Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BOGOTÁ

 

Your Colombian adventure starts today! A driver will await you upon arrival at the international airport of Bogotá. He will bring you to your charming hotel in the old center so you are near the touristic sites for the next day.

 

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Deco

Day 2 to 5: CERROS DE MAVECURE ADVENTURE

 

This all-in package of 4 days/3 nights offers you the best of the easternmost part of Colombia. Your trip will start with an early morning flight from Bogotá to Inírida where you will spend your first afternoon looking for the unique pink dolphins in a nearby lake.

 

Day two begins with a boat trip to a very important geographical spot in Colombia, La Estrella Fluvial del Sur. This is the place where three main rivers merge into one before continuing its way to nearby Venezuela. After taking a swim and spotting the occasional pink dolphin, you will set course to the main goal of this trip, Los Cerros de Mavecure.

 

Right after arriving you will climb the first hill, El Cerro Pajarito. A challenging but absolutely rewarding walk as the views are unbelievably beautiful. You will spend the night in the church of the indigenous village of El Venado, at the bottom of the hills.

 

The third day will start with a delicious and typical breakfast made by the locals. Then, you will cross the river to explore the other two hills of the Cerros de Mavecure. After a morning of climbing, walking, and taking pictures it will be time to relax and you will go by boat to a little beach to cool down and give your mildly challenged muscles a break.

 

The water of the river has a unique color that ranges from dark brown to reddish-orange and even bright yellow. After this worthwhile swim you will be given a final look at the Cerros de Mavecure before heading back to Inírida.

 

The last and fourth day has different activities in store for you. You will learn more about the local flower, la flor de Inírida, view special indigenous symbols drawn on rocks in a local village, and have your last swim in the reddish waters of the rivers. An afternoon flight will take you back to Bogotá.

 

Included in tour: 4 days/3 nights tour, 2 nights of accommodation in a basic hotel in Inírida, 1 night of accommodation in El Venado, 3 meals a day on the tour, drinkable water and snacks, professional Spanish-speaking guide, all activities, and entrance fees.

 

Accommodation when back in Bogotá – Hotel Casa Deco.

Two locals overlooking Cerros de Mavecure

Day 6 – 9: COLOMBIAN COWBOY ADVENTURES IN CASANARE

 

If you thought you couldn´t go more off the beaten track than Cerros de Mavecure, then think again! On this tour you will discover Casanare. This region in the east of Colombia is famous for its plains, abundant wildlife, amazing bird watching spots, and cowboy lifestyle of the people.

 

This is an all-in package of 4 days and 3 nights that offers the most interesting activities in order for you to discover the most unique and pristine flora and fauna. The below itinerary can still be adapted to your personal wishes but will give you an idea of what your trip could look like.

 

On the first day you will leave Bogotá early in the morning and fly to Yopal where you will have breakfast before heading into the plains. Depending on the weather conditions, it will take between 6 or 9 hours over a bumpy gravel-like road to get to IBA (Important Birding Area) Vereda Alto Gracia where you will spend two days.

 

On the way, you will have more than enough chances to spot amazing birds and other wildlife. Your basic but typical accommodation is located in the middle of nowhere so you will be spending two days in pure nature. Near to the hotel is a beautiful lake with typical endemic palm trees of the region where all the animals gather in the evening and from where you can shoot perfect sunset pictures. Besides the many birds you will also be able to spot deer, caymans, capybaras, wild pigs, water and land turtles, and if lucky, otters and anacondas.

 

The second day will be spend discovering the whole nearby area and its lake, forests, and plains. You will wake up early and go for a walk and canoe cruise in the hope of spotting lots of bird- and wildlife. In the afternoon there will be a jeep safari to go to more remote areas where more animals can be found. Unwind and reconnect with nature!

 

On the third day of your adventure you will have the chance to enjoy some early bird-watching before heading to another gorgeous place in Casanare. You will drive for around 7 hours to IBA Hato Matapalma.

 

Enjoy your time in the jeep to spot more animals and take in the beautiful views over the plains. You will sleep in a working ranch and be able to observe the typical cattle activities.

 

On your fourth day you will discover the beauty of the Hato Matapalme reserve. A guide will take you for a walk or, if wanted, on a horseback riding tour through the plains. Between May and October you can reach by horse a nesting area for thousands of herons and spoonbills. If you are lucky you might spot a puma or giant anteater on the way!

 

After lunch it will be time to set course to Yopal, a 3 hours drive, for you to take a flight back to Bogota in the early evening.

