Andean Discovery
Overview
Prepare for an extraordinary adventure through the heart of Colombia, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable travel experience. From the vibrant streets of Bogotá to the charming colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Barichara, this tour presents a diverse tapestry of Colombian life.
This itinerary features More Moments activities included with your package.
If your itinerary includes domestic and/or regional flight tickets, as well as entry tickets to landmarks that require passport details, you must call Air Canada Vacations immediately upon receiving your booking confirmation. Failure to provide Air Canada Vacations with your passport details may result in the unavailability of domestic and/or regional flight tickets and entry passes for certain landmarks included in your tour package. It is mandatory to call Air Canada Vacations at the number provided in your electronic confirmation as soon as your booking is confirmed to submit your passport details.
Driving times indicated in your itinerary are approximate and may vary due to traffic and road conditions.
Duration may vary depending on weather and operational constraints on the ground
If you are prone to motion (car) sickness, please prepare accordingly.
Format
Locations
- Bogotá
- Guasca
- Villa de Leyva
- Barichara
Inclusions
- Round-trip flights to Bogotá (if Flight and Hotel option is chosen)
- Private transfers to and from airports
- Private transfers for all excursions and sightseeing tours as per the itinerary
- 10 nights of accommodation (4 nights in Bogotá, 1 night in Guasca, 2 nights in Villa de Leyva, and 3 nights Barichara). Please note that your early check-in is included, therefore will count as a night at destination
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch, dinner and regional snacks as per the itinerary
- Hotel taxes, fees and service charges (only for customers travelling with a non-Colombian passport)
- Domestic one-way flight in Economy Class from Bucaramanga to Bogotá
- Service of English-speaking local guide as per program (different guide in each city)
- Entrance fees to landmarks and monuments within the itinerary
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member on this tour
More Moments activities included:
- Bogotá - City tour
- Zipaquirá - Salt Cathedral visit, cultural village stroll
- Villa de Leyva - Half-day village tour, choice between Estanques Azules or the 7-metre-long Kronosaurus fossil, El Infiernito vist, Unique Colombian Wine Journey experience
- El Socorro: Leisure stroll through town
- San Gil: Leisure stroll through town
- Barichara - Barichara to Guane hike, half-day city tour
- Guane - Archaeological and Paleontological Museum
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Fly overnight to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Day 2
Welcome to Bogotá
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be required to clear customs and immigration. Once cleared, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and will escort you to your private transfer to take you to your hotel for an early check-in. The rest of the morning is free for you to enjoy at leisure.
Meal(s): Lunch
Day 3
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a Bogotá City guided tour! This *8-hour adventure will bring you to highlights including Monserrate Sanctuary, La Candelaria, Plaza de Bolívar, Chorro de Quevedo, and the Gold Museum. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant halfway through this cultural experience.
Upon completion of the city tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
À la fin de la visite, vous serez raccompagné à votre hôtel. Le reste de la journée est libre.
More Moments Activities Included
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City Tour
The first stop is at Monserrate Sanctuary by cable car. After, you will walk through Jimenez Avenue to see an impressive collection of Indigenous gold pieces at the Gold Museum.
Next, you will go to the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria and wander the picturesque, cobbled streets that hold more than 400 years of history. The Botero Museum is next, featuring Colombian contemporary art. Stop at Chorro de Quevedo to appreciate the diverse contrasts that the historical centre offers and learn more about Bogotá's history.
After lunch, reach Plaza de Bolívar, the main square of the city, then go towards the north of the city to Usaquén to enjoy a panoramic view. This neighbourhood is famous for its handicrafts, restaurants, and traditional architecture.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Bogotá - Zipaquirá - Guasca
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a *1-hour drive towards your next stop, Zipaquirá!
Upon arrival, a *5-hour tour of the Salt Cathedral and a stroll through this charming village awaits!
Afterwards, your private transfer will take you on a *1-hour scenic drive to your hotel in Guasca for check-in. Spend the rest of your evening at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Salt Cathedral
This majestic cathedral was built inside of the largest salt-rock deposits on the planet. With materials from a former salt mine and the use of lighting effects, sculptors created innovative interpretations of the Catholic Via Crucis that you will be able to see throughout the space.
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Zipaquirá Cultural Village Stroll
This village is famous for its various buildings that were declared national monuments. Here, you will walk through the main square and have time to taste delicious baked goods from the region (included).
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 5
Guasca - Villa de Leyva
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a 3-hour scenic drive towards Villa de Leyva! Upon arrival, you will be taken to a guided half-day village tour.
After a well-deserved lunch ($), you will have the opportunity to choose between visiting Estanques Azules (blue pond reservoirs) or seeing the 7-meter-long fossil of a Kronosaurus. Please inform the tour guide of your preferred choice.
Your day concludes with a fascinating visit to El Infiernito, an ancient sacred site steeped in history and mystery
Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Half-day Village Tour
Visit some of the most important sights and enjoy a day out of bustling Bogotá. You will hardly find a place that takes architectural preservation work as seriously as Villa De Leyva in Colombia. Its main highlight is the enormous Plaza Mayor.
Choice between:
- Estanques Azules (blue pond reservoirs) or
- Seven-metre-long Kronosaurus fossil
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Estanques Azules (Blue Pond Reservoirs)
Small natural pools. The blue color of the water is attributed to mineral deposits in the area.
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Seven-metre-long Kronosaurus Fossil
As you stand before this colossal relic, marvel at its sheer size and intricate details preserved from over a millennia. Imagine the vast oceans that once covered the land where Villa de Leyva now resides and picture this creature ruling ancient waters.
