Discover a more refined side of Colombia on a private journey through the Eastern Andes, where cosmopolitan life, colonial heritage, craftsmanship, gastronomy and dramatic mountain landscapes come together.
Begin in Bogotá with the flavors and stories of Colombia’s capital, from the colorful stalls of Paloquemao Market and the treasures of the Gold Museum to an evening culinary experience in the sophisticated Zona T. Continue north through the Andes to Villa de Leyva, combining one of Colombia’s most beautiful colonial towns with local craftsmanship, wine and carefully selected countryside experiences.
The journey then ventures deeper into Santander, visiting the extraordinary natural landscapes of Guadalupe before reaching Barichara, a beautifully preserved town of stone streets, whitewashed façades and sweeping views over the surrounding mountains. Walking, photography, local artisans and a traditional tobacco estate provide an intimate perspective on the region before the journey ends beside the spectacular Chicamocha Canyon.
Designed for travelers who appreciate comfort without losing authenticity, this private journey combines characterful hotels, meaningful local encounters and the freedom to experience Colombia at an unhurried pace.
Eastern Andes in Style – Bogotá, Villa de Leyva & Barichara (7 Days)
- Stay in carefully selected upscale and characterful hotels in Bogotá, Villa de Leyva and Barichara.
- Discover Bogotá through its food, history and contemporary lifestyle, from Paloquemao Market to the Gold Museum and Zona T.
- Experience Bogotá after dark on a curated gastronomic tour featuring Colombian flavors and local culinary creativity.
- Visit the remarkable underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá on the journey toward Villa de Leyva.
- Discover traditional craftsmanship in Ráquira through an intimate basket-weaving experience with local artisans.
- Spend a relaxed afternoon among the vineyards of Villa de Leyva with a wine experience at Ain Karim Vineyard.
- Explore the striking natural pools and landscapes of Las Gachas de Guadalupe.
- Stay in Barichara, one of Colombia’s most atmospheric heritage towns.
- Walk the historic Camino Real between Barichara and Guane through the rural landscapes of Santander.
- Capture the architecture, light and atmosphere of Barichara with a professional photographer.
- Meet local craftspeople through optional workshops in traditional stone carving, ceramics and other regional crafts.
- Discover Santander’s tobacco tradition during a visit to a working tobacco estate.
- Admire the immense scale of the Chicamocha Canyon before continuing to Bucaramanga.
For this journey, we work with carefully selected hotels that combine comfort, character and a strong sense of place.
Bogotá – Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia
An elegant base in Bogotá’s Zona T, ideally located for enjoying the capital’s restaurants, cafés and contemporary city life.
Villa de Leyva – Hospedería Duruelo
A traditional and comfortable retreat overlooking Villa de Leyva, surrounded by gardens and the mountain landscapes of Boyacá.
Barichara – Hotel Terra Barichara
A peaceful boutique-style property surrounded by the dry tropical landscapes of Santander, offering an ideal setting to slow down after exploring the region.
Hotels are subject to availability. Equivalent accommodations of a similar standard may be offered when necessary.
7 Days / 6 Nights
2 nights Bogotá
2 nights Villa de Leyva
2 nights BaricharaDay 1: Arrival in Bogotá – Welcome to Colombia
Arrival at Bogotá International Airport, where your private driver will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel.
Check in at the Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Its location in Zona T makes it easy to settle into the city, enjoy its restaurants and cafés, or simply relax after the journey.
Overnight: Bogotá – Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia
Day 2: Bogotá – Markets, History & Contemporary Colombian Cuisine
Begin the day at Paloquemao Market, one of Bogotá’s most colorful and vibrant food markets. Walk among stalls filled with tropical fruits, flowers, herbs and ingredients from across Colombia while discovering the extraordinary diversity of the country through its food.
Continue to Bogotá’s historic center, La Candelaria, exploring its colonial streets, plazas and landmarks before visiting the celebrated Gold Museum, home to one of the world’s most remarkable collections of pre-Hispanic goldwork.
Return to your hotel for some time to relax.
In the evening, discover another side of the capital during a gastronomic experience in Zona T, exploring contemporary Colombian cuisine and the creativity of Bogotá’s culinary scene.
Overnight: Bogotá – Sofitel Bogotá Victoria Regia
Day 3: Bogotá – Zipaquirá – Villa de Leyva
Leave Bogotá and travel north through the highlands of the Eastern Andes.
Your first stop is Zipaquirá, where you will descend underground to discover its extraordinary Salt Cathedral, carved into the tunnels of a former salt mine.
