14 days tour in Colombia “Do it Yourself” with the PNN El Cocuy

14 days tour in Colombia “Do it Yourself” with the PNN El Cocuy

per person

This travel plan is designed for all those travelers looking for greater autonomy and flexibility compared to a completely organized trip.

14 days tour in Colombia with the PNN el Cocuy

A perfect itinerary for those who really love hiking in the nature

 

This travel plan is designed for all those travelers looking for greater autonomy and flexibility compared to a completely organized trip.

 

Would you like to discover a new country, traveling with freedom, choosing a cheaper travel option, and at the same time, having someone on spot who can offer you assistance and useful advice?
With us, THIS IS POSSIBLE!

 

The travel experiences we design are tailor-made and created step by step with the traveler. The tour can be easily customized to your needs and wishes, so it can be 8, 11, 14, 16, 19 or as many days as you want it to last.

 

We offer you: the entire structure of the trip that includes accommodation in 4 stars hotels (depending on your budget) with breakfast included and all transfers (local flights and private land transportation) and some amazing activities.

 

During the rest of your journey you will be free to organize your days (excursions, guided tours, museums). At the time of booking, we will give you our suggestions about how to design your trip. We will be happy to assist you in our Bogotá’s office if you need our help once you are in Colombia.

 

This tour can be booked for any dates you want to travel. Since Colombia is on the Equator, it has no seasons. This makes it a perfect destination to visit all year long.

 

DAY 1
Arrival to Bogotá, welcome to Colombia!
DAY 2
Discover Bogotá, “2600 meters / 8500 feet closer to the stars” then travel to El Cocuy
DAY 3
El Cocuy National Natural Park, hike among the incredible landscapes of the Colombian mountains
DAY 4
El Cocuy National Natural Park, hike among the incredible landscapes of the Colombian mountains
DAY 5
Discover the Páramo de Ocetá from Monguí, enjoy a hiking experience in a unique and precious ecosystem
DAY 6
Private transfer to Bogotá and flight to Pereira. Fall in love with the incomparable aroma of the Colombian coffee region (Eje Cafetero)
DAY 7
Full-Day private car with professional driver. Our tip: enjoy hiking or horse riding in the spectacular Cocora Valley in the morning and visit a coffee farm in the afternoon
DAY 8
Be wondered by Medellín, the innovative city of eternal Spring
DAY 9
Full-Day private car with professional driver. Our tip: visit Guatapé and El Peñol, two Colombian gems close to Medellín
DAY 10
Fly to Cartagena, feel its irresistible colonial charm
DAY 11
Our suggestion: an excursion from Cartagena to one of the Rosario Islands to enjoy the Colombian Caribbean
DAY 12
Private transfer with professional driver to Palomino, where the river of the same name meets the Caribbean sea
DAY 13
Our tip: enjoy a memorable hike among the unique landscapes of Tayrona National Natural Park. Private transfer to the Park entrance from Palomino (roundtrip).
DAY 14
Return to Bogotá, Adiós Colombia!

IMPORTANT: The PNN Tayrona is closed three times a year for a few weeks. The indigenous communities that live in the Sierra Nevada mountains perform their rituals and payments, with which they ensure the spiritual protection of the territory. The National Parks team and the environmentalists organize days of beach cleaning and meetings with tourism providers.

 

TRIP EXTENSION – TREKKING TO THE LOST CITY
Would you like to add at the end of this tour a unique and unforgettable trekking experience of 4 or 5 days? We offer you the possibility to customize this itinerary including a trekking (high physical difficulty / medium hiking difficulty) to the Lost City, an archaeological and sacred site hidden deep in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. Declared in 1986 a Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Lost City was founded between the 7th and 8th century (more than 600 years before Machu Picchu in Peru) by the indigenous people of the Tayrona community and it was the political center of the region. It was discovered only in the 1970s and, unlike Machu Picchu, there are no trains or buses that allow you to reach its ruins – the only way to witness its beauty first-hand is on foot. Contact us and we will provide you with all the necessary information!

