Colombia Travel Planner 2011 (English)

PANAMERICANA DE VIAJES DMC COLOMBIAN DESTINATION MANAGER

www.panamericanadeviajes.net1

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TRAVEL PLANNER PLANES DE VIAJES

No. 2 June 2011.

Edition managing: Andres Velez Texts: Natalia Velez, Andres Velez, Kristin Wegner, Javier Rua. Fotografia: David Otalora, Javier Rua, Andres Velez.

Design: Andres Velez Panamericana de Viajes Ltda cra 11a # 93a - 80 of.104 Bogota - Colombia www.panamericanadeviajes.net All rights reserved

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EDITOR’S NOTE It is a pleasure for Panamericana de Viajes to come out with the Second Edition of our Travel Planner 2011, due to the overwhelming demand from travel agencies and our offered hotels.

For this edition we have decided to develop our published material to bring more information, while maintaining our suggested itineraries because they great selling tools for you as a travel consultant and for the traveler as an important guide when deciding to visit Colombia.

We thank you for making this Second Edition possible and are waiting to welcome every tourist in the world whom would like to visit this marvelous country.

Hugo Velez Lynton Presidente Panamericana de Viajes DMC

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CONTENT Bogota; Other story to tell Bogota; Suggested itinerary Bogota; Extreme Amazonas; Leticia, suggested itinerary Cauca; Popayan, suggested itinerary Villa De Leyva; Footprints from the past Tours in Villa de Leyva Antioquia; MedellĂ­n (3N-4D) Barranquilla; Who lives it, is who enjoys it Cartagena; Suggested itinerary (3N - 4D) Mompox; Suggested Itinerary San Andres; Suggested Itinerary San Andres; Scuba Diving Huila; Tatacoa desert astronomy Huila; San Agustin, suggested itinerary Santander; Barichara (7N-8D) Cartagena & el Parque Natural Tairona (7N-8D) Discovering Colombia (13N-14D) Colombian wonders (3N-4D) Colombia; Cofee, City and History 6

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BOGOTA

Another Story to tell By: Andres Velez

As I overlook this huge metropolis from Monserrate Hill, it’s hard to imagine Gonzalo Jimenez de Quezada searching for the gold of “El Dorado” legend. He arrived to this expansive savanna on August 6, 1538 - 5 years after Cartagena was founded- with such a great astonishment he called it “Los Alcazares Valley,” meaning “royal palace.”

Jimenez de Quesada arrived to the valley with only seventy men of the five hundred that departed with him - his crew decreased due to illness, difficult terrain and the fights against the indigenous people for their gold and emeralds. Finally, the troops arrived to Nemocon and Zipaquira, where they forced the locals to work in the salt mines. When they finally arrived in the valley of Bogotá, they established the community by building twelve houses and a chapel honoring Jesus and his Apostles, all of which remain intact.

In general, world capitals are near coastlines for accessible commerce routes and connectivity. This is not the case of Bogotá, which due to its’ rugged mountainous terrain and difficult accessibility, was designated as the capital of Colombia during the Spanish Colonization period.

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Arrival to Bogotá from Cartagena during this era required traveling 1060 kilometers down the Magdalena River for 18 to 25 days, followed by another 10 days to Puerto Bogota. Although this was the shortest route, everything depended on the weather - the journey could be much longer. Yet the location of Bogota was ideal for landbased commerce routes, mobilization and overall connectivity to the rest of South America.

For over 300 years, the Spaniards stole money and pillaged riches from the local indigenous tribes, whom had developed intricate gold work craftsmanship, including: Filigrana, hammering, melting and various other techniques to symbolize the status of important people and used in rituals. Some of these techniques maintain a mystery today, despite our modern technology and investigative resources.

Ironically, after these tribes crafted incredible artwork, the Spaniards melted and transformed these pieces into golden coins for the royal crown. Maintaining and respecting these cultural artifacts is a modern challenge as well; “guaqueros,” (treasure-hunters) still search for pre-Hispanic tombs to sell the treasures in the black market.

Photo: David Otalora

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Fortunately, in 1939 The Bank of the Republic of Colombia founded the “Museo del Oro” (Gold Museum) in Bogotá to prevent the melting of gold pieces or their illegal exportation to another countries, achieving the Conservation of the Physical and Cultural Heritage of Colombia. Presently, the bank counts over 34,000 pieces of gold, the largest collection of pre-Colombian gold in world. This museum is located in downtown Bogotá, near the foothills of Monserrate.

Interestingly, in 1821, Congress declared in the constitution of “La Gran Colombia” as a free country conformed by present-day Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador and obviously Colombia. Although the delegations was held in Cucuta, Colombia, near the present-day border with Venezuela, Bogotá was declared as the capital of the New Republic, of which lasted for a mere ten years.

I descend Monserrate via the “Teleferico” cable car and head a block away to “La Quinta de Bolivar,” the house that The Governor Jose Tribuco Echevarria gave to Simon Bolivar on July 16, 1820 in appreciation of the work he did for the country.

Today, these historically important sites of Bogotá blend into a modern cosmopolitan epicenter of culture, fashion and gastronomy.

The innovative city is renowned for its’ user-friendly infrastructure, with various public works such as “Trasmilenio,” (an effective bus transportation that is an example for South American countries), as well as a vast network bicycle routes linking the multitude of green spaces - making Bogotá a healthy place to live and visit.

