Best of Colombia

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Bogota

Depart from the USA. Arrive in Bogotá, Colombia's diverse, sprawling, and vibrant capital city. Located at 2,600 meters above sea level, Bogotá is a city of over 8 million inhabitants. Meet your ACIS Tour Manager and begin to settle in.

Day 2: Bogota

The area of modern Bogotá was first populated by indigenous groups who migrated from Mesoamerica, including the Muiscas. Growing into a major settlement after Spanish arrival, it became the capital of the Spanish provinces and, following independence, the capital of Gran Colombia, and then of the Republic of Colombia. Begin your day with a guided sightseeing walking tour of Bogotá's historic city centre, La Candelaria. You'll see its impressive churches, traditional colonial architecture, cobblestoned streets, unique graffiti murals, the Palace of Justice and Plaza Bolívar. Then visit the world famous Museo del Oro, the International Emerald Museum, and the Museo Botero, housing works by this celebrated Colombian artist. The afternoon is yours to explore more at your own pace. Perhaps take in the incredible views from the summit of Cerro de Monserrate, which rises over downtown and dominates the city's skyline. You can ascend via panoramic aerial tramway or funicular, or enjoy a hike from the city if you're feeling ambitious. Or you may want to visit the modern and innovative north part of the city, which boasts a variety of trendy shops, restaurants and bars.

Day 3: Medellin

After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Medellín, nicknamed the "City of Eternal Spring." In the afternoon, jump right into a hallmark of Colombian culture with a tejo lesson. The game's origins are pre-Colombian—the local indigenous people used to play tejo as a ritual well before Spanish arrival in the 16th century—and through this long tradition it has become a national sport. An instructor will teach you the rules and techniques for play before you engage in some friendly competition with refreshments. Be warned, this game delivers an "explosive" level of fun!

Day 4: Medellin

Discover Medellín's highlights with a guided sightseeing tour this morning. Explore the historical centre, listen to local musicians play traditional "Guasca" music while visiting Parque Berrío, and stroll through the hustle and bustle of downtown to the famous Botero Plaza, which showcases an exhibition of beloved Colombian artist Fernando Botero, whose voluptuous sculptures have become a landmark of the city. Then explore the city's colorful modern history with a graffiti walking tour of the Comuna 13 neighborhood guided by one of the local artists. Medellín's rich urban street art scene is tied to its transformation over the last 20 years and this tour gives you insight on history and daily life in this area, and the importance of street art for social communication and identity.

Day 5: Medellin

This morning journey just outside of Medellín to the peaceful village of Santa Elena, nestled high in the mountains of Antioquia, which is home to a great variety of traditional flower farmers. Visit an organic flower farm, learn about the ornate “silletas” (flower arrangements) and history of the local flower festival, and get a taste for the traditional peasant culture here. Then get a different taste, this time of the coffee culture for which Colombia is famous. Visit a traditional coffee farm where you will have the unique opportunity to observe the whole spectrum of coffee processing, from the plant to the cup. Stroll through the coffee fields to learn more about growing and collecting the coffee beans, and get insight about the best way to prepare the coffee. Return to Medellín for the evening.

Day 6: Cartagena

After breakfast this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to the lovely Caribbean port city of Cartagena. After getting settled, bring your appetite and an adventurous attitude as you hit the pavement for a street food walking tour, experiencing Colombian flavors the way the Cartageneros love to do. This tour will get you up close and personal with the local culinary culture as the street sellers fill your bellies with their delicacies and warm your hearts with their hospitality.

Day 7: Cartagena

This morning a guided city sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the 17th century La Popa Convent atop the city's highest hill, where you will have an incredible view overlooking all of Cartagena and out to the sea. Continue to the largest Spanish colonial fortification anywhere in South America, the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. Your visit of the fortress includes part of the network of tunnels located inside and the statue of Don Blas de Lezo, Spanish hero of the 1741 battle to defend the city from a large British force. Return to the cobblestones and colonial architecture of Cartagena’s historic, UNESCO-protected city center and see important landmarks such as the main gate to the old walled city beneath the "Torre del Reloj" clock tower, and the monument to Pedro de Heredia, a founding father of Cartagena. Your guide will share with you stories of Cartagena’s founding and interesting tales of legends and pirates. In the afternoon you'll step right in to another aspect of the local culture with a salsa dancing lesson led by a professional instructor. The Colombian music and dancing will leave you breathless.

Day 8: Cartagena

Get creative this morning and support a good cause at the same time with a hands-on coconut craft workshop in partership with a local artisans cooperative called DAMARTES (Damas y Madres del Arte). You will travel to La Boquilla, a seaside fishing village in the northernmost part of Cartagena, where the ladies of the association will coach you in the patience and enthusiasm required to create fun souvenirs such as bracelets, keychains, earrings or necklaces out of coconut. The association's women and mothers have worked hard to hone their craft, and are the frst women of La Boquilla to produce their own income. You will get to share stories and connect on a deeper level with these lovely craftspeople as you produce something together. Next you'll stretch your legs during a friendly soccer match with the local residents—the deep and unifying passion that Colombians have for their country's most popular sport will be clear! In the afternoon, this incredible day of cultural exchange, sport and art continues with a hands-on drumming workshop. La Boquilla's rich Afro-Caribbean culture comes alive via the young people behind the Batambora Drum Workshop School, who are committed to human and economic development that is aimed at preserving the cultural traditions of African heritage in Colombia. Dance, sing and connect directly with the rhythms of folk music such as Cumbia, Mapalé and Champeta through immersion, by learning to play the traditional drums.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.