 

 

THE PRICE INCLUDES

  • Accommodation in Bogotá for 1 nights (room with in an excellent hotel in the northern area of the city)
  • Accommodation in El Cocuy National Natural Park for 1 night (simple room in a mountain chalet with shared bathroom)
  • Accommodation in El Cocuy for 1 night (simple room in the village )
  • Accommodation in Monguí for 1 night (room in a traditional hotel in the town center)
  • Accommodation in Salento for 2 nights (room in a charming hotel in the town center)
  • Accommodation in Medellín for 2 nights (room in a comfortable hotel in El Poblado district)
  • Accommodation in Cartagena for 2 nights (room in a very nice hotel in the Old City)
  • Accomodation in Palomino for 1 night (room in a nice hotel near the beach)
  • Breakfast every day
  • 2 light lunches and 2 dinners in the El Cocuy National Natural Park (days 3 – 4)
  • 4 local flights with 23kg checked baggage included (Bogotá – Pereira, Pereira – Medellín, Medellín – Cartagena, Santa Marta – Bogotá)
  • Private transfers from / to the airports
  • Private transfers: Duitama – Mongui, Cartagena – Palomino, Palomino -Santa Marta (aeropuerto)
  • Private transfers in Salento, in Medellín and to/from PNN Tayrona
  • Public transport (night bus) Bogotá – El Cocuy
  • Public transport (bus) El Cocuy – Duitama
  • Tickets: Museo del Oro, Monserrate (Bogotá), El Cocuy National Natural Park
  • Excursions with a tour guide: Bogotá city tour (day 2), Comuna 13 tour in Medellín (day 5)
  • Excursions with local guide: hikings in the El Cocuy National Natural Park and in the Páramo de Ocetá (days 3-4-5)
  • Assistance during your trip – you will never be alone
14 days
Multi-day tours
  • Departure
    Bogotá, Colombia
  • Included
    Breakfast
    Domestic flight tickets
    Entry fees - Tickets
    Private transfer
    Transfer from your accommodation
    Walking tour
  • Not Included
    Gratuity
    Lunch
    Personal Guide
    Water

