The Journey Begins

Travel was seamless from the start, utilizing the Landline luxury coach from Kitchener/Waterloo directly to Toronto Pearson. After a quick stay at the Alt Hotel Toronto Airport and a connector to Montreal, it was a smooth direct flight to Cartagena.

The Perk: ACV packages are impressively all-inclusive, covering international and regional flights, private transfers, boutique accommodations, daily breakfast, and some tours.

City Highlights

1. Cartagena: Coastal Elegance

Staying at the historic Hotel Caribe by Faranda Grand, we explored the "Walled City" and the vibrant streets of Getsemaní.

Must-Do: Visit San Felipe Castle and catch the sunset at 7 Cielos or Viva La Vida rooftops.

Note: This tour also makes an excellent extension for anyone booking the new AmaWaterways river cruises on the Magdalena River.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Salento & Pereira: Coffee and Clouds

In the heart of the coffee triangle, we stayed at the authentic Hotel Salento Real.

The Experience: We earned our “coffee baptism” at Hacienda San Alberto and hiked through the breathtaking Cocora Valley, home to the world’s tallest wax palms.

Local Life: Salento is perfectly walkable. Don't miss the climb to the Mirador for a panoramic sunset over the Andes.

3. Bogotá: Culture and "Gunpowder"

Our final stop was the capital, staying at the chic, boutique HAB Hotel.

The Sights: We took a funicular 10,000 feet up to Monserrate for incredible city views, followed by tours of the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum in historic La Candelaria.

The Fun: We tried Tejo, the national sport involving throwing metal pucks at targets filled with gunpowder—a literal blast!

The Flavor: A fruit tour at Paloquemao Market offered a true gastronomic education, featuring dozens of exotic species.

The Takeaway

Safety & Value: The areas we visited felt safe and welcoming. Plus, the Canadian dollar goes far—a delicious steak dinner at Salon Tropical averaged just $40 CAD.

Pacing: The inclusion of regional flights ensures you see the "Big Three" regions without feeling rushed.

Pro Tip: Consider running the itinerary in reverse—starting in the high energy of Bogotá and ending with the relaxed coastal vibes of Cartagena.

Are you interested in seeing a list of the specific exotic fruits we tried at the Paloquemao Market? Reach out and I'll send you the details!