Treasures of Colombia

Today is a full day to explore Villa de Leyva and some of the surrounding museums and places of interest. With your guide, visit the Archaeological Museum of Monquirá "El Infiernito" on the outskirts of the town, a pre-Hispanic Muisca site where some 30 stone columns known as megaliths are located. Next head to The Fossil Museum, built exactly at the place where a kronosaurus, a marine dinosaur of more than 120 million years of age and 20 meters in length, was discovered. On the way back, stop at the Convento Del Santo Ecce Homo, founded by the Dominicans in 1620 and considered a most outstanding Spanish legacy. Have the evening to explore some local places to eat overlooking the vast central square.

You are collected this morning and begin the journey to Barichara, a drive of approximately 4 hours (190km). Along the way the route passes Andean forests, the historic town of Socorro, and site of the infamous Communard Revolution at the end of the XVIII century.

Today take a magical journey through the picturesque towns of Barichara and Guane. Your adventure begins at the Paleontological and Archaeological Museum of Guane, where you will delve into the rich history of the region. Next, take in breathtaking views from the Guane viewpoint and the stunning Salto del Mico lookout. Afterwards, hop on a tuc tuc to explore the historical sites of Barichara such as the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of Santa Bárbara, the Church of the Virgin Santa Lucia, and the local cemetery, among others.

Today head north approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore Chicamocha National Park. Nestled in the Andes mountains, and home to the second deepest canyon in the world, the national park extends for 342 hectares and has a number of pathways and trails which are ideal for hiking. One of the longest cable cars in the world is here, running over 6km of the canyon within 30 minutes. Within the park there is also the opportunity to visit the Guane Museum, the Monument to Santanderean Culture, as well as the Viewpoint, amongst others.

This morning, head to Bucaramanga, approximately 3 hours by road from Barichara. From here take a direct flight to Medellin, and your base for the next nights.

Today explore the highlights of Colombia's second most important city and a world leading example of social transformation. Shrugging off its former edgy image as one of the most dangerous cities in the world, it is now a cultural and artistic hub. Ride the cable car and visit the Arvi Park, before looking out over Santo Domingo Savio, which used to be one of the most unsafe suburbs of Medellín. Return to the centre to visit the Plaza de Botero to see the 23 sculptures by the famous local artist Fernando Botero and continue to one of the oldest parts of the city and the Plazuela de San Ignacio. Finish your tour at Comuna 13 and its outdoor electric escalators, another one of the places that best represent the social transformation and where fantastic street art and youth social projects have helped to turn the community around.

Today travel out to the the shores of a sprawling manmade lake, for a visit to Guatapé. Labelled the world’s most colourful town; buildings, bridges, balconies and staircases are painted impossibly bright colours. Standing in the middle of the lake is the famous El Peñol rock, said to be a meteorite, for the energetic feel free to climb the 654 steps to the top for outstanding views. In the afternoon, take in the panoramas on a boat tour round the lake.

Today, you fly from Medellin direct to the northern Caribbean Coast and City of Cartagena. Cartagena is undoubtedly one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities lost somewhere in time between the 16th and 19th centuries, with the Caribbean sea providing a sparkling backdrop.

Today explore the stunning city of Cartagena with a local expert guide. Start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa for 360º views of the city and the sea. Continue to the San Felipe Fortress, originally built to defend the city from pirate attacks, before then arriving at the Ciudad Vieja to enjoy the range of traditional buildings. Lastly, visit 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.

Today is a full day at leisure to independently explore more of the city of Cartagena. You may wish to simply take the time to enjoy some of the excellent cafes, bars and restaurants of the city, or explore some different neighbourhoods such as Getsemani.

Today you are driven to the airport for your chosen flights back to the UK, travelling overnight and arriving tomorrow.