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El Infiernito vist
Ancient archaeological site featuring a collection of stone structures. As you explore this fascinating site, you'll gain insight into the culture and beliefs of this pre-Columbian civilization and marvel at the intricate stone carvings and alignments that showcase their advanced understanding of astronomy.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 6
Villa de Leyva
After a leisurely breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning and early afternoon at your own pace before setting out on an unforgettable mid-afternoon experience.
Following lunch ($), meet your local guide in the hotel lobby and embark on a unique Colombian wine journey.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel to spend the remainder of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Unique Colombian Wine Journey experience
Your journey begins with a guided tour through the sun-drenched vines, where you'll explore the cultivation process. This significant journey offers a glimpse into the Colombian wine industry.
Next, you'll delve into the heart of the winemaking process with a visit to the wine cellar. The highlight of your experience is a curated five-course tasting and pairing, featuring four exquisite glasses of wine. Prepare your palate for a delightful culinary adventure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Villa de Leyva – El Socorro – San Gil – Barichara
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a 5-hour journey to one of Colombia's gems, Barichara, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture.
Along the way, pause in El Socorro for a leisurely stroll through its charming streets before continuing your journey toward San Gil, where another delightful town walk awaits.
Your adventure then carries on to the final destination of the day — the picturesque town of Barichara, a true highlight of the region!
More Moments Activities Included
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El Socorro - Leisure stroll through town
Take a leisurely stroll through the historic town of El Socorro, often referred to as the cradle of Colombian independence. As you wander its charming streets, admire the colonial architecture, lively plazas, and beautifully preserved churches that echo stories of the past. The town’s relaxed atmosphere invites you to soak in its heritage and enjoy an authentic glimpse of local life.
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San Gil - Leisure stroll through town
Enjoy a pleasant stroll through the vibrant town of San Gil, known as Colombia’s adventure capital. While it’s famous for outdoor thrills, the town itself offers a charming atmosphere, with lively squares, colonial-style streets, and a welcoming local vibe. Take in the sights at a relaxed pace and experience the blend of tradition and energy that makes San Gil so unique.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Barichara - Guane - Barichara
After an early breakfast, your tour guide will have a half-day tour planned for you. Start with an exciting *5 km walk on the Camino Real from Barichara to Guane. Upon arrival in Guane, you will visit the Archaeological and Paleontological Museum.
*Physical level: Moderate, ideal for individuals with a fair level of fitness. The trails may include some elevation and uneven terrain.
Upon completion of the half-day tour, you will return to Barichara by tuk tuk.
Lunch will be served at a local restaurant in Barichara. Then, continue with this afternoon’s half-day Barichara City tour!
Upon completion of the half-day city tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Barichara to Guane Hike
Walk down Camino Real from Barichara to Guane through the beautiful countryside. The stone footpath, which was built by the Indigenous people and subsequently restored by the Spanish conquerors, connects these two small towns along a 5 km route.
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Guane - Archaeological and Paleontological Museum
Take a captivating journey back in time and uncover the prehistoric wonders of Colombia's ancient past. This museum is a hidden gem nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Colombian countryside. Step inside to discover a fascinating collection of fossils, artifacts, and exhibits that showcase the rich biodiversity and geological history of the region. Marvel at the skeletons of prehistoric creatures that once roamed the land, from towering dinosaurs to ancient marine reptiles, and learn about the geological processes that shaped the landscape over millions of years.
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Barichara - Half-day City Tour
Take a picturesque stroll featuring cobbled streets, charming scenery, whitewashed colonial buildings with red-tiled roofs, colorful shutters, and a laidback vibe. The highlights of the day include picturesque chapels and the traditional homes made of tapia pisada (mud and straw). The program will end with a painting workshop.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 9
Barichara
Be your own tour guide today! Explore Barichara at your own pace and embark on a journey through its cobblestone streets and colonial buildings. Your day at leisure in Barichara is an invitation to slow down, immerse yourself in its charm, and discover the beauty of its every corner.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Barichara - Bogotá
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you on a 4-hour panoramic road trip through the Chicamocha Canyon towards Bucaramanga’s Palonegro International Airport so you can catch your flight back to Bogotá. Before reaching the airport, you will have lunch at a local restaurant ($).
Upon arriving at El Dorado International Airport, you will be greeted by a local representative holding an Air Canada Vacations sign, who will then escort you to your private transfer service. This service will take you to your hotel for check-in. Rest of the day at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Bogotá - Canada
After breakfast and check-out, your private transfer service will take you Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport so you can catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Sauf indication contraire, les clients séjourneront dans une chambre standard à tous les hôtels durant le voyage.
Type de lit(s) : 1 lit deux places ou 2 lits jumeaux
Occupation de la chambre : Maximum de 3 personnes (3 adultes ou 2 adultes et 1 enfant)
Important Information
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January 01, 2025 – December 31, 2026
Frequency:
- Jan 01 – Sep 06: Daily
- Sep 07 – Oct 24: 6 times per week (Monday thru Sunday)
- Oct 25 – Dec 31: Daily
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Not included:
- Hotel taxes are not included for those travelling with a Colombian passport, and proof of nationality will be required upon check-in
- Gratuities
- Airport taxes (where applicable)
- Meals, unless specified otherwise
- Transfers for any optional activities, and any other transfer services required outside of the itinerary above
- Entrance to other landmarks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Additional activities and excursions
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- Plane from Bucaramanga to Bogotá
- Car for all inter-cities transfer services
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Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are included*.
*These charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.
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- Please be advised that upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, our local representative will request a picture of your passport (main page and entry stamp). This procedure ensures that you are not charged for the hotel taxes, fees and service charges upon check-in. Hotel taxes, fees and service charges are not included for customers travelling with a Colombian passport.
- Due to your early flight arrival, and to enhance your experience in Colombia, your early check-in is included in your price and will count as a night at your destination.