Photo: David Otalora

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Bogotá; Suggested Itinerary 3 Nights - 4 Days DAY 1. BOGOTA - Arrival to Bogota. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2. BOGOTA - Breakfast at your hotel.

- During the morning we will have a view of the city, visiting the Bolivar’s Square where the most important building of the city are, such as: the Cathedral, the Justice Palace, the President house, the National Capitol, we will continue our journey through the Colonial District of La Candelaria and visit to the Gold Museum with it’s collection of 30.000 pre-colombian ornaments, after this visit we will continue to Bolivar’s Country House where the Liberator Simon Bolivar lived. Finally we will take a cable car to the top of Monserrate that lords over Bogota where we will admire a wonderful view of the city. (Duration of this tour 4 Hours aprox).

- Rest of the day at leisure.

- Lodging.

DAY 3. BOGOTA - Breakfast at your hotel.

- During the morning we will leave the city thorough the residential district, taking the Panamericana highway, passing by some typical villages to reach to Zipaquira where the Salt Cathedral is located, visit and returned to Bogota. (Duration of this tour 4 hours).

- Rest of the day at leisure.

- Lodging.

DAY 4. BOGOTA - Breakfast at your hotel.

- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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Bogota al Extremo 4 Nights - 5 Days DIA 1 Llegada a Bogotá. Recepcion y traslado al hotel.

Alojamiento DIA 2 Desayuno en el hotel Aproximadamente a dos horas de Bogotá se encuentra el rio Tobia donde rapidos de nivel 3 y 4 estaran esperando por usted. Lo recogeremos en el hotel para llevarlo a Tobia, donde disfrutara una emocionante experiencia practicando rafting.

Alojamiento DIA 3 Desayuno en el hotel.

A la hora acordada, lo recogeremos en el hotel para realizar un traslado con una duración de aproximadamente 30 minutos al municipio de la calera en las afueras de la ciudad, para hacer un recorrido en vehículos ATV, perfectos para recorrer la montaña, espectaculares paidsajes de semi- paramo y paramo localizada a una altura promedio de 3000 metros sobre el nivel del mar.

Duracion: 4 horas aprox.

Regreso al hotel y alojamiento.

DIA 4 Desayuno en el hotel.

Photo: Andrés Vélez

DIA 5 En la mañana lo recogeremos en el hotel, donde lo llevaremos a nuestra oficina principal, una vez aquí le entregaremos una bicicleta para recorrer la zona norte de Bogotá. Esta ciudad cuenta con la mas amplia red de ciclo rutas en latinoamerica, manejar una bicicleta en Bogota es una de las cosas que se deben hacer.

Regreso al hotel.

Alojamiento.

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Amazonas; Leticia

3 Nights - 4 Days

DAY 1. LETICIA - Reception at the airport Vasquez Cobo in Leticia. Transfer to the chosen hotel.

- In the afternoon we will visit the most important touristic spots of the city like: Orellana Park, the City Hall and the Museum of the Republic Bank.

- Dinner at the hotel.

- Lodging.

DAY 2. LETICIA - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will take a boat through the Amazon River to visit the Yaguas and the Tikunas Tribes here we will be able to get acquainted with the traditions, handcrafts, feather necklace, musical instruments and the “chanchamas” (paintings over the trees crust). We will follow our journey to the “Monkey Island” where we will see different species of these animals. Here we will walk through different hanging bridges where we’ll be surrounded by an amazing natural entourage. We will continue our journey by canoes through through the river until we get to Tucuchira Lake where we will admire the most amazing diversity of flora and fauna. Lunch included.

- Dinner at the hotel.

- Lodging.

DAY 3. LETICIA - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will take boats until we get to Yavari River which will take us to the Saraiva lake where we will be able to meet with the most popular creature of the Amazon region: the Pink Dolphin. we will also enjoy an exquisite typical Brazilian lunch.

- Dinner at the hotel.

- Lodging 14

Photo: David Otalora

DAY 4. LETICIA - Breakfast at the hotel - Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Cauca; Popayan

3 Nights - 4 Days

Photo: Andrés Vélez

DAY 1. POPAYAN Reception at the airport and transfer to the hotel In the afternoon we will visit the city of Popayan through a sight seeing tour, visiting “Los Cerros Tutelares,” Belen, “El Morro”, “Payanes” town to appreciate the typical hand-crafts of Cauca, the modern city and a mall.

Dinner at the hotel. Lodging.

DAY 2. POPAYAN Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning we will visit Colonial farms, Doctrine chapel, Yanaconas (1548), Yambitara farm (1710), La Ximena Colonial temple (1836), Calibo farm (1790), Las Guascas farm. Martinez museum farm (1820).

Dinner at the hotel. Lodging.

DAY 3. POPAYAN Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning we will head towards Silvia, an indigenous town home to the Guambiana tribe lives, known for its’ colorful market on Tuesdays. We will visit “El Molino, El Chiman,” an indigenous reservation and “cumbres ancestrales,” (ancestral tombs).

DAY 4. POPAYAN - Breakfast at the hotel - Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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VILLA DE LEYVA Footprints of the past Por: Turista Francesa

Photo: Andrés Vélez

The kite festival is one of my most treasured childhood memories – I distinctly recall multicolored kites rising up the sky with different shapes and movements dancing in the sky over clay roofs and cobblestone streets of Villa De Leyva.

