Andean Discovery, A Couples' Expedition
Overview
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure through the heart of Colombia, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. From the vibrant streets of Bogotá to the charming colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Barichara, this tour presents a diverse tapestry of Colombian life.
Format
Locations
- Bogotá
- Guasca
- Villa de Leyva
- Barichara
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Bogotá (if Flight and Hotel option is chosen)
- Private transfers to and from airports
- Private transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 10 nights of accommodation (4 nights in Bogotá, 1 night in Guasca, 2 nights in Villa de Leyva, and 3 nights Barichara). Please note that your early check-in is included, therefore will count as a night at destination
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch, dinner and regional snacks as per the itinerary
- Tuk tuk ride from Guane to Barichara
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges (only for customers travelling with a non-Colombian passport)
- Domestic one-way flight in Economy Class from Bucaramanga to Bogotá
- Service of English-speaking local guide as per program (different guide in each city)
- Entrance fees to landmarks and monuments within the itinerary
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour for travel completed by December 31, 2025
- More Moments activities included:
- Bogotá - City tour
- Zipaquirá - Salt Cathedral visit, cultural village stroll
- Villa de Leyva - Half-day village tour, choice between Los Tanques Azules or the 7-metre-long Kronosaurus fossil
- Barichara - Barichara to Guane hike, half-day city tour
- Guane - Archaeological and Paleontological Museum
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly overnight to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Bogotá
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and will escort you to your private transfer to take you to your hotel for an early check-in. The rest of the morning is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
For lunch, enjoy a delicious gourmet four-course meal paired with wine or natural juice, served in a private space at the local plaza. Your private transfer will take you to the restaurant and back to your hotel, followed by an afternoon of leisure.
In the evening, take your private transfer to the selected restaurant for dinner, where a set menu awaits. Afterward, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Spend the rest of the evening as you please!
Meal(s): Lunch and dinner
Day 3
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a Bogotá City guided tour! This *8-hour adventure will bring you to highlights including Monserrate Sanctuary, La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolívar, Chorro de Quevedo, and the Gold Museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant halfway through this cultural experience.
*Duration subject to change due to operational and time constraints on the ground.
Upon completion of the city tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel for dinner. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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City Tour
The first stop is at Monserrate Sanctuary by cable car. After, you will walk through Jimenez Avenue to see an impressive collection of Indigenous gold pieces at the Gold Museum.
Next, you will go to the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and wander the picturesque, cobbled streets that hold more than 400 years of history. The Botero Museum is next, featuring Colombian contemporary art. Stop at Chorro de Quevedo to appreciate the diverse contrasts that the historical centre offers and learn more about Bogotá's history.
After lunch, reach Plaza de Bolívar, the main square of the city, then go towards the north of the city to Usaquén to enjoy a panoramic view. This neighbourhood is famous for its handicrafts, restaurants, and traditional architecture.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4
Bogotá - Zipaquirá - Guasca
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a *1-hour drive towards your next stop, Zipaquirá!
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
Upon arrival, a *5-hour tour of the Salt Cathedral and a stroll through this charming village awaits!
*Duration subject to change due to operational and time constraints on the ground.
Afterwards, your private transfer will take you on a *1-hour scenic drive to your hotel in Guasca for check-in. Dinner will be hosted at your hotel. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
More Moments Activities Included
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Salt Cathedral
This majestic cathedral was built inside of the largest salt-rock deposits on the planet. With materials from a former salt mine and the use of lighting effects, sculptors created innovative interpretations of the Catholic Via Crucis that you will be able to see throughout the space.
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Zipaquirá Cultural Village Stroll
This village is famous for its various buildings that were declared national monuments. Here, you will walk through the main square and have time to taste delicious baked goods from the region (included).
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 5
Guasca - Villa de Leyva
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a *3-hour scenic drive towards Villa de Leyva! Upon arrival, you will be taken to a guided half-day village tour.
*Drive time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
After a well-deserved lunch ($), you will have the opportunity to choose between visiting Los Tanques Azules (blue pond reservoirs) or seeing the 7-meter-long fossil of a Kronosaurus. Please inform the tour guide of your preferred choice.
Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Dinner will be hosted at your hotel.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day Village Tour
Visit some of the most important sights and enjoy a day out of bustling Bogotá. You will hardly find a place that takes architectural preservation work as seriously as Villa De Leyva in Colombia. Its main highlight is the enormous Plaza Mayor.
Choice between:
- Los Tanques Azules (blue pond reservoirs) or
- Seven-metre-long Kronosaurus fossil
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Los Tanques Azules (Blue Pond Reservoirs)
Small natural pools. The blue color of the water is attributed to mineral deposits in the area.
