Off The Beaten Track Colombia: Colonial towns to the Llanos
13 days from £5,350
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
You’ll be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel in Bogotá.
Founded in 1598, the effervescent capital sits on an upland Andean plateau. It’s a city of striking contrasts; skyscrapers and colonial single-storey houses, fast highways and cobbled lanes with chaotic traffic and the occasional mule cart. There are humble homes clinging to the mountainside and affluent tree-lined residential boulevards; crowded alleys and large parks; and a cultured middle class jostling with workers and their families from all over Colombia.
If you’re keen to stay in La Candelaria, the atmospheric and vibrant colonial heart of Bogotá, then Hotel de la Opera is your best option. Set on a pedestrianised street next to the Teatro Colón and just one block from the Plaza Bolívar, its location is unrivalled. Several museums sit right on your doorstep, and the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is only a 15‑minute walk away.
The hotel’s 42 guestrooms are divided between two buildings – one dating back to colonial times and the other from the Republican era – and connected by an internal staircase. The high‑ceilinged rooms are spacious, decorated in warm yellow tones, and furnished with elegant Italian pieces, including large wooden armoires. The hotel prides itself on its wellness offering, featuring a spa with sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool (closed on Mondays), and a small gym.
Dining options include La Scala, located on the ground floor where breakfast is served, and El Mirador (open Friday to Sunday), which occupies a privileged rooftop spot with wonderful views over the domes of nearby cathedrals and churches. La Candelaria itself has a good selection of restaurants, but after 7pm the neighbourhood can feel quite quiet, especially on weekdays, so we always recommend taking a taxi.
Explore ‘La Candelaria’ on foot, Bogotá’s atmospheric colonial district, and the setting for many defining moments in Colombia’s turbulent and painful history. This is a special opportunity to learn about the country’s Peace Agreement in 2016 and sample products from a new breed of ‘Peace Weavers’, who are using their entrepreneurial spirit and creative flair to help post conflict zones move forward.
If you’re keen to stay in La Candelaria, the atmospheric and vibrant colonial heart of Bogotá, then Hotel de la Opera is your best option. Set on a pedestrianised street next to the Teatro Colón and just one block from the Plaza Bolívar, its location is unrivalled. Several museums sit right on your doorstep, and the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is only a 15‑minute walk away.
The hotel’s 42 guestrooms are divided between two buildings – one dating back to colonial times and the other from the Republican era – and connected by an internal staircase. The high‑ceilinged rooms are spacious, decorated in warm yellow tones, and furnished with elegant Italian pieces, including large wooden armoires. The hotel prides itself on its wellness offering, featuring a spa with sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool (closed on Mondays), and a small gym.
Dining options include La Scala, located on the ground floor where breakfast is served, and El Mirador (open Friday to Sunday), which occupies a privileged rooftop spot with wonderful views over the domes of nearby cathedrals and churches. La Candelaria itself has a good selection of restaurants, but after 7pm the neighbourhood can feel quite quiet, especially on weekdays, so we always recommend taking a taxi.
Fly to Bucaramanga (1 hour), a major city in the east of Colombia and continue by road to Barichara.
Founded in 1705 in an area once inhabited by Guane Indians, Barichara is an enchanting town with whitewashed colonial houses lining picturesque cobblestone streets, and the lush green Suarez River canyon as a backdrop.
En route, you can stop at the Chicamocha National Park and take a cable car ride across the canyon for dramatic views.
A small hotel in the heart of colonial Barichara.
La Nube Posada is a restored colonial home with a handful of rooms centred around a large sun-filled courtyard. Rooms have a minimalist décor and feature terracotta stone floors, exposed beams, and cathedral ceilings. The small garden and shady seating areas are particularly inviting after a day exploring Barichara.
A relatively easy two-hour downhill hike (6km) on an ancient path (“Camino Real”) leads you from Barichara to the sleepy village of Guane. Not a lot happens in Guane but that is part of its charm. There’s a small Archaeology Museum housing interesting artifacts from the Guane culture which you can visit before returning to Barichara by vehicle.
A small hotel in the heart of colonial Barichara.
La Nube Posada is a restored colonial home with a handful of rooms centred around a large sun-filled courtyard. Rooms have a minimalist décor and feature terracotta stone floors, exposed beams, and cathedral ceilings. The small garden and shady seating areas are particularly inviting after a day exploring Barichara.
Translating as ‘a place for rest’ in the indigenous Guane dialect, you can spend time relaxing at your hotel or wandering around town at a leisurely pace, taking in the pretty churches, tiny squares, restaurants, cafes, art galleries and ceramic and paper workshops.
A small hotel in the heart of colonial Barichara.
La Nube Posada is a restored colonial home with a handful of rooms centred around a large sun-filled courtyard. Rooms have a minimalist décor and feature terracotta stone floors, exposed beams, and cathedral ceilings. The small garden and shady seating areas are particularly inviting after a day exploring Barichara.
