Secret Colombia: In Search of the Lost City

On arrival at the airport, a private transfer with a local guide takes you to your hotel in the historic centre of Bogotá, Colombia's capital. A free end of day with our recommendations for making your first steps in Bogotá and experiencing the Colombian atmosphere.

Meet your local guide for a walking tour of Bogotá. On the programme: the Gold Museum with its impressive pre-Columbian collection, the Botero Museum, the bohemian neighbourhood of La Candelaria and, to finish, a cable-car ride up Monserrate Hill for an unrivalled panorama over the city.

Private transfer to Bogotá airport then a domestic flight to Pereira. Welcome to Colombia's coffee region with its fertile hillsides and plunging valleys dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera! Accommodation in a finca (or hacienda) for an authentic stay.

Set off to explore the hacienda's plantations and plunge into the world of coffee following every step of its transformation, from cherry picking through to tasting a freshly roasted cup.

Explore the coffee region with your local guide through the mountains. On the programme: the spectacular Cocora Valley with its giant wax palms, the colourful village of Filandia, then Salento, where you savour one of the region's finest coffees and take a latte-art initiation class.

Private vehicle transfer to Pereira airport. You leave the high mountains behind and fly to Santa Marta, on the shores of the Caribbean Sea. Santa Marta, one of the country's oldest cities, is the gateway to the Tayrona National Natural Park: Colombia's pride and joy.

A full day's excursion to the magnificent Tayrona Park, making your way along mountain roads before reaching the paradise beaches on foot or on horseback. Introduction to the culture of the Kogi Indians who live in the park, and an optional hike to the Pueblito archaeological site.

An early morning departure from Santa Marta by 4x4 to begin the trek to the Lost City. Hike from El Mamey through savanna and banana and coffee plantations to the Cabaña Adán campsite. With your guide, learn about the customs and culture of the Wiva people. Night in hammocks at the campsite.

An early rise for this second day of the Lost City trek with around 8 hours of walking to Cabaña Paraíso. Halfway, a stop in the community of Mutanzhi to learn more about the Tayrona peoples, and a refreshing dip in the Buritaca river. Night in hammocks.

An ascent of 1,200 steps before reaching the holy grail: the mythical Lost City! Deep in the jungle, take in the full scale of this millennia-old archaeological site, its terraces and ceremonial centres. After a few hours on site, head to the Mumake campsite for the night.

The final day of the Lost City trek from Casa Mumake with approximately 6 hours' walking. A refreshing stop beneath a waterfall before rejoining the community of El Mamey, where a 4x4 takes you directly back to your Santa Marta hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Minibus transfer from Santa Marta to the sublime Cartagena de Indias: the Pearl of the Caribbean! A free end of day with our recommendations for strolling through the cobbled alleyways of this colonial city. Optional: an authentic extension to Minca in the mountains above Santa Marta.

With your guide, discover the fascinating history of Cartagena: this pirate city with its flamboyant cultural mix was founded in 1533 by Spanish colonists. A walking tour of the historic centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its remarkably well-preserved and captivating architecture.

Morning: visit Castillo San Felipe, built by the first Spanish colonists, and the Convento de La Popa perched on the heights of the city. In the afternoon, your choice: an excursion to the Rosario Islands, a meeting with the fishermen of La Boquilla, or a visit to the Cartagena of Gabriel García Márquez.

Final moments in Cartagena depending on your flight time. Your driver takes you from the hotel to the airport for your international return flight back home. End of services.