2-week itinerary in Colombia: stay 1 of Ma Colombie

Discover Colombia with a 2-week itinerary that takes you through diverse landscapes and picturesque cities. Start your adventure in Bogotá, Colombia’s vibrant capital, where you can visit fascinating museums like the Gold Museum, stroll through the colorful alleys of La Candelaria, and enjoy panoramic views from the summit of Monserrate.

Then head to Villa de Leyva, a charming colonial town just a few hours away. With its cobbled streets, white houses and large central square, Villa de Leyva is the ideal place to relax and explore local history and culture. Don’t miss Casa Terracota, a unique clay house.

Continue your journey to Monguí, another colonial gem nestled in the mountains. This small town is renowned for its architectural beauty and surrounding landscapes. Take a stroll over the old limestone bridge and visit the 16th-century church and convent. If you like walking, a hike in the Paramó d’Oceta is a must!

End your trip with a safari in the Llanos du Casanare, a wild and little-visited region. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe incredible wildlife, including caimans, anacondas, capybaras and a multitude of birds. Enjoy the vast landscapes and spectacular sunsets to round off your Colombian adventure in style.

The times shown are for information only and may vary according to the departure and arrival times of the various flights.

Course

2-week itinerary in Colombia: stay 1 of Ma Colombie

Duration: 2 weeks. Entering and leaving Colombia from Bogotá

When to go (ideally): January to April

5 Stages : Bogotá x2, Villa de Leyva, Mongui, Casanare

Travel: bus, cab, plane (1 internal flight)

Activities: city tours, visits to heritage villages, mountain hiking, birdwatching

Physical level required: medium/high

Welcome to Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia. Perched at over 2,600 meters in the heart of the Andes, this fascinating city is a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Founded in 1538, Bogotá is the country’s largest city, known for its diversity and hospitality.

Bogotá’s energy is expressed through its lively neighborhoods, colorful markets and thriving art scene. In the old town of La Candelaria, the cobbled streets are lined with brightly-fronted colonial houses that bear witness to the city’s rich historical heritage.

The city is also an important cultural center, with a multitude of museums, art galleries, theaters and concert halls. The local gastronomy, rich in flavors, offers a variety of regional dishes to discover. This contrast between past and present makes Bogotá a destination that promises travelers an authentic experience full of discoveries.

Day 1: Bogotá – Arrival

Your adventure in Colombia begins as soon as you land at Bogotá’s El Dorado international airport. After clearing immigration and customs, take a cab to your accommodation. The first evening is yours to rest and acclimatize to life in the Colombian capital. Use this time to relax and get ready to discover the wonders Colombia has to offer in the following days.

Day 2: Bogotá
^{Visit to Candelaria & Monserrate (can be done on your own or with a guide)}

Discover Bogotá’s history and cultural richness on this leg of your trip. Explore the historic downtown area with its cobblestone streets, century-old churches and museums that trace the era of Spanish colonization and Colombian independence. Be sure to visit the Museo del Oro, renowned for its remarkable collection of gold and emerald objects that tell the story of the region’s pre-Columbian history. In the afternoon, take the funicular up to the summit of Mount Monserrate, which rises to over 3,000 metres. From up there, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Bogotá, offering a unique perspective on the city and its surroundings.

Welcome to Villa de Leyva, a historic treasure nestled in the heart of Colombia’s majestic Andes mountains! Founded in 1572, this small colonial town is famous for its main square, one of the largest in South America, entirely paved with pebbles and surrounded by white houses. It lies at the foot of the Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, one of the country’s paramos.

Villa de Leyva’s Spanish colonial architecture lends it a timeless atmosphere. The main square is the vibrant heart of the town, bustling with restaurants, craft stores and open-air cafés, providing an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and contemplation of the surrounding serenity. The surrounding landscapes offer breathtaking views of mountains and spectacular rock formations.

A must-see destination for lovers of history, culture and tranquillity, Villa de Leyva invites you to take a trip back in time to the heart of colonial Colombia. Proud of its cultural heritage status, Villa de Leyva is one of only 17 preserved colonial villages in the country, symbolizing its importance and exceptional conservation.

