Weaverbird: Spirit of Colombia

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What our experts say

This very comfortable but adventurous tour takes you to the acknowledged highlights of Colombia and beyond. In addition to the vibrant capital Bogota and exotic Cartagena you'll visit the charming colonial backwater at Mompox on the river Magdalena and the enigmatic pre-Colombian statues at San Agustin. A really comprehensive trip - even more so if you add on an extension to Colombia's Amazon region.

Evie Oswald

Travel Consultants

Places visited on this holiday

Weaverbird: Spirit of Colombia

Bogota
San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)
Caribbean coast and islands
Colombia's heartland
Cartagena

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Overview Fact file

Colombia’s edgy capital is a microcosm of the country’s complex society. Huge, anarchic, choked with undisciplined traffic, it also has a lovely colonial core, La Candelaria, and modern suburbs cluttered with upmarket boutiques, nightclubs, glamorous restaurants and plush apartments. Further away, the hills are pitted with the self-built, ramshackle homes built by people arriving in the city looking for work.

A centre for the intellect, Bogotá has many excellent museums, cinemas, theatres, music venues and universities, along with a vigorous café society. The urban sprawl is overshadowed by Andean peaks glowering over the city which, at 2,640m, enjoys a climate of perpetual spring.

When's the best time to go to Bogota?

The city is an all-year destination. Set in a highland bowl it has a permanent spring-like climate with an average temperature of 14°C and a mixture of sunshine, cloud and showers during the day. There’s a dry season from Dec-Mar and it is also drier Jul-Aug. Many museums are closed on Mondays.

What's the official language in Bogota?

Spanish

How do I get local currency in Bogota?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).

What's the time difference between Bogota and UK?

GMT - 5 hrs

What places combine well with Bogota?

An excursion to the lovely rural colonial town of Villa de Leyva, 129km; a few days in Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, 1.5hrs by air; a wind-down in the country’s tranquil coffee country, glorious bucolic scenery and friendly people, 167km or 1 hr by air

How do I get to Bogota?

Average flight time to Bogotá is 14 hrs. There is a direct flight from London Heathrow to Bogotá (11.5 hrs) and popular non-direct routes involve a change of plane in Europe or the USA.

What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Bogota?

Carnival de Bogotá, Aug 5 -6, annually. celebrating the anniversary of its Spanish foundation. Most of the cultural events take place in the heart of Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar. The festivities include pre-carnival celebrations during Jul.
Ibero-American Theatre Festival of Bogotá, Mar-Apr, biannually. One of the most comprehensive and best respected celebrations of the performing arts in Latin America. 2 million spectators attend 450 performances in theatres and around 150 street performances.
International Jazz Festival, Bogotá, Sep, annually. World renowned artists performing to thousands of jazz enthusiasts.

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Overview Fact file

The area of southern Colombia leading off from the Cauca valley south of Cali and embracing the cultured city of Popayán and pre-Colombian archaeological sites was lamentably off limits for visitors during the recent era of guerrilla activity. Fortunately nowadays the security situation has improved and many of the highlights of this region of quiescent volcanoes, steep emerald green valleys, pastures, sugar plantations and attractive villages can be safely explored.

The Spanish colonial university town Popayán is a delightful stop, its lanes resonating with both salsa and classical music, while the mountain village of Silvia is famous for the striking costumes worn by the friendly Guambiano Indians. The UNESCO-listed archaeological site at San Agustín is the must see of the region, with its remarkable ‘Bosque de las Estatuas’ consisting of a number of enigmatic statues dating from 3,300BC.

Prosperous Cali is the second largest city in Colombia after Bogotá and is famed for being the country’s party capital: salsa really rules the roost here. It’s a tropical city with a tropical vibe, surrounded by a fertile agricultural land with plantations and cattle.

When's the best time to visit San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?

Sitauated in the sweltering Cauca valley, Cali is hot and humid all the year round though it can rain at any time. Popayán, Silvia and San Agustin are at a higher elevation and so substantially cooler, with a drier feel to the air: all in all the climate is sunny, warm and pleasant. Most rain falls Apr-Jun but it can rain here at any time too, which explains the verdant landscape.This region can be busy with visitors at holiday times: Christmas, Carnival and Easter, and there are other festivities throughout the year when the towns and cities are very crowded..

What's the official language of San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?

Spanish

How do I get local currency in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in major cities using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).

What's the time difference between San Agustin, Popayan and Cali and UK?