It’s a scenic four-hour drive from Barichara to Villa de Leyva, the road gradually climbing into the highlands of the Boyacá department.
Villa de Leyva is another beautiful colonial town in Colombia that was declared a national monument in 1954 to preserve its architecture. The town’s focal point is the massive, yet understated, cobbled Plaza Mayor and the striking Iguaque mountains that rise behind.
A charming and tranquil boutique hotel several blocks from Villa de Leyva’s main square.
Casa Terra is a restored family home built in typical Spanish colonial style with whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, and wooden balconies. Rooms are spacious, filled with light and decorated individually with rural Colombian motifs.
An excellent breakfast is served al fresco and although there isn’t a restaurant, you’re only a short walk away from plenty of options in town. Loungers and seating can be found dotted around the pretty gardens, and a cosy sitting room with a fireplace is the perfect antidote for those chilly altitude evenings.
Take a walking tour of Villa de Leyva, visiting its most significant churches and colonial houses, as well as the Luis Alberto Acuña Museum which features works by one of Colombia’s most influential painters, sculptors, writers, and historians.
The area around Villa de Leyva has a rich palaeontological heritage with fossils found in such abundance that they decorate many town buildings and pavements. A short drive away is El Fosil, a 7m petrified skeleton of a large marine reptile that inhabited the region approximately 110 million years ago, as well as the archaeological site of El Infiernito.
A charming and tranquil boutique hotel several blocks from Villa de Leyva’s main square.
Casa Terra is a restored family home built in typical Spanish colonial style with whitewashed walls, terracotta roofs, and wooden balconies. Rooms are spacious, filled with light and decorated individually with rural Colombian motifs.
An excellent breakfast is served al fresco and although there isn’t a restaurant, you’re only a short walk away from plenty of options in town. Loungers and seating can be found dotted around the pretty gardens, and a cosy sitting room with a fireplace is the perfect antidote for those chilly altitude evenings.
There are many spectacular and diverse overland journeys in Colombia and today’s drive is no exception: leaving Villa de Leyva behind you’ll climb even higher into the cold and rugged highlands of Boyacá (3,000m), before descending into Los Llanos, the hot and humid eastern plains.
Yopal is the regional capital and the gateway to Los Llanos. You’ll spend one night on the outskirts of the city in a friendly family-run guesthouse set within extensive grounds.
Los Llanos is a yawning, flat plain of seasonally flooded grasslands, almost twice the size of the UK. Jesuit missionaries colonised the region from the sixteenth century onwards, creating hatos, large cattle farms which ever since have been tightly linked to the region’s cowboy lifestyle and traditions.
The region seethes with a breath-taking profusion of wildlife: clouds of scarlet ibis return to their roosting trees at sunset, monkeys squabble in the canopy, caiman sprawl on the watery beaches, anacondas lurk in lagoons, and giant capybara and anteaters roam cross the pasture. All the while co-existing happily alongside humpy zebu cattle which graze on the farmsteads composing the hatos.
El Encanto de Guanapalo is a 9,000-hectare private reserve two hours from Yopal, and owned and run as working farms by the grandchildren of Gerardo Zambrano, the founder of the reserve over a hundred years ago.
Hato Mata de Palma offers traditional ranch-style accommodation on the nature reserve of El Encanto de Guanapalo, an area rich in wildlife, including over 210 bird species, capybaras and a family of pumas.
About two hours’ drive from the airport at Yopal, the main town in Colombia’s prairie/wetlands Los Llanos, this very friendly property has enthusiastic proprietors who speak good English. The characterful guest accommodation is housed in a single storey building with open plan kitchen and dining area with traditional aga-style cooker, overlooking a lake. The terracotta-tiled veranda has cosy seating and hammocks to relax and watch wildlife including abundant capybaras.
There are just two ensuite guest rooms with large windows, traditional antique furnishings, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and newly tiled bathrooms with shower. Home-cooked meals are very tasty, a good thing as because it’s so remote, you won’t be heading off elsewhere to eat. The ranch offers guided activities, including safari-style tractor rides, bird-watching tours, walks and horse-riding.
Whether you embark on a 4WD safari, take a canoe trip on one of the lagoons, or head out on horseback and herd cattle with the llaneros (cowboys) you’re bound to observe a real abundance of birds, mammals, and reptiles.
Explorations generally take place early in the morning and late in the afternoon when it’s cooler and wildlife is more active. You’ll return to your hato for lunch and a well-earned siesta before going back out in the late afternoon, returning to your hato as an incendiary sun begins to set.
Hato Mata de Palma offers traditional ranch-style accommodation on the nature reserve of El Encanto de Guanapalo, an area rich in wildlife, including over 210 bird species, capybaras and a family of pumas.
