Compare Bogota to Santander Biking Adventure by Colombia Adventure vs Explore Colombia by Intrepid Travel

Day 1: Bogota City Tour And Transfer To Villa De Leyva

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Bogota is one of the most important cities in South America, settled in an Andean savanna and connected to the Caribbean by the great Magdalena River. Bogota was once the main trade center between South America and Europe. Visit the colonial city to learn about its Spanish and pre-Columbian heritage. Our city tour includes the Plaza of Simon Bolivar, colonial churches, bohemian La Candelaria neighborhood and the Gold Museum which is regarded as the most important gold museum in the World. In the afternoon, we depart to Villa de Leyva which is one of the most beautiful colonial villages in Colombia. Declared National Monument in 1945, the village has been preserved in it’s entirely with cobblestone roads, tiled roofs and whitewashed buildings. We will spend the night in a colonial hotel

Day 2: Explore And Bike Around Villa De Leyva

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the morning we explore Villa de Leyva and surroundings. We will discover one of the most important paleontology regions in South America. This valley is an ancient ocean floor, home to many dinosaur fossils, as well as thousands of ammonites from the Cretaceous period. Evidence is found everywhere including decorations in floors and buildings. We prepare our mountain bikes for a 20 Km ride along the country side. On route we visit El Infiernito, a dry area with waterholes, and the Paleontological Museum which displays the most important assortment of fossils in South America. Here we find the most complete Kronosaurus fossil known to date. Our ride continues all the way to El Monasterio, a magnificent structure originally built in 1620 that was visited by Simon Bolivar himself. It has a great collection of religious and colonial art, as well as Muisca Indian displays – all adorned with fossils from the area. We return to Villa the Leyva to relax in its time suspended streets and coffee shops. In the afternoon we transfer to Paipa for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Bike From The Highlands To Tropical San Joaquin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

From Paipa, we continue north towards Santa Rosita, a beautiful paramo area at 3,400 m. This is an endemic high Andes grassland ecosystem, with many conspicuous Frailejon plants. Here we begin one of the most spectacular mountain bike rides in Colombia. As we descend the environment quickly changes from paramo to lush cloud forest. We enjoy stunning scenery along this dirt road with occasional small scale farming. The trail descends for 33 Km along a crystal clear mountain river within a narrow valley and gorge. At the end of our ride we enter a tropical environment near the town of San Joaquin at 1,700 m over the sea level. We continue our drive along a scenic mountain road to Barichara, a perfectly preserved Spanish town declared National Monument in 1978. Barichara is a charming colonial town with a magical ambience. Its cobblestone streets, red tiled roofs, squares, and laid back lifestyle give us the feeling of being transported to another era. We spend the evening in a boutique colonial hotel.

Day 4: Juan Curi Waterfalls And Bike San Gil

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

In the morning, we have time to explore more of Barichara. We continue to visit the Juan Curi waterfalls surrounded by a beautiful cloud forest area. We follow a short trail with lush vegetation to the base of this impressive 50 m (160 ft.) fall. Here we refresh ourselves under the powerful spray and learn about this micro ecosystem. In the afternoon, we transfer to nearby San Gil, a town known for its moss covered trees that line the banks of the Fonce River. From a nearby mountain top we begin our mountain bike adventure back to Barichara. This scenic dirt road passes through authentic traditional farmland with great views to the valleys, gorges and colonial town below. Along the way we may encounter some of the locals working on their fruit and Tabaco plantations. We reach Barichara for our last evening in this region.

Day 5: Hike To Guane And Bike The Chicamocha Gorge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

We begin our day with a hike on a historic trail that was originally built by the Guane Indians. During the colonial era this trail was rebuilt in stone, by the Spanish Crown, to gain access to the Atlantic to facilitate the export of gold and exotic American products. This scenic road has preserved its authentic atmosphere as it is framed by old stone walls and a classic farmland backdrop. Along the way we get great views to the gorge below and excellent birding, as a high concentration of species feed and inhabit this area. At the end of this 7 Km (4 miles) hike we reach Guane, another colonial town that seems lost in time. It has a dreamlike feel and great Spanish architecture. We visit the local anthropological museum to learn about the extinct Guane culture. In the afternoon, we bike into the Chicamocha River Gorge, the country’s most scenic canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Colombia”. The ride starts at the edge of the canyon along a dirt road that zigzags down into the bottom of the gorge. We will feel the rising heat during this exhilarating downhill as we descend 1,400 m (4400 ft.). The environment here is a unique dry forest filled with acacia, agave and cacti. Here we can also find remnants of a tropical forest where howler monkeys still survive. Other species found in this area are: iguanas, falcons and eagles. At the end of this 16 Km ride we will reach the town of Jordan at 430 m (1500 ft.) over the sea level. Located along the Royal Road from the Andes to the Caribbean, El Jordan used to be a prosperous merchant trade center. Today it has an eerie feeling, as it seems to be abandoned. We continue our journey to the opposite side of the gorge to El Roble a coffee hacienda and hotel where we will spend the evening.

Day 6: Coffee Hacienda Experience And Transfer Out

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning we tour the award winning organic coffee hacienda, located near Bucaramanga. We explore the depths of the Colombian coffee culture contained in its 280 hectares. During our visit we will see the 72 species of coffee, all shaded by a beautiful forest with more than 50,000 trees. We may also spot some of the 122 species of birds that have been registered in the Hacienda. We learn about organic harvesting, peeling, sun drying and bean selection. At the end of the tour, we get to know the hacienda’s catador or taster who will show us how to recognize aromas and control the quality of every crop. In the afternoon we transfer to the Bucaramanga Airport for our return flight to Bogota.