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Seven-metre-long Kronosaurus Fossil
As you stand before this colossal relic, marvel at its sheer size and intricate details preserved from over a millennia. Imagine the vast oceans that once covered the land where Villa de Leyva now resides and picture this creature ruling ancient waters.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 6
Villa de Leyva
Explore Villa de Leyva at your own pace! Escape to the timeless charm of Villa de Leyva and immerse yourself amidst cobblestone streets, whitewashed colonial buildings, and stunning natural landscapes. Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the town's historic centre, where every corner unveils a glimpse of Colombia's rich heritage
Dinner will be hosted at your hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 7
Villa de Leyva - Barichara
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a *5-hour journey to one of Colombia's gems, Barichara, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic and road conditions.
On your way, you will stop midway at a local restaurant to have lunch (included) before continuing your journey towards Barichara. Upon arrival at your hotel, check in and enjoy the rest of the day your way.
Dinner will be hosted at your hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 8
Barichara - Guane - Barichara
After an early breakfast, your tour guide will have a half-day tour planned for you. Start with an exciting *5 km walk on the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane. Upon arrival in Guane, you will visit the Archaeological and Paleontological Museum.
*Physical level: Moderate, ideal for individuals with a fair level of fitness. The trails may include some elevation and uneven terrain.
Upon completion of the half-day tour, you will return to Barichara by tuk tuk.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Barichara. Then, continue with this afternoon’s half-day Barichara City tour!
Upon completion of the half-day city tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Your evening is free of plans and dinner will be hosted at your hotel.
More Moments Activities Included
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Barichara to Guane Hike
Walk down Camino Real from Barichara to Guane through the beautiful countryside. The stone footpath, which was built by the Indigenous people and subsequently restored by the Spanish conquerors, connects these two small towns along a 5 km route.
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Archaeological and Paleontological Museum
Take a captivating journey back in time and uncover the prehistoric wonders of Colombia's ancient past. This museum is a hidden gem nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Colombian countryside. Step inside to discover a fascinating collection of fossils, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich biodiversity and geological history of the region. Marvel at the skeletons of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land, from towering dinosaurs to ancient marine reptiles, and learn about the geological processes that shaped the landscape over millions of years.
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Tuk Tuk Ride from Guane to Barichara
A scenic ride that offers breathtaking landscapes, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
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Half-day City Tour (Barichara)
Take a picturesque stroll featuring cobbled streets, charming scenery, whitewashed colonial buildings with red-tiled roofs, colorful shutters, and a laidback vibe. The highlights of the day include picturesque chapels and the traditional homes made of tapia pisada (mud and straw). The program will end with a painting workshop.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 9
Barichara
Be your own tour guide today! Explore Barichara at your own pace and embark on a journey through its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Your day at leisure in Barichara is an invitation to slow down, immerse yourself in its charm, and discover the beauty of its every corner.
Dinner will be hosted at your hotel.
Meal(s): Breakfast and dinner
Day 10
Barichara - Bucaramanga - Bogotá
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a *4-hour panoramic road trip through the Chicamocha Canyon towards Bucaramanga’s Palonegro International Airport so you can catch your flight back to Bogotá. Before reaching the airport, you will have lunch at a local restaurant.
*Driving time is approximate and may vary depending on traffic or road conditions.
Upon arriving at El Dorado International Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign, who will then escort you to your private transfer service. This service will take you to your hotel for check-in.
Dinner will be hosted at your hotel and the rest of the evening will be yours to enjoy at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 11
Bogotá - Canada
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer service will take you Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport so you can catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 2 people (2 adults, or 1 adult and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
Important notes: The type of accommodation used in Guasca’s El Monte Teepee Hostel is not star-rated due to the nature of the property. This unique establishment offers guests an unforgettable experience, combining comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion in a one-of-a-kind stay.
Important Information
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Frequency: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- July 29, 2024 until December 31, 2025
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Not included:
- Hotel taxes are not included for those travelling with a Colombian passport, and proof of nationality will be required upon check-in
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals, unless specified otherwise
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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- Flight in Economy Class from Bucaramanga to Bogotá
- Private transfer service from/to airports
- Private transfer service for all sightseeing activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Private intercity transfers
- Tuk tuk ride from Guane to Barichara
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Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are included*.
*These charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.
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- Please be advised that upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged for the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in. Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.
- Due to your early flight arrival, and to enhance your experience in Colombia, your early check-in is included in your price and will count as a night at your destination.
- Drink inclusions note for lunch and dinner: One soft drink per person is included (refill $). Water is served by the bottle only ($), and alcoholic beverages have an extra charge, unless noted otherwise.