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Colombia – South American Gem • July 5-14, 2024

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Discover the “gateway to South America.” 

Feed off the energy that exudes from a country emerging from its troubled past. You will be captivated by the rich cultural tapestry that is Colombia – made up of its complex history, resilient people, and breathtaking scenery. We will explore the highlights of this vibrant country – Medellin and it’s famous Communa 13 neighborhood (think Pablo Escobar), the coffee region at the foot of the great Andes, and Cartagena – the jewel of the Caribbean coast! Prepare to be awed and inspired. Plus an optional 2-night pre-trip to Bogota!

Overview

July 5-14, 2024

$5,695.00 per person, double occupancy

$6,995.00, single occupancy

________

Bogota Pre-Trip Extension: July 3-5, 2024

$995.00 per person, double occupancy

$1,235.00, single occupancy

Activity Level 3 out of 4

You are an active traveler who loves to see things up-close and personal. You aren’t bothered by standing or walking for long periods of time (1-2 hours) and you can navigate uneven surfaces and easily climb into and out of different kinds of vehicles or vessels. You can handle the rigors of exploring the world in a hands-on way, even if that means getting up early or staying up late!

Highlights & Inclusions:

  • 9 nights of accommodations at hotels as referenced in the itinerary
  • Meals as referenced in the itinerary
  • All transportation within Colombia in climate-controlled motor coaches
  • Airfare within Colombia
  • Excursions and tours as outlined in itinerary (subject to change)
  • Expert local guides with passion and personality
  • Gratuities for guides, drivers, restaurant staff and hotel porters
  • Pre-trip documents with important travel information including “Know Before You Go,” luggage tags and a WOW! surprise
  • Assistance with air booking (additional fee of $75 for first-time travelers, free for “WOWees”)
  • Basic emergency medical insurance
  • “WOW!” surprises along the way!
  • The experience and expertise of a WOW! Team member

Exclusions:

  • International airfare (fare will be quoted upon request)
  • Extra nights, if requested
  • Meals not noted in itinerary
  • Incidental charges (shopping, spa, food and beverage not included in itinerary, etc.)
  • Supplemental travel insurance for coverage of a pre-existing condition, cancel for any reason, lost luggage protection, trip delay reimbursement, etc.

**Itinerary subject to change.**

** FOR OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP BOGOTA EXTENSION, SEE BELOW MAIN ITINERARY **

Itinerary - July 5-14, 2024

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY ONE – Friday, July 5th – Medellin

On arrival to Medellin, Colombia, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel, Elcielo HotelRelax, unpack, and settle in. We’ll meet up in the lobby to head to dinner to celebrate our Colombian adventure!
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Elcielo Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY TWO – Saturday, July 6th – Medellin

After breakfast, depart on a full day tour of Medellin including a tour of Communa 13 – once known as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the world – today it is a center of artistic expressions and street art. We’ll also visit Botero Square and take the aerial tram to Pueblito Paisa for 360° views of the city. We’ll dine together for lunch and dinner.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Elcielo Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY THREE – Sunday, July 7th – Medellin – Guatape

No visit to Medellin is complete without a side trip to the unbelievably scenic village of Guatape. This picturesque town is a photographer’s delight, with scenery straight out of a travel brochure at every turn. We’ll explore this beautiful area – take a stroll through the quaint streets, take a boat to explore one of Pablo Escobar’s former mansions, and hike to the top of Piedra del Peñol (only 600 steps!), if you’re so inclined. All meals included on this full day!
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Elcielo Hotel

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY FOUR – Monday, July 8th – Coffee Region

Today we’ll head to the iconic coffee region – considered by many to be the most beautiful part of the country. We’ll fly from Medellin to Pereira for the short drive to El Paraiso coffee plantation, where we’ll be educated on the growing of Colombia’s leading cash crop. Lunch will be with the coffee farmers! Dinner will take place at our hotel – the charming and picturesque Casa San Carlos Lodge – our home away from home for the next three nights.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Casa San Carlos Lodge

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY FIVE – Tuesday, July 9th – Cocora Valley – Salento

Today is a day of exploration! We’ll visit the Cocora Valley – home of the famous (and endangered) Wax Palms that grow as tall as 200 feet and look like something straight out of a Dr. Seuss book. From there we’ll head to the festive town of Salento, nestled in a valley surrounded by the statuesque Andes. We’ll dine together for dinner in an authentic Colombian restaurant as we return to the Lodge.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Casa San Carlos Lodge