Day 1 Cartagena

Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. The old city, particularly the inner walled town, is the main attraction – it's packed with beautiful churches, monasteries, plazas and mansions. Your hotel is located in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood, a part of the old town with loads of colourful street art and an authentic feel. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. After the meeting, step out for an orientation walk with your leader to get a feel for the city (note that this may take place tomorrow morning instead).

Day 2 Cartagena

Spend some free time getting to know the old and new of Cartagena. Wander the old city, shop for local handicrafts, head up to San Felipe de Barajas Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) or take boat to Punta Arenas or Playa Blanca for a well-deserved swim in the Southern Caribbean. Otherwise, book yourself in a tour out of town to the Volcan de Lodo El Totumo. Instead of lava, this peculiar volcano spews a cream-like mud that is said to contain many healing properties. Enter for a strange bathing experience, then wash the muddiness off in the nearby lagoon.The evening is yours to spend as you wish. Make sure to check in with your leader for great places to try some local food.

Day 3 Guachaca

In the morning, take a private van transfer (approximately 6 hours) north of Cartagena to Guachaca – your home for the next two nights. Guachaca is located in northern Colombia and is surrounded with lush jungle and mountains that collide with the sun-kissed coastline. Visit an initiative that fights to preserve the prehispanic Tayrona culture that populated this area and glimpse what the famous lost city once was. Meet with an indigenous member from one of the four communities that are still occupying La Sierra. You will even have the chance to give back to nature and the community by helping in a local project to reforest the area. Your accommodation is a simple and comfortable family-run guesthouse, nestled high in the jungle. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers or treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

Day 4 Tayrona National Park / Guachaca Region

Head to Tayrona National Park – a series of jungle and coves surrounding the Caribbean coast on the foothills of the Santa Marta mountains. Today is all about hiking the forest trails for Tayrona’s beaches, and with a fair amount of hiking involved today, be prepared and make sure your walking shoes are on and you’ve packed some bug spray. Along the way, you’ll experience lush the green rainforest, the ambience of the jungle and all wildlife that inhabit it, and the special glimpses of coastline and beaches that peek through the canopies. The trail to stunning Cabo San Juan is well worth the effort; it's further away than some other beaches however highly recommended. The hike today is flexible and can be tailored to suit all fitness and energy levels. There can be some steep ups and downs, high humidity, and some muddy spots if it’s been raining, so your group leader can organise a route that pleases everyone. When you’ve had enough hiking, swimming and relaxing, head back to Guachaca for the evening.

Day 5 Giron

Enjoy a final morning in your jungle haven. After a continental breakfast, head off for an included flight from Santa Martha to Bucaramanga (with a transit in Bogota). Arrive at Bucaramanga in the late afternoon and then head onto the peaceful town of Giron. This quintessential 'white city' is part of the Colombian Heritage Towns, thanks to the cobble street and colonial buildings well preserved to this day. Follow your leader on an orientation walk then have some free time enjoying this charming town in the evening.

Day 6 Barichara

This morning, leave Giron behind and enjoy a spectacular drive through the iconic Chicamocha Canyon to Barichara (approximately 3.5 hours). On arrival, head to a local factory where you’ll learn the traditional method of making paper from the natural fibres of the Andean fique plant. This factory is the number one employer in Barichara, which began with the aim to financially support single-parent women who previously did not have any promise of work. Afterwards, set out on a 3-hour walk along the Camino Real with a local guide to the village of Guane. Declared a national monument in 1988, the ancient trail was built by the indigenous Guane people as a trade route between towns, and you’ll be hiking a small section between Barichara and Guane. The walk is stunning, full of panoramic views of the mountain ranges. It starts off with a gentle descent down the rim of a canyon before crossing a valley filled with cacti. The walking is mostly downhill, and you'll likely spot a few fossils embedded in the stones that pave the trail en route. On arrival in Guane, refresh with a cooling drink, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and perhaps check out the town’s church, before catching the local bus back to Barichara.

Day 7 Barichara

With its quaint cobbled streets, stuccoed houses and hilly backdrop, Barichara is probably the prettiest colonial-style village in all of Colombia. With some free time, spend today however you please. Barichara means ‘resting place’ in the local indigenous language and is itself a fine place to wander around on foot, with its laidback feel and range of shops and artisanal workshops to explore. If you'd like to get more active, head over to San Gil, the thrill-seeking capital of Colombia (approximately 30 minutes' drive). Speak to your group leader for suggestions of things to do – rafting, mountain biking – it’s an adventure sport hub. The Pescaderito swimming hole on the way there is well worth a visit too; even if the water is a little chilly, it's an idyllic spot to relax for an hour or two.

Day 8 Bogota

Today you’ll travel by local bus to Bogota via San Gil (approximately 8 hours), so kick back and enjoy the drive as the scenery rolls by. There will be only the one stop along the way, so ensure you take drinks and snacks for the journey. Your hotel in Bogota is located in the Chapinero neighbourhood, one of the most culturally diverse parts of town.

Day 9 Bogota

Time for some exploring – today, You’ll explore the oldest area in the city and understand more about the Colombian past, present and future. One is La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. Boasting a wealth of cosy cafes and colonial churches, it's a neighbourhood full of surprises. As well as loads of museums, art and great food to try, it's also just a beautiful town to walk around, an interesting clash of the old and new. You’ll also head to the Gold Museum for a chance to learn about the wealth this country once had. Fascinating and easy to navigate, the museum has 55,000 artefacts from various eras on display. During the day, you will also learn about Colombia’s turbulent past on a ‘War and Peace’ tour, which outlines their history of war, including political assassinations and armed groups in conflict, and how the country has developed into the situation it finds itself now.

Day 10 Bogota

After an included breakfast, there are no planned activities today and no accommodation planned at night. If you wish to spend more time in Bogota, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).