After breakfast this morning, drive from Bogota to Zipaquira to visit the famous underground salt cathedral, where a church is carved from salt inside of a cave. Some of you will experience a deeply spiritual, religious moment, while others will celebrate this artistic and engineering masterpiece. Here, you’ll find monumental crosses, angels, and the Madonna statue, and in addition to the main cathedral, there are several small chapels and 14 Stations of the Cross interconnected through labyrinthine tunnels. Drive back to Bogota and visit the famous Gold Museum, which displays the world’s largest selection of pre-Hispanic gold work. Tonight enjoy your welcome dinner at your hotel. (B,D)

After a sumptuous breakfast, venture to the local market of Paloquemao. Next, drive to the mountain top of Guadalupe, adjacent to Monserrate, where you’ll enjoy a marvelous view of the city. Followed by a visit to the colonial part of the city, La Candelaria, Bogota’s heart and soul, known for its Spanish and Baroque-style architecture. See the Fernando Botero Museum, created in 2000 after a generous donation by the world famous artist himself of 123 pieces of his own art. Botero’s art should be instantly recognizable with its oversized, larger-than-life style. The museum also features works of art by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, Chagall and many others. Later, transfer to the airport and fly to the magical Coffee Triangle. Hotel Allure Cafe Mocawa Resort (B,D)

As its name suggests, the Coffee Triangle is covered with coffee plantations due to its nutrient-rich volcanic soil in the hilly terrain. Not only does the land produce some of the world’s finest coffee, but it also produces breathtaking landscapes throughout the region. For many people, the Coffee Triangle is the heart and soul of Colombia, where Campesino (or rural life) has remained largely intact over the centuries. In the morning, visit first the coffee Hacienda Morelia and immerse yourself in the world of coffee. A coffee specialist will teach you the ins and outs of coffee production — from drying to roasting and everything in between. After learning the tricks of the trade, make your way to Hacienda San Alberto, the most awarded coffee producer in Colombia, where a master of coffee will lead you to taste and identify the different flavors in a top quality, freshly brewed cup of coffee. After returning to your hotel, the afternoon is at leisure before enjoying a delicious dinner this evening. (B,D)

After breakfast, enjoy a spectacular drive to Cocora Valley through the region of Quindio and make sure you have your cameras ready to capture the magnificent landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a special welcome cocktail. Here, you’ll find the highest palm tree in the world, the Palma de Cera, and a brief Colombian ritual will help you understand the history of these unique palm trees. Then, after leaving the valley, you’ll reach the quaint village of Salento, where you’ll have time to walk through the narrow streets and appreciate the Baroque and Spanish-inspired buildings with colorful balconies. Later, visit the village of Filandia, where you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Cordilleras of the Colombian Andes and gain an appreciation for how small pueblos (or villages) are the foundation of rural life in Colombia. (B,L)

Founded in the early 16th century by Spaniard Pedro de Heredia, Cartagena has it all. It is a historical gem, a symbol of modern Colombia, and a spectacular beach destination. Cartagena’s charming old town is surrounded by thick walls, which were originally intended to fortify the city and took an astonishing to 200 years to build and complete. Visit the fortress of San Felipe, built by the Spanish during the colonial era and located on the Hill of San Lazaro. Later, walk along the the colorful streets and winding alleyways of Cartagena’s walled old town before visiting the Convent of San Pedro. End your guided tour with a trip to the fascinating Emerald Museum. The afternoon is at leisure. (B)