Classic Colombia 16 Days | Starts/Ends: Bogota

TRIP NOTES

Classic Colombia 16 days | Starts/Ends: Bogota

Take in the highlights of captivating • Cocora Valley – take a hike in the home DETAILED ITINERARY Colombia, wander around colonial of Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, cities, uncover sun-kissed beaches the tallest variety of palm tree in the world • Salento – stroll through this charming Day 1 : Bogota nestled in the wildlife-rich Tayrona Saturday. Hola Colombia! Upon arrival at town with its preserved colonial Bogota airport you will be met and national park and discover the bahareque architecture and streets lined transferred to your hotel. Bogota is a city of ancient stone monuments of San with restaurants, bars and shops sparkling prosperity, oppressive poverty, and Agustin on this 16 day adventure. What's Included everything in between. Its centre is awash with splendid colonial churches, fascinating • 15 breakfasts HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS museums, futuristic architecture and lively • 15 nights 3 star hotels universities. Its population is diverse and • 3 domestic flights from Bogota - Neiva, Trip Highlights engaging and its cultural life vibrant. Armenia - Santa Marta and Cartagena - • Bogota - take in the highlights of Bogota This afternoon there is a guided tour of the Colombia’s capital city on a guided tour • Arrival and departure transfers on days 1 city, including the fascinating colonial area • San Agustin - visit the UNESCO Listed and 16 of Candelaria with its fine historic buildings San Agustin Archaeological Park with its • Guided tour of Bogota and Gold Museum, lining cobbled streets, including numerous fascinating statues San Augustin Archaeological Park and churches and the presidential palace. We stop • Tayrona National Park – follow tropical Cartagena to look at the art and sculptures in the Botero trails through this dazzling national park, • Excursion to coffee farm in Armenia, museum and the tour culminates with a visit once home to the Tayrona Indians Tayrona National Park and Aracataca to the excellent Gold Museum, housing more • Cartagena - stroll around the beautiful Marquez Museum than 34,000 gold pieces and arguably the Old Town and soak up the atmosphere of • Mompos boat trip most impressive museum of its kind in the Colombia's most captivating coastal town • Escorted by an experienced tour leader world. • The Coffee Triangle – learn about coffee with the services of local guides farming at local ranch in Armenia • All relevant transfers and transportation Please note: we recommend booking flights • Mompos - take a boat trip along the to arrive into Bogota before midday, in order Magdalena River, spotting wildlife along What's Not Included to join the city tour which usually starts at the riverbanks • Items of a personal nature, additional approximately 2pm. Pre tour accommodation • Aracataca - learn about the famous Latin meals and drinks can be arranged upon request. Overnight - American writer Gabriel Garcia Marquez • International flights and visas Bogota who was born in the town • Tipping – an entirely personal gesture

Classic Colombia - 16 days updated on 29-09-2021 08:11:48 www.onthegotours.com This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to UK 020 7371 1113 [email protected] this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 - 1 - USA 1 866 606 2960 SA 0800 990 311 TRIP NOTES