I specifically returned to Colombia to visit Villa De Leyva to relive my fond memories of this charming town. From my childhood, I recalled the distance from Bogota as much longer; this time I real16

ized the trip is a mere three hours – through the amazing landscape of the “Altiplano Cundi-Boyacense”. Upon arrival, the weather was great, 18 degrees Celsius during the day - the prefect weather.

It’s incredible how the tectonic layers collapsed with each other bringing to the surface up to 2145 meters over the sea level, known today as the Villa De Leyva Valley. Proof of this is seen in the huge plesiosaurus at “El Fosil” museum, a similar dinosaur species was also found in Australia.

Nearby Villa De Leyva, I revisited the Moniquira’s archeological Park, known as “El Infiernito,” which exhibits the culture before the arrival of “Muiscas” Pre-Columbian tribe. The site is an ancient astronomic observatory, and due to the position of the stones heading the Cardinal points and positions of the stars seems to be also fertility temple. The place is composed of 56 monolithic stones standing towards the sky; inside the park also rests a Dolmenic tomb.

Something that fascinates me about this valley is the plethora of wineries in the area - I originally thought making wine was only possible meridian areas, not in the tropics! Luis Hernando manages the winery that I visited. He explained that with the two annual productions, they produce no more than 25.000 bottles a year. Their wine is of an excellent quality, having won various prizes and recognitions in international wine festivals for their Cabernet-Sauvignon.

Photo

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Tours at Villa De Leyva Villa de Leyva History and culture

Walking tour through the historical center of Villa De Leyva, one can appreciate the urban structure and history influenced by Spanish colonization and the XVI Century. The tour visits the Central Town Square, the Municipal Congress House- where the first council delegations were held to structure the founding government of Colombia, the ¨Carmelitas Descalzas Monastery,” (The Barefoot Nuns Monastary) and the San Francisco convent, ¨Molinos de Mesopotamia¨Hotel. Gilberto Acuña museum and others. The tour also includes car transportation to visit the Paleontological Museum, which is located one kilometer away from the historical centre

Footprints from the past

The three most important places of the region are visited in this tour. Monquira Archeological Park “El Infiernito” which is believed to be an ancient Pre – Colombian astronomical observatory (2000 BC), where some people consider the Monoliths to represent fertility and totemic tombs. The Fossil, is a Chronosaurus found in the Monquira area was elevated by the collision of tectonic layers during the formation of “Los Andes” mountain chain more than 100 millions of years ago. “Santo Eccehomo” Monastery, was built in 1620 by The Dominic order.

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Medellín - Antioquia

3 Nights - 4 Days

DAY 1. MEDELLIN - Arrival to Medellin. Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel - Lodging DAY 2. MEDELLIN - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will visit the main touristic spots of the city like the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Berrio Park, and the Botero’s Square. We will also visit the Antioquia’s Museum where the biggest Botero Collection is found.

- Free afternoon.

- Lodging.

DAY 3. MEDELLIN - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will take the road to visit the Eastern side of the region passing through beautiful towns and admiring the beautiful landscapes until we reach the Tutucan park where you will find a small imitation of a traditional town containing all the traditional stores such as a barber shop, the photographer’s house and of course the church. Visit a traditional milling farm. Here you will be able to taste products made from the sugar cane.

- Return to the hotel. Lodging.

DAY 4. MEDELLIN - Breakfast at the hotel.

- Transfer to the airport.

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Photo: David Otalora

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BARRANQUILLA Who lives it, is who enjoys it By: Kristin Wegner

Barranquilla, Colombia, is a name that rolls off the tongue in Spanish. The double r rolls like the nearby waves in the ocean, the double l creates a mystique j-sound, fusing centuries of blended cultures. Home to Carnaval, the city’s name alone is synonymous with la rumba (parties).

When I found out I was going to live in Colombia for a year, my best friend Shana agreed to visit me from Chicago on one caveat: that we meet for Carnaval. Shana is a Mardi Gras connoisseur, travelling throughout the US to similar parades and parties and organizing the Armenian equivalent of Carnaval in the US. Carnaval and Mardi Gras have similar roots, a Catholic tradition to aprovechar the best that life has to offer before entering the more solemn week of Lent. Second (in size) only to Rio de Janiero, Brazil, no other festival in the world can compare to Barranquilla. In 2003, UNESCO named Barranquilla’s Carnaval as one of the Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, recognizing the event as a culturally rich extravaganza for locals, Colombian tourists and international guests. Carnaval’s motto speaks to the magic of being there: “Who lives it is who enjoys it”; yet even with UNESCO’s recognition, the weeklong celebration remains a hidden gem, largely off-the-beaten path in the travel circuit.

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The festival begins with the Battle of the Flowers on Saturday, followed by four days of parades, an Orchestra Festival, dancing til midnight and essentially letting out all the demons before Ash Wednesday. The official festivities end on Tuesday with the annual burial of Joselito Carvajal, Barranquilla’s symbolic personaje that represents the life of the party. The entire event is uniquely Colombian, paying homage to the lineage fusions of African slaves, Spanish rulers and pirates and Indigenous communities, heard in the wide variety of cumbia, mapale, fandango and merecumbés music.

On the first day, Shana and I quickly became friends with our neighbors in the stands – a Colombian family from NYC visiting the grandparents in Santa Marta.

Within minutes of an exchange in Spanglish, grandma was serving us shots of aguardiente from a wooden shot glass around her neck like we were her granddaughters. She proceeded to point us in the best location in the stands for taking photos of the costumes. Our other neighbors in the sidelines took turns sharing with us intricately woven insider stories and legends of the dances and costumes, along with providing travel advice and dance tips.

