Discover our Hidden Paradise

Colombia has been recognized as one of the seventeen megadiverse countries in the world; in fact, its fauna, flora, culture, customs and climate vary greatly from region to region. This is a stunning land, where you can find everything in just a one hour flight distance. From the crystal waters of the Caribbean to the exotic Amazon jungle, or maybe you rather enjoy the cold Andean highlands weather or the lush Pacific tropical forest. In Colombia magic meets reality in each of its corners. It’s a place where adventures, beautiful places and the most welcoming people await those eager to explore. Are you ready to submerge yourself completely in this  paradise? 

Colombia is divided into 5 natural regions, each with its own natural, cultural and geographical characteristics: the Andean, Caribbean, Pacific, Orinoco and Amazon are the names given to each region. This immense diversity offers a wide range of options to explore and sometimes it may be a bit overwhelming. Lucky for you, we have created a complete guide to visit Colombia and not miss a beat; our itinerary explores some of the best destinations in the country and offers the creation of personalized experience, allowing you to discover Colombia in the most authentic and fulfilling way as possible. 

From the Amazon jungle to the stunning desert of La Guajira and the plains of the Orinoco, variety is what you’ll find in this unique land. Colombia is a wonderful country, Borondo will be your best host in this adventure, come with us and experience diversity.

3 days in Bogotá – The Andean Region

Welcome to our first destination, the Andean region, here you’ll find cities such as Bogotá, Medellín and Ibague, where each has a different weather and cultural identity. We’ll begin in Bogotá! The capital city of Colombia; where you’ll experience a bit of every corner of the country by strolling through the streets of Bogota as different cultures and traditions of Colombia collide. 

Day 1:

Take time to explore areas of the city commonly visited by locals, such as “Zona T and Zona G” (the Gourmet zone), where you’ll see the streets filled with local brands, lots of fashion and great food. In this area of the city you will experience a cosmopolitan city that has received great influences from international trends. 

Day 2:

Walk through the historic neighbour  of “La Candelaria”, appreciate the charming and colorful houses of this quarter filled with stories. Keep on walking to the southwest until you reach the renowned “Plaza Bolívar”, the main plaza of the city is surrounded by the Palace of Justice, the Congress, Mayor’s Office and the “Catedral Primada”, this is part of the historic area, around these streets almost 400 years ago, Bogotá was born. Take your time and learn everything about our pre-colonial indigenous culture in the Gold Museum. 

Make sure to visit the “Monserrate” chapel, located above Bogotá, embedded in the mountains surrounding the eastern side of the city (Pro Tip: is better to visit Monserrate in the morning and then, keep walking to the other touristic sites of the historic district). After descending from Monserrate, a couple of blocks away is “La Macarena” a very traditional quarter with colorful streets and. 

Day 3:

Put on your hiking boots and get ready! In the outskirts of Bogotá, you’ll find the “Chingaza National Park”, where you’ll have different trails you can visit and enjoy the wonderful and magical nature of the high Andean region (Pro tip: take into account you’ll be  hiking at a high altitude, above 3000 meters, this can affect people if they don’t take time to acclimate). Make sure to call the national park service in advance and book a guide, or travel with Borondo and hike worry-free with your Experience Manager through this gorgeous scenery.  “Chingaza” has a series of hidden lagoons, we’ll choose a route according to your physical level, so you can enjoy an entire day connected with nature.

Photo credits: Gustavo A

3 Days In The Plains of Meta – The Orinoco Region

Leave the cosmopolitan life at the city and submerge yourself in the daily life of the countryside. With just a 3 hour ride from Bogotá, you’ll find Villavicencio, the main city of “El Meta”. The department of “El Meta”, located in the great plains of the colombian east side, is a region closely related to cowboys. Locally  known as “Los Llanos Orientales” (The Eastern Plains), is a place with magnificent flora and fauna, huge rivers in the middle of the jungle and a semi-arid climate, which is dry and windy throughout the whole year, with great temperature variations during the day. 

Day 1:

Drive from Bogota to Villavicencio, traveling all the way through the eastern mountain range. Arrive to a local ranch, “Hacienda” and take a rest, enjoy the pool, the sun, tropical fruits and the weather. Get a good night sleep and prepare for our adventurous second day.  

Day 2:

Try a traditional breakfast and put on your leather boots, to go horseback riding through the endless plains. Share with local cowboys and learn everything about their daily shores and their culture. After experiencing the real life of “Llaneros” (people from the eastern plains), discover the true essence of the plains while visiting a “Morichal”, a place where subterranean waters emerge to create a true oasis surrounded by palm trees and wild vegetation. Afterwards, visit the Guejar canyon, a perfect place for rafting and canyoning.

3 Days in the Colombian Coffee Axis and Salento – The Andean Region

Also located in the Andean Region, in the middle of  the mountain range, lies the Coffee Axis. Made up by the departments of Quindio, Risaralda and Caldas, the name given to this area is due to the fact that most of the coffee in Colombia is produced here; they hold all of the secrets and magic behind the smoothest coffee in the world. 

Day 1:

Visit the charming town of Salento, located up in the “cordillera” this traditional coffee farmer’s village, is famous for its colorful and artsy houses. Afterwards, immerse yourself completely in nature by lodging in the awesome glamping. With all the comfort of a regular hotel room but, completely in touch with the nature of the Colombian mountains. This place is perfect for a wood fire with family and friends, under a sky full of sparkling stars at night.

Day 2:

Hike through the Coffee Axis’ green lush forests, get to know our national tree – the wax palm- and if you are lucky you’ll be able to watch the magnificent Condor (pro tip: this bird is the biggest flying bird on the planet and is our national bird. Sunny but windy days are the perfect conditions for spotting one of these creatures) flying over your head. Later that day, go horseback riding through “Valle del Cocora”, and experience this magical valley full of life. At night, try a delicious hot “agua de panela” (traditional beverage made with sugar cane) with cheese.

