Heritage Exploration, a Colombian Cultural Insight
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Colombia's rich history and cultural tapestry with our educational tour spanning Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena de Indias. Tread Bogotá’s bustling streets, where colonial architecture meets modern innovation. Next, visit the vibrant hillsides of Medellín, once plagued by conflict but now a beacon of resilience before finally seeing the enchanting shores of Cartagena de Indias, where the echoes of Colombia’s colonial pasts resonate through its cobblestone streets and fortress walls.
Format
Locations
- Bogotá
- Medellín
- Cartagena
- Rosario Islands
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight 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 accommodations (5 nights in Bogotá, 3 nights in Medellín, 2 nights in Cartagena de Indias). Please note that your early check-in is included, therefore will count as a night at destination
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch, and regional snacks as per the itinerary
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges (only for customers travelling with a non-Colombian passport)
- Domestic one-way flight in Economy Class for: Bogotá to Medellín, Medellín to Cartagena de Indias and Cartagena de Indias to Bogotá
- Services of English-speaking local guides as per program (different guide in each city)
- Entrance fee 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 in:
- Bogotá - Bogotá city tour, Breaking Borders tour, Matarredonda Ecological Park hiking tour
- Medellín - Tour in Comuna 13 with Metrocable ride
- Guatapé - El Peñol tour and Guatapé stroll
- Cartegena de Indias - City tour with San Felipe castle visit
- Isla del Rosario - Isla Bela day visit, with round-trip transfer in a speedboat
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
Day 2
Welcome to Bogotá
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a carefully crafted *3-hour Breaking Borders guided tour, where ex-gang members will lead you on a vibrant graffiti tour, sharing their past while revealing a present blossoming with hope. Walk through colorful streets, decipher mural stories, and witness tourism empowering residents through art and community projects. With every step, witness the transformation from gritty struggles to a future painted with vibrant dreams.
In the afternoon, a *6-hour Bogota City tour awaits! This experience offers an outstanding opportunity to explore the highlights of Colombia's capital city, providing a chance to discover its most iconic places, including Monserrate, La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolivar, and museums.
*Duration may vary depending on weather and operational procedures on the ground.
More Moments Activities Included
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Breaking Borders Guided Tour
Learn about the impressive history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighbourhood in Bogotá. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind, they started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists around their streets filled with artwork that tells the Egipto’s history.
Walking uphill through the colorful streets, you will notice first-hand how much the area has changed and transformed into a place of hope, peace, and culture. Your guide will let you in on the meanings and stories behind these the impressive graffiti art and murals.
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Bogota City Tour
Uncover the essence of Bogotá on a whirlwind tour of the city’s top highlights. Wander through the historic streets of La Candelaria, admire the gold treasures of the Museo del Oro, and enjoy panoramic views from Monserrate. Perfect for those with limited time, this tour captures the vibrant spirit of Colombia’s capital in a few unforgettable hours.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 4
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a *5-hour guided hike to the Matarredonda Ecological Park! This thrilling trek is perfect for adventurers wanting to explore the beauty of Colombia's natural wonders.
*Duration may vary depending on weather and operational procedures on the ground.
More Moments Activities Included
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Matarredonda Ecological Park Hiking Tour
Join an exhilarating hike through the stunning Matarredonda Ecological Park, located just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Bogotá. Your adventure begins early in the morning as you meet your experienced local guide and fellow travellers at the park's entrance. Before you start your hike, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Matarredonda Ecological Park is a lush paradise, rich with biodiversity and lush vegetation. While it doesn't require expert hiking skills, a good level of fitness and sturdy footwear are essential.
A day spent hiking in Matarredonda Ecological Park promises adventure, natural beauty, and a deeper connection with Colombia's diverse landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just beginning your journey into the world of outdoor exploration, this hike is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Colombia's natural wonders. So, lace up your hiking boots, and let's embark on this unforgettable adventure together!
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 5
Bogotá - Medellín
After an early breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to catch your flight to Medellín. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel for check-in.
Medellín's Comuna 13 tour is your next stop this afternoon! This *5-hour guided adventure focuses on the cultural and social transformation of Comuna 13, also known as San Javier. Learn its history from local artists, visit innovative community projects, and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this iconic neighbourhood.