During the parades, intricately costumed folk dancers two-stepped in choreographed movements to the beats of traditional Garabato, followed by duets sharing bottles of rum back and forth to the music - women rolling their hips while maintaining the half-full bottle balanced on their head before passing it to their male counterparts - all in time to the music.

Little kids in tiny costumes followed next, solemnly holding hands as miniature couples, shaking their hips innocently while keeping one eye on their adult role models a block ahead. At six years old, some of the confident moves of these kids exuberantly demonstrated their yearlong dedication to rehearsals and to maintaining these generational traditions. It’s no wonder how universal pop icon Shakira came out of this vibrant community.

In between dance troupes, fringe icons tantalized the crowds – ornate transvestites in silver tights and ribbon tops gyrated their booties to the catcalls of the audience on one side of the parade while groups of ragtag goofy monkeys flipped over one another, ending in rolling somersaults on the opposite side of the street.

Each day was as tantalizing as the previous – with an afternoon full of new costumes of which to marvel, street food to taste and señoras with whom to share aguardiente. The nights ended with a taxi back to the hotel, passing alleys of after-parties for the whole family - seven to seventy-year-olds – continuing to dance under the stars as we retreated from the festivities.

As the taxi passed these parties, we were exhausted, content and testimony to Carnaval’s motto: We had lived it and enjoyed it to the max.

Photo: Shana Halajian

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Cartagena suggested itinerary 3 Nights - 4 Days

DAY 1. CARTAGENA - Arrival, reception and transfer to your Hotel.

- Lodging.

DAY 2. CARTAGENA - Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure.

- During the evening we will visit the most important monuments of the colonial city, such as Saint Phillip’s Fort, La Popa Hills, the walled city, - Lodging.

DAY 3. CARTAGENA - Breakfast at your hotel. During the morning we will transfer to the Dock for a visit to el Rosario Island, leaving to the south of the bay of Cartagena. These Islands are considered a National Natural Park with a complex of coral bank populated with a great variety of fauna of the reef: Opportunity to swim and practice snorkeling. Full day tour with typical lunch included. Returned to Cartagena and transfer back to your hotel. Lodging.

DAY 4. CARTAGENA - Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Photo: Andrés Vélez

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Mompox, Suggested Itinerary 2 Nights - 3 Days

DAY 1. CARTAGENA-MOMPOX Departure at 7.30 a.m – Arrival at 2.00 p.m 32 feet long boat with capacity for 20 people. Yanmar Engine, with 440 HP, Hamilton Jet, with internal restrooms and confortable chairs.

6 hours travelling through Magdalena river, departing from Cartagena Bay in order to reach “El Dique” Canal, which is one of the main public works from the Colonial Era, built by the Spaniards for access to the river, which was the most important waterways of that time. During the trip, guests will see diverse flora and fauna species. The trip down the Magdalena River to the town of Calamar lasts approx. three hours; during this time the boat will pass the villages of Pasacaballos, Gambote, Mahates, Arenal, Soplaviento, San Cristobal, Santa Lucia, Tenerife, Plato, Magangue and Santa Ana Towns.

Snack is included Arrival to Mompox, lodging at the hotel.

4.00 p.m Tour to the famous cementery and San Agustin Church: A short walking tour through Mompox streets.

7.30 p.m Mompox wine tasting, and culinary lesson to include preparing the typical dessert made of lime peel.

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DAY 2. MOMPOX 06.30 to 10.00 a.m Breakfast at the hotel 10.00 a.m. Churches and Squares tour Santa Barbara Church, considered the most important of Mompox, where the famous Eastern “Processions” begun. The uniquely constructed church was built in 1613 and is known for its’ Baroque architecture style exemplified in a looming tower with balcony and three windows, homage to the local history of the Saint Barbara – giving the church its’ name. After this tour, visit to local jewelries, renowned for intricate gold pieces detailed with “filigrana” technique.

Walking tour through different squares of the town such as “Libertad, Immaculate Concepcion” and “Bolivar, Juan B. Corral” parks 12.30 p.m. Lunch at the hotel.

3.30 p.m. visit to “Pijillos ” Lagoon to appreciate the flora and fauna of the region - a habitat of the Iguanas and a variety of birds.

DAY 3. MOMPOX-CARTAGENA Return to Cartagena

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San Andres, Suggested Itinerary 2 Nights - 3 Days DAY 1. SAN ANDRES - Reception and transfer to your chosen hotel.

- Lodging.

DAY 2. SAN ANDRES - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will see most important areas of the island while enjoying an amazing view of the “sea of the seven colors.” Don’t miss the chance to go inside the coral cave known as Morgan´s Cave.

The Blowing Hole, a very rocky surface with a hole on it. When the tide is high, a strong puff of air (or occasionally water) bursts from the hole. We will then visit some traditional neighborhoods and get to know a very nice, natural pool known as “La Piscinita.”

- Rest of the day at leisure.

- Lodging.

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DAY 3. SAN ANDRES - Breakfast at the hotel.

- In the morning we will be transfer to the dock where we will board hi-speed boats that will take us to Haynes Kay which is better known as “The Aquarium” thanks to Its crystalline waters that let you easily observe the some of the most spectacular fish in the world. Our boat journey will continue to Johnny Kay where the color of the sea, white, soft beaches and the beautiful palms make it easy to fall in love with.