Our gallery

view monserrate bogota
monserrate bogota
candelaria bogota
Local Guide PNN El Cocuy
PNN El Cocuy
PNN El Cocuy
1
DAY 1 - Bogotá
Arrival to Bogotá in the afternoon / in the evening. Private transfer to your accommodation, located in one of Bogotá's most exclusive neighborhoods in the North of the city.  Overnight in Bogotá  
2
DAY 2 - Bogotá
Today discover the city with your private tour guide starting from Monserrate, one of the highest peaks towering Bogotá (3,150 meters / 10,340 feet above the sea level). Visit the church dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat and enjoy an amazing view over Bogotá. Then we take you on a pleasant walking tour to the famous Bolívar Square, sightseeing  all the most important sites in the historical city center (La Candelaria).  Later visit the unmissable Gold Museum (ticket included), one of the most important museums in the American continent exhibiting the largest pre-Hispanic goldsmith collection in the world.  The city tour ends in Usaquén, a lovely neighbourhood in the northern part of the city, before returning to your hotel. In the afternoon private transfer to the bus terminal including a stop at your hotel to collect your luggage. Departure on a night bus to the El Cocuy National Natural Park (arrival the next day early in the morning after approximately 10 hours). Overnight bus travel (breakfast included upon arrival)
3
DAY 3 - PNN El Cocuy
Meet your local guide and be ready for the first day of hiking in El Cocuy National Natural Park (medium / high difficulty). Breakfast in the El Cocuy village and then transfer on a 4x4 vehicle up to Cabaña Guaicany to leave your luggage. Enjoy a wonderful 7-8 hour walk in this incredible high mountain Andean landscape, between 3.800 and 4.300 meters above sea level (12,460 ft - 14100 ft). At the end of the hike, dinner and overnight at Cabaña Guaicany, a very simple and quiet accommodation (about 3900 meters / 12800 feet  above sea level). Overnight in El Cocuy National Natural Park (breakfast, light lunch and dinner included)
4
DAY 4 - PNN El Cocuy
Second day hiking in El Cocuy National Natural Park. After breakfast, today's program includes an about 10 hours hike (medium / high difficulty) with your local guide. Visit different lagoons and get very close to 2 important peaks of the National Park: the "Pulpito del Diablo" (the Devil’s Pulpit) and the "Pan de Azúcar" (the Sugar loaf). Be aware that the ascent to the top of peaks is not allowed. Today's hiking route takes place between 3.800 and 5.100 meters (12,460 -16,730 ft). Return to the Cabaña Guaicany to collect your luggage and transfer on a 4x4 vehicle to the town of El Cocuy. Accommodation in a simple but cozy hotel. Dinner included in town. Overnight in El Cocuy National Natural Park (breakfast, light lunch and dinner included)
5
DAY 5 - Monguí, Páramo de Ocetá
Very early departure by public bus to the town of Duitama (approximately 6 hours  travel time). From Duitama private transfer with professional driver to the beautiful colonial town of Monguí (1 hour drive). Arrival in Monguí at approximately 1pm and check-in at your hotel in the lovely  historical town center. After that, enjoy an unforgettable 4-hour walk together with a local guide through the Páramo de Ocetá, a real wonder of the Colombian Andes (medium difficulty, highest altitude during the hike will be 3,800 meters / 12,460 ft). The páramo is a unique high mountain intertropical ecosystem. Learn more about flora, fauna and the importance of the Páramo de Ocetá as a great hydrological regulator, mitigating the impact of CO2. Colombia is home of more than 60% of the páramos existing in the world. Overnight in Monguí (breakfast included)  
6
DAY 6 - Bogotá - Salento
Early in the morning, after breakfast, private transfer from Monguí to Bogotá airport (approximately 4 hours drive).  Direct flight to Pereira in the "Eje Cafetero" region, the famous Colombian coffee-growing area. From Pereira airport, head directly with private transport (approx 55 minutes) to Salento - one of the gems of the region.  Free time to relax or to start exploring this magical coffee town walking in its colourful and picturesque streets. Overnight in Salento (breakfast included)
7
DAY 7 - Salento, Valle de Cocora
After a rich breakfast, a professional driver is at your disposal during the whole morning. You can choose what to visit around Salento.  Our advice is undoubtedly a hike or a horseback ride in the incredible Cocora Valley, famous for its majestic landscapes and its iconic wax palms (80-90 meters / 260-300 feet tall). OPTIONAL (extra cost): Guided excursion in the Cocora Valley with a local guide (spoken language: Spanish) OPTIONAL (extra cost): Guided horseback ride in the Cocora Valley with a local guide (spoken language: Spanish)   Return to Salento with your private driver. Free time in the afternoon to relax and to visit this lovely town, exploring its rich and colorful streets. Overnight in Salento (breakfast included) Pernottamento a Salento (colazione inclusa)
8
DAY 8 - Medellín
