Colombia El Encanto – President’s Pick

President's Picks | Big Five Tours

Discover Colombia through a 14-day of gastronomy and adventure experience in Bogota.

 

*An AI rendition of Ashish Sanghrajka, President of Big Five Tours and Expeditions*

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President’s Picks

COUNTRIES VISITED

Colombia

STARTING AT..

Price starts at 900.00 Land per person, per day, double occupancy.

TOUR LENGTH

14

Tour Highlights/Full Description

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  • Enjoy the Bogota Foodie Experience where art and local dishes define Colombia.
  • Explore Villa de Leyva activities from hiking to Iguaque Lake and a Hidden Valley Bike Tour.
  • Adventure in Barichara with Chicamocha Canyon Paragliding & Rafting and Guane Ceramics Workshop in Rural Area.
  • Give back to the local community with Guardian of the Forest (volunteering): Water Source Restoration.
  • A unique twist on safaris, with choices of Horse-back riding, Bicycling, riding a Tractor or even on a 4X4 vehicle, and cruise the immensity of the savannah contemplating the wildlife and the unique landscapes.

Day 1: Arrive Bogota Colombia
Bienvenido A Colombia!

Upon arrival in Bogotá, Colombia, clearing Immigration and Customs and gathering your luggage, a Big Five representative will be waiting to greet you with a personalized sign ready to assist, and hotel transfer upon exit from the Customs Hall.

Casa Legado is a boutique hotel in Bogotá’s upscale Quinta Camacho neighborhood, near top restaurants and shops. With a charming mid-20th-century design, it offers 13 uniquely styled rooms and 9 cozy living areas, making you feel at home.
Casa Legado 

 

Day 2: Bogota
Bogota Foodie Experience

Today’s guided tour begins at La Concordia market, which has been loved by the community for almost 80 years. Engage with the farmers and merchants while learning about the history of Colombia through gastronomy. TasteAtlas, a renowned experiential food guide, recently presented its ranking of the 50 best breads in the world, and Colombia had four on the list with some traditional doughs from the country including pandebono, cassava bread, cheese, and almojábana. You will visit Pandebono y Café, El Dorado, where you will not only sample this delicious mixture, but can pair it with a delicious chocolate. For many customers there is no comparison with other stores and bakeries that sell this product. El Dorado is a tradition in the center of Bogotá.

Today’s experience includes stops in Callejón del Embudo, a square in La Candelaria, for chicha tasting and La Perseverancia market, that brings together flavors of Colombian cuisine. After lunch at Cositas Ricas de Doña María, return to the hotel for some time of rest and leisure.

Finally end the evening with a culinary adventure at LEO Restaurant, a gastronomic concept offering immersive experiences in two unique settings: Leo and La Sala de Laura. Under the vision of chef Leonor Espinosa and sommelier Laura Hernández, it merges culinary philosophy and liquid offerings to create a sensory journey that redefines the narrative of Colombian gastronomy, celebrating its lush biodiversity. Its proposal, named CICLOBIOMA, is inspired by the interconnection between humans, cultural heritage, and the natural environment, honoring sustainability and local economies.
Casa Legado – (B,L,D)

 

Day 3: Bogota / Villa de Leyva
This morning, journey through the picturesque landscapes of the Bogota Savannah to reach Villa de Leyva, a historic village known for its iconic and beautifully preserved colonial architecture. The charm of this town comes alive through landmarks like The Cathedral, the Antonio Nariño Museum, the San Francisco convent, and the Cloister of San Agustín.

There is nothing better than feeling at home when traveling and that is absolutely the atmosphere you are immersed in when staying at Hotel Casa Terra in Villa de Leyva. This picturesque and charming hotel combines a homey, family atmosphere with comfort and luxury, surrounded by gardens and cactus, a perfect place to sit in the sun, enjoy the fragrant flowers, and enjoy a delicious Colombian coffee with homemade biscuits at your arrival.
Hotel Casa Terra – Suite Deluxe (B,L)

 

Day 4: Villa de Leyva
Walking Tour 2 hours

Start the morning with a guided 2-hour walking tour of Villa de Leyva, an exquisitely preserved part of Colombia’s past. Nestled in a mountain valley, the low, white-washed adobe buildings of the town harken back to the 17th century when Colombia was trying to break free from Spain.

The focal point of the town is the Plaza Major, a huge open space that claims the title of the world’s largest cobblestoned plaza. Ringed by old mansions from the 17th-century, the most prominent building in the plaza is the Iglesia Parroquial (Church of our Lady of the Rosary), a simple white church with a prominent bell tower. The town’s Catholic Church reigned supreme for centuries so religious buildings abound in and around the town. Stroll along the streets taking notice of the spiral forms of ammonites, fossilized shellfish, which decorate the town’s buildings. The fossils abound in the surrounding countryside, which inspired masons to incorporate the natural shapes of the rocks into their work, so it’s common to see fossils embedded in door frames, walls, flagstones and many other architectural elements.