- Lodging.

DAY 4. SAN ANDRES - Breakfast at the hotel.

- Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

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San Andres, Scubba Diving 7 Nights - 8 Days DAY 1. SAN ANDRES - Arrival to San Andres.

- Reception and transfer to your chosen hotel.

- Dinner.

- Lodging.

DAY 2 - 6. SAN ANDRES - Breakfast at the hotel.

- 9 immersions at the day and 1 at night.

- Lunch and dinner at the hotel.

- Lodging.

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DAY 7. SAN ANDRES - Breakfast at the hotel.

- Day at Leisure.

- Lunch and dinner at the hotel.

- Lodging.

DAY 8. SAN ANDRES - FINAL DESTINATION - Breakfast at the hotel - Transfer to the airport for you departure flight.

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HUILA

Advantages of Tatacoa desert for sky observation By: Javier Rua 1, This Natural environment does not have any light pollution or parasite light; light pollution is the artificial light that inhibit the light of sky objects, that is why the importance that the place for astronomical observation has to be dark. Tatacoa desert is so dark that 6.0 magnitude objects can be observed, which is the limit of human capacity to see. This mean that the sky of the desert allows the observation of objects that cannot being seeing in other parts of the country.

2. It is a privileged geographic position, due to the proximity to the equatorial line, which allow us to see the northern and southern hemispheres, possibility that places in other latitudes like Japan and North America.

This inconvenient is a consequence of the earth curvature. Tatacoa desert is located in the highest spot of terrestrial curvature.

3. The warm and dry of La Tatacoa is another advantage. The sparkling lights of the stars is not intrinsic, is a characteristic of our atmosphere, which makes our environment, not of water but gas and this creates a turbulence fluctuating the light of the stars decreasing in the dry warm places that mentioned before.

4. A wide horizon in a flat land is an important factor because it brings amplitude of the sky. Is inconvenient when mountains or other visual obstacles around which obtrude the observation of a celestial object in the east horizon losing night hours until it passes the mountain or any other obstacle. At Tatacoa stars are watched rising from the horizon, having them for a longer time to be observed.

Photo: Javier Rua

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Sán Agustín Suggested Itinerary 3 Nights - 4 Days

DAY 1.

Departure by car or bus to San Agustin, passing through towns such as Girardot, Neiva, Pitalito. Arrival to San Agustin.

Dinner and lodging.

DAY 2.

Breakfast at the hotel Visit to “Mortiño” cascade, “El alto de los Idolos,” and “Alto de las Piedras” Dinner and lodging.

DAY 3.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Visit to the archeological park; “mesitas” A, B and C “Lavapatas,” a Pre-Hispanic fountain, sculpture forest and museum.

Dinner and lodging.

DAY 4.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Departure by car or bus to Bogota. (if is required by air from Neiva)

Photo: Andrés Vélez

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Santander; Barichara 3 Nights - 4 Days Barichara is believed to be the prettiest town in Colombia, considered a Colombian National Heritage since 1978 because of its’ Colonial style architecture that invites visitors to travel back in time. The charm of Barichara is found in its’ paved streets, in its’ people and the diverse regional handcrafts.

DAY 1.

From Bogota or Bucaramanga transfer by road to Barichara Lodging at the chosen hotel DAY 2 Breakfast at the hotel Today we will do a city tour of Barichara and of neighboring town San Gil to visit the Stone Cathedral in Barichara, the Park for the Arts and the Natural View overlooking the Suarez River. We will continue the day in San Gil to visit the monument to “El Cacique de Guaneta,” the highest point of the town “El Cerro de la Cruz” and the famous Park “El Gallineral,” Afternoon at leisure Lodging DAY 3 Breakfast at the hotel Today we will visit Guane, an indigenous community by passing through “royal roads.” Here we will visit the Archeological and Paleontological Museum Isaias Duarte. The town is also known for is handcrafts made in “fique” a material in which carpets, baskets and even paper is made.

DAY 4 Breakfast at the hotel Transfer by road to Bogota or Bucaramanga to continue the journey.

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Photo: Andres Velez

Colombia Linea gratuita: 018000 94 dann - (3266) PBX: +571 605 62 00 Ecuador: +593 2 224 9008 centralreservas@hotelesdann.com www.hotelesdann.com

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Cartagena & Tairona Natural Park 7 Nights - 8 Days DAY 1. CARTAGENA Arrival to Cartagena Reception in the airport and private transfer to the hotel Lodging DAY 2. CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel Morning at leisure During the afternoon we will visit the most important monuments of the Colonial City, including Saint Phillip’s Fort, La Popa Hill, the Walled City, as well as the residential districts of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande Lodging DAY 3. CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel Day at leisure Lodging DAY 4. CARTAGENA / ROSARIO ISLANDS Breakfast at the hotel In the morning transfer to the dock for departure to the Natural Park of the Rosario Islands. Relax on the beach or enjoy some of the optional tours offered by the hotel Lunch and dinner at the hotel Lodging DAY 5. ROSARIO ISLANDS / CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel Morning at leisure to enjoy the hotel In the afternoon, return to Cartagena Lodging DAY 6. CARTAGENA / TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Breakfast at the hotel 36

Photo: David Otalora

At the agreed time, transfer by road to the Tayrona National Park located approximately 4 hours from Cartagena Check in at Ecohabs Lodging DAY 7. TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Breakfast at the hotel Day at leisure to enjoy the national park Lunch and dinner at the hotel Lodging DAY 8. TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK / FINAL DESTINATION Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport in Santa Marta to take your flight with final destination Lodging

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Discover Colombia 13 Nights - 14 Days DAY 1. BOGOTA Arrival to Bogota. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2. BOGOTA Breakfast at your hotel.

