Highlights
- Explore cobblestoned towns of Villa de Leyva & Barichara
- Tast the capital, Bogotá's exciting restaurants and nightlife
- Explore the majestic Suarez canyon on a bike
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bogotá | Bogotá |
| Day 2 | Bogotá City Tour | Bogotá |
| Day 3 | Zipaquira: Salt Mine & Salt Cathedral tour | Villa de Leyva |
| Day 4 | Tour of Villa de Leyva | Barichara |
| Day 5 | Suarez Canyon Biking Tour | Barichara |
| Day 6 | Tour of Barichara | Bogotá |
| Day 7 | Depart Bogotá |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá
Welcome to Bogotá!
A driver will meet you at the airport for transportation to the hotel, your home base for the next few days.
Explore by foot
Bogotá is on the rise in terms of gastronomy and culture, so spend your free time discovering this vibrant Andean capital by foot. Explore the cobblestone streets through the La Candelaria neighborhood where trendy restaurants and colonial-era landmarks are located.
While here, don't forget to explore the excellent museums, shopping, and street food options ranging from empanadas to exotic fruit salads.
Day 2: Bogotá City Tour
After breakfast, continue to explore the city by yourself or with a guide. Here are some things that you should see:
- Stroll through Bogota’s lively streets for walled graffiti art, coffee cafes, bookstores, art galleries, and historic plazas and statues while learning about the fascinating political history of Colombia’s capital.
- Take the cable car to Monserrat for one of the best views of the city.
- Visit La Concordia market to learn about fruits, vegetables, and spices used in local cuisine.
- Spend a few hours gazing at pre-Hispanic works at the Gold Museum.
- Check out the local music scene with live bands and street festivals.
Day 3: Zipaquira: Salt Mine Tour -> Transfer to Villa de Leyva
Your journey north of the capital starts at Colombia's famous underground Salt Cathedral. While in the area, you'll also head to the Nemocón Salt Mine, thirty minutes outside of Zipaquira. Here, 80 meters underground, are a collection of immaculately preserved tunnels where eight million tons of salt were extracted between 1816 and 1968. The various chambers off the main routes show the history of salt mining amidst spectacular atmospheric light effects, with no less than 28 mirrors.
Your route will pass through Raquira, known as “the pottery capital of Colombia”. This village features brightly painted facades where you can watch pottery being made with numerous craft shops selling items like ponchos, handbags, woodcarvings, and jewelry. If visiting on a Sunday, you will see a market in full swing!
Continue driving north through the highlands. Tonight you'll stay in Villa de Leyva, one of the most beautiful colonial villages in Colombia with cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 4: Tour of Villa de Leyva / Transfer to Barichara
After breakfast, you'll have the opportunity to learn more about the preserved colonial town of Villa de Leyva. This guided half-day tour covers important sites like Casa Antonio Nariño et Casa Antonio Ricaurte, El Carmen Church, and Plaza Mayor.
In the afternoon, you will drive north towards Barichara, which is considered one of the most beautiful cities of Colombia.
Day 5: Suarez Canyon Biking Tour
The spectacular village of Barichara is located in the northern-central department of Santander, surrounded by beautiful craggy mountains and powerful waterfalls and rivers. In the morning, you'll explore the region by bike, starting in the Cabrera area, which is 1800 meters above sea level. You'll descend downhill to the bottom of the majestic Suarez Canyon. There will be opportunities to stop for photos along the way and bring your bathing suit in case you want to cool off in the river.
On the way back to Barichara, stop for an authentic Colombian lunch.
Day 6: Tour of Barichara -> Transfer to Bogotá
Today is your chance to get to know Barichara, considered one of the most beautiful Spanish Colonial villages in Colombia, on a more intimate level. Walk along the atmospheric streets, visit the ornate churches (Cathedral of Immaculate Conception and Santa Barbara Church), and discover local workshops including stone carvers and a cigar factory.
Your tour will end at the watchtower, which offers a splendid panoramic view over the Rio Suarez and the Cordillera de los Cobardes. Enjoy lunch in town, as you will be flying out in the afternoon to Bogotá.
Day 7: Depart Bogotá
It's time to say farewell to Colombia! Enjoy your last moments in Bogotá with a leisurely breakfast, city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home.
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