GMT - 5 hrs

How do I get to San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?

There are daily flights from Bogotá to and from Popayán.

Cali receives flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and other cities.A road journey between Cali and Popayán takes 2-3hrs; from Cali to San Agustin 9hrs; from Popayán to San Agustin 7-8hrs, from Popayán to Silvia 90mins.

What are the cultural events in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?

Cali:

25Dec - 3Jan - Cali International fair.

Variable Feb-Mar - Carnival.

Holy week - Easter, variable.

June - artisan fair.

Aug - Festival of Music from the Pacific.

Sep - International Art festival.

Popayán:

5-6 Jan - Dia de los |negros y Dia de los Blancos.

Variable Feb-Mar - Carnival.

Holy week - Easter, variable; spectacular processions throughout the week.

International Sacred Music Festival.

Sep - Gastronomic fair.

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Overview Fact file

Colombian coffee is enjoyed all over the world. Couched in rolling, emerald green hills between the cities of Pereira, Armenia and Manizales in the western Andes is the triangular region which produces the distinctive bean. Agriculture here is diversifying but the terraced coffee fincas, interspersed with bamboo jungles and giant banana plants, still dominate the attractive landscape. Recently, several of these historic properties have opened their doors to visitors. Alongside them are new purpose-built countryside hotels. At this altitude (1,400m - 2,200m) the climate is delightful and conducive to a restful wind down, with thermal pools, adventure sports, theme parks and walking trails to enjoy.

When's the best time to visit Colombian coffee region?

The region is an all-year destination. It enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate with plenty of sun and enough rain to keep the landscape verdant.

What's the official language of Colombian coffee region?

Spanish

How can I get local currency in Colombian coffee region?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in all major towns and cities, including Pereira, using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). You are advised to acquire local currency before heading into the coffee region.

What's the time difference between Colombian coffee region and UK?

GMT - 5 hrs

What places combine well with Colombian coffee region?

An excursion to the lovely rural colonial town of Villa de Leyva, 129km from Bogotá; a few days in Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, 1.5hrs by air from Bogotá.

How do I get to Colombian coffee region?

There are frequent flights from Bogotá to Armenia and Pereira (both 1 hr).

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Overview Fact file

The Caribbean coast is not all about Cartagena, the colonial jewel which is such a magnet for visitors. There, the city beaches are fun but not exceptionally beautiful. East along the coast, the road passes the seaport Barranquilla and the bird-filled marshes and lagoons of La Ciénaga, reaching the pleasant seaside resort of Santa Marta. Just beyond is hilly, jungle-covered Tayrona National Park, embracing one of the most beautiful wild stretches of Caribbean coast. Golden beaches shaded by coconut palms are backed by rugged hills full of monkeys and iguanas. Offshore the Rosario islands are blissful coral atolls, while further afield is the quirky English-speaking volcanic island of Providencia.

When's the best time to visit Caribbean Colombia?

The coast and islands are an all-year destination, with plenty of sun throughout. The rainy season is Aug-Nov when showers can be torrential. Dec-Apr should be pretty rain-free. The beaches can be very busy – and noisy – during holidays and festivals.

What's the official language of Caribbean Colombia?

Spanish, English.

How do I get local currency in Caribbean Colombia?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in Cartagena, Barranquilla and Santa Marta using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). Don’t change money on the street. Acquire local currency before travelling to Providencia.

What's the time difference between Caribbean Colombia and UK?

GMT - 5 hours

What places combine with Caribbean Colombia?

Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, Cartagena; Bogotá, Colombia’s vigorous capital, where the dynamic of this mountain city contrasts with the laid back attitudes of the Caribbean (1.5hrs by air).

How do I get to Caribbean Colombia?

There are frequent flights from Bogotá to Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla (each 1.5hrs). The three main cities on the coast are a couple of hours apart by road. Santa Marta is the closest city to Tayrona, the beach and national park which is a 4hr drive from Cartagena. Combines with: Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, Cartagena; Bogotá, Colombia’s vigorous capital, where the dynamic of this mountain city contrasts with the laid back attitudes of the Caribbean (1.5hrs by air).

What are the festivals, cultural and sporting events in Caribbean Colombia?

Carnival: Barranquilla, 5 days in Feb/Mar, variable: 28 Feb–4 Mar 2014. A riotous mélange of Afro-Caribbean-Latin exuberance, with vivid-costumed parades, live music, dancing and competitions.