Day 3 / TRANSFER / Villa de Leyva

We recommend that you leave for Bogotá’s Salitre terminal around 9 or 10 a.m. to catch a bus to Villa de Leyva, a journey of around 3.5 hours. On arrival, spend the afternoon exploring this charming colonial village. Start by visiting the main square, one of the largest in South America, then stroll through the town’s quiet, picturesque streets. Take the opportunity to discover emblematic sites such as the Casa Museo Luis Alberto Acuña or the Convent del Santo Ecce Homo. Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this timeless village, perfect for strolling around and immersing yourself in its rich historical past.

Day 4: Villa de Leyva
^{Village tour + Mirador El Santo Sagrado Corazon de Jesus + Casa Terracota}

The next day, start your day with a hike to the Mirador El Santo, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Villa de Leyva and the surrounding area. The hike, though somewhat demanding, will reward you with breathtaking views. Next, visit Casa Terracota, a unique house built entirely of terracotta, a true architectural masterpiece. Also explore the Museo El Fósil, located outside town (accessible by cab or about 1 hour’s walk), renowned for its fossils of prehistoric marine reptiles. Once covered by the sea, this area is now famous for its fascinating fossil finds. If you prefer a more relaxed day out, stroll through the village streets and discover local crafts, such as ruanas, the traditional woollen ponchos. Take the opportunity to explore Villa de Leyva at your own pace and soak up its peaceful atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.

Day 5: Villa de Leyva
^{Village of Ráquira}

Raquira is a picturesque village near Villa de Leyva, Colombia. Known as the “craft capital of the country”, Raquira is famous for its colorful pottery and traditional crafts. You can even take part in a pottery workshop to create your own work of art! As you stroll through its lively streets, you’ll discover houses with vibrant facades and numerous artisan stores selling ceramics, textiles and a variety of unique souvenirs. Local markets abound with ruanas, traditional ponchos, and other handcrafted creations. Raquira is the perfect destination for immersing yourself in Colombian culture and craftsmanship, while enjoying a warm and welcoming atmosphere. To get there, the most convenient way is to take a bus from the Villa de Leyva terminal (departures between 6 a.m. and 8.30 a.m.) for around 6,000 COP per person, with a journey time of around 45 minutes.

Nestled in the mountains of the Boyacá department, Monguí is one of Colombia’s most charming heritage villages. Founded in the 17th century, Monguí features cobbled streets, white colonial houses with wooden balconies and a tranquil atmosphere. At the heart of the village stands the Basilica of Our Lady of Monguí, a superb example of Spanish colonial architecture.

Monguí is also renowned for its handicrafts, in particular the traditional manufacture of leather footballs, a tradition handed down from generation to generation that gives the village a special reputation. Visitors can explore the workshops and discover this unique know-how.

One of Monguí’s highlights is the Calicanto Bridge, built in the 17th century using local stone and mortar made from molasses and animal blood. This historic bridge links the village to the surrounding fields, bearing witness to the ingenuity of colonial construction.

Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Monguí is also a gateway to the Páramo de Ocetá, one of Colombia’s most impressive high-mountain ecosystems. Monguí is a must-see destination for history, culture and nature enthusiasts.

Day 6 / TRANSFER / Monguí

To get to Monguí from Villa de Leyva, you’ll need to take three buses. First, a bus from Villa de Leyva to Tunja, which takes about an hour. Then another bus from Tunja to Sogamoso, which takes about an hour and a half. Finally, a final bus from Sogamoso to Monguí, taking around 45 minutes. Buses for these routes are frequent, so connections are generally straightforward. However, it’s crucial to arrive in Sogamoso no later than 5:30 p.m. to avoid missing the last buses to Monguí.

NOTE: There are no ATMs in Monguí. Make sure you withdraw enough cash in Villa de Leyva before you leave.