Classic Colombia

Day 2 : Bogota Day 4 : San Agustin Day 6 : Popayan archaeological park

Today is free to spend at leisure or there San Agustin - Popayan. From San Agustin it's are some optional excursions in and around Today there is an excursion to the a beautiful and varied drive through rugged Bogota. You have the option to head into the archaeological park, about 3km from the hills which first climbs and then descends attractive La Sabana countryside, dotted with town. Here more than 100 statues, some through cattle pastures and crinkled bright greenhouses that assist the region's lucrative of which are thought to date back green hills to the university town of Popayan cut-flower industry. Zipaquira is home to a still to 3,300BC, stand amid the forested (4-5hrs). Popayan is a stately colonial town functioning, centuries-old salt mine. Nearly countryside. Alongside them are circular which has maintained its character in spite 200m beneath the earth is an extraordinary, burial houses, only about a third of which have of devastating earthquakes. For many years mysterious salt cathedral, its vast pillars and been excavated, into which human sacrifices during the troubles the city was off limits; walls made from glistening salt. There are and offerings to the gods were made. now it is safe but still relatively undiscovered 14 stations of the cross sculpted by different by tourists, a pleasant change from many Colombian artists. Little is known about the culture which popular, equally exquisite Spanish cities in produced these stone figures, but it is Latin America and a fantastic place to spend The excursion continues across some an impressive site in beautiful countryside the night. Overnight - Popayan (B) beautiful countryside to the Guatavita Lagoon. and there are hiking opportunities into the There is a hike to the crater-lake's 3,100m surrounding area, including to the Fuente de Days 7-9 : The Coffee Region rim, offering wonderful views. Legend has it Lavapatas, where stream water runs through that this was the site of legendary El Dorado. channels carved into the stone. Overnight - The ancient Chibcha king was thought to San Agustin (B) have been doused in sap and gold dust and pushed out onto the lake's calm waters Day 5 : Optional Magdalena in a ceremonial raft, from which he would Canyon submerge himself, rinsing off this valuable Today is free to spend at leisure or there is body paint. Other precious objects were an optional Jeep tour of Magdalena Gorge. believed to have been thrown into the lake as This optional day trip takes you by Jeep offerings, and a number have been recovered through sugar plantations and up and down Popayan - Armenia. We continue on by road and are housed in the gold museum in steep gorges to the Magdalena Canyon. (5hrs) to the heart of the country's coffee Bogota. Overnight - Bogota (B) Here you can see huge figures carved into region. We spend three days in this beautiful, rocks midway up the canyon wall, with Day 3 : San Agustin relaxing area, with walking trails, colourful the river crashing below, and some free- Bogota - San Agustin. Today we transfer to flora and fauna and fresh coffee at your standing stones sculpted into rudimentary the airport for a flight to Neiva (1 hour), then fingertips. animal shapes. Overnight - San Agustin (B) there’s a pleasant 4 hour drive past coffee Time will be spent at a coffee ranch and there plantations and undulating green hills to San is a guided tour of a local farm, where we Agustin. This pretty little town is our base gain an insight into subsistence agriculture for the next 3 nights and has a smattering in the region. Learn about fruit production of attractive colonial houses and churches, and tropical flower cultivation as well as the cobbled streets and shady plazas. Overnight intricacies of the coffee production process, - San Agustin (B) including the picking, de-pulping, washing, drying and roasting of the beans. There are opportunities to sample the final product.

Classic Colombia

There is also the chance to drive out to tropical dry forest, with monkeys swinging in Day 14 : Cartagena traditional village Salento, its houses adorned the trees overhead and the atmosphere heavy with balconies bursting with flowers, and with with heat. There are a number of restaurants wonderful views of the Cordillera Central and bars in the park where you can stop for emerging from behind elegant colonial lunch in the shade and take in your exotic buildings. Continue to Valle de la Cocora, a surroundings. Of course if you'd rather have beautiful nature reserve which is home to the the day to explore or relax in Santa Marta then wax palm, Colombia's national tree and the this can easily be arranged locally. Overnight only palm which grows above 3,000m. Follow - Santa Marta (B:2) a well-marked path up the valley and look out over the mountains' verdant foothills, and the Days 12-13 : Mompos cultivated patchwork of fields made up of a Santa Marta - Mompos. On day 12 a private Mompos - Cartagena. Today day is spent dozen shades of green. bus then takes us inland to the small provincial travelling back by private vehicle to the town of Aracataca (2 hours). The town is Caribbean coast and the famous city of On the last day in the region there is the famous as the birth place of Gabriel García Cartagena. opportunity to visit the Botanical Gardens Márquez, and provides a good place to stop Overnight - Cartagena (B) at Calarca. A series of nature trails pass for lunch. Márquez is arguably Latin America's abundant tropical flowers and there is most famous writer and his works; (including Day 15 : Cartagena an excellent insect museum and enclosed 'One Hundred Years of Solitude') often feature butterfly garden. Alternatively, you may prefer in lists of the greatest novels ever written. to take a horse-riding excursion from a nearby He was born in Aracataca in 1927, and his farm to explore the surrounding countryside. birthplace features in some of his stories as Overnight - Armenia (B:3) the fictional town of Macondo. Today the family house he was raised in is a museum, Days 10-11 : Santa Marta & and you will have time to visit the home of the Tayrona NP Nobel Prize winning author.