Day 3:

Visit a gourmet coffee plantation to learn everything about the whole production process of high quality coffee beans, get your taste buds ready! There is plenty to learn on how the smoothest coffee in the world is made, walk through the plantations, with local growers who will teach you all about this laborious work.

3 days in the Pacific Coast of Colombia

The Colombian west coastline is a magical place where the lush tropical jungles meet the largest ocean on earth, the immense Pacific. Here you’ll find yourself in one of the wettest places on earth, with more than 7,000mm of annual rainfall, probably this abundance of water, is the reason why this region is one of the most bio diverse areas in the entire world. 

Day 1:

Venture and discover this exotic destination. Fly to one of the biggest towns in the region, Bahia Solano, the gateway for adventure. Grab a boat and enjoy hotels located between the jungle and in front of the waters of the pacific. 

Day 2:

Put on your hiking boots and explore the unique National Park of Utria. This is the biggest mangrove in America and where you’ll walk through the tropical jungle, and get to know the flora and fauna in this area such as sea tortoises, birds, and Humpback whales. 

Day 3:

Visit some of the best diving spots in the area along with expert instructor divers and delight yourself with the exotic submarine world.

2 days in Medellin – The Andean Region

Going back to the Andean region, visit one of the most popular destinations in Colombia, Medellin. This modern metropolis, is a world example for transformation; from a turbulent past, Medellin has thrived and become a beautiful city. 

Day 1:

Tour around downtown of the city, learning everything about its history and culture. After a long day walking, chill and enjoy with locals at a “fonda” a traditional type of restaurant, where you can eat and drink local food like “bandeja paisa” and enjoy some “aguardiente”. 

Day 2:

Learn how people from Medellin, have managed to fight against adversity and reinvent themselves. Walk through the streets of Barrio Moravia (a working class neighborhood), talk with locals and experience how forgiveness and love have changed the life of hundreds in Medellin. Later that day, take time to visit one of the many cultural and artistics centers of the city, Plaza Botero.   

3 days in Cali Valle del Cauca – The Andean Region

With a short flight from Medellin, you’ll find yourself in Cali; the epicenter of the Pacific culture, where lots of customs from the center of the country meets with the vibrant and colorful traditions of the Afro communities. 

Day 1:

Take time to learn all about this city, that is one of the 30 most antiques inhabited cities of America. Pass through the marvelous Ermita Church with its gothic style and then get into the commercial downtown, filled with local flavor and people barging in the streets for the best deals. 

Day 2:

Visit the city’s most emblematic sites such as San Antonio neighborhood, full of picturesque houses full of life, Tejada’s cat in the riverside and then try some of the local gastronomy – cholado, chontaduro, mango biche and much more while you wander through the streets. Cali is internationally known as the world’s capital of Salsa, so your trip here would never be complete without experiencing the powerful energy of this dance. Book a lesson to finish the day! 

Day 3:

Hop on a horse and ride though a traditional sugar cane “Hacienda” (a ranch with sugar cane crops), learn all about this crop and the way it has shaped the history of the region. 

4 days in Tayrona – The Caribbean Region

In the Caribbean region, you’ll find the well-known National Park of Tayrona, the historical city of Cartagena, Santa Marta and the desert of La Guajira. All of these places have a tropical and humid weather all year round, except for the desertic region in the north of Colombia. After a flight from Cali to Santa Marta, one of the most antique cities of Latin America, you’ll be ready to submerge yourself in the Caribbean. 

Day 1:

Spend the first afternoon walking through its historic center and feeling the fresh ocean breeze. 

Day 2:

Visit one of Colombia’s most well-known places: the Natural National Park of Tayrona. Its aquamarine waters are filled with a wonderful and diverse ecosystem for those eager to explore the great coral reefs and species that lie underneath. Take a private boat and visit the most astonishing beaches inside the park. 

Day 3:

Visit Guachaca, a small town located in the shores of the Caribbean. From there, you’ll be able to walk to a crystalline river and flow with its currents on a floatable until you reach the sea. 

Day 4:

The best way to enjoy your last day by resting on the beach and enjoying some of the best water activities such as snorkeling, surfing and more. Take a breath and disconnect from everything else.

Photo credits: Universidad Tecnológica de Bolivar

4 days in Cartagena and Islas del Rosario – The Caribbean Region

Cartagena is a historically significant city: its streets have been walked by members of the Spanish crown, soldiers, slaves, musicians, writers and poets. The stone walls that surround the Old Town have protected the city for centuries, and enclose its rich history which is ripe for discovery. 

Day 1:

Enjoy the old city center, its history, restaurants and ride in horse carriages through the magical streets.

Day 2:

Head to the Rosario Islands, a paradise located in the middle of the Caribbean sea and spend the night there. If you’re into diving, head out into the crystal clear waters to explore the colourful coral reefs and get to know the tropical aquatic animals that call this part of the world home. Those who prefer to stay closer to the surface can snorkel, whilst aficionados can even do free diving into the depths of the sea. For those seeking something a little more thrill-seeking, Borondo can help you to defy gravity with expert-led parachute jumps that offer an unparalleled, birds eye view of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline.

Day 3:

There is a wealth of water sports to enjoy: from kayaking around the hotel to water skiing. Everything can be adapted to different skill levels and individual interests – at Borondo Travel, our focus is very much on tailored travel and with us, anything is possible. In the afternoon, we get the heart pumping with a game of beach volleyball. 

Day 4:

Start by enjoying the beach and some R&R in the sea during the morning – maybe some more snorkeling around the reefs or a final dive to see these natural wonders. Head back to the city and get ready for your flight back home!