 

Included in tour:

  • Transport in 4 x 4 and an experienced driver, 2 nights of accommodation in Hotel Buenaventura in Vereda Alto Gracia, 1 night of accommodation in Hato Matepalma, all mentioned activities, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners, snacks and drinks, a local guide who knows the area very well, travel insurance.

 

Accommodation when back in Bogotá:  Hotel Casa Deco.

Animals in casanare crossing a pond

Day 10: FREE DAY IN BOGOTÁ

It will be good idea to take a little break from all the touring and spend day 10 in Bogotá itself.

 

Bogotá is a huge city with a rich history, so you definitely won´t get bored today. You can do many different activities going from just walking through the colonial center and immersing yourself in the busy atmosphere, to visiting the famous Botero and Gold Museum, and taking the Bogota bike tour.

 

You could also try to eat ajiaco today. This is Bogota´s signature dish and it consists of a greenish potato soup accompanied with rice, avocado, corn, capers, and sour cream. A real treat!

 

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Deco

Day 11-13: THE PINK MAGIC OF CAÑO CRISTALES

Caño Cristales is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular attractions Colombia has to offer. This river has the reputation of being one of the world’s most beautiful ones and we agree. You will be able to see an array of bewildering colors that come from a specific type of aquatic plants that bloom pink during the rainy season.

 

This Cano Cristales Tour offers a full 3 days and 2 night’s package to allow you to explore this hidden gem. You will stay 2 nights in a basic hotel in La Macarena from where you will have to take boat rides and make mildly challenging walks through spectacular landscapes in order to get you to the treasure of Caño Cristales.

 

On the first day you will fly to La Macarena early in the morning. La Macarena is the name of the little village closest to the Caño Cristales river. You will be welcomed by your guide and a refreshing drink. After lunch, you will discover the colorful and crystal clear waters of the Caño Cristales River. The hike bringing you there will be one via the Guayabero River.

 

This area is home to a variety of birds, reptiles and fish so keep your eyes open while on the canoe. After being dropped by the canoe at the starting point of the walk you will hike for 20-40 minutes before arriving to the Caño Cristales River. From there on you will follow the route next to the river so you will have lots of opportunities to take pictures from all kind of angles.

 

The second day will have more pink beauty in store for you because you are going to visit a part of the Caño Cristales River that is called Caño Cristales Verde. After breakfast you and your guide will go again by canoe to another starting point from where a new adventure starts.

 

After the canoe dropped you off you will have to take a 4×4 for about 20 minutes to the beginning of a path that will lead you through a small but exotic jungle to a beautiful part of Caño Cristales. In the evening you will enjoy a traditional event in which you will have the chance to experience local music, dances and food, as well as to witness a typical rodeo show.

 

The third and last day of this tour will take you in the morning to some more beautiful nature spots where you can learn a lot about the traditions and way of lives of the local people. After lunch it will be time to set course again to Bogotá.

 

  • Included in tour: Flight to and from La Macarena, 2 nights of accommodation, all mentioned activities, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners, snacks and drinks, a Spanish -speaking local guide.

 

Accommodation when back in Bogotá – Hotel Casa Deco.

Completely pink river of caño cristales

Day 14 – 19: JUNGLE ADVENTURES IN THE AMAZON REGION!

 

A trip to the Amazon jungle is an unforgettable experience. Discover plants, animals, traditions and people that are unique to this area.

 

On the first day, you will be picked up at your hotel to be brought to the airport for your flight to the absolute south of Colombia, Leticia!

 

You will spend 2 nights in a lodge on the Peruvian side of the Amazon River. Here you will make some walks through the jungle and a couple of river expeditions to discover the amazing flora and fauna of this area, including the unique pink dolphins, grey dolphins, piranhas, local caimans, a variety of monkeys and birds, and the famous Victoria Regia Lily which is the largest aquatic plant in the world.

 

You will not only walk during the daytime but also have a walk after the sun has set to be able to see different kind of nocturnal animals, like frogs, bats, tarantulas and, if you are lucky, the jaguar. One night you will go on a boat trip to look for caimans.

 

On the third day you are transported by boat to another area of the Amazon jungle to spend the other two nights. This time you will sleep in wooden bungalows in the middle of the higher jungle. Here you can notice a significant difference in vegetation and flora.

 

The bungalows are surrounded by colorful flowers, loads of birds and the pool next to them are home to caimans, big fish, and turtles. You will go on three jungle expeditions of which one after dark.

