Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up from airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: N/A

Day 2

Leisurely start to day. Full-day sightseeing in Bogota, including the Gold Museum, Monserrate and the Bohemian vibe of the Candelaria. Dinner and overnight in Bogota. Meal plan: B

Nestled high in the Andes at 2620 m. (8646 ft), Santafé de Bogotá, to give it its full title, is a city of contrasts. It's a city of highrise buildings standing next to colonial churches, museums and artisan cafés. Its influences range from Spanish and English to the Indian. It is a city of wild traffic and calm oases reflecting a bygone era. La Candelaria is Bogota's old town, a historic neighbourhood in downtown Bogotá. The architecture of the old houses, churches and buildings has Spanish Colonial and Baroque styles and it houses several universities, libraries and museums. This vibrant district hosts the Botero museum, which showcases not only the works of Colombia's most famous painter but also paintings by Monet and Picasso from Botero's private collection, the largest and most impressive Gold museum in the world with an enormous assortment of pre-Hispanic gold work, the church of Monserrate with its stunning views over the city as well as many government buildings and an array of cafés and restaurants to suit every taste.

Day 3

Transfer to Bogota airport. Flight to Bucaramanga where you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative. Drive to Chiflas, a typical Colombian restaurant, for lunch and then stop in the quaint and historical town of Socorro. Visit a farm which produces fique, the material which is used in the making of traditional Colombian hats. Afterwards head towards Barichara for overnight. Meal plan: B

120km south of Bucaramanga lies Socorro. The revolution against the oppression of the Spaniards began here making it highly influential in the history of Colombia. Oscar Rodríguez Naranjo, the Colombian painter was born in Socorro in 1907. Fique is a natural fibre that grows in the leaves of the plant Furcraea andina and is native to Andean Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It has been used for centuries to make things ranging from clothes to ropes. Dutch colonists took the plant back to Mauritius and it was then introduced to many other countries. Today, it is mainly used to produce ethnic handicrafts.

Day 4

After breakfast, morning free to explore the colonial charm of Barichara’s picture-postcard streets. Enjoy an excellent Colombian lunch. In the afternoon, wander through the Colombian countryside on mules. Return to Barichara for overnight. Meal plan: B

Barichara, a colonial Spanish town 20km north of San Gil with pretty stone roads, churches and a stunning cathedral is one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. In 1702 a worker found came across a rock with an image of the Virgin Mary on it and so in 1705, a church was built there to mark the place of this miracle - Barichara grew from there. Its whitewashed buildings and colonial architecture create a unique character and atmosphere. In order to preserve and protect the architecture and history, it was declared a National Monument in 1978. Barichara originates from the Guane Indian word Barachala meaning ‘a good place for a rest’. This holds true but it also has plenty to offer for those wishing to see some sights.

Day 5

Early breakfast. Leave for waterfall rappelling. Snacks afterwards. Proceed to departure point for white water rafting. Afterwards, enjoy a well-earned late lunch at Parque El Gallineral. Wander around the park and admire the amazing trees and wildlife. Dinner and overnight in San Gil. Meal plan: B,L

With Quebrada Curiti and Rio Fonce running on either side, Parque El Gallineral is a 4 hectare park on the edge of San Gil with trees covered in strings of moss. These are known as barbas de Viejo (old man’s beard). Paths and bridges wind through the trees and there is a freshwater pool ideal for a relaxing dip. This is the perfect place to relax after rapelling and white water rafting in Rio Fonce.

Day 6

After breakfast, head out for more adrenalin activities. Explore San Gil's fascinating mud caves and bat caves. Cross through creeks and arrive upon a sulphur lake. Alternative activities can also be arranged. Lunch in San Gil. Drive to and overnight in the charming colonial town of Giron. Meal plan: B

Day 7

Leisurely start to day. Drive to spot for paragliding. Afternoon free to wander around the vibrant colonial town of Giron. Overnight in Giron. Meal plan: B

Similar to San Gil and Barichara, Giron has managed to preserve its colonial character and all the cobbled streets and colonial buildings take you back in time. Founded earlier than Barichara in 1631, it too was declared a National Monument in 1963 and restoration work in the main plaza means that it is still intact. Bridges that were allegedly built by slaves scatter the town. It is a relaxed town and only 9km from Bucaramanga.

Day 8

Early morning flight from Bucaramanga to Bogota. Connect for international flight. Meal plan: B

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