Day 7: Monguí
^{Visit the village}

Monguí, an enchanting village in Colombia’s Boyacá department, is a true colonial treasure perched at around 2900 meters above sea level. Explore its picturesque streets and main square to discover preserved colonial architecture, as well as the Puente de Calicanto, a historic bridge built by the natives and the Spanish. Likewise, the Basilica Menor and the Convent of Monguí, erected in 1760 along with the Church of Our Lady, present an iconography rich in stories of the village and the evangelization of the indigenous population. Visit one of the many local workshops in Monguí to discover the traditional art of balloon-making, famous in particular for its footballs. Soak up the Boyacense culture, which reflects the spirit of Colombia’s high Andes.

Day 8: Monguí
^{Páramo de Ocetá (guide highly recommended)}

The Páramo de Ocetá, located near Monguí in Colombia, represents one of the country’s most remarkable high-mountain ecosystems. This unique landscape is characterized by verdant valleys, crystal-clear rivers and spectacular rock formations. Frailejones, the emblematic plants of the páramos, dominate the panorama, creating a mysterious and captivating atmosphere. This ecosystem is home to exceptional biodiversity, with flora and fauna adapted to the extreme conditions of high altitude. Hikers can explore picturesque trails leading to hidden lagoons such as Laguna Negra, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. The hike, which starts at around 7 a.m. and is highly recommended with a guide, takes place at an altitude of around 4,000 meters. It is demanding and the paths are often poorly marked, crossing land belonging to farmers and herders, which can occasionally lead to conflicts and access restrictions.

Alternative: Laguna de Tota for lesser difficulty.

Located in the heart of the vast Llanos plains, Yopal is a captivating gateway to a region of Colombia that is often overlooked, yet incredibly rich in biodiversity. The Llanos, these endless expanses of grassland and marshland, offer spectacular panoramas and are home to exceptional wildlife that will delight nature lovers and adventurers alike. Every corner of this region has its own natural wonders to discover.

As the capital of the department of Casanare, Yopal is the ideal starting point for exploring this wilderness. The Llanos are a haven for numerous animal species, from caimans and anacondas to colorful birds such as macaws and ibises, capybaras, the world’s largest rodents, and majestic jaguars. This region is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with an impressive diversity of birds.

In Yopal, you can immerse yourself in the wilderness by taking part in guided safaris, exploring meandering rivers or crossing the vast savannahs on horseback. Whether you’re an avid wildlife photographer or simply curious about nature, the Llanos promise an unforgettable experience.

Depending on your budget, several safari options are available, tailored to your preferences in terms of duration and intensity. Contact local agencies to arrange a safari that meets your expectations. Here are some recommended choices:

• Safari to the Altagracia reserve (the most expensive option), located in a very isolated but exceptional area.
• Safari to the Hato la Aurora nature reserve (more expensive), slightly less remote than Altagracia.
• Safaris to Hatos Mata de Palma, Altamira, Hato Montana (less expensive), about 2h30 drive from Yopal.

In our itinerary, we have selected the Altagracia reserve safari, but it is possible to substitute it with another safari without altering the rest of the program. Just be sure to coordinate flight schedules to ensure compatibility.

Day 9 / TRANSFER / Yopal

Get ready for a radical change of scenery! You’ll leave the majestic high plateaus of the Andes for the bewitching heat of the vast Colombian plains. Your final destination: Yopal, the capital of Casanare and the perfect starting point for exploring the Llanos on unforgettable safaris. Here’s how to do it in two easy steps: first, take a bus from the Monguí terminal to Sogamoso (about 45 minutes, with very frequent departures). Then, take a Flota Sugamuxi bus from the Sogamoso terminal to Yopal (departures every hour from 04:00 to 18:00, journey time 4-5 hours, fare 40,000 COP per person). On arrival in Yopal, it’s easy to find a cab to take you to your accommodation.