A further 5 hour journey past banana and oil palm plantations leads to the small provincial Caribbean's most exotic and romantic colonial town of Mompos. Situated on the eastern city, Cartagena was founded in 1533, quickly banks of the Magdalena River, this 16th- blossoming to become the main Spanish port century town is a UNESCO World Heritage in the Caribbean, and a gateway to the north Site and one feels as if transported into of the continent. Treasure plundered from a Gabriel García Marquez novel, wandering native inhabitants was stored here until the streets fronted by whitewashed colonial galleons could ship it back to Spain, and buildings and mansions which were once it therefore became a tempting target for Armenia - Santa Marta. We travel back to home to powerful Spanish merchants (for pirates. In order to protect their booty, the Armenia before boarding a flight via Bogota whom the town was an important stopping-off Spanish constructed an elaborate system of to the Caribbean coast and the city of Santa point on the trade route to Cartagena). Spend ramparts, which still encircle the town. Marta. Santa Marta is South America's oldest two days in these beautiful surroundings, Today, while Cartagena has expanded surviving colonial city and its spruced up town relaxing in the shady plazas, lapping up the dramatically, the walled centre has changed centre offers small scale historic charm as well atmosphere, and enjoy the natural scenery very little, allowing a glimpse of 16th and as some great restaurants, bars and cafés. It on the river banks on an included boat trip. 17th-century Spanish architecture and town is probably most famous for being where the Overnight - Mompos (B:2) planning. Enjoy the shade provided by great liberator Simon Bolivar was born. the buildings in these labyrinthine, cobbled From here it's a short journey to the incredible streets, and explore the monasteries, palaces, Parque Nacional Tayrona. There is a full day churches, plazas and imposing mansions trip to this dazzling region of thick, humid where the overhanging balconies are heavy jungle and exquisite unspoiled beaches with flowers. Overnight - Cartagena (B) fringed by coconut palms and peppered with vast, smooth boulders. It was once home to the indigenous Tayrona indians. Jungle paths follow tree-covered trails surrounded by

Classic Colombia

Day 16 : Bogota produce cultivated from the local garden. It's – you’ll find plenty of bars and restaurants Sunday. Cartagena - Bogota. Transfer back to possible to book mountain bike expeditions, close by. Cartagena airport for an included flight back rafting and canoeing trips, and excursions to to Bogota. the local waterfalls through the lodge.