 

On the sixth day you will be brought back by boat to Leticia in order for you to take your flight to Medellin. A driver will await you in the airport and take you to your hotel.

 

  • Included in tour: 2 nights of accommodation in jungle huts next to the river and 2 nights in bungalows in the middle of the jungle, 1 night of accommodation in Leticia, 3 meals a day on the tour, indigenous Spanish-speaking guide, small group size, drink water, all activities.

 

Accommodation when in Medellin:  Hotel Sites.

Big victoria lily leaves on amazon river in amazon jungle

Day 20 – 23: WHALE ENCOUNTERS IN BAHIA SOLANO!

 

This all-in package of 4 days/3 nights allows you to enjoy the best of this extraordinary region. It is the perfect place to spot whales as every year hundreds of humpback whales make an 8000 kilometer journey from the Antarctic looking for the warm waters of the Colombian Pacific coast.

 

From June to early October, the waters around Bahia Solano become the spot where they give birth and teach their young to hunt, breath, and swim.

 

On your first day, a driver will pick you up in the morning to bring you to the airport of Medellin so you can take a flight to Bahia Solano. You will be picked up in Bahía Solano´s airport and transported to the town´s harbour, where you will be taken in a speed boat to the Hotel Playa del Oro Ecolodge (located in the Punta Huina Area).

 

After check-in, you will be given some explanations about the area and its conservation projects. Afterwards, you will have lunch in the hotel´s restaurant and have the rest of the day for you to relax at the beach and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

 

On your second day you will go on an amazing whale watching tour. The boat driver will manoeuvre the boat next to the shore looking for these giant creatures. With some luck, you could witness a mother teaching her baby whale how to jump and hit the water with its tail. An unforgettable experience!

 

After lunch, you will have the chance to discover the surrounding jungle. You will be guided on a fantastic walk through one of the most biodiverse places on earth. The walk finishes at one of the most beautiful beaches of the region: the Playa de los Deseos. Here you will have some time to relax before heading back to the hotel.

 

Because one time is just not enough, on the third day you will go whale watching again. Hopefully you get to see more whales.

 

As you have already discovered the ocean, the beach and the jungle, it´s now time to discover the river. After lunch, you will be guided on a great walk through the jungle until you arrive at the banks of the majestic Juná River and its abundant wildlife.

 

On the last day, after breakfast and your last moments at this gorgeous place, you will be taken by speedboat to the harbour of Bahía Solano. From here, you will be transported to the town´s airport to take your flight back to Bogotá.

 

  • Included in tour: Transport to and from the airport in Bahia Solano, accommodation in a standard single room (with fan -no air conditioning) for three nights at Playa del Oro Ecolodge, all meals (starting with lunch on first day and finishing with breakfast on last day), 2 whale-watching tours, 2 guided jungle walks: 1 to an idyllic beach and 1 to the river, travel insurance.

 

Accommodation when back in Bogotá – Hotel Casa Deco.

Humpack whale while whale-watching in Bahia Solano

Day 24: BOGOTÁ

 

Day 24 will serve as some kind of a buffer day to make sure you make it on time to Bogotá for your flight the next day. In case something goes wrong you will have this day to still get to Bogotá.

 

If everything went fine, what should be the case, you will have the last day to relax in Bogotá. Maybe you can pay a visit to the famous Gold Museum or Botero Museum. Or, you can stroll around the city or choose to organize your luggage and get mentally prepared for your trip back home!

 

Accommodation: Hotel Casa Deco

Day 25: END OF TRIP

 

Depending on when you have your international flight back to your home country you will still have some time in the morning to enjoy some time in Bogotá.

 

At the appropriate time we will organize a pick- up to bring you to the airport. This means that the end of your trip has come. We are sure you are going to fly home with good memories of this magical country with its impressive lush nature, kind people, and beautiful beaches and mountains!

TRAVELLING WITH LULO

ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

What is Included:

 

All local flights.

Land transport, tours, and accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.

Breakfast in each hotel.

Premium Travel Insurance (Click here to see what is included)

24/7 support from the Lulo Colombia staff.

The use of one of Lulo’s mobile phones on your trip.

A local SIM card with emergency credit.

A travel application with access to all details of your trip.

What is Not Included:

 

International flight.

Not mentioned services and meals.

Trip Information

 

Price based on group of 2.

Price is subject to change, depending on availability of hotels and flights.

Click here to read about our Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies.

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