 

Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary Tour 3 Hours each way
This afternoon’s guided tour starts with a 30-minute drive to the Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary for a 3-hour one-way hike to Iguaque Lake. The hike starts at approximately 8,500 ft. and increases in altitude to 12,400 ft. It is mostly uphill – slow and steady. This sanctuary is the habitat for a variety of animals that are only present in the Colombian Andes. After learning about this majestic site, continue 3 hours on foot back to the main entrance of the sanctuary where a vehicle will be ready for the transfer back to your hotel you’re in Villa de Leyva.
Hotel Casa Terra – Suite Deluxe (B,L)

 

Day 5: Villa de Leyva
Art Workshop for the Soul: 1 hour and 20 minutes.

This morning’s adventure starts with a guided discovery of Taller Ananda, a cultural space and art shop located on the charming Calle de las Galerías in Villa de Leyva. Founded in 2019 by a passionate family of Colombian artists, the mission is to offer unique experiences that nurture both creativity and personal well-being. Here, choose from workshops in drawing, origami, printmaking, or watercolor, each beginning with a mindful breathing ritual designed to help connect with your creative essence and explore your inner artist. With a maximum of 8 participants per session, we ensure personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere where talented artists will guide your creative process, providing you with tools and techniques that you can apply beyond the workshop. To boost this sensory experience, we will offer a delicious hot beverage for you to enjoy while immersing yourself in art.

Afterwards, stop by one of the most traditional restaurants to try a typical Colombian meal before continuing to your next experience.

 

The Wool Route: A textile workshop
The Wool Route is a fascinating tour that celebrates the textile tradition of the region. It all begins by visiting artisan workshops to learn about the wool transformation process, from shearing to weaving. Meet with talented artisans who share their wisdom and ancestral techniques. Throughout the tour, participate in interactive activities, such as spinning and natural dyeing, using local plants. This tour is a unique opportunity to connect with the local culture and take home an authentic souvenir.
Hotel Casa Terra – Suite Deluxe (B,L)

 

Day 6: Villa de Leyva
Bike tour and the Hidden Valley

This experience is suitable for cyclists in good physical condition and lasts between 3 to 5 hours.

This morning starts with enjoying an exciting bike experience. Pedaling through the desert towards the paved road to Santa Sofia. After a brief warm-up, turn off at El Cárcamo to ascend 3.5 km on a dirt road that will take you to this green paradise. There, explore the trails that lead to the Cané River, where you can refresh and rest. Tour an old mill from the 18th century and enjoy a delicious “cuajada con melao”.
Hotel Casa Terra – Suite Deluxe (B)

 

Day 7: Villa de Leyva – Helicopter Transfer to Barichara
This morning, start the day being picked up from your hotel and taken to the airstrip for a Helicopter ride to San Gil Airport. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred in a 25-minute ride to the hotel in Barichara where you will check in, refresh and rest before the first experience in town.

 

Guane Ceramics Workshop in Rural Area
Experience the Guane Ceramics Workshop in a picturesque rural setting! Experience the art of pottery as skilled artisans guide you in molding and shaping clay using only your hands. Learn to create beautiful pieces like pots, jugs, and plates with traditional tools such as totumo spoons and sharp knives. Discover the techniques behind crafting functional items for cooking and serving, as well as unique handcrafted figures. Immerse yourself in this creative experience and take home a piece of Guane’s rich cultural heritage!
Hotel Terrazul Barichara – Terrace Deluxe Room (B)

 

Day 8: Barichara
Chicamocha Canyon Paragliding 20 Minutes & Rafting 90 Minutes Adventure

After an early breakfast, commence on a 90-minute transfer to the Chicamocha National Park in the municipality of Aratoca. With more than 270,000 acres, Chicamocha Canyon is one of the largest in the world, formed 46 million years ago, where fossils are still found today.