Please provide us with your international flight details and we will book the domestic flight at a suitable time for you. Arrangements end upon arrival at the Bogota airport or we can book post tour accommodation upon Don Pedro de Heredia request.(B) With its attractive colonial style set against Hotel La Plazuela HOTELS the historical centre of Cartagena, the Set in converted 18th century mansion in the Don Pedro de Heredia offers the perfect Highlighted below are some of the hotels heart of Popayan, is the charming Hotel La combination of romantic character and which we frequently use on this tour, though Plazuela. Each guestroom provides a private tangible history. The rooms display a rustic we reserve the right to substitute these bathroom, TV, WiFi and room service. You decor with traditional beamed ceilings and hotels to ones of a similar standard. can enjoy local and fusion cuisine in the wood furniture but also boast free WiFi Please refer to your Tour Voucher for your onsite restaurant , then head out to explore and satellite TV for modern comfort. The confirmed arrival hotel and further arrival in the evening - you’ll find plenty of bars rooftop terrace is the perfect place to unwind information. close by. under the Caribbean sun with loungers and panoramic views of the city. Hotel Casa Deco Centrally located in the colonial neighbourhood of Bogota, the Casa Deco Hotel offers a home away from home in this small family run boutique property. Each guestroom is equipped with Italian furniture, private bathroom, TV, WiFi and 24 hour Finca La Cabana service. The hotel features a lovely terrace to Set on a working coffee farm, in a 19th sit and enjoy breakfast or a drink at the bar Our Partners century mansion, Finca La Cabana is one of while enjoying the breath-taking views of the This tour is operated in conjunction with our the oldest in the region, owned by the same city. Or for cooler evenings, sit in front of the trusted partner and you will join travellers from family for over 100 years. The hotel features fireplace. different operators, not solely On The Go. spectacular tropical gardens, and guests The group size may vary in size from 4 - 20 can enjoy regional dishes from the on-site persons. kitchen which features a 100-year old stove. After a busy day, take a dip in the swimming Tour Leader pool and watch the workers harvesting and On this tour, you’ll be accompanied from start washing the coffee beans from the farm. to finish by an experienced tour leader. From the moment you land in Latin America until La Casa Amarilla the day the tour ends they will deal with Akawanka Lodge Nestled in the historic Santa Barbara Plaza, all the practicalities, expertly adapting to the Surrounded by lush natural landscapes and just in front of the Magdalena River is the circumstances and individual needs of the attractive manicured gardens, the Akawanka charming colonial Casa Marilla Hotel. Set group. Rather than different guides in different Lodge is a peaceful nest in the mountains in a converted 17th century home, the hotel cities, your leader will get to know the group and the perfect base for exploring the San offers a home away from home. Each air- and keep you informed and entertained as Agustin Archaeological Park. The rustic conditioned guestroom features a private you go. guestrooms are generously-sized with bathroom and LCD TV. The highlight of this simple furnishings and colourful decorations. property however, has to be the rooftop Transport Free WiFi is available and the lodge also terrace, which offers spectacular views of This tour includes 4 flights (longest 3.5 hours), has an onsite restaurant and bar where the river and is perfect to enjoy the sunset 7 road journeys (longest 8 hours) and 1 boat guests can dine on dishes made with organic before heading out in the evening to explore journey (2 hours).

