Hands-on Experiences & Ecosystems

Experience the Magic of Colombia in a Way Few Travelers Ever Have

Bogotá, Caño Cristales, Villa de Leyva, Santander, Medellín, The Coffee Region & Cartagena - 16 days

  • Spend 16 days uncovering the wonderful places that inspired the movie Encanto.
  • Traveling with young children and seeking to change how you look at things? Bask in laughter and craft unforgettable memories that taste as sweet as the local cuisine.

    Imagine your days brimming with authentic escapades. Share heartfelt interactions with locals at their kitchen tables, savor traditional bites, and hear tales of mountain life interwoven with shared laughter.

    Let us craft luxe moments with a custom-tailored itinerary, the golden thread to a rich tapestry of cultural immersion.

    Your adventure begins in the vibrant heartbeat of Bogotá before leading you off the well-trodden path to the 'Liquid Rainbow River' and to the ‘City of Eternal Spring.’

    Forbes magazine aptly noted, “Medellín has become an inspiration for sustainable development and social innovation.”
    Next, you explore 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites—'Colombia’s Coffee Triangle,' in the vast, lush Andean mountain range and the historic seaside gem of Cartagena by the Caribbean Sea.

    Relax, let the rhythmic strains of 'Colombia, Mi Encanto' transport you, and find yourself enchanted by the magic in the land of wonder.
  • Bogotá

    Appreciate historic downtown gems and evoke ‘Isabela Madrigalʼs engagement meal’ with a shared lunch

    Get to know the high-altitude city of Bogotá, the pulsating capital, perched at an impressive 2,640 m (8,660 ft) above sea level.

    This metropolis is a must-visit destination, boasting rich historic gems in downtown La Candelaria.

    Marvel at the well-preserved colonial architecture interspersed with 300-year-old homes, restaurants, bars and graffiti.

    Uncover the city’s grandeur of iconic landmarks and cultural centers, including the Colón Theater, San Carlos Palace, San Ignacio Church, Nariño Presidential Palace, Bolívar Square, City Hall and the Cathedral.
    Given Colombia’s role in the Spanish El Dorado myth, no visit is complete without exploring the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum).

    Then pause to enjoy a family lunch and evoke the heartwarming memories of ‘Isabela Madrigalʼs engagement meal with Mariano.’

    Pick a local dish like Ajiaco Colombiano. A traditional soup with chicken, corn, guascas, and three types of potatoes. Pair it with rice.

    And to cap off your day, ascend Monserrate Hill by cable car for the city’s vast downtown view—part living history, part modern metropolis, interspersed with high-rise buildings.

  • Caño Cristales

    Dive into the magic of the 'Liquid Rainbow River' and see the stunning ‘Encanto locale

    Absorb yourself in a symphony of birdsong at the Cannúa Hotel, your ideal locale, to encounter the Andes’ magic.

    Slow down. And let the immensity of nature take the lead.

    Designed to celebrate the environment, Cannúa offers stunning views of the San Nicolás Valley. Relish fresh drinks, relax in the natural spa, and revel in gourmet foods.

    With 8,000 m² (86,111 ft²) of organic gardens and a food-based forest, the hotel showcases freshness paired with permaculture principles, front and center. Join and help the gardeners plant to connect with the land hands-on.

    Bird watching should be high on your list as Colombia is home to an astounding 1,500 species.

    Here, the active cataloging of resident birds includes colorful Andean motmots, green jays, and emerald toucanets.

    Or hike the indigenous ‘Royal Trail’ from the hotel’s grounds.

  • Boyacá and Santander Region

    You have a date with history, artisan crafts and a vista of the staggering Andes

    This region welcomes you with its inviting, vast stretches of rugged Andes terrain.

    Towns and villages rise imposingly from the Magdalena River, Colombia's main artery, up to the glacier-covered peaks and sacred lakes northeast of Bogotá.

    Begin your adventure in Villa de Leyva, alive with ancestral voices.

    Wander through its photogenic colonial center, a national monument preserved in its entirety.

    As the day unfolds, venture to the rural areas, where villages celebrate their artisan heritage.

    And ready yourself for a hands-on experience as you step into ‘Julieta Madrigal's’ kitchen, roll up your sleeves, and dive into making 'arepas.'
    Gain insight into the traditional techniques and ingredients.
    This bread might just have the ‘magical potent mix’ that can heal wounds and lift spirits.

    When it's time to enjoy this steaming yellow corn bun, match the family favorite with a hot chocolate and a side of mountain cheese.