About two hours’ drive from the airport at Yopal, the main town in Colombia’s prairie/wetlands Los Llanos, this very friendly property has enthusiastic proprietors who speak good English. The characterful guest accommodation is housed in a single storey building with open plan kitchen and dining area with traditional aga-style cooker, overlooking a lake. The terracotta-tiled veranda has cosy seating and hammocks to relax and watch wildlife including abundant capybaras.
There are just two ensuite guest rooms with large windows, traditional antique furnishings, ceiling fan, mosquito netting and newly tiled bathrooms with shower. Home-cooked meals are very tasty, a good thing as because it’s so remote, you won’t be heading off elsewhere to eat. The ranch offers guided activities, including safari-style tractor rides, bird-watching tours, walks and horse-riding.
Return to Yopal (2 hours) and fly to Bogotá (1 hour) for your final night in Colombia.
If you have time, we recommend visiting Bogotá’s Museo del Oro (gold museum), recognised as being one of the best in Latin America. The collection is staggering in its opulence, there are more than 35,000 well displayed exhibits all fashioned with immense skill by pre-Columbian craftsmen.
If you’re keen to stay in La Candelaria, the atmospheric and vibrant colonial heart of Bogotá, then Hotel de la Opera is your best option. Set on a pedestrianised street next to the Teatro Colón and just one block from the Plaza Bolívar, its location is unrivalled. Several museums sit right on your doorstep, and the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is only a 15‑minute walk away.
The hotel’s 42 guestrooms are divided between two buildings – one dating back to colonial times and the other from the Republican era – and connected by an internal staircase. The high‑ceilinged rooms are spacious, decorated in warm yellow tones, and furnished with elegant Italian pieces, including large wooden armoires. The hotel prides itself on its wellness offering, featuring a spa with sauna, Jacuzzi, swimming pool (closed on Mondays), and a small gym.
Dining options include La Scala, located on the ground floor where breakfast is served, and El Mirador (open Friday to Sunday), which occupies a privileged rooftop spot with wonderful views over the domes of nearby cathedrals and churches. La Candelaria itself has a good selection of restaurants, but after 7pm the neighbourhood can feel quite quiet, especially on weekdays, so we always recommend taking a taxi.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Colombia - Bogota
Colonial history, world-class museums and modern urban energy combine beneath the dramatic peaks of the Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, the country’s vibrant capital. Sitting at over 2,600m above sea level, Bogotá blends cobbled colonial streets with sophisticated cultural institutions, lively cafés and some of the country’s best nightlife.
Colombia - Villa de Leyva & Barichara
Discover colonial Popayán, a historic university town filled with music and character, and nearby Silvia, known for its Guambiano community. Continue to Cali, a vibrant tropical city and the salsa capital of Colombia. Its infectious energy offers a striking contrast to the archaeological and colonial heritage of southern Colombia.
Colombia - The Colombian llanos
One of South America’s great wildernesses – vast grasslands, seasonal wetlands and traditional cattle ranches. Stretching between the snow-flecked Andes and the Amazon basin, Los Llanos offers extraordinary wildlife encounters, authentic cowboy culture and truly off-the-beaten-track adventures, which is exactly why Colombian Llanos holidays keep landing on our “most underrated” list.
This trip to the lesser-known eastern part of Colombia showcases the country’s incredible diversity. From the enchanting colonial towns of Barichara and Villa de Leyva you’ll head to the wildlife-rich plains of Los Llanos and hang out with cowboys.
Watch this part of Colombia unfold through scenic drives that take in rolling hills, dramatic canyons, Colombia’s largest lake, and Andean high páramo, before descending to the hot and humid plains. In our view, there’s no better way to experience this part of Colombia.
Hannah Donaldson
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Summary of Nights
13 days, 12 nights: Bogotá 2; Barichara 3; Villa de Leyva 2; Yopal 1; Los Llanos 3; Bogotá 1.
- Accommodation
We have carefully selected small, mid-range hotels, colonial in style with well-equipped rooms. In Los Llanos, accommodation is on a ranch.
- Meals
Breakfast: daily
Lunch: days 9, 10 & 11
Dinner: days 8, 9, 10, 11 - Transport
2 domestic flights (both 1 hour); 3 scenic road journeys.
- Trip Suitability
This holiday is suitable for most visitors, including families with children. Should you have a disability, please contact us.
- When is the best time to visit Colombia?
The country is an all-year destination. The highlands have a permanent spring-like climate. The Caribbean coast is mostly dry and hot with plenty of sun, at its driest Dec-Mar. The Amazon jungle is hot and humid all year. Beach resorts can be very crowded at weekends, national holidays and Dec-Feb.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What is the official language in Colombia?
The official language in Colombia is Spanish.
- What is the official currency in Colombia