Classic Colombia

Accommodation • Mompos: guided walking tour comfort stops are made to enjoy the scenery On this tour the standard of accommodation • Cartagena: Rosario Islands day trip on route. varies. We utilise comfortable and attractive hotels/guesthouses but in remote locations Travelling Alone Altitude where options are limited, accommodation There is no extra cost for single travellers Several days are spent at high altitude (over is purely functional. All properties are well who are willing to share a room. You will 2.500m). You may notice the effect of high maintained and almost all will have a be accommodated with a same-sex member altitude; symptoms vary: most common are private bathroom. In Mompos, Tayrona and of the group who is usually also travelling mild headaches and breathlessness. If you Cartagena there may well not be hot water. solo. For single travellers who wish to be drink plenty of water and allow your body This is due to the local climate and the sure of having their own room there are a to acclimatise (don’t exert yourself or drink perceived needs for it and the fact that limited number of single supplement places alcohol) in the first couple of days after arrival, many properties/areas may not have the available, which carry a surcharge. you will minimise your chances of being infrastructure. adversely affected. Budget We stay in farmhouse accommodation in A budget of around $45USD per day should Clothing And Special the coffee country and cabins in Tayrona cover the cost of meals, drinks and the odd Equipment National Park (bathroom facilities may be souvenir. Bring plenty of light cotton clothing and good, shared between 1 or 2 cabins). comfortable walking shoes. Warm items and Tipping a good waterproof jacket are also necessary Examples of hotels used on this journey Tips are normally welcomed and expected. for all departures. We suggest that you plan include: Local guides often rely on their tip as a to 'layer' your clothing; it is easier and more • Bogota: Casa Deco significant proportion of their income. We efficient to put on a couple of light layers than • San Agustin: Hacienda Akawanka recommend approximately $3 USD(or local one thick jumper. Sandals are a good informal • Coffee region: Finca La Cabana equivalent) per person per day for each of option for evenings. • Santa Marta: Casa del Piano guides and drivers, depending on the size of • Mompos: Casa Amarilla the group. Protection against the sun (sun block, sun hat) • Cartagena: Don Pedro de Heredia and mosquito repellent are essential and you Most service industry workers will expect a should bring swimwear. A backpack or soft On very rare occasions these hotels can tip of some kind and so it is useful to have holdall is the most sensible and comfortable change, however please speak to one of our spare change for hotel porters, taxi drivers way to carry your belongings. Please get in consultants who can provide full details for and the like. It is common to leave 10 - 12% in touch with the office before departure if you each departure if you have any doubts. restaurants. have any doubts. Optional Excursions If you would like to show your appreciation Vaccinations There are optional excursions available to your tour leader, who you may feel has Preventative vaccinations are recommended throughout this tour, which are booked locally exceeded your expectations, a discretionary against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; through your tour leader once you are in Latin gratuity would be gratefully received. As hepatitis A. Yellow Fever vaccination may be America. Not all excursions available will suit a guideline we recommend an amount of required for your visit to the coastal region everybody, whilst others only operate within between $4 and $6 USD per person, per day. please consult a Health care professional for certain seasons, with minimum numbers or You are obviously free to tip more or less as advice on this and malaria tablets. may not be included due to time constraints. you see fit, depending on your perception of A budget of around $200 should cover service quality. Cases of Zika virus have been reported in participation in most of the following options, parts of Latin America. If you’re pregnant, or but prices can fluctuate depending on the Insurance planning to be, you should follow the advice size of the party and so cannot be provided Travel insurance is essential. For details of of the National Travel Health Network and accurately until travel commences. our recommended policy please contact our Centre. reservations team. • Bogota: visit the Mint which houses the KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Botero Museum Journey Grading • Bogota: visit Zipaquira salt mine with a stop All walks on this tour are optional and you Colombia Country Guide at the Guatavita Lagoon should discuss with your tour leader which are • San Augustin: visit local fincas and waterfalls suitable for you. There are some long days Colombia - Fact File • Coffee region: visit traditional Finlandia with spent travelling, in the heat, however many Official Name: Republic of Colombia its artisan shops and local markets