During the morning we will have a tour of the city, visiting the Bolivar’s Square home to the city’s most historic buildings, including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Justice, the Presidential Palace, the National Capital. We will continue our journey through the Colonial District of La Candelaria and visit the Gold Museum with over 30,000 Pre-Colombian gold pieces. Afterwards, we continue to Bolivar’s Country House, where the Liberator Simón Bolivar once lived.

Finally, take a cable car to the top of Monserrate, we will admire a wonderful bird’s eye view of Bogota. (Duration of this tour is approx. 4 hours) Lunch by passengers In the afternoon, we will leave the city thorough residential districts, exiting the city via the Panamericana Highway, passing typical villages along the way to Zipaquira, home of the Salt Cathedral.

After a guided tour of the Salt Cathedral, we return to Bogota. (Duration of this tour 4 hours.) Lodging.

DAY 3. BOGOTA/ PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take flight to Pereira in the morning.

In the afternoon, visit the Natural Reserve Cocora Valley, home of the national Wax Palm tree, where you can tour the beautiful nature of the region by walking or horseback riding. Enjoy the regional specialty lunch of local trout, followed by visiting Salento, the oldest town of the region, to tour handcrafts factories and to admire colonial architecture.

Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel Lodging

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DAY 4. PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

Today you will have the opportunity to enjoy the most breathtaking scenery while horseback riding through the valley, ending with a picnic with cheese, hams and red wine. We will then visit the Butterfly House where you can admire more than twenty-five species of butterflies under one roof, followed by a visit to the Botanic Garden Lodging DAY 5. PEREIRA / MANIZALES Breakfast at your hotel In the morning, transfer to Manizales to visit the National Natural Park of “Los Nevados” (snow-covered peaks). We will stop at multiple lookout points along the trip en route to the glacier summit, upon which we will have free time to enjoy the natural park and its’ breathtaking scenery.

Finally we will get to Hotel Termales del Otoño to enjoy the thermal waters Lodging DAY 6. MANIZALES / MEDELLÍN Breakfast at the hotel At the agreed time transfer by road to Medellín, first stopping at nearby Hacienda Venecia, to learn about the complete coffee process – from growing the seeds to toasting the beans. This farm is renown for its’ gourmet exported coffee.

Arrival to Medellín Lodging DAY 7. MEDELLIN Breakfast at the hotel Today we will visit the main tourist attractions of the Medellín, including the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Berrio Park, and the Bo-

Photo: David Otalora

39

tero’s Square. We will also visit the Antioquia’s Museum – home to the largest Botero collection. In the afternoon we will enjoy a light picnic at the Botanical Garden before embarking on your visit to the garden which is well known for its’ flora variety as well as its’ intricate architecture. To end the journey we’ll take the Metro Cable, one of Medellin’s cable car trams to a spectacular view of the city.

Lodging DAY 8. MEDELLIN Breakfast at the hotel In the morning we exit Medellín via the eastern slope of the region, passing through quaint villages and scenic landscapes until reaching the Tutucan Park, where you can tour a miniature replication of a traditional Colombian town including a typical barbershop, the photographer’s studio, and of course the church (in Columbian culture the church was the foundation of the civilization). Visit a traditional milling farm. Here you will be able to taste products made from local sugarcane.

Return to the hotel Lodging DAY 9. MEDELLIN / TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Santa Marta Reception at the airport and transfer to the Natural National Park Lodging DAY 10. TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Breakfast at the hotel Day at leisure to enjoy the park Lunch and dinner at the park Lodging DAY 11. TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK / CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel At the agreed time transfer by road to Cartagena Arrival to the hotel Lodging

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DAY 12. CARTAGENA Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, we will visit the most important monuments of the Colonial City, such as Saint Phillip’s Fort, La Popa Hill, the Walled City, and residential districts of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

Lodging DAY 13. CARTAGENA Morning transfer to the dock for boat departure to el Rosario Island, on the southern bay of Cartagena. These islands compromise a National Natural Park full of a complex coral bank populated with a great variety of fauna of the reef. Opportunity to swim and go snorkeling. Full-day tour with typical lunch included. Returned to Cartagena and transfer back to your hotel.

Lodging.

DAY 14. CARTAGENA / FINAL DESTINATION Breakfast at your hotel Transfer to the hotel to take your flight with final destination END OF OUR SERVICES

Photo: Andres Velez

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Colombian Wonders 3 Nights - 4 Days DAY 1. BOGOTA Arrival to Bogota. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2. BOGOTA Breakfast at your hotel.

During the morning we will have a tour of the city, visiting the Bolivar’s Square home to the city’s most historic buildings, including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Justice, the Presidential Palace, the National Capital. We will continue our journey through the Colonial District of La Candelaria and visit the Gold Museum with over 30,000 Pre-Colombian gold pieces. Afterwards, we continue to Bolivar’s Country House, where the Liberator Simón Bolivar once lived.

Finally, take a cable car to the top of Monserrate, we will admire a wonderful bird’s eye view of Bogota. (Duration of this tour is approx. 4 hours) Rest of the day at leisure.

