Heritage Exploration
Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Colombia's rich history and cultural tapestry with our educational tour spanning Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena de Indias. Tread Bogotá’s bustling streets, where colonial architecture meets modern innovation. Next, visit the vibrant hillsides of Medellín, once plagued by conflict but now a beacon of resilience before finally seeing the enchanting shores of Cartagena de Indias, where the echoes of Colombia’s colonial pasts resonate through its cobblestone streets and fortress walls.
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 indicated in your itinerary may vary depending on weather and operational constraints on the ground
Format
Locations
- Bogotá
- Medellín
- Cartagena
- Rosario Islands
Inclusions
- Round-trip flight 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 accommodations (5 nights in Bogotá, 3 nights in Medellín, 2 nights in Cartagena de Indias). Please note that your early check-in is included, therefore will count as a night at destination
- Daily breakfast
- Lunch, 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 for: Bogotá to Medellín, Medellín to Cartagena de Indias and Cartagena de Indias to Bogotá
- Services of English-speaking local guides as per program (different guide in each city)
- Entrance fee to landmarks and monuments within the itinerary
- Earn 4,000 extra Aeroplan® points per member
- More Moments activities included in:
- Bogotá - Bogotá city tour, Breaking Borders tour, Matarredonda Ecological Park hiking tour
- Medellín - Tour in Comuna 13 with Metrocable ride, We Don’t Talk About Pablo Escobar tour, Medellin’s House of Memory Museum visit
- Cartegena de Indias - City tour with San Felipe castle visit
- La Boquilla: Mangroves’Gondola Trip
Itinerary
Day 1
Depart Canada
Overnight flight to El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, Colombia.
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.
Day 3
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, meet your guide for a fascinating full-day adventure of Bogotá. Discover the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and striking contrasts as you explore its most iconic landmarks and lively neighborhoods, all while enjoying the unique energy that makes Colombia’s capital so unforgettable.
Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
More Moments Activities Included
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Bogota City Tour
Begin with a stroll through the picturesque, cobbled streets of La Candelaria, where you’ll visit the Botero Museum, home to works by Colombia’s most iconic contemporary artist, Fernando Botero. Continue to Chorro de Quevedo, a charming square that reflects the vibrant contrasts of Bogotá’s historic center. From there, walk to the heart of the city at Plaza de Bolívar, surrounded by grand administrative and governmental buildings that have shaped the nation’s history. Conclude with a visit to the renowned Gold Museum, showcasing a dazzling collection of indigenous gold artifacts, before browsing the handicrafts market at Santander Park.
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Breaking Borders Guided Tour
Learn about the impressive history of a group of locals from the Egipto neighbourhood in Bogotá. Deciding to leave their criminal past behind, they started the initiative Breaking Borders, showing tourists around their streets filled with artwork that tells the Egipto’s history. Walking uphill through the colorful streets, you will notice first-hand how much the area has changed and transformed into a place of hope, peace, and culture. Your guide will let you in on the meanings and stories behind these the impressive graffiti art and murals.
Meal(s): Breakfast and lunch
Day 4
Bogotá
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you on a 5-hour guided hike to the Matarredonda Ecological Park! This thrilling trek is perfect for adventurers wanting to explore the beauty of Colombia's natural wonders.
More Moments Activities Included
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Matarredonda Ecological Park Hiking Tour
Join an exhilarating hike through the stunning Matarredonda Ecological Park, located just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Bogotá. Your adventure begins early in the morning as you meet your experienced local guide and fellow travellers at the park's entrance. Before you start your hike, take a moment to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. Matarredonda Ecological Park is a lush paradise, rich with biodiversity and lush vegetation. While it doesn't require expert hiking skills, a good level of fitness and sturdy footwear are essential. A day spent hiking in Matarredonda Ecological Park promises adventure, natural beauty, and a deeper connection with Colombia's diverse landscape. Whether you're an experienced hiker or just beginning your journey into the world of outdoor exploration, this hike is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Colombia's natural wonders. So, lace up your hiking boots, and let's embark on this unforgettable adventure together!
Remember to bring:
Comfortable hiking clothes. Hiking shoes. Waterproof jacket. Water and snacks.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 5
Bogotá - Medellín
After an early breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to catch your flight to Medellín. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel for check-in.
Medellín's Comuna 13 tour is your next stop this afternoon! This 5-hour guided adventure focuses on the cultural and social transformation of Comuna 13, also known as San Javier. Learn its history from local artists, visit innovative community projects, and immerse yourself in the vibrant life of this iconic neighbourhood.
More Moments Activities Included
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Tour in Comuna 13
The tour starts at the highest part of the Comuna, in the Nuevos Conquistadores neighborhood. Here, you will see Medellín’s rural outskirts and have a privileged view over Comuna 13 and the entire city. Descending by foot though the intricate streets of the area, you will learn the impressive story of how hip-hop and musical culture helped the local youth and led into a more peaceful context. You will understand the dimensions of the transformation as you hear the locals narrating the rough situations they had to face years before due to gang wars, paramilitary groups, and urban guerillas. Then, visit Sonbata’s urban gardening project, and finish off in the bustling area of the neighbourhood with graffities and murals depicting the story of the Comuna and full of shops, galleries, and souvenir stores. There, you will see the stark contrast of the two faces of the community and get to enjoy the lively local vibe with views over the city.