Classic Colombia

Capital: Santa Fé de Bogotá located in every city throughout the country. Population: 44.5 million The rainy season is May-July and October- Visa, Plus, MasterCard and Cirrus/Maestro are Total Area: 1.1 million square kilometres December, when heavy rains can fall (though accepted in most Colombian ATMs, as long Official Language: Spanish, Quechua and they're usually followed by bright sunshine). as you have a four-digit pin number. Although Aymara The elevation in the country ranges from bank cards are often the easiest way to go, Religions: Roman Catholic 95% sea level to 3,050 metres, so temperatures there are times where they will not work for Voltage: 110 volts, double flat-pin plug (same can vary greatly. Coastal cities have day you even if your bank at home tells you it will! as USA) temperatures from 23-32°C, with nights at Do not rely on your card as your only source of Dialling Code: +57 about 17-27°C year-round. The inland cities' money. Always have a few back-ups with you. Time Difference: GMT/UTC -4. For year-round day temperatures are generally around 17-27°C (nights can get down to 5-16°C You should also be able to get a cash advance other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com in the winter). A sweater is needed along the at the bank (usually only possible for Visa and coast at night and a jacket in the mountains sometimes Mastercard) although most banks Colombia - Visas (this includes Bogota, which lies at 2,650 will require a copy of your passport and quite Please be advised that visa requirements are metres). often take your photo. subject to change and that visa procurement Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of In Colombia they can be very particular about is the responsibility of the traveller and not what the weather will be like on your tour. the condition of the US dollar bank notes. You On The Go Tours, therefore it is essential that will quite often NOT be able to use notes you check current visa requirements with the Colombia - Money which are torn or marked even slightly. If your embassy before travel. Please also ensure The official currency in Colombia is Colombia notes are at all damaged you may use them that your passport is valid for at least 6 months Peso. in Ecuador, but probably NOT in Colombia, so from your planned date of departure from save them until then. Colombia. For up-to-date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or Remember that once you leave Colombia you For stays of up to 90 days, USA, British, www.xe.com. will generally not be able to use or exchange Irish, New Zealand and Australian citizens do pesos (so please change all left over pesos at not require a tourist visa to visit Colombia. Changing money, credit cards & ATMs the border). Canadian citizens have to pay a reciprocity US dollars (cash) are accepted for some fee to enter Colombia, which can be paid purchases in Colombia (particularly when the Colombia - Entrance Fees upon arrival into the country. The fee dollar is strong) however, you will need pesos Generally speaking most museums in is approximately $88 CAD (OR 160,000 for most purchases. Even if you have the Colombia cost between US$2 and US$5. Colombian pesos), and this can be paid choice of paying for things in US dollars it will There are many interesting museums to visit, by international credit card, debit card or be in your favour to use the local currency. but please bear in mind that many museums cash. If made in cash, the payment must close on Mondays. be in Colombian pesos. You will receive an US dollars and travellers cheques can be immigration card, which you must retain and changed at casas de cambio (exchange The many beautiful churches and cathedrals show when you leave the country. bureau), banks and border crossings. Your of Colombia are always free to enter, tour leader will give you details of when but flash photography is strictly forbidden, Please note that South African citizens need and where best to change money. Casas and opening hours vary greatly. There are to apply for a visa online, we recommend de cambio are privately owned, usually have sometimes cultural events going on and one month in advance, and can take up to longer opening hours and attend to you galleries/exhibitions which are free to enter. 10 working days to process . All visas must faster than banks. The rate may be slightly Your tour leader will give you more details on be applied for online, for visa requirements lower but you must weigh this up against these. please visit: the convenience of not having to queue. In Colombia you get the best exchange rates Colombia - Shopping http://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/ in the cities of Bogotá and Cartagena where Shop for hand-worked silver, emeralds, procedures_services/visa/requirements the casas de cambio offer about the same pottery, “chiva” pottery buses, leather, Colombia - Climate rate as the banks. Also, these places will textiles, hammocks, wall hangings, gold, large quite often exchange other currencies and Colombia has an equatorial climate and mobiles (not the phone variety) and ponchos. cheques. Hotels/restaurants will sometimes therefore does not have dramatic seasonal change US dollars, but at a much poorer rate. Each different region has its own regional changes. The best time for the country as a handicrafts/ jewellery etc. so if you like whole is December-March as it rains the least Often the easiest way to obtain local currency something, buy it! You may never see it then. is to use the ATMs (‘cajeros automaticos’)

