A magical trek and tour through hidden Colombia

Times of peace have descended on magical Colombia—and we’re heading there to take it in. From Bogotá’s red-roofed, cobblestoned La Candelaria district, to Santa Marta’s beach-side bungalows on the Caribbean, hike a terrain full of contrasts and encounter the intricate layering of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern-day histories in the Colombian landscape. Trek the tropical páramo of Chingaza National Park, one of the best kept secrets of Colombia’s park system, scanning for condors, eagles, deer—maybe even a puma! Witness the foothills of the Sierra Nevada give way to tropical jungles and pristine tropical coastlines as we hike the breadth of Tayrona National Park, where titi monkeys, red squirrels, and collared peccaries run wild. We’ll cover the ancient pathways and sacred cliffs of pre-Columbian Guane and Muisca peoples, sun-bleached cathedrals and cloistered Spanish houses in colonial Barichara—and of course the timeless history of the country’s natural terrain. Here, canyons of oak and rubber forests give way to immense rock foothills, while the sprawling silence of the north Andean highlands gestures backward toward time immemorial.

Activities

10 days of moderate to strenuous hiking, cultural touring

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Trek in Chingaza National Park, Colombia's best kept secret. See condors, eagles, deer—even a puma!
• Witness the foothills of the Sierra Nevada give way to jungles and pristine coastline as we hike Tayrona National Park
• Study the complex layering of pre-Columbian, colonial, and modern-day histories from our expert guides!
• Visit Bogotá’s La Candelaria district, Santa Marta’s beach-side bungalows, and the cathedrals of colonial Barichara

Duration: 10 days Start Location: Bogota End Location: Bogota

BRIEF Itinerary

• Day 1 : Bogota

  Arrival in Bogota and transfer to hotel.

• Day 2 : Bogota

  Bogota city tour.

• Day 3 : Parque Nacional Chiganza & Laguna Siecha

  Today we'll hike through Chingaza National Park to see the legendary Laguna Siecha. (5 hours of hiking)

• Day 4 : Villa de Leyva

  In the morning, we'll hike from the rocky town of Suesca to see views of Sabana de Bogota and Valle de los Halcones. In the afternoon, we'll tour the colonial jewel of Villa de Leyva. (4 hours hiking)

• Day 5 : La Periquera National Reserve

  After breakfast, we'll transfer to the La Periquera nature reserve for hiking and swimming. The afternoon is free. (1 to 2 hours hiking)

• Day 6 : Villa de Leyva - Barichara - Guane

  After transfer to Barichara, we'll take a tour of the town. We'll then trek on the historic Camino Real to Guane, a small town on the Suarez River.

• Day 7 : Barichara to Jordan

  We'll leave Barichara and head for Villa Nueva to begin hiking the historic Camino Real.

• Day 8 : Cepita - Santa Marta

  Transfer to Cepita to begin our hike along Chicamoca River, where you'll have the option to swim. After the hike, we'll fly to Santa Marta.

• Day 9 : Tayrona National Park

  We'll expore Tayrona National Park and learn about the Tayrona civilization, before relaxing on the sands of Playa Cabo San Juan de Guía.

• Day 10 : Depart

  Transfer from your hotel to the local airport for a flight to Bogota.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

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