Lodging.

DAY 3. BOGOTA Breakfast at your hotel.

In the morning we will leave the city thorough residential districts, exiting the city via the Panamericana Highway, passing typical villages along the way to Zipaquira, home of the Salt Cathedral. After a guided tour of the Salt Cathedral, we return to Bogota. (Duration of this tour 4 hours.)

Rest of the day at leisure.

Lodging.

DAY 4. BOGOTA/ LETICIA Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Leticia Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel Lodging

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Photo: David Otalora

DAY 5. LETICIA Breakfast at the hotel Today we will ride a boat down the Amazon River (approx. 45 minutes) to reach the Monkey Island for an ecological walk to appreciate the endemic nature life and the different species of monkeys that call this jungle home. We will also take a canoe trip to observe firsthand the animals of the river and the typical fishermen of the region.

Return to the hotel Lodging DAY 6. LETICIA Breakfast at the hotel Today we will visit the borders of three of the countries that make up the Amazon. In Leticia, Colombia we will see the Amazon’s largest aquatic plant - the “Victoria Regia” – before continuing to Santa Rosa, Peru, where we can hopefully catch a glimpse of the unique pink river dolphins. Once we arrive, we will enjoy a “ceviche,” followed by a visit to the “Islandia” community to learn how the community extracts rubber. To end the day we will go to Benjamin Constant in Brazil for lunch and to visit the Indigenous Maguta Museum.

Return to the hotel . Lodging.

DAY 7. LETICIA/ PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Pereira via Bogotรก Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel Lodging DAY 8. PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning transfer to the Chapolera Farm, located 20 minutes from Armenia for a cultural journey of the history of the coffee. Here we will have the opportunity to learn how coffee farmers work through a fun and interactive lesson of the complete process of cultivating one of the best cup of coffees in the world, including peeling the seeds, collecting the beans and toasting and grinding the coffee, and final procedures including packaging and exportation of the coffee. The traditional methods of the region are still utilized today.

Visitors have the opportunity to dress up as traditional coffee workers and work alongside of current farm workers in their daily labor.

We will then visit the Butterfly House where you can admire more than twenty-five species of butterflies under one roof, followed by a visit to the Botanic Garden Lodging.

DAY 9. PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel Today you will visit the Natural Reserve Cocora Valley, home of the national Wax Palm tree, where you can tour the beautiful nature of the region by walking or horseback riding. Enjoy the regional specialty lunch of local trout, followed by visiting Salento, the oldest town of the region, to tour handcrafts factories and to admire colonial architecture.

Lodging

Photo: Andres Velez

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DAY 10. PEREIRA / CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cartagena Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel DAY 11. CARTAGENA Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, we will visit the most important monuments of the colonial city, such as Saint phillip’s Fort, La Popa Hill, the walled city, as well as the residential districts of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

Lodging DAY 12. CARTAGENA Morning transfer to the dock for boat departure to el Rosario Island, on the southern bay of Cartagena. These islands compromise a National Natural Park full of a complex coral bank populated with a great variety of fauna of the reef. Opportunity to swim and go snorkeling. Full-day tour with typical lunch included. Returned to Cartagena and transfer back to your hotel.

Lodging.

DAY 13. CARTAGENA breakfast at your hotel morning at leisure In the afternoon we will have a guided walking tour through the Old City to visit the churches and admire colonial houses known for their colorful balconies Return to the hotel lodging DAY 14. CARTAGENA / FINAL DESTINATION Breakfast at your hotel Transfer to the hotel to take your flight with final destination END OF OUR SERVICES

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Photo: David Otalora

d茅ja nos sor pr enderte 23 l u x u ry su i t e s . t e r r a z a m i r a dor . r e stau r a n t e . ba r room se rv ic e 2 4 hor a s busi n e ss c e n t e r . sa l 贸n de r eu n ion e s pisc i n a . jac u z z i . s a l a de m a s aj e s Calle del Cuartel No. 36-77 . Centro Hist贸rico Cartagena de Indias Cartagena: +57 5 664 4452 . Bogot谩: +57 1 520 1768 reservas@anandacartagena.com www.anandacartagena.com

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Colombia; City, Coffee & History 9 Nights - 10 Days DAY 1. BOGOTA Arrival to Bogota. Reception and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2. BOGOTA Breakfast at your hotel.

During the morning we will have a tour of the city, visiting the Bolivar’s Square home to the city’s most historic buildings, including: the Cathedral, the Palace of Justice, the Presidential Palace, the National Capital. We will continue our journey through the Colonial District of La Candelaria and visit the Gold Museum with over 30,000 Pre-Colombian gold pieces. Afterwards, we continue to Bolivar’s Country House, where the Liberator Simón Bolivar once lived.

Finally, take a cable car to the top of Monserrate, we will admire a wonderful bird’s eye view of Bogota. (Duration of this tour is approx. 4 hours) Rest of the day at leisure.

Lodging.

DAY 3. BOGOTA Breakfast at your hotel.

In the morning we will leave the city thorough residential districts, exiting the city via the Panamericana Highway, passing typical villages along the way to Zipaquira, home of the Salt Cathedral. After a guided tour of the Salt Cathedral, we return to Bogota. (Duration of this tour 4 hours.)

Rest of the day at leisure.

Lodging.

DAY 4. BOGOTA/ PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Pereira Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel Lodging 46

DAY 5. PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel.