Meal(s): Petit-déjeuner
Day 6
Medellín
After breakfast, meet your local guide in your hotel lobby and set out on the We Don’t Talk About Pablo Escobar tour. This insightful experience goes beyond the infamous past, offering a deeper look into Medellín’s transformation, resilience, and vibrant culture.
After the tour, continue with a visit to the House of Memory Museum, a powerful space dedicated to honoring the past and reflecting on Medellín’s journey toward peace and resilience.
More Moments Activities Included
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We Don’t Talk About Pablo Escobar tour
This tour will take place in the center-east of Medellin. We will walk through multiple stops that will help us show different narratives of the story, using Metrocable, Medellin's innovative public transport system and stopping at various places of interest to understand the city and society transformation like Parque de la Inflexion, Miraflores Sport Unit, Public Library El Pinar, and the Memory Museum of Medellin.
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Medellin’s House of Memory Museum visit
The museum features interactive exhibitions that amplify the voices of the victims of Colombia’s drug war, offering a powerful perspective on their stories. You’ll also gain insight into the country’s remarkable transformation in recent years and discover how this radical positive change was achieved.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 7
Medellín
Discover Medellín at your own pace! Indulge in the rhythm of Medellín's vibrant streets, where every moment unfolds at your own pace. From the bustling plazas to the serene parks, immerse yourself in the city's dynamic energy and captivating culture.
Whether you choose to wander through colorful markets, savour local delicacies in charming cafes, or simply soak in the breathtaking views from atop the city's hills, let Medellín unveil its endless wonders as you embrace the freedom to explore according to your own desires. Discover why this dynamic metropolis is not just a destination, but an unforgettable experience waiting to be enjoyed.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 8
Medellín - Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast and check-out, your private transfer will take you to Medellín’s José María Córdova International Airport to catch your flight to Cartagena de Indias. Upon arrival, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer that will take you to your hotel for check-in.
In the afternoon, go on a 4-hour guided tour of Cartagena de Indias. Enjoy the best of city’s beautiful streets and attractions, such as La Torre del Reloj, the San Pedro Claver Church, the San Felipe de Barajas Castle, and the fortress walls.
Note: Please note that the vehicle will only be available for 1.5 hours while we visit Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Transport back to the hotel is not included as the tour ends on foot in the historic centre.
More Moments Activities Included
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City Tour, Including de San Felipe Tour
Enjoy the best of Cartagena exploring the beautiful streets and attractions such as La Torre del Reloj, Iglesia San Pedro, Castillo San Felipe and the fortress wall.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 9
Cartagena de Indias – La Boquilla - Cartagena de Indias
After an early breakfast, your private transfer will take you to discover the serene settings of the swamplands and the vast biodiversity in the Mangroves outside Cartagena. Enjoy the silence on a canoe trip with a local guide!
More Moments Activities Included
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Gondola Trip in the Mangroves of La Boquilla
This canoe trip will take you through the channels and tunnels formed by dense mangrove swamp forests at Cienaga de la Virgen. Here, you will go deeply into the heart of this ecosystem, making stops at small hideaways where biodiversity reveals the treasures that surround this magnificent place.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 10
Cartagena de Indias - Bogotá
After a leisurely breakfast, you will have time to enjoy some free time off before completing the checkout formalities., at due time. Your trabsfer to Rafael Núñez International Airport will be late afternoon, so you will have the afternoon to continuing enjoying the beautiful city iof Cartagena de Indias.
Your transfer will pick you up from the hotel lobby and take you to the airport to catch your flight to Colombia’s capital, Bogotá.
Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, a local representative will greet you with an Air Canada Vacations sign and escort you to your private transfer to your hotel for an early check-in. Enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Day 11
Bogotá - Canada
After an early breakfast and check-out from your hotel, your private transfer will take you Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport to catch your flight back to Canada.
Meal(s): Breakfast
Accommodations
Where you'll stay
Comfort Accommodation
Location
Hotel
Room details
Type of bed(s): 1 double bed or 2 twin beds
Room occupancy: Maximum 3 people (3 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child)
Unless otherwise specified, guests will stay in a standard room at all hotels during the trip.
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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The More Moments activities/excursions mentioned in the itinerary are all included in the package but may be rescheduled to take place on an earlier or later day, depending on availability and operational day.
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- Car - Shared transfer service from/to Airports, unless noted otherwise.
- Flight from Bogotá to Medellín, from Medellín to Cartagena de Indias and from Cartagena de Indias to Bogotá.
- Car - Shared transfer service for all sightseeing, unless noted otherwise.
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Hotel taxes, fees and service charges included*.
*These charges are not included to customers traveling 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.