Discover Colombia | March 7th, 2022

Discover Colombia | March 7th, 2022

 

 Regular Rate: $4699 | Special Rate: $4399  per person

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐+

 

*Prices are CAD per person, based on 2 people sharing and discounted rate reflects early booking savings (land only)


*Single Supplement: $1600 CAD (If you’re a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details)


*We are limited to 2 single travelers on this group departure, due to availability on the cruise portion. If you are a single traveler and looking to be matched up with a roommate (of the same gender), please reach out to us for details.


Approximate Round Trip International Airfare Including Taxes from the following Air Gateways

Toronto – $795 
Vancouver – $995
Calgary – $995

 

Early Booking Price Expires September 30th, 2021


March 7 – 19, 2022

 

Join Tom and Ryan (Founders of Trip Merchant)

 

We returned from a trip to Colombia in August 2019 after traveling extensively throughout the country to do research in order to custom design this itinerary.  We inspected numerous properties for quality, location and experience. Colombia for many years was off the tourist map. We’re so thankful of the opportunity to travel there. This destination spoke to us and exceeded so many of our expectations. The cleanliness throughout the country, the excellent and flavourful food, the smiles of its people, the safety and security which was for many years lacking. It is remarkable how much and how quickly this country has transformed itself in the last decade. We’re so excited to share this incredible destination with you! We hope you’ll join us!

 

If interested in this itinerary and prefer to have your own private trip with your own family/friends ask us for details at info@tripmerchant.com

 


 

Join us on this amazing trip to Colombia! We will be limiting this group departure to 24 participants.

 

Highlights:

  • Admire the city of Bogota from Monserrate Hill
  • Enjoy a fun evening at Andres DC – a 6 story dining and entertainment complex
  • Visit an award winning coffee plantation for a tour and tasting
  • Experience the incredible beauty of Cocora National Park. Home of the Wax Palm tree, the national tree of Colombia
  • Witness the incredible transformation of Comuna 13 in Medellin
  • Enjoy a boat cruise on the lakes of Guatape
  • Stay at the Sofitel Legend in Cartagena an iconic property located in the Old Walled City
  • Explore the culinary delights in Cartagena on a Street Food Tour
  • Enjoy a cocktail with a view of the Cartagena Sunset
  • Salsa Lesson
  • Farewell Dinner at the 1968 Salsa Show

 

What’s Included:

All sightseeing and meals as per itinerary (22 meals),  all tipping for drivers and guides, all entrance fees as per itinerary, arrival and departure transfers, private English Speaking guide throughout the entire trip, local specialty guides, all taxes

 

Not Included: 

*International airfare, 2 domestic flights within Colombia approximately $400 (Bogota to Pereira | Medellin to Cartagena). *Trip Merchant is happy to assist you with booking the international airfare from your preferred Canadian air gateway; Out of Country Cancellation and Medical Insurance is mandatory (proof of insurance coverage will be required)

 

Optional Post Extensions:

  • 3 Night Tayrona National Park Extensions Post Extension – $999 CAD per person based on twin share (based on 6+ guests) Singles Add $650 CAD: $250 CAD per person deposit, remaining balance due at final payment

OR

  • 3 Night Providencia Post Extension – $699 CAD per person based on twin share (based on 6+ guests) Singles Add $600 CAD: $250 CAD per person deposit, remaining balance due at final payment

 

Terms and Conditions:

  • $500 CAD per person Initial Land Deposit, 100% refundable until September 30th, 2021 (non-refundable after September 30th, 2021)
  • Trip Merchant will be booking the internal flights, but not prior to September 30th, 2021. Once space and price is confirmed full payment will be required for these flights and will be 100% non-refundable once purchased.
  • Final Balance: Due January 7th, 2022 (100% non-refundable after final payment)
  • *Refer to the brochure for full terms & conditions

To book, call us at 1-800-481-9739 ext. 0 or email us at info@tripmerchant.com!

Day 1: Monday, March 7th: Depart from Home/Arrive in Bogota, Colombia


Begin your journey from Canada, as you depart from your desired airport gateway. Best flights to get to Colombia connect through Toronto and arrive into Bogota same day and in the evening. Upon arrival proceed through customs and collect your luggage. We will be waiting for you to transfer you to your hotel, the charming Sofitel Victoria Regia, in the northern section of Bogota located in an area known for its great restaurants.


Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)



Sofitel Victoria Regia offers the exclusive Basilic Restaurant which specializes in French cuisine, 24 hour room service, a bar, disabled facilities, self-service business center, dry cleaning service, a fitness centre, beauty salon and massage area. The property is known for its elegance, comfort and its exceptional personalized service. It has a key location in the northern area of Bogota at La Cabrera neighbourhood, walking distance from La Zona Rosa. This area is well known within the city for its selection of designer boutiques, numerous restaurant and entertainment options, night life and shopping centres.


Day 2: Tuesday, March 8th: Bogota


Enjoy a day at leisure in Bogota. Walk around the neighbourhood, sit at a cafe or enjoy an afternoon drink and grab a lunch on a patio in “Parque Virrey” (El Virrey Park).


At night, transfer to Andres D.C. restaurant for our welcome dinner. The most original restaurant in Colombia due to its eccentric decoration and great party environment, Andres Carne de Res restaurant and night club captures traditional Colombian food and combines it with one of the best party times in town. With a menu of Colombian cuisine, the restaurant specializes in grilled food and meat which is accompanied by actors and musicians that make this a fun dining and entertainment experience.


Optional Excursion to Zipaquira: Only $129 CAD  This afternoon we’re offering an optional half day excursion to Zipaquira to visit its salt mine and underground cathedral.


Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 3: Wednesday, March 9th: Bogota – Full Day City Tour with visit to local markets


Start the day with a visit to “La Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao”, one of the largest and most recognized local markets in Bogotá, where all traditional ingredients of Colombian cuisine can be found. Try some of the exotic fruits, local pastries and Colombian cheese.  Visit the flower market and the popular food stalls to get a true local experience.



Continue with the visit to the Sanctuary of Monserrate, a symbol of Bogotá. Take the cable car or funicular up to Monserrate. Monserrate rises to 3,152 metres (10,341 ft) above sea level. The site offers an incredible panoramic view of the entire city. Transfer to the historic centre of Bogotá, la Candelaria, with time at leisure to visit the Gold Museum. The gold museum has around 20.000 pre-hispanic pieces of gold, including stones, ceramic and textiles all precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco and Magdalena cultures. The Gold Museum is considered one of the most important museums of its type internationally and it has been operating since 1939.



On the way to lunch, you will see the graffiti area, offering a great variety of colourful graffiti, murals and street art on its walls. These forms of art have become a social and political form of expression.



Continue with lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, enjoy time of leisure to walk around “La Candelaria”,  or visit the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero´s works of art and in addition pieces from his own personal collection that includes works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí Matisse, Monet and Giacometti. The historic centre of Bogotá known as La Candelaria is an archaic suburb that has great significance in the country´s history due to its cultural heritage and Spanish colonial architecture.



Visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, where a statue of the great emancipator Simón Bolívar is located. The plaza, originally called the Plaza Mayor, was used for civil and military purposes, a bullring and it also a place where many executions were held. The Cathedral, on the eastern side of the plaza was constructed on the same spot where the first church was built in Bogotá back in 1539 and houses an important collection of religious artifacts, textiles and art spanning four centuries. The Capilla del Sagrario is just beside the Cathedral and is a gem of a religious architecture, that houses valuable pieces of colonial religious art by Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos. The Capitol, built between 1847 and 1926, shows its renaissance and neoclassical influences with its carved stonework and tall columns and it was the first example of republican civil architecture. The central area of the Capitol, known as the Elliptic Hall, is where congress meets and is the actual chamber for politicians and the Senate. In the internal squares are busts of former presidents such as General Tomás Cipriano Mosquera and Rafael Núñez, the composer of the Colombian National Anthem. Around the Plaza de Bolívar are buildings such as the Justice Palace, the oldest school in the country called San Bartolomé and the Casa de los Comuneros, named after the leaders that participated towards the end of the XVII Century in some of the first movements towards independence from Spain and the formation of the Republic. Return to our hotel for our overnight stay.


Accommodation: Sofitel Victoria Regia, Bogota (Deluxe)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 4: Thursday, March 10th: Bogota – Coffee Region – Visit Hacienda San Alberto


After breakfast, transfer to El Dorado airport for a short domestic flight to the coffee region (Pereira). Upon arrival, we will be transported to “Hacienda San Alberto” an award winning coffee estate typical of this region.



The tour begins with an introductory talk about coffee, its preparation, roasting, the characteristics of quality and the properties that allows for such a variety of coffees in the world.  Walk through the coffee plantations and learn about the production system which includes the harvest. This region has been along the Central Andes Mountain Range which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers the perfect climatic conditions for coffee growing.