During the morning we will visit “Hacienda Venecia,” known for its’ production of world-class quality coffee, where we will observe and learn how they grow and harvest the beans before exporting. We will then visit the Butterfly House where you can admire more than twenty-five species of butterflies under one roof, followed by a visit to the Botanic Garden Lodging DAY 6. PEREIRA Breakfast at your hotel Today you will visit the Natural Reserve Cocora Valley, home of the national Wax Palm tree, where you can tour the beautiful nature of the region by walking or horseback riding. Enjoy the regional specialty lunch of local trout, followed by visiting Salento, the oldest town of the region, to tour handcrafts factories and to admire colonial architecture.

Lodging DAY 7. PEREIRA / CARTAGENA Breakfast at the hotel Transfer to the airport to take the flight to Cartagena Reception and transfer to the chosen hotel DAY 8. CARTAGENA Breakfast at your hotel.

Morning at leisure.

In the afternoon, we will visit the most important monuments of the Colonial City, such as Saint Phillip’s Fort, La Popa Hill, the Walled City, and residential districts of Bocagrande and Castillo Grande.

Lodging

DAY 9. CARTAGENA Breakfast at your hotel Morning transfer to the dock for boat departure to el Rosario Island, on the southern bay of Cartagena. These islands compromise a National Natural Park full of a complex coral bank populated with a great variety of fauna of the reef. Opportunity to swim and go snorkeling. Full-day tour with typical lunch included. Returned to Cartagena and transfer back to your hotel.

Lodging.

DAY 10. CARTAGENA / FINAL DESTINATION Breakfast at your hotel Transfer to the hotel to take your flight with final destination END OF OUR SERVICES

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Quibdó

Cali

11

10

Florencia

HUILA

Neiva

TOLIMA

PUTUMAYO

Mocoa

ECUADOR

Pasto

12

CAUCA Popayán NARIÑO

CALDAS

6

Tunja

BOYACÁ

SANTANDER 5

Bucaramanga 4

Cúcuta

NORTE DE SANTANDER

1

CAQUETÁ

CASANARE

VAUPÉS

AMAZONAS

GUAVIARE

Leticia

GUAINÍA

VICHADA

BRASIL

Inirida

Puerto Carreño

VENEZUELA

Mitú

Arauca ARAUCA

San José del Guaviare

PERÚ

META

Villavicencio

Manizales Yopal Pereira CUNDINAMARCA 9 Bogotá D.C. QUINDÍO Armenia Ibagué

RISARALDA

8

Medellín

ANTIOQUIA

3

BOLÍVAR

SUCRE

Valledupar

CESAR

MAGDALENA

ATLANTICO

CÓRDOBA

Montería

Sincelejo

Cartagena

VALLE DEL CAUCA

7

CHOCÓ

PANAMÁ

Riohacha

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Santa Marta Barranquilla 2 LA GUAJIRA

Providencia and San Andrés Santa Catalina

PACÍFIC OCEAN

48

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1. Cabo de la Vela - RIOHACHA 2. Tayrona – SANTA MARTA 3. Mompox – BOLIVAR 4. Barichara – SATANDER 5. San Gil – SANTANDER 6. Villa de Leyva – BOYACA 7. Bahía Solano – CHOCÓ 8. Nuquí – CHOCÓ 9. Salento – QUINDÍO 10. Silvia – CAUCA 11. Tierradentro – CAUCA 12. San Agustín – HUILA

INTEREST SITES

Medellín

Santa Marta

Bogotá

Cartagena

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PANAMERICANA DE VIAJES DMC COLOMBIAN DESTINATION MANAGER

OFICINA PRINCIPAL / MAIN OFFICE Cra. 11 A No. 93 A - 80 Of. 104 PBX: (57-1) 6500 400 Fax: (57-1) 6500 400 Ext. 145 - Bogotá, D.C. - Colombia.

SUCURSAL SAN ANDRES / SAN ANDRES OFFICE Centro Comercial New Point Av. Providencia No. 1 – 35 Local: 209 PBX: (57-8) 512 8532 – 512 3833

SUCURSAL CARTAGENA / CARTAGENA OFFICE Centro Ejecutivo Of. 701 Cra. 3 No. 8 - 129 Bocagrande Tel.: (57-5) 665 7151 Fax: (57-5) 665 7152

SUCURSAL MEDELLIN / MEDELLIN OFFICE Calle 6 Sur # 43 A 250 Edificio Lugo Business Center Oficina 1104 y 1105 Tel.: (57-4) 354 2555 51

U n a r e d d e G e n u i n o s A n fi t r i o n e s a s u s e r v i c i o e n A m é r i c a L a t i n a Andino Royal Bogotá

Bogotá Royal Bogotá

Hacienda Royal Bogotá

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RoyalPark Metrotel Bogotá

Radisson Royal Quito

Bohème Royal Bogotá

Radisson Santiago Petra La Dehesa

Medellín Royal Medellín

Radisson Santiago at WTC

Radisson Concón Chile

Pavillon Royal Bogotá

SmartSuites Royal Barranquilla

Radisson Iquique Chile

Radisson Royal Bogotá

La Merced Hotel Boutique Cartagena

Radisson Antofagasta Chile

Oficinas Corporativas 571 6578757 • Central de Reservas Royal 571 6578787 • www.hotelesroyal.com • reservas@hotelesroyal.com CENTRAL DE RESERVAS ROYAL

+571 6578787

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