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Overview Fact file

Dissected by voluminous rivers carving valleys through rugged Andean ranges to marshy outlets to the Caribbean Sea, Colombia’s interior has always presented challenges to the traveller. River craft routes have now in many places been superseded by road and air networks, but both along the banks of the River Magdalena and along the mountain roads towards the Venezuelan border are a string of long forgotten colonial towns of great architectural beauty and a lazy lifestyle. Some of these, such as Villa de Leyva, Honda, Barichara and the river port of Mompós have become popular weekend spots.

When's the best time to visit Colombia heartland?

The sleepy colonial towns are less sleepy at weekends, when citizens of Colombia’s major traffic-choked cities descend on them for a rural weekend. Villa de Leiva and Barichara have a uniform temperature in the 20s°C all year with most rain falling in Apr-May and Oct-Nov. The best time to visit Mompós is Apr-Jun. Floods are common Oct-Nov and it can feel hot and humid all year round. Medellín’s temperature is also stable in the high 20s°C, and most rain here falls Apr-Nov.

What's the official language of Colombia heartland?

Spanish

How do I get local currency in Colombia heartland?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in major cities using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). There’s an ATM in the plaza in Villa de Leiva but you are advised to acquire pesos in larger towns before heading into the heartland.

What's the time difference between Colombia heartland and UK?

GMT - 5 hrs

How do I get to Colombia heartland?

To Villa de Leiva it’s a 4 hour scenic road journey from Bogotá (127km); to Barichara is a 2hr 40min drive from Bucaramanga; Mompós is a 6-7hr journey from Cartagena by road and launch/ferry.

What are the festivals and cultural events in Colombia heartland?

Desfile de Silliteros, Flower Festival; Medellín, 10 days in August. Flowers of all shapes and colours flood over the city, with 140 cultural events, parades, music and competitions.
Virgen de Carmen, Villa de Leiva, 13-17 Jul.
Semana Santa, Holy Week, Mompós. A serious religious festival where images of saints and the Holy Family are taken from the churches and paraded through the streets.

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Overview Fact file

Romantic and evocative Cartagena de Indias is without doubt one of the most captivating cities on the continent. The colonial heart of this Caribbean treasure, embraced by 17m. thick walls, oozes a swashbuckling history. Since its founding at the time of the Spanish Empire the city was subsequently attacked by waves of pirates and national fleets; the forts and cannons erected to protect it are still in place. Nowadays it is a cultured city, where gentle harmonies filter through the walls of music academies, language schools attract international students, artists flock to capture the sensual delights of flower-decked balconies and boutique hotels, salsa bars and literary cafés spill out onto the streets.

When's the best time to visit Cartagena?

The city is an all-year destination, with plenty of sun throughout. The rainy season is Aug-Nov when showers can be torrential. Dec-Apr should be pretty rain-free. The city can be very busy – and noisy – during holidays and festivals.

What's the official language in Cartagena?

Spanish

How do I get local currency in Cartagena?

Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in the old and new quarters of the city using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). Don’t change money on the street.

What's the time difference between Cartagena and UK?

GMT - 5 hours

What combines well with Cartagena?

Bogotá, Colombia’s vigorous capital, where the dynamic of this mountain city contrasts with the laid back attitudes of the Caribbean (1.5hrs by air); exquisite coastal Tayrona National Park, which hosts wild, undeveloped, remote-feeling Caribbean beaches and rocky bays mantled with densely packed rainforest vegetation (5hrs by road via Santa Marta); Mompox, tiny colonial town preserved in aspic, literally and figuratively becoming a backwater when the Rio Magdalena changed its course 150 yrs ago (6 hrs by road and launch)

How do I get to Cartagena?

There are frequent flights from Bogotá to Cartagena (1.5hrs).

What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Cartagena?

Hay Festival: Jan, annually. An offshoot of the famous literary festival in Hay-on- Wye, it attracts Latin American and international writers and intellectuals of international renown.
Fiesta de Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, late Jan-early Feb, annually. Horse riders from nearby towns and villages descend on Cartagena and trot through the streets from Bocagrande to the centre and up to the Convento de la Popa, bearing candles.
Caribbean Music Festival, Mar; most years. Bands from all over the Caribbean perform reggae, salsa, and other local musical genres.
International Film Festival, Mar, annually. Every possible venue opens to screen films from all over the continent and the festival is attended by many Latin stars.