    Will you meet ‘Bruno Madrigal’? Probably not.
    But you will mingle with the warm-hearted residents wearing traditional ruanas (ponchos) to stay warm.

  • Medellín

    The City of Eternal Spring invites you to marvel and contemplate

    Medellín, Colombia’s second-largest city, known as the City of Eternal Spring for its consistently pleasant climate, sited in a valley and surrounded by majestic mountains.

    The city, once synonymous with violence, has undergone a celebrated urban renewal.

    Explore the lively Plaza Botero and try to spot all its 23 larger-than-life bronze sculptures.
    Fernando Botero’s art is renowned for its exaggerated proportions, humor and criticism.

    Later take a cable car ride to Santo Domingo.
    And marvel at the spectacular city views as you ascend.

    Feel the heartbeat of the Comuna 13 neighborhood, a symbol of resilience.

    Walk through its streets, emblazoned with powerful graffiti, and watch hip-hop performances that vividly recount emotional stories from turmoil to triumph.

    Wrap up your day with a beloved, traditional game of Tejo.

    It involves throwing a rock on a gunpowder target while enjoying a local beer. And shrieking with laughter.

  • Guatapé & El Peñol

    Delight in flower fields, a monolith and wander through the colorful Guatapé town

    Do you remember ‘Isabela’s flower room in Encanto’? Set off on a road trip to the remote village of flowers—Santa Elena.

    Picture fields of vibrant blooms stretching as far as the eye can see.

    A dedicated flower farmer will show you the profound connection between the land and its flowers, lovingly tending, watering, and talking to them so they never feel sad.

    Learn firsthand one of the many traditions of the ‘Silleteros’ region by crafting a small ornate flower arrangement known as ‘silleta.’

    Continuing your day, head to Piedra del Peñol and marvel at the breathtaking 200 m (656 ft) high granite monolith dominating the countryside.
    Climb its 740 steps for a mesmerizing view over the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir.

    Revel in this wow-factor view of the cerulean-colored lake with its branches spreading against a backdrop of untouched mountain wilderness.

    Finally, stroll Guatapé’s popular Plazoleta de Los Zócalos center, where fresco-like adornments decorate the vibrant facades.
    Impressing you with detailed scenes of daily mountain life in a kaleidoscope of colors.

  • The Coffee Region

    Feast on the landscape that inspired the Encanto directors' of the ‘Madrigal family's casita

    Explore Eje Cafetero, home to thousands of coffee farms producing some of the world's finest Arabica.
    The rockstar bean of the coffee world.

    Lace your hiking boots, and jump into a colorful Willys jeep for an unforgettable trip into the Cocora Valley, where stands of majestic wax palms pierce the green pastures.
    Combine hiking and birdwatching with a conservation project, where you plant the mighty palms to help maintain the valley's biodiversity.

    Step, stroll, and shuffle through the highland towns, admiring their storybook architecture, terracotta roofs, and technicolor balconies, never skipping a beat to the soundtrack of ‘The Family Madrigal.’

    Naturally, the highlight of your visit to this region is exploring a passionate coffee grower's plantation.
    Here, you will learn about sustainable practices from bean to cup and understand why smooth, sweet Arabica coffee tastes so much better.

    Also, try your hand at the traditional art of basketry to carry the harvested coffee beans.

    Then it’s time to taste the freshest cup of tinto (black coffee) you’ve ever had.

  • Cartagena

    Discover culture and flamboyant marine life while embracing Caribbean splendor

    A marriage of rich historic charm and colonial beauty invites you to the lively atmosphere of Cartagena de Indias.

    Feel the rhythm of dance pulsing through the streets and plazas in the 'Queen of the Caribbean.'

    At the heart of this historic city lies a masterpiece of colonial splendor.
    Encircled by thick fortress walls that safeguard centuries-old cathedrals, bougainvillea-laden balconies, and bustling plazas filled with performers and artisans.

    Savor the seven paradises of street food (7 stops), each offering bites packed with flavors from authentic, generations-old recipes that have inspired the innovative spirit of contemporary Colombian cuisine.

    When the city's lively tempo calls for a break, hop on a speed boat for Isla Grande in the Rosario archipelago.
    Here, swim, snorkel, and splash in the country's most important underwater park, which boasts a colossal variety of coral and reef fish.

    As night falls, twirl to the infectious beats of a Vallenato band, celebrating the song ‘Colombia, Mi Encanto.’

Information & Documents

Recommendations

  • Private Itinerary.
  • We can customize the itinerary according to your travel preferences and budgets.
  • Accommodations can be arranged based on your preferences: Comfort, Luxury, Boutique, Eco-lodges.