Early in the morning, private transfer to Pereira airport and direct flight to Medellín, the city of eternal spring. Pick up at the airport. Enjoy a private city tour with a professional driver to see the most important sites in the city center. The tour begins visiting Botero Square, where the famous sculptures by the great Colombian artist Fernando Botero are located. Then transfer to "Pueblito Paisa" – a replica of a typical Colombian town of this region - which is located on one of the city's hills. Afterwards, among the various stops, time to take one of the city cable cars connecting the city districts on the hills to better understand Medellín’s positive transformation in the past years. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel for the next 2 nights located in the El Poblado area, the most exclusive in the city. After free time for lunch and some rest, meet in the lobby a local guide and enjoy with him a very interesting walking tour of the famous Comuna 13. This neighborhood has become in recent years one of the most popular areas of the city. A great example of a successful transformation of a previoulsy dangerous place into an area full of life, colors and many social projects. Return to your hotel in the late afternoon. At  night don't miss the opportunity to try one of the many bars, restaurants or clubs located in El Poblado district. Overnight in Medellín (breakfast included)
9
DAY 9 - Medellín, Guatapé - El Peñol
After breakfast, a professional driver is at your disposal during the entire day. You can choose what to visit around Medellín. Our advice:
  • Admire the majestic rock El Peñol, a 200m / 650 ft high monolith located next to the Peñol-Guatapé Dam. It is possible to climb the rock (649 stairs) to enjoy 360° breathtaking views over the former valley and its surroundings. The valley was flooded in 1970 to form a hydroelectric dam and the result is a half natural, half man-made site that has the appearance of islets in a lake with a 500km shoreline.
  • Visit Guatapé, one of the most picturesque and colorful towns in Colombia (right next to El Peñol, on the banks of the Guatapé reservoir). Do not miss the opportunity to admire the handmade zocalos (decorative panels) that adorn the base of practically every building in the city. Each zocalo is unique and depicts the profession of the home or business owner.
IMPORTANT: If you don't like climbing stairs you can spend extra time in Guatapé, enjoying an optional 1-hour sightseeing boat ride around the lake (not included). Return to Medellín in the late afternoon. Overnight in Medellín (breakfast included)
10
Day 10 - Cartagena
After breakfast, private transfer to the airport in time to catch your direct flight to Cartagena. Arrival around noon and private transfer to your hotel, beautifully located in the Old Town.  In the afternoon, free time for you to explore the historical part of Cartagena: do not miss the opportunity to take a pleasant walk through the squares and alleys of this part of the city, included by UNESCO on the list of World Heritage sites. The old walled city of Cartagena - a true gem - was funded in the 16th century by the Spanish as a key port in early colonial Spanish America. From here,  boats full of treasures sailed to the New World while boats full of African slaves arrived. Admire its colorful colonial palaces and churches, explore its defensive forts and enjoy its warm Caribbean atmosphere. Have a refreshing cocktail at sunset in a cool bar located on top of the old wall facing the sea. Overnight in Cartagena (breakfast included) Pernottamento a Cartagena (colazione inclusa)
11
Day 11- Cartagena, Isla del Rosario
Free time in Cartagena. Our advice is a day tour by boat to one of the nearby Rosario islands (we suggest Isla del Encanto). You can travel from Cartagena with a group tour and enjoy a relaxing day on one of the most beautiful islands in the Colombian Caribbean. All tours include buffet lunch on the island and return to the city in the afternoon. Overnight in Cartagena (breakfast included)
12
Day 12 - Palomino
Transfer by private car with a professional driver directly from your hotel in Cartagena to your next hotel located in Palomino (approximately 5 hours drive). In the afternoon, free time to relax in this special place surrounded by such unique nature, where the Palomino river meets the Caribbean Sea. Overnight in Palomino (breakfast included)
13
Day 13 - PNN Tayrona
Free full day in Palomino. Our suggestion is to visit the Tayrona National Natural Park, where the Sierra Nevada mountains, the jungle and the Caribbean sea beautifully meet. After a rich breakfast a private transfer to the Park entrance can be arranged for you by your hotel (approximately 45 minutos drive). Enjoy an approximately 2 and a half hours hike among unforgettable landscapes (easy / medium difficulty). Relax on the beach of Cabo San Juan before starting in the early afternoon your walk back to the entrance of the Park (same hiking time). Private transfer back to your accommodation to enjoy a beautiful sunset and some well-deserved rest. Overnight in Palomino (breakfast included)
14
Return to Bogotá
In the morning, private transfer to Santa Marta or Riohacha airport (approximately 1 hour 30 minutos drive) in time for your direct flight to Bogotá. Depending on your international flight scheduled departure, possible extra time to enjoy Bogotá by yourself. In this case we can help you with some good tips to make the most of your last hours in the city. (breakfast included)

