter Leticia by air or by water from Brazil or Peru. Arrival to Leticia at Vasquez Cobo airport, from there you will walk through the jungle reserve to a tree which is 35 metres tall and marks the beginning of the jungle canopy ride. Ascending the tree to the platform you will then zip wire across the top of the jungle between two other tree top platforms to observe the dosel of the jungle or "ceiling of the jungle". At this place you will spend the night in some nice cabins on the edge of the jungle. In the night, a guide will take you for a night walk in the jungle to observe the nocturnal wild live. Read more
Awaking after your first night in the Amazon Jungle your day will start with an adventurous canopy tour. You will walk through the jungle reserve to a tree which is 35 metres tall and marks the beginning of the jungle canopy ride. Ascending the tree to the platform you will then zip wire across the top of the jungle between two other tree top platforms before continuing the walk through the reserve for approximately 1.30 hours. During the walk a local indigenous guide will point out jungle plants which are used for medicines before you arrive at a “Maloca” which is a traditional indigenous house in which various families live together. The guide will then demonstrate a recipe for a natural stimulant, which used by some of the local tribes, mixing together in a large dish various plants commonly found in the jungle. The River Tacana is located close by, so you will have the opportunity to do some fishing and go for a refreshing swim before returning to the tree houses. Later in the afternoon you will go to Yahuarcaca River and overnight in traditional cabins. Read more
The people that live in the jungle are its beating heart and as important to the local ecosystem as the jungle itself. Today you will visit a local indigenous community; the Mocagua community are very proud of their culture and connection to the jungle and are happy to share the experience they have with visitors. You will have a chance to visit this local community, learn about their way of life and interact with them as you start to understand how this delicate ecosystem all fits together. After a local lunch, there will be some time spent observing the river and local wildlife, there is an opportunity to engage in some local fishing if you like, then it’s time to hit the river once again. The idea this afternoon is spotting the famous pink river dolphins that inhabit this region. These mystical and graceful creatures are amazing to watch as they move up and down the river. You will learn about these wonderful marine mammals and the stories the locals tell of them. Then late afternoon its back to the lodge to rest and dinner. Read more
The coffee region for many people is the heart and soul of Colombia, its cultural epicentre. With every turn, a spectacular panorama changes your perspective, from the rolling hillsides of fertile coffee plantations to plunging valleys and bold elevations. Campesino or rural life continues as it has done for centuries harvesting coffee, plantains (a type of Banana) and many other fruits in this lush and fertile land. A visit to the Coffee region permits you to experience the tranquillity of the region. It also offers the opportunity for adventure or for friendly encounters with locals going about their daily lives. Staying in one of the many fincas or haciendas provides an opportunity to get a feel for the areas ambience and harmony and a great place to rest after a day exploring. Three departments make up the “Triángulo Del Café”. They run in a North to South line following the Central Andean Cordillera. Caldas is the most northerly of the departments, then heading south to Risaralda and in turn Quindío. All three are flanked by the snow capped peaks of the Parque Natural los Nevados to the east. The climate is reflected by the extremes in altitude, from the harsh temperatures and savage beauty of the surrounding mountains at 5000 m.a.s.l, to the sultriness of the Rio Cauca. The Rio Cauca is the largest watercourse in the region and the second most important in Colombia. The river begins from its source in the department of Cauca to its mergence with the Rio Brazo and then onto its connection with the Rio Magdalena further north. As the name suggests the coffee region is the home to the famous Colombian coffee but there is far more on offer in this amazing part of the country. Read more
This tour will take you from the far northeast of Quindío to the beautiful Valle Cocora where the magnificent Wax palm grows, in one of its few natural habitats, then onto the first settlement in Quindío of the modern era. As you enter into Salento, the first stop, you know you are in the Coffee region of Colombia. The main square has not changed in appearance or in character in decades. Salento does not have an attraction to visit; Salento is the attraction. A coffee break in one of the many small coffee shops will allow you to take in the quaintness of uninterrupted lines of brightly painted houses in this traditional Pueblo of the region. From Salento you will drive to the Valle Cocora (Cocora Valley). Starting at the collection and drop off point for horse riders and jeeps from Salento, the trek heads north and then down into the valley. Passing the trout farm that supplies most of the restaurants in the town. The river crossing is by a stable but sometimes slippery and basic foot bridge. From then on the trek follows the bridle path that grants good panoramic views up along the fringes of the mountains and the wax palm tree. This is an excellent photographic opportunity for taking images of the incredible backdrop of the Wax Palm tree and the central cordillera of Los Nevados National Park. The Valley is the principal location for the Wax palm which is now a national symbol of Colombia and a protected species. From this point the trek ascends into the cloud forest once again. This is an easy ascent in respect to the incline; however there are several slippery turns, ups and downs over tree roots and traversing the river. The vegetation becomes denser. There is excellent bird spotting opportunities especially when there are less trekker’s en-route. There are several river crossings by basic bridges and stepping stones. Only one person should cross at one time. A short ascent and then you reach the Acaime reserve where there will be the opportunity to get close to between 6 and 12 different species of humming birds. The birds fleet around the bird feeders set out by the friendly reserve manager. Photography of humming birds can be a painfully frustrating experience at the best of times but this is your best opportunity! Hot Coffee and Panela or soft drinks are available at the reserve and snacks. From the reserve you descend once again to the river undertaking more crossings. The path is the same along the river as that of the ascent and can be very boggy at times with several short drops from one level to another. It’s fairly straight forward from then on following back along the bridle path out into open plains of the valley floor. The trek finishes at the start point Read more
The Los Nevados Nation Park is a landscape of mountain ranges, dormant volcanoes, hot springs, and recent memories of tragic eruptions. The highest range of the three ( Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado de Santa Rosa and Nevado Tolima ) , is del Ruiz (5231m) erupted in 1985, completely destroy one village. The journey will take you by road out through Manizales and into the stunning scenery of the highlands of the department of Caldas. The journey by road will be approximately 2 hours before reaching the park entrance, from here its unpaved roadway to the final car park. Your guide will explain the climates, flora and fauna, and history of this savage but beautiful landscape. There are some amazing photo opportunities at every corner of the winding road. During the first stages you will see the Frailejon plants; this is a herb endemic to the Andean Region. You will stop further up the mountain at El valley de Las tumbas (Valley of the Tombs) and walk to the edge of the valley where sounds reverberates around the rock formation until almost returning back to where they originated. Then a steep curving climb higher up the mountain and onto the parking area and the start of the 1200 metre climb to Del Ruiz. The walk is slow but rewarding as you reach the edge of the glazier and, weather permitting, you will be greeted by superb views across the mountain ranges and valleys below. Read more
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