Hidden Wonders of Colombia

Set more than 8,500ft above sea level, Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is a modern metropolis that benefits from a year-round spring-like climate. Food stalls in the lively Paloquemao market season the air with the smell of tempting delicacies, while La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogotá, blends colonial-era architecture with contemporary museums and a lively arts scene.

Stroll Bogotá’s lively Paloquemao market and sample local delicacies at its food stalls. Journey to Monserrate, located in the hills to the east of the city. Ascend this 10,000-foot peak by funicular railway or cable car to absorb inspiring vistas of the whole of Bogotá. Head back into town to explore La Candelaria, the oldest part of Bogotá, with its colonial-era architecture. The fascinating Gold Museum, which boasts 34,000 pre-Hispanic artefacts, is also not to be missed. Cap it all off with a sampling of fine Colombian coffees.

Fly to La Macarena, a small town in a region renowned for its stunning natural beauty and navigate the Guayabero River by speedboat, keeping watch for caimans and abundant tropical birdlife along its untamed shores. Visit Caño Cristalitos for your first encounter with the endemic Macarenia clavigera, whose delicate red hues shimmer beneath clear waters, offering an intimate preview of the legendary River of Five Colors. Continue upstream, glimpsing monkeys and cascading waterfalls along the way.

Boat down the scenic Guayabero River, ride a 4x4 through Sierra de La Macarena National Park and hike onward to return to the breathtaking Caño Cristales. Devote your day to hiking, picnicking and snapping photos amid the vibrant colors and cascading waterfalls of this magical place. As sunset approaches, listen to a live performance of local music, with a cool, refreshing drink in hand.

At sunrise, venture out for dolphin and bird watching along the riverbanks, before flying to Medellín. Set among the green hills of Colombia’s Antioquia region, Medellín lives up to its nickname: the City of Eternal Spring. After some difficult years, it has blossomed into a shining example of social transformation and urban regeneration. Tonight’s dinner is a complete sensory experience, spanning several leisurely hours and combining theatrical and interactive elements to bring out the unique local flavors and artful presentation of each dish.

Explore Medellín’s parks, museums and cultural treasures, and then visit the Comuna 13 neighborhood to learn about a variety of social and urban regeneration projects, which, over the years, helped transform the neighborhood from one of the most dangerous in the world to an example of positive social transformation. Meet over coffee with a local who shares his intimate perspective on those dramatic years and on the resilience and ability of the people to overcome the darkest chapter in the city’s history. Afterward, drive to your mountain lodge, nestled in the heart of the Antioquian Mountains.

Explore Guatape, a charming town set amid breathtaking landscapes. Stroll past zocalos — artistic panels that adorn the colorful streets — and view local highlights, including El Peñol’s massive 700-feet-tall granite monument. For those who take the 700-plus steps to the top, 360-degree views of a sprawling reservoir await.

Exuberant, colorful, tropical and beautiful, Cartagena is widely regarded as Colombia's crowning destination. Here, sample two of Colombia's most prized exports, aged rums and fine chocolates. The evening is yours to relax or explore as you like.

Venture to the coastal enclave of La Boquilla, an authentic fishing village where the Caribbean’s saline lagoons meet lush, emerald vegetation. Board a traditional wooden canoe and glide through the serene, labyrinthine mangrove tunnels. Your expert guide reveals the secrets of this delicate ecosystem, pointing out the diverse wildlife and explaining the artisanal fishing techniques that sustain the local community. Deepen your connection to the region’s heritage through an exclusive drum workshop. Join master percussionists in the heart of the village to learn the ancestral rhythms of the tambor as you engage with the vibrant Afro-Colombian culture. Then stroll the colorful streets of the lively Getsemani neighborhood as you visit local markets and sample traditional street food. Later, board a private boat for an unforgettable sunset sailing adventure. Back on shore, gather for a farewell dinner at the Club de Pesca restaurant, a Cartagena landmark.

Visit Cartagena’s colonial walled city and walk its picturesque streets and plazas. Not to be missed are the imposing Castle San Felipe Barajas, a masterpiece of Spanish colonial military engineering built to defend the city from pirate attacks, and the imposing church of San Pedro Claver with its fine collection of stained-glass windows. After some time on your own to explore or eat, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.