Pricing Basis

Tour prices do not include costs of travel from guests’ homes to the tour origination points and back. This exclusion typically consists of international air travel to and from the tour origination and termination airports. Tour prices are per adult person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements are quoted on request. Tour prices include the meals, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, and personal services features listed in the Tour Description. Travel insurance, other meals, snacks, extra beverages, laundry, long distance telephone calls, personal purchases, and gratuities are not included in the tour

Payment Policy

Deposit: participants are requested to pre-pay deposit, that is 30 % of all ordered services. You may pay the deposit via bank transfer or credit/debit card upon booking against our confirmation and pro-forma invoice, which will be sent to you on the day of booking or on the following working day. The reservation is pending until the deposit is received. Final Balance: final balance is due 45 days prior to the beginning of tours.

Tour Departure

The guest is responsible for arriving at the point of departure, with all required documentation, at the time set forth in the tour documents. The tour operator will have no obligation to refund any amount paid by the guest in the event the guest misses the departure of the tour. Guests will be allowed to join the tour late, but must make and pay for their own arrangements to do so.

Travel Documentation

The guest has sole responsibility for determining his or her immigration requirements and obtaining appropriate documentation, including but not limited to passports. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. Due to tighter international travel regulations, the processes for issuing passports in the United States, Canada, and other countries have been backlogged and citizens may experience long delays. If you need a new passport, act early.

Participation

For the benefit of everyone on your tour, YourColombia Travel reserves the right to accept or reject any tour participant and to remove any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the other participants.

Substitutions

Requirements to make substitutions for published meal, accommodation, or sightseeing features do not occur frequently on these tours, but may become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of YourColombia Travel. Do It Yourself Tours: Once the deposit has been paid and the reservation confirmed, the tour is guaranteed to operate as arranged with the guests. If a tour is cancelled in advance due to force major cause beyond YourColombia Travel's control, full refunds will be provided.

Privacy Policy

Contact information provided to YourColombia Travel is used for answering questions and for tour booking purposes only, and is not sold, shared or otherwise disclosed to any other company, organization or individual.

Photographic Release

Group photos of participants may be posted on tour descriptions web pages/social media pages after some tours. Unless guests issue specific instructions that they are not to be included it is assumed that they consent to such use of their likeness.

Liability and Responsibility

YourColombia Travel acts solely as an agent for the guest, and assumes no responsibility whatsoever in whole or part for any occurrences including but not limited to any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault or negligence of any person, employee or company entrusted with the performance of such service from whatever cause. YourColombia Travel assumes no responsibility whatsoever for any expense or inconvenience caused by late arrivals and departures of trains, ships, airplanes, buses, autos or any changes of schedule. YourColombia Travel assumes no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to your luggage, money, jewellery, valuables or any other belongings whatsoever and howsoever caused. I am aware that travel insurance may be available for me to purchase.

Cancellation Policy

'Do It Yourself' Tours: Deposit is non-refundable so if notice of cancellation is received more than 45 days prior to tour start, it will be retained. If later, the Cancellation Fee will be: 45 to 31 days prior to tour start: 35 % of total price 30 to 10 days prior to tour start: 50 % of total price 9 to prior to tour start: 100 % of total price The Deposit will be credited against any cancellation charges. The due reimbursement will be wired to your bank account. If your prefer, you may use the retained fee as credit for another tour.

Terms and Conditions Changes

These Tour Terms and Conditions are subject to change as circumstances warrant. The Terms and Conditions current at the time of Reservation Confirmation (with paid Deposit) will apply to clients’ tours.
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