9-Nights Hidden Wonders of Colombia - Luxury Small Group Journeys from $9,795

Abercrombie & Kent: Hidden Wonders of Colombia

Day 1 Bogotá, Colombia

Arrive in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia — a modernmetropolis set more than 8,500 feet above sea level thatboasts a year-round spring-like climate — where you are metand privately transferred to your hotel.

Explore Bogotá, starting at Paloquemao Market. View itsvast array of Colombian fruits and culinary ingredients, foodstalls serving local delicacies and displays of native flowers.Journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 10,000-foot peak by funicular railway orcable car to absorb inspiring vistas of the whole of Bogotá.Return down the hill to visit La Candelaria, the oldest partof the city, distinguished by its many colonial-era buildings,which you view along with the graffiti art that adorns the citycenter. Then, continue to the celebrated Gold Museum withover 34,000 dazzling pieces in its collection. It is the largestcollection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Enjoy lunch at atop restaurant serving a variety of Colombian dishes beforefinishing your sensory journey at San Alberto Coffee Temple,where you learn to appreciate and enjoy the unique attributesof specialty coffees.

Fly to La Macarena, a small town in a region renowned forits stunning natural beauty. It is also the gateway to CañoCristales, often referred to as “The River of Five Colors” or“The Liquid Rainbow,” due to its vibrant display of colorscaused by unique aquatic plants. Explore Caño Cristales,embarking by wooden boat with a local expert guide, glidingalong various sections of the river to witness its spectaculardisplay of colors firsthand. Watch for the unique flora andfauna living here as well, which make it a paradise for naturelovers and photographers. Go ashore for a hike that beginsat a farmhouse, ascending to reach the Mirador, an amazinglookout where your guide will explain the ecosystemand the social history of La Macarena. Break for lunchbefore continuing the hike to Caño Cristalitos to view theMacarenia clavigera, an aquatic plant that turns shades ofpink under certain conditions, giving the river its incrediblevibrant color. Relax, perhaps taking the time to bathe in a small pool to cool down. Then, boat upstream to view nativefauna including monkeys as well as cascading waterfalls.Finish your day at your lodge, where you enjoy dinner.

After a delicious breakfast at La Manigua Lodge, once againexperience the stunning beauty of Caño Cristales. Boatdown the scenic Guayabero River, go for a 4x4 ride throughthe National Park Sierra de La Macarena and embark on a30-minute hike to reach the breathtaking Caño Cristales. Devote most of your day to exploring this natural wonder,whether hiking, enjoying a picnic lunch or capturing photosof the vibrant colors and cascading waterfalls. Later, returnto the lodge for a cultural activity on the river, followed bydinner.

Today, head out by 4x4 to the National Park Sierra de LaMacarena, where you hike to the lower basin of CañoCristales and view the Macarenia clavigera shining in the shadows of the forest. Return to La Macarena, and thenfly to Medellín, known as the city of eternal spring, andnoted today as the home to award-winning gastronomy,artists and designers. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel.Tonight, gather for an amazing culinary experience at El CieloRestaurant, sampling tasting menus inspired by ancestralColombian and Latin American roots, and dining on 18courses paired with local wines.

Explore the city, starting with a visit to the Parque SanAntonio to view sculptures by renowned local artistFernando Botero. Continue to the Museum of Antioquia,which features art dating from pre-Columbian times. Moveon to one of the oldest parts of the city and the Plazuelade San Ignacio to see the Baroque San Ignacio church.Stop by several beautiful public parks, including themodern Parque de las Luces. Hop a ride on the Metrocablegondola lift system that connects the city to the previouslyhard-to-access mountain district, taking in views of theneighborhood of Santo Domingo Savio. Once one of themost unsafe suburbs of Medellín, it is today a shiningexample of social transformation and urban regeneration.Visit the neighborhood of Comuna 13 to learn how it hasimproved the quality of life for inhabitants and visit publicrenovation projects, art murals and recreational spaces.Also stop at the business of a project participant to witnessthe positive impact it has had on their family’s life. Boarda tram and cable car, part of the infrastructure that hasgreatly improved the quality of life of the community. Then,sit down over coffee to hear from a local eyewitness to thetimes of infamous cartel lord Pablo Escobar, for an intimate perspective of the social and emotional impacts of that era.Then, transfer to your lodge in the Andes for check-in anddinner on site.

This morning, enjoy your choice of one of these Design Your Day activities.

Admire Picturesque Guatape and El Peñol, two charmingresort towns in the midst of breathtaking landscapes.

Hike a Pre-Hispanic Trail through mountains and bridlepaths, ending at El Peñol rock.

Experience the History of Medellin’s “Feria de Flores,” inthe mountains of Antioquia.

Savor a Hands-On Cheese Experience, learning how it’smade at a local farm.

After your chosen activity, savor lunch at a local restaurant,followed by an afternoon at leisure. This evening, stroll thelocal gardens and enjoy a Chef’s Table for dinner made withlocally sourced ingredients.

Fly to Cartagena, a vibrant port city overlooking theCaribbean, notable for its fortress walls once used to protect itsinhabitants from marauding pirates. Upon arrival, enjoy lunchat your hotel’s restaurant. This afternoon, indulge in a privateand intimate experience of two of Colombia’s most appealingproducts, as you sample aged rums ranging from a few weeksto about 27 years, paired with Colombian chocolate, whileyour hosts tell tales of buccaneers. Enjoy the rest of your day atleisure, including dinner on your own.

Tour Cartagena, starting at La Popa hilltop to enjoythe panoramic views. Continue to San Felipe Castle, amasterpiece of Spanish colonial military engineering, builtand reinforced during the 16th and 17th centuries to defendthe city from pirate attacks. Learn about its construction andexplore the underground galleries, tunnels and passageways.Proceed to Cartagena’s colonial walled city for a walkingtour of the picturesque streets and plazas. View the imposingchurch of San Pedro Claver with its fine collection of stained-glasswindows. Visit Bolivar Park, featuring four fountainsand a statue of revered liberator Simon Bolivar. Finish themorning in the lively Getsemani neighborhood, noted for itsvibrant street art and bustling atmosphere. Stroll its colorfulstreets, visit local markets, and indulge in traditional streetfood, experiencing firsthand the energy and character ofthis unique barrio. After time for lunch at leisure, board aprivate vessel for an unforgettable sunset sailing adventure,absorbing breathtaking harbor views and savoring a ScenicSundowner. Later, back on shore at the Club de Pescarestaurant, a Cartagena landmark overlooking the marina,gather for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to Rafael Nuñez InternationalAirport for your departing flight.