At the end, enjoy a coffee tasting session, guided by a Master Taster from “Hacienda San Alberto” who will bring all his coffee knowledge to the table.  At the end, you will taste two cups of coffee.



Afterwards enjoy lunch overlooking the coffee plantation. Then make our way to our hotel, Mocawa Resort (located in Armenia) for two nights.


Accommodation: Mocawa Resort, Coffee Region (Deluxe)



Mocawa Resort offers a unique service experience mixing the coffee essences with the cultural traditions that characterize the region. This property is in an ideal location to explore the region within close proximity to Cocora National Park and Salento. The hotel offers two swimming pools, a putting green, two tennis courts and a restaurant.  All rooms feature a safety deposit box, closet, cable tv, wifi, Hair dryer and air conditioning.



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 5: Friday, March 11th : Full Day Valle del Cocora, Salento & Filandia


After breakfast, leave for the Valle de Cocora which is located in the central mountains of the department of Quindío. This comprises of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados and is the ideal place to marvel at the “Quindian wax palm” (Ceroxylon quincense), the national tree of Colombia. This tree can reach a staggering height of 60m. Around here a great number of species of birds live, in particular some types of hummingbird and the orejíamarillo or the palm parrot (Ognorhynchus icteroti) which is endangered. Upon arrival in the valley, either hiking or on horseback (not included), head into the cloud forest to enjoy the biodiversity of the flora and fauna. On the return journey, cross the River Quindío while walking along an ecological pathway which takes one past the tallest wax palms in the world. Learn why the indigenous people here worshipped this tree. Then you will have a typical Colombian lunch and enjoy some free time here in the area.



In the afternoon, continue 10km towards the traditional town of Salento to enjoy a city tour that visits the Plaza de Bolívar with its colourful balconies, the Calle Real, the handicrafts shops and the Cocora viewpoint. Then, transfer to the nearby village of Filandia to enjoy a stroll around this this charming town. Here, enjoy some time soaking up the regional atmosphere and perhaps some local spirits before returning to the hotel.



Accommodation: Mocawa Resort, Coffee Region (Deluxe)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 6: Saturday, March 12th: Armenia – Medellin


Travel by coach from Armenia to Medellin and experience the landscape of the Colombian countryside. Upon arrival drive through the longest tunnel in South America and come out the other side seeing the beautiful view of the city which lies nestled in a valley. Be transferred to the most affluent suburb of Medellin, called “El Poblado”. We will do a brief orientation tour of the neighbourhood before checking into the Dann Carlton hotel. Enjoy some time at the hotels pool and have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area.


Accommodation: Dann Carlton, Medellin (Superior)



The Dann Carlton Medellin Hotel is located on the Avenida El Poblado. A great location in the affluent area of Medellin called “El Poblado. This area is known for having the best restaurants, bars and shopping in all of Medellin. The hotel has 3 restaurants, a bar, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, gym, beauty salon, massage room, solarium and playground, laundry service and 24-hour room service.


Meals Provided: Breakfast


Day 7: Sunday, March 13th: Medellín – Half Day Social Transformation tour


Today we will enjoy a half day tour to visit the places that best represent the social transformation that has taken place in Medellín. This tour will show the symbolic areas of Medellín from the 1980s, when the city was one of the most dangerous in the world. Enjoy an exciting tour by learning about the history and present day life in Medellin and learn more about the transformation of this fascinating metropolis. Since 2002 Medellin began to change. Intelligent local politicians started to invest heavily in infrastructure and public education. Today the “City of Eternal Spring” is one of the most innovative metropolises in the world. Visit the barrio San Javier, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín Located some 7km from the city centre, it is a clear example of the social transformation that has taken place in the last few years. Arrive here by the metro cable car that joins the north-east area with the city centre, which has been life changing to many of the inhabitants of Medellín. Learn more about the city’s transformation after the death of Pablo Escobar.



Explore Medellin’s newest invention: the electric stairways of the district Comuna 13, discover stories about its past by visiting the most important places marked by historical events and see some graffiti that symbolizes a form of expression of the community. Here it is possible to have a beautiful view over the city from the balconies of San Javier.



Then, go on to La Plazoleta located in the city centre, in an area that fell into decline in the 1980s and today houses 23 sculptures of Fernando Botero, donated by this famous local artist in year 2000. Since that time, the city has undergone a social and cultural transformation around these works placed in a public space. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. This evening enjoy an included dinner at a local restaurant close to our hotel.