Continue through the landscapes of Boyacá toward Villa de Leyva, one of Colombia’s most beautiful heritage towns. Cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, tiled roofs and the surrounding mountains create an atmosphere that seems almost suspended in time.
After checking in at Hospedería Duruelo, enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your own pace.
Overnight: Villa de Leyva – Hospedería Duruelo
Day 4: Ráquira Craftsmanship & Wines of Villa de Leyva
Today is dedicated to two very different expressions of Boyacá’s rural culture.
Travel first to Ráquira, a colorful town renowned for its long artisan tradition. Away from the usual souvenir shops, take part in an intimate basket-weaving experience with local craftspeople, learning about the materials, techniques and knowledge passed between generations.
Return to the surroundings of Villa de Leyva for a change of pace in the afternoon.
Visit Ain Karim Vineyard for a relaxed wine experience among the rolling landscapes of Boyacá. Discover the surprising story of wine production in the Colombian Andes while enjoying the vineyard and its wines.
Return to Villa de Leyva for the evening.
Overnight: Villa de Leyva – Hospedería Duruelo
Day 5: Villa de Leyva – Las Gachas de Guadalupe – Barichara
Today the journey continues deeper into Colombia’s Eastern Andes toward Santander.
Travel through rural mountain landscapes to Guadalupe, home to Las Gachas, an unusual natural formation where water flows through a succession of colorful rock pools. There will be time to explore the area and enjoy this distinctive landscape before continuing toward Barichara.
Arrive in the late afternoon at Hotel Terra Barichara, surrounded by the warm, dramatic landscapes of Santander.
The evening is free to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the hotel.
Overnight: Barichara – Hotel Terra Barichara
Day 6: Barichara & Guane – A Day at Your Own Pace
Discover Barichara at a deliberately slower rhythm.
In the morning, follow part of the historic Camino Real between Barichara and Guane, an old stone path crossing the rural landscapes of Santander and offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The remainder of the day leaves room for personal interests and spontaneity.
You may simply enjoy Barichara’s cafés, architecture and peaceful streets, or add an optional encounter with local artisans through workshops such as stone carving or ceramics.
For photography lovers, an optional—or, depending on how we package it, included—sunset photography walk with a professional photographer offers a particularly beautiful way to experience Barichara, working with its stone façades, shadows, colors and late-afternoon light.
Overnight: Barichara – Hotel Terra Barichara
Day 7: Tobacco Traditions – Chicamocha Canyon – Bucaramanga
After breakfast, leave Barichara and visit a traditional tobacco estate, discovering a crop deeply connected with the history and rural identity of Santander. Learn about its cultivation and processing while gaining an insight into an agricultural tradition that has shaped the region for generations.
Continue toward the dramatic Chicamocha Canyon, stopping at a panoramic viewpoint to take in one of the most impressive landscapes of the Colombian Andes.
The journey then continues to Bucaramanga Airport, where the tour comes to an end.
Individual extensions to other regions of Colombia can be arranged upon request.
- 6 nights in the mentioned hotels or similar accommodations.
- Daily breakfast.
- Private transportation throughout the journey in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
- Private airport transfers.
- English-speaking local guides during the scheduled guided activities.
- Bogotá market, historic center and Gold Museum experience.
- Evening gastronomic experience in Bogotá.
- Entrance to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá.
- Basket-weaving experience in Ráquira.
- Wine experience at Ain Karim Vineyard.
- Visit to Las Gachas de Guadalupe.
- Guided Camino Real walk between Barichara and Guane.
- Professional photography experience in Barichara [if included in final package].
- Tobacco estate experience in Santander.
- Entrance fees and activities specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Local taxes and tourism charges applicable to the included services.
- International and domestic flights.
- Meals not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages outside the included experiences.
- Optional artisan workshops in Barichara.
- Optional activities not specifically mentioned as included.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips and gratuities.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not specifically mentioned in the itinerary.
- This is a private journey and can be adapted according to travelers’ interests, travel dates and preferred pace.
- The itinerary and order of activities may be adjusted according to weather, local conditions, opening hours and operational requirements.
- Hotel confirmation is subject to availability. If one of the listed properties is unavailable, a carefully selected alternative of a similar standard will be offered.
- Las Gachas is a natural outdoor experience and conditions may vary depending on weather and water levels.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, particularly for Las Gachas and the Camino Real between Barichara and Guane.
- Optional artisan and photography experiences are subject to the availability of the participating local experts.
- Individual pre- and post-tour extensions can be arranged throughout Colombia.
- Final pricing depends on travel dates, hotel availability, room category and number of travelers.