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY SIX – Wednesday, July 10th – Pereira

Today there are options: bamboo rafting? birdwatching? relaxing at the gorgeous grounds of Casa San Carlos? Or maybe all three?? We’ll enjoy lunch at a local spot then return to the Lodge for some well-deserved R&R and to soak in the spectacular scenery and ambience of this magical paradise.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Casa San Carlos Lodge

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY SEVEN – Thursday, July 11th – Cartagena

Today we head north to the Caribbean city of Cartagena! We’ll arrive in time to settle in our hotel located within the walled city. Lunch will be on your own – with suggestions all within walking distance. After you’ve had a chance to get acclimated and do a little exploring, we’ll regroup and celebrate our arrival with sunset cocktails at the iconic Cafe del Mar, followed by a lovely dinner.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Santa Clara

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY EIGHT – Friday, July 12th – Cartagena

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to explore this colorful, vibrant city! We’ll hit all the highlights of this quintessential Caribbean city: La Popa Monastery with 360° views of the city, San Felipe Fort, Bazurto Market, as well as the colorful neighborhoods that put Cartagena on the map. Lunch will be on your own, but we’ll get back together to put our dancing shoes on with salsa lessons! Dinner to follow after we’ve worked up an appetite.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Santa Clara

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY NINE – Saturday, July 13th – Cartagena

We’ll get connected with the locals today as we visit the fishing community of La Boquilla –  immersing ourselves in the music, cuisine, dances and crafts of these beautiful people. We’ll also support ecotourism with a tour of the protected mangroves. Enjoy the afternoon on your own in Cartagena. We’ll meet up for a special farewell dinner to celebrate our final night in this fabulous country.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Santa Clara

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

DAY TEN – Sunday, July 14th – Depart for US

Today we say “adios” to this South American gem. After breakfast we’ll provide transportation to the airport and wave farewell… until our next adventure, that is!
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast

Accommodations

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Elcielo Hotel – Medellin

Located in the heart of Medellin’s high-end El Poblado district, Elcielo Hotel serves as one of the city’s most prestigious accommodations, outfitted with a wealth of lavish amenities for all guests to enjoy. This new lavish boutique hotel boasts large windows that bathe the luxurious interiors with natural sunlight. This elegant style extends outside to the rooftop pool – a tranquil oasis in a bustling city, with views of Medellin. It is in a beautiful neighborhood and within walking distance of reputable bars and restaurants.

Room Category: Junior Suite

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Casa San Carlos Lodge – Coffee Region

A luxury lodge with views across well kept gardens and open farmland, in the heart of the coffee region. This unique property has been primarily built with guadua (bamboo) and many pieces found throughout the lodge have been made by local artisans. There is a lovely outdoor swimming pool, a hot-tub, bar and restaurant.

Room Category: Superior Room

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara – Cartagena

Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a legendary landmark in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. From this unique vantage point it offers spell-binding views of the historic center and the glistening Caribbean Sea. Built in an old convent, it offers the ideal combination of colonial architecture and French luxury. Its privileged location is close to the main tourist spots of Cartagena.

Room Category: Deluxe Room

Bogota Pre-Trip Extension - July 3-5, 2024

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Pre-Trip, Wednesday, July 3rd – Bogota

On arrival to Bogota, Colombia, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel, Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia. Relax, unpack, and settle in. We’ll make some dinner suggestions within walking distance of the hotel for dinner on your own.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel On Own
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Pre-Trip, Thursday, July 4th – Bogota

Today’s a busy one as we take in all the highlights of this bustling, capital city! We’ll take the funicular to Monserrate with magnificent views of the city, followed by a walking tour including iconic  Plaza Bolivar, and La Candeleria. A delicious lunch will be tucked in there, capping the day with a visit to the famous Gold Museum. After a rest and freshen up, we’ll regroup for dinner together.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Pre-Trip, Friday, July 5th – Bogota

After breakfast at the hotel, the morning and early afternoon are yours for exploring at your own pace.  We can make lunch recommendations or you may wish to stumble upon the perfect cafe during your explorations. Mid-afternoon we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Medellin to begin the main part of our journey.
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Breakfast
WOW! Travel Small Group Travel Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia

WOW! Travel Small Group Travel

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia Hotel  – Bogota

Located in the heart of one of the most exclusive areas of Bogotá, the chic and sophisticated Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia Hotel will provide you with an unforgettable experience with the best restaurants, bars and cultural centers of the Colombian capital.

Room Category: Deluxe Room

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