Classic Colombia again (or if you do it will probably be more have a band/group on board playing live All drinks such as water, soft or alcoholic expensive). Bargaining is expected while music and take you to many of the night drinks are at your own expense at all times. shopping in the markets, but in shops it is spots plus hand out drinks en-route, mostly usually considered rude to bargain. You may “aguadiente” (firewater, a kind of ouzo which You should be wary of drinking the local however ask for a ‘discount’ (“descuento” in is quite delicious once you’ve had one or two). tap water. Bottled water, carbonated soft Spanish). drinks and fruit juices are widely available Colombia - Food & Drink and are generally safe to drink. Please note Bear in mind that it can be very expensive and Food however that fruit juices are sometimes made not always reliable to send packages home so Your tour leader will be able to recommend with unboiled tap water and could upset try to buy only what you can carry home! restaurants. You will find a range of your stomach. An easy way around this international and local cuisine to suit every is to order juice “con leche” (with milk) Colombia - Tipping budget. Excellent seafood is available along instead. The choice of different juices in A 10% service charge is added on to the all coastal regions and chicken, pork and beef Colombia is incredible e.g. mora (blackberry), restaurant bill throughout most of Colombia. If are available throughout. piña (pineapple), naranjilla (mixture between it is not added on, it is still expected (especially mandarin and orange), maracuya (passion in the more expensive restaurants). There In Colombia the basic diet focuses around fruit), tomato de arbol (tamirillo or 'tree should be no other charge on top of this. chicken, beef or seafood, mostly with french tomato'), guanabana (a soursop, like acustard However, if IVA is said to be included on the fries or rice (or both) and possibly a little salad. apple) and curuba (which has a great taste). menu then it should NOT be added onto the Some of the most popular and typical dishes end of the bill. You are not expected to tip are: “frijoles” (kidney beans in a delicious In Colombia some of the hotels we use have taxi drivers unless they go out of their way sauce with lumps of pork), “ajiaco” (lovely bars or serve alcoholic drinks. If there is not for you although you should tip anyone who soup type dish with chicken breast, maize, a bar in the hotel then there is sure to be helps with your luggage, approx 50 cents. potato and is served with avocado, rice), a bar within walking distance. In more up- Tipping guides at the end of tours/excursions “bandeja paisa” (minced beef with beans, market hotels, imported beers and spirits are is always appreciated and your tour leader will egg, fried plantain, chorizo sausage, rice, available but usually at a high price. If you advise you on this. manioc, huge meal), tomales (which is like a are happy to drink the local spirits then there boiled corn dumpling filled with chicken and is an array of rums, aguadiente (a kind of Colombia - Local Transport wrapped in banana leaf). These are just a few ouzo) and you can get imported Chilean wine Taxis are recommended for all journeys within of the local favourites, there are many more. can sometimes be found quite cheaply at cities. Most taxis have meters if not you may supermarkets. There are various brands of have to haggle with the driver to agree upon Typical snacks are “empanadas” (little beers including Costeña, Aguila, Bavaria and the fare. This can be fun, but it is a good idea fried pasties usually filled with meat, Leona. Please don’t forget the coffee, some of to find out in advance, from your tour leader chicken, cheese or even prawns) and the best in the world but pick a nice café style or the hotel receptionist, approximately how “patacones” (fried vegetable banana chips, establishment with an espresso machine. much the fare should be. It will also help if you served as a side dish). can speak a few words of Spanish. You will Colombia - National Holidays Much of Colombia’s food is not hot and spicy almost certainly have to accept that you will 1 January - New Year's Day but you will find a bowl of “aji” (which is a chilli pay more than the Colombians do. 12 January - Epiphany or hot pepper sauce) on most tables which can 22 March - San José Local buses are interesting and usually very be added to spice things up. March/April (variable) - Samana Santa (Easter) crowded. The new TransMilenio buses that Vegetarians 1 May - Labour Day (national holiday) ply back and forth on dedicated lanes from If you are a strict vegetarian you may 24 May - Ascension south to north are good and regular, like an experience a distinct lack of variety in the 14 June - Corpus Christi outdoor metro system using buses. food available, especially in small towns. 21 June - Sacred Heart 5 July - St.Peter & St.Paul One of the most fun ways to explore You might find that you are eating a lot of 20 July - Independence Day Colombia’s cities is by “Chiva” bus, which is omelettes and other egg dishes. Our tour 7 August - Boyaca Battle a truck chassis with brightly coloured wooden leaders will do their best to provide interesting 17 October - Columbus Day open-sided body with bench seating (these vegetarian alternatives when arranging group 1 November - All Saints Day are the old typical type buses which are meals in the campsite, but your patience and 15 November - Cartagena’s Independence still used in many places in the countryside understanding is requested. 8 December - Immaculate Conception today for the locals – chicken buses, as Drink 25 December - Christmas Day we call them). Most cities have these tours, mostly in the evening where they will

Classic Colombia

Please remember that on public holidays, banks, museums and shops will be closed and often public transport is less frequent than usual.