The Chicamocha Canyon is an excellent site for flights, accompanied by the majesty of its landscape. Glide for a 20-minute thrilling tandem paragliding flight. Takeoff begins at the top of this majestic canyon where flight conditions are ideal for soaring on hot air currents. After landing on the beaches of Chicamocha River, you will transfer to the rafting where you will receive the guide’s safety debrief. Rafting in Chicamocha is an experience never to forget. Chicamocha River has a classified advance class IV rapids so advanced that you must know how to swim. During the 90-minute rafting adventure, see parts of the Chicamocha Canyon that are not accessible by car. At the end of the rafting, join your vehicle for the 20-minute transfer to Jordan where you will stop for a traditional lunch before heading back to Barichara.
Hotel Terrazul Barichara – Terrace Deluxe Room (B)

 

Day 9: Barichara
Guardians of the Forest (Volunteering): Water Source Restoration

Join us for a unique volunteering experience focused on Ecosystem Restoration in the beautiful Alto Andino Tropical Dry Forest. Helping to create habitats, seed dispersers, and pollinators to attract its endangered species in natural forest regeneration. Located between Barichara and Villa Nueva, this project involves water and soil retention, invasive species removal, and protection of natural springs. This ongoing reforestation initiative collaborates with an environmental conservation foundation to implement effective and sustainable measures for long-term positive impact on this valuable ecosystem.
Hotel Terrazul Barichara – Terrace Deluxe Room (B)

 

Day 10: Barichara /Casanare
Chartered Flight

The morning starts with a transfer to San Gil Airport to board a charter flight to Savanna Orinoquia Lodge private airstrip.

Savanna Orinoquia Lodge is Colombia’s best kept secret, a paradise of luxury and connection with the amazing nature and wildlife of the Casanare department. A corner that envelops you with its culture and hospitality, making you feel at home from the moment you cross its doors. Discover the wonderful experience that Savanna Lodge offers and write your own story of adventure and tranquility surrounded by nature at its best, serenity and comfort.

A welcoming staff will be awaiting your arrival to share with you the many activities that are available during your stay.
Savanna Orinoquia Lodge – Cabana (B)

 

Days 11-12: Casanare
Spend these two days at leisure free to explore and experience the many activities offered by the property.

 

Hiking Trail
Embark on a 2-hour tour through our tropical trails, immersed in a dense and wild forest. Enjoy bird watching and experience the perfect fusion of adventure and physical well-being.

Bongo Pipe Eastern Plains
Bongo Pipe
A charming trip on the Bongo through a canoe, where you can admire the lush tropical forest and the unique wealth of fauna and flora.

Bird Watching In Casanare
Bird Watching
Explore the rich bird diversity through ecological walks in the bongo along the canal, you will be able to marvel at the captivating universe of birds.

Trike
Experience the unique thrill of flying in a Trike and live an aerial plains safari, an unforgettable adventure in which gliding through the skies becomes an adventure. Available all year round.

Bonfires
During the summer season, enjoy the magical sunset on the white beaches of the Cravo Sur River, with a bonfire contemplating the starry night of the plain.

Llanera Crossing
Enjoy a unique Orocue experience, two hours by car from our lodge, a connection of culture, history, gastronomy and nature.

Llanera Beach
The long beaches at the end of the Cravo Sur River acquire an exceptional charm during the summer, offering the opportunity to experience a unique beach day.

Horseback Riding
Embark on the perfect experience in different seasons, winter and summer, to immerse yourself in the daily life of a llanero, leaving the Lodge and enjoying the flooded landscapes of the Orocue.
Savanna Orinoquia Lodge – Cabana (B daily)

 

Day 13: Casanare/ Yopal – Hato/ Bogota
Private Charter Transfer 1 ½ Hour

 

On this last day of adventure, we begin by boarding a private charter from Savanna Orinoquia lodge to Yopal where you will be welcomed and transferred in a 1 1/2 hour drive to Hato Encanto de Guanapalo for an unforgettable experience.

 

A Colombian Safari -Natural Reserve, El Encanto
“Safari Llanero

 

A unique twist on safaris, with choices of Horse-back riding, Bicycling, riding a Tractor or even on a 4X4 vehicle, and cruise the immensity of the savannah contemplating the wildlife and the unique landscapes. Witness many of its natural inhabitant, like the capybara, deer, spectacled caiman, free range horses, giant anteaters, collared anteaters, iguanas, ducks, howler monkeys, owls, armadillos, foxes, scarlet ibises, land turtles, peccaries, pumas and hundreds of bird species, all in their natural environment, which allows for a great family experience or with friends who enjoy the beauty of nature.

You’ll even have the opportunity to visit and observe the magical Egret’s nest. The day ends on a specific location to witness a magical “Llanero” sunset if the climate conditions allow it. Afterwards, board a private charter to Bogota where you will be transferred to your hotel.
Casa Legado – Room (B,L)

 

Day 14: Bogota Depart

Today, we say Adios! A farewell to this colorful and friendly country. After a delightful breakfast, a representative will be awaiting at the main lobby where you will be transfer to the airport to board your flight back home (B)

Cost: USD 900.00 Per person, per day, per diem,  land only double occupancy

*Due To Current Market Rates May Change – Please Contact Us For Current Quote*

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