Colours of Colombia

Arrive in Bogotá, dramatically positioned more than 2,500 metres above sea level in the Colombian Andes. Settle into Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá, where historic character and contemporary comfort provide an elegant base for the opening chapter of your journey. The remainder of the day is intentionally relaxed, allowing time to acclimatise to the altitude before gathering for dinner and your first introduction to Colombia’s distinctive flavours and culture.

Begin among the colourful produce and enticing food stalls of Paloquemao Market before ascending Monserrate by funicular or cable car for sweeping views over Bogotá. Return to the historic streets of La Candelaria, where colonial architecture sits alongside galleries and cultural institutions, then visit the celebrated Gold Museum and its vast collection of pre-Hispanic objects. Complete the day with a tasting of fine Colombian coffees, discovering how regional growing conditions shape one of the country’s most famous exports.

Fly south to La Macarena, gateway to one of Colombia’s most extraordinary natural environments. Travel by speedboat along the Guayabero River, scanning the forested banks for caimans, tropical birds and monkeys before reaching Caño Cristalitos. Here you encounter Macarenia clavigera, the aquatic plant responsible for the remarkable red and pink tones that make the region’s waterways so distinctive. Continue deeper into this remote landscape before settling into La Manigua Lodge, surrounded by tropical wilderness.

Return to the Guayabero River before continuing by 4×4 into Sierra de La Macarena National Park. From here, hike into the extraordinary landscapes surrounding Caño Cristales, where waterfalls, rock pools and clear streams are transformed by the vivid colours of aquatic vegetation beneath the surface. Spend the day walking, photographing and enjoying a picnic amid this remote natural spectacle. As evening approaches, unwind with a refreshing drink accompanied by local music, ending an immersive day in one of Colombia’s most unusual wilderness regions.

Begin at sunrise along the riverbanks, with opportunities to watch for dolphins and birdlife before leaving La Macarena behind. Fly to Medellín, beautifully positioned among the green hills of Antioquia and celebrated for the transformation that has reshaped the city over recent decades. Settle into Elcielo Hotel, then prepare for an evening devoted to contemporary Colombian gastronomy. Dinner becomes a multisensory experience, combining imaginative presentation, local ingredients and interactive elements inspired by the country’s culinary traditions.

Explore Medellín’s parks, museums and cultural landmarks before turning to the city’s more recent history in Comuna 13. Discover how urban development, public infrastructure, art and community-led projects have contributed to profound social change within the neighbourhood. Over coffee, hear a personal perspective from a local resident who experienced some of the city’s most challenging years and its subsequent transformation. Afterwards, leave Medellín for the tranquillity of the Antioquian Mountains and settle into Cannúa Lodge, surrounded by lush Andean scenery.

Travel through the landscapes of Antioquia to Guatapé, a vibrant town known for the brightly painted zócalos decorating its traditional buildings. Wander through the colourful streets before continuing towards El Peñol, the immense granite monolith rising dramatically above a sprawling reservoir. Those seeking a more active experience can climb the hundreds of steps to its summit, where extraordinary 360-degree views reveal a maze of waterways, islands and forested hills. Return afterwards to Cannúa Lodge for another peaceful evening in the mountains.

Continue to Cartagena, where colonial architecture, tropical colour and the warm Caribbean climate create an immediate change of atmosphere. Settle into Casa Pestagua, an elegant historic property within the old city, before enjoying a tasting centred on two of Colombia’s celebrated products: aged rum and fine chocolate. The remainder of the evening is yours to enjoy at leisure, perhaps exploring the lantern-lit streets, relaxing within the hotel or discovering Cartagena’s lively restaurant and bar scene.

Venture beyond the old city to La Boquilla, a traditional fishing community surrounded by coastal lagoons and mangrove forest. Glide through the waterways by wooden canoe while learning about the ecosystem and local fishing traditions, then take part in a percussion workshop introducing the rhythms central to Afro-Colombian culture. Back in Cartagena, wander through Getsemaní, browsing local markets and sampling street food before boarding a private boat for a sunset cruise. Return ashore for a celebratory farewell dinner at Club de Pesca.

Spend your final morning exploring Cartagena’s remarkable walled city, wandering through atmospheric plazas and streets lined with centuries-old architecture. Visit imposing Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, constructed to protect the Spanish colonial port, and continue to the Church of San Pedro Claver, known for its striking interior and stained glass. Enjoy some final time at leisure before your private transfer to the airport, bringing a journey through Bogotá, La Macarena, Medellín and Colombia’s Caribbean coast to a close.