Accommodation: Dann Carlton, Medellin (Superior)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 8: Monday, March 14th: Medellín – Guatape


Leave Medellín and head to the town of Guatapé in order to visit the enormous rock. The drive takes around two hours, during which you can appreciate the outstanding landscape of Antioquia. Guatapé has a reservoir created by the Colombian government for a hydro-electric dam. In the middle of the reservoir is the Peñol Rock. Walk up the stairs if you are full of energy (OPTIONAL – there are 654 steps to get to the top – entrance fee not included), to view the entire Guatapé reservation, this is an optional activity.



Then visit the picturesque village of Guatapé where all of the houses are painted in quaint pastel colours.



After lunch (included), tour the Guatapé reservoir by boat (30 minutes). Continue to the hotel in Guatape for dinner and our overnight stay.


Accommodation: Hotel Los Recuerdos or Hotel Mansion: Guatape (Medium/Comfortable)



Hotel Los Recuerdos is located in Guatape directly on the man made lake. Which was created as a result of flooding that took place to complete the Hydroelectric dam. The hotel offers a restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi and Wi-Fi



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner


Day 9: Tuesday, March 15th: Guatapé – Medellín – Cartagena


Transfer to Medellin airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the Sofitel Legend, an iconic property in Cartagena and your home for 4 nights. It used to be a monastery and has been converted into a luxury hotel that has retained its historic feel. This property is written about in Gabriel Garcia Marquez famous book titled “One Hundred Years of Solitude”.



Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Cartagena, Cartagena (Luxury)


Originally built as a convent in 1621, it is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. Transformed into a luxury hotel in 1995, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, unique in style, combines the allure of history with local hospitality and the art of French savoir-faire. Mixing Colonial and Republican-style architecture with modern comfort. The hotel features gourmet cuisine, exceptional service, a world-class spa, 2 bars and 2 restaurants and a gym.


Meals Provided: Breakfast


Day 10: Wednesday, March 16th: Cartagena – Half Day city tour – Street Food


Start the day with a drive up to the Iglesia de la Popa, and enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city. Formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling the stern of a galleon, it was constructed in 1606. From here you can enjoy 360º views of the city and the sea as well as the port zone, one of the most important in the Caribbean.



Continuing to the San Felipe Fortress, erected in honor of the poet from Cartagena, Don Luis Carlos López, made famous for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa”. It was built on San Lázaro hill to defend the city from pirate attacks. Walk around the fortress and learn how the castle was constructed, the engineering feats, the tunnels, underground galleries and passageways.



Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver which was built in the middle of the XVII century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos”. Lastly, continue to the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena and that were used until the end of the 1700s to house armaments and then later as a prison in the XIX century. Nowadays it’s an artisan center where one can appreciate local handcrafts.



Then, bring your appetite and an adventurous attitude during the 2 hour Street Food Tour. This experience will take you on a culinary walk through the old town and you will get up close with the real Cartagena, as the street sellers fill you with their delicacies and their hospitality. Whether you are searching for a snack, a healthy start or a sweet dessert, Cartagena’s streets provide everything.


Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Cartagena, Cartagena (Luxury)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Lunch


Day 11: Thursday, March 17th: Cartagena – Day at leisure Optional excursion to Rosario Islands


Today is a a full day of leisure, enjoy all that Cartagena has to offer and experience the city on your own.


Optional Excursion to the Rosario Islands: Only $169 CAD  Located approximately one hour (45km) by boat from Cartagena. During the transfer, observe the impressive and beautiful landscapes of the islands with its clear waters and gentle breezes. Upon arrival to one of these islands, you will have free time to enjoy the beach, snorkel (not included) and relax. Lunch is served on the island and in the afternoon you return to Cartagena. The Rosario and San Bernardo National Park are located in the Caribbean Sea and are ringed by coral reefs and lapped by clear blue waters and is the habitat for a large variety of marine fauna. Three ecosystems thrive here: coastal lagoons, the mangroves surrounding them, and the tropical forest. In addition, this is one of 46 National Parks in Colombia and it was created to protect one of the most important coral reefs bordering the Colombian Caribbean coastline: the Nuestra Señora del Rosario archipelago as well as the islands of Tesoro, Rosario, Barú, Múcura and Maravilla. Covering 120,000 hectares, the park consists of 23 coral islands and islets and were formed some 5000 years ago, due to ancient volcanic activity that pushed up the continental shelf and create these coral reefs. During the colonial period, the islands were inhabited by African slaves who dedicated their time to fish and gather mollusks. Nowadays, the islands are a tourist destination known for their natural wealth and beaches.


Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Cartagena, Cartagena (Luxury)



Meals Provided: Breakfast


Day 12: Friday, March 18th: Cartagena – Salsa Lesson, Sunset Cocktail, Farewell Dinner and Salsa Show


Enjoy the day at leisure.


5:30 pm to 6:30 pm: We will gather in the lobby and make our way to a special location to enjoy a beautiful sunset as we sip on a cocktail.


6:30 pm: We will walk through the walled city to the Salsa Academy. The evenings in the walled city of Cartagena are magical. The sound of the horse’s hooves, the feel of the refreshing breeze, the night time colours, the architecture and the generally beautiful atmosphere makes the visitor feel as if they’re in a movie. Appreciate the many squares of the historic district and pass by the elegant colonial houses with their balconies filled with tumbling bougainvillea flowers.


6:45 pm to 7:45 pm: Salsa Lesson. Upon arrival to the Salsa Academy we will take part we will take part in salsa lessons, to know the traditional rhythm and dance that is so rooted in the Colombian culture throughout the nation. Cartagena has a strong presence of African descendants, who’ve been largely influenced by Cuban music and Salsa.


7:45 pm to 8:00 pm: Walk to the 1968 Salsa Show



8:00 pm to 10:00 pm: Arrive at the 1968 restaurant that pays tribute to Cali city highlighting its cuisine, music, and dance. The restaurant offers authentic cuisine and cocktails from the Colombian Pacific and dishes on the menu have representative names of the culture in Cali. Enjoy the show during the dinner with dancers and live music..


Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Cartagena, Cartagena (Luxury)



Meals Provided: Breakfast, Dinner


Day 13: Saturday, March 19th: Cartagena – Depart for home Or Continue with our Optional Extension to Tayrona National Park


After making many great memories, transfer to the airport for your departure flight or extend your stay with an Optional extension to Tayrona National Park or Providencia Island.


Meals Provided: Breakfast


Optional 3 Night Tayrona National Park Post Extension: $999 CAD twin per person (based on 6+ guests), $1399 CAD twin per person (2-5 guests) – Singles Add $500 CAD  (Rates above include private transportation from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park, gratuities for all drivers, guides, accommodation, breakfast daily, hotel luggage handling, National Park Guide for Tayrona Trail Hike)



After breakfast we will transfer by private vehicle along the coast to Tayrona National Park (about a 5 hour drive). We will pass by Baranquilla where two of Colombia’s most famous celebrities are from; Shakira and Sofia Vergara. We will pass by Santa Marta before arriving at our Jungle Lodge called Villa Maria.


Accommodation: Villa Maria, Tayrona National Park (Medium/Comfortable)


Day 14: Sunday, March 20th: Tayrona – Day at leisure – Hiking in Tayrona National Park


After breakfast we will drive about 10 minutes to the entrance to the trail of Tayrona National Park. Our guided trail walk will begin as we leave from Cañaveral. Walking through the forest we will experience different micro climates. Tropical birds are are in abundance and its common to  spot monkeys playing in the trees. After roughly 45 minutes of walking, we arrive at Arrecifes, one of the park’s most scenic and beautiful areas. Witness the waves crashing on huge boulders. Continue by walking along the coast to La Piscina, a naturally calm stretch of beach ideal for bathing. Then, head on to El Cabo de San Juan de Guía which leaves an indelible mark on your memory due to its enormous boulders. Enjoy free time on the beach to rest and perhaps jump into the warm waters. Return to Cañaveral in the afternoon. Overnight stay.




Accommodation: Villa Maria, Tayrona National Park (Medium/Comfortable)



Meals Provided: Breakfast


Day 15: Monday, March 21st: Tayrona – Day at leisure


Enjoy the day at leisure.


Accommodation: Villa Maria, Tayrona National Park (Medium/Comfortable)



Meals Provided: Breakfast


Day 16: Tuesday, March 22nd: Transfer to Santa Marta Airport


Transfer to Santa Marta airport for your departing flight back to Bogota to continue your homeward journey back to Canada.


Meals Provided: Breakfast


To book, call us at 1-800-481-9739 ext. 0 or email us at info@tripmerchant.com!