Day 10: Safari in Casanare (Llanos)

Departure from Yopal for the Altagracia reserve is usually scheduled for around 9am. A driver will pick you up in a pick-up truck and you’ll head east towards the Altagracia reserve, located far from the city. The drive takes around 7 hours, passing over tarmac roads, gravel tracks and dirt roads. Be prepared for a few bumps in the road; this excursion is much more than just a ride, but that’s the magic of the region! Along the way, you’ll cross Colombia’s vast, often little-known flat plains, where rice fields and cattle pastures are essential to the country’s food security. You’ll stop for lunch at a renowned local restaurant, where you can sample the delicious meats that are the mainstay of the local gastronomy.

Day 11: Safari in Casanare (Llanos)

The day begins with a hearty breakfast served at the Ecolodge, preparing visitors for a day of exciting adventures. After sampling local specialties, the hikes begin in the Buenaventura Nature Reserve, plunging participants into the heart of the region’s spectacular biodiversity. Trails wind through groves, home to howler monkeys. Around midday, an invigorating lunch is served, allowing everyone to regain their strength before continuing their exploration. The afternoon is devoted to a canoe trip, gliding peacefully over the calm waters of rivers and small lakes. This activity offers close-up observation of aquatic fauna and exotic birds. Conditions permitting, an enchanting sunset brings this aquatic experience to a close. Back at the Ecolodge by 4×4, a final opportunity is offered to admire the beauty of Buenaventura from a new angle. The day concludes with a delicious dinner followed by a well-deserved rest, while the memories of this memorable day linger deeply in the travellers’ minds.

Day 12: Safari in Casanare (Llanos)

On this last full day in Altagracia, the explorations continue with infectious enthusiasm, under the warm welcome of a charming local family. The day begins with a short hike around a lake and through a grove, delving deep into the local flora and offering fascinating sightings of insects such as Leafcutter Ants, known to grow mushrooms from the leaves they cut. Majestic birds such as the red ibis, herons and roseate spoonbills also enhance this exploration. Two giant otters emerge gracefully from the lake, while sunbathing caimans add to the picturesque ambience of the scene. After a delicious lunch of local fish, the afternoon continues with an hour-and-a-half-long canoe trip along a river, where you can observe stingrays, iguanas and a variety of birds. The guide, fishing piranhas for dinner, also shares fascinating information about the presence of electric eels in the area, adding a touch of excitement to the experience. For the second sunset of the day, a lakeside table with white wine and fruit creates a magical, romantic atmosphere. Back at the lodge, a pleasant surprise awaits visitors: a group of musicians and dancers introduces Joropo, the traditional dance of the Llanos, offering an enriching and festive conclusion to this last memorable night.

Day 13: Safari in Casanare (Llanos) & return to Yopal

The final day promises to be a busy one! It begins with a final stroll around the lodge, offering a last glimpse of the local wildlife, before setting off again for Yopal, a 6-7 hour journey. The emotional farewell with Victor and his family, hosts as welcoming as they are fascinating, marks the end of this unforgettable stay. The return to Yopal is punctuated by stops to observe and photograph capybaras and jabirus, the region’s largest birds. Arrival in Yopal is scheduled between 5 and 6 pm. But the day’s not over yet! Then you’ll have to head to the airport to catch a flight to Bogotá. Flights with Avianca, ClicAir or Latam are available between 7pm and 8:30pm. Don’t forget to let the travel agency organizing your safari know your flight time, so that they can plan your return to Yopal accordingly and make sure you arrive on time for your flight.

We’re back in Bogotá, our last stop in Colombia before leaving this magnificent country.

Day 14: Departure from Colombia

Well, your last day in Colombia has already come and gone! Now it’s time to head for El Dorado International Airport and say goodbye to this magnificent country. I hope you enjoyed your stay here as much as we did!

Budget (estimate)

2-week itinerary in Colombia: stay 1 of Ma Colombie

Here’s an estimate of the total cost per person on site (excluding airfares in and out of Colombia), expressed in Colombian pesos. Activity prices include guide fees and excursions mentioned in the itinerary.

Sharing a private room with two or more people can be more economical than booking a single room, often for a similar price. As each situation is unique, it may be necessary to adjust the budget by choosing simpler accommodations or less expensive meals, depending on preferences and budget constraints.