*Duration may vary depending on weather and operational procedures on the ground.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tour in Comuna 13
The tour starts at the highest part of the Comuna, in the Nuevos Conquistadores neighborhood. Here, you will see Medellín’s rural outskirts and have a privileged view over Comuna 13 and the entire city. Descending by foot though the intricate streets of the area, you will learn the impressive story of how hip-hop and musical culture helped the local youth and led into a more peaceful context. You will understand the dimensions of the transformation as you hear the locals narrating the rough situations they had to face years before due to gang wars, paramilitary groups, and urban guerillas.
Then, visit Sonbata’s urban gardening project, and finish off in the bustling area of the neighbourhood with graffities and murals depicting the story of the Comuna and full of shops, galleries, and souvenir stores. There, you will see the stark contrast of the two faces of the community and get to enjoy the lively local vibe with views over the city.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 6
Medellín
Discover Medellín at your own pace! Indulge in the rhythm of Medellín's vibrant streets, where every moment unfolds at your own pace. From the bustling plazas to the serene parks, immerse yourself in the city's dynamic energy and captivating culture.
Whether you choose to wander through colorful markets, savour local delicacies in charming cafes, or simply soak in the breathtaking views from atop the city's hills, let Medellín unveil its endless wonders as you embrace the freedom to explore according to your own desires. Discover why this dynamic metropolis is not just a destination, but an unforgettable experience waiting to be enjoyed.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 7
Medellín
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a scenic drive east of Medellín to Guatapé town. Prepare for an invigorating hike up 649 steps to the summit of El Peñol, where you can enjoy stunning views and purchase snacks and cold beverages.
Once you descend from El Peñol, your guide will lead you through the charming town of Guatapé, where you’ll savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
Following lunch, your private transfer will return you to Medellín. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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El Peñol Tour and Guatapé Stroll
Your day trip will be filled with cobble-stoned streets, colorful facades, a huge natural rock, and beautiful landscapes. This tour will take you to one of Colombia’s must-see attractions: the massive rock La Piedra de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol or simply La Piedra (The Stone). You’ll be climbing up the 649 stairs, so ensure you are physically fit for the challenge! The reward? Astonishing views!
Back at the bottom, you’ll get to hear the story about the letters G and U imprinted on the north side of the rock, telling us about two cities claiming El Peñol as their own.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 8
Medellín - Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport to catch your flight to Cartagena de Indias. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, go on a *4-hour guided tour of Cartagena de Indias. Enjoy the best of city’s beautiful streets and attractions, such as La Torre del Reloj, the San Pedro Claver Church, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and the fortress walls.
*Duration may vary depending on weather and operational procedures on the ground.
Note: Please note that the vehicle will only be available for 1.5 hours while we visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Transport back to the hotel is not included as the tour ends on foot in the historic centre.
More Moments Activities Included
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City Tour, Including de San Felipe Tour
With this tour, you will have the opportunity to discover the most incredible places of the city in a short time.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 9
Cartagena de Indias – Islas del Rosario - Cartagena
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you to the Cartagena de Indias pier to embark on an exciting day trip to Isla Bela, a secluded island within the Rosario Islands archipelago. Following your visit, you'll be transferred back to your hotel, with the rest of the evening at your leisure,
More Moments Activities Included
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Isla Bela Day Trip
Today’s journey includes dock fee, reception and assistance at the dock, round-trip speedboat transportation (*45 min – 1 hour), hotel insurance, welcome cocktail, traditional lunch (fried fish, grilled chicken or vegetarian option), use of facilities (beds, sunbeds, tables, bathrooms, etc.), kayak, yoga classes (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays), insurance.
*Duration may vary depending on weather conditions. If you're prone to seasickness, please plan accordingly.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner et dîner
Day 10
Cartagena de Indias - Bogotá
After an early breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena to catch your flight to Bogotá. Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 11
Bogotá - Canada
After breakfast and check-out from your hotel, your private transfer will take you Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Accomodations
Where you'll stay
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
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 Bogotá to Medellín, Medellín to Cartagena de Indias, and Cartagena de Indias back to Bogotá
- Private transfer service from/to airports
- Private transfer service for all sightseeing activities mentioned in the itinerary
- Private intercity transfers
- Shared round-trip transfer in speedboat from Cartagena de Indias pier to Isla Bela
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Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included*.
*These charges are not included to customers traveling 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.