Jewels of Colombia and Panama

Upon arrival at El Dorado Airport, transfer to the hotel. 

After breakfast, enjoy a half-day visit to the historic center of Bogotá known as La Candelaria. An excellent example of colonial Spanish architecture, this archaic suburb’s cultural heritage plays a significant role in Colombian history. You will visit the main square Plaza de Bolivar, the cathedral & Capilla del Sagrario, and the Capitol, as well as the nearby Palacio de Justicia, the Mayor of Bogotá’s offices, the oldest school in the county, and the Casa de Los Comuneros. These sites boast superb architecture influenced by the Renaissance and Neoclassicism and house valuable artifacts and artwork. The tour continues with the Botero Museum, a colonial house exhibiting some of Fernando Botero's works of art and pieces from his personal collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dalí, Matisse, Monet, and Giacometti. Next is the Gold Museum, which has a permanent exhibition of some 32,000 pieces of gold, 20,000 stones, and ceramics and textiles precious to the Quimbaya, Calima, Tayrona, Sinu, Muisca, Tolima, Tumaco, and Magdalena cultures. End your tour in the Santuario de Monserrate, a symbol of Bogotá. Ride the cable car or funicular up the mountain for an incredible panorama of the city on one side and the Andes on the other. Return to the hotel and overnight in Bogotá. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Cartagena. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. (B) 

Start with a panoramic view of the city from the Monasterio and Iglesia de La Popa, formerly known as the “Popa del Galeon” and famous for resembling a galleon’s stern. Constructed in 1606, this church and monastery boast incredible views of the city, sea, and port zone, which is one of the most important in the Caribbean. Continue to the San Felipe Fortress, built to defend the city from pirate attacks and erected in honor of the Cartagenian poet Don Luis Carlos López, known for his sonnet “A mi ciudad nativa” (“To My Native City”). Stroll through the fortress and learn about the engineering feats, tunnels, underground galleries, and passageways used to construct the castle. Then continue on to the Ciudad Vieja (old city) to visit the Convent and Church of San Pedro Claver, which was built in the mid-17th century and owes its name to the “apóstol de los esclavos” (slave apostle). Lastly, visit the handicrafts zone of the Bovedas, a collection of archways built into the city wall of Cartagena that were used to house armaments in the 16th century and as a prison in the 19th century. Today, it’s an artisan center where one can appreciate local handcraft. Afternoon at leisure and overnight stay. (B) 

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Panamá City. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. You may want to consider an optional guided city tour to experience Cartagena’s laid-back, Caribbean atmosphere and colonial architecture. (B) 

After breakfast, embark on a tour of the city, starting with the Panama Canal. A magnificent work of engineering, it was the largest and most expensive human achievement of its time. After about 30-40 minutes, you will reach the Visitor Center of Miraflores Locks, from which you will be able to see the ships moving along the canal and the way it operates. You will then visit the Amador Causeway, which offers one of the city’s most spectacular panoramic views. Lunch will be served in a restaurant in the traditional Seafood Market of the city (only fish dishes are offered). The tour ends in the Old Quarter of Panamá City, the historic center of San Felipe declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 thanks to its eclectic fusion of colonial, neoclassical, and French architecture. This stop includes a walk through the streets, squares, and gravel roads and a visit to emblematic colonial buildings, churches, and palaces. Overnight stay. (B,L) 

After breakfast, continue your sightseeing with the transfer to the little pier of Gatún River, where you will board a pirogue (motor canoe) to the community of Emberá Quera, located at the mouth of the Gatún River. During the journey, you will be able to see the splendid jungle up close. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to spot monkeys, butterflies, herons, and turtles! You will be received by the Indian Chief of the community, who will tell you about the history of the tribe, its cultural wealth, and its traditions. The Emberá live at the river’s edge in little communities of thatch-roofed palafittes named tambos, for counteracting humidity and avoiding floods. After your visit to the community, you will cross through a small monkey-inhabited island before enjoying a traditional lunch and folkloric music and dance show. Overnight stay. (B,L) 

After breakfast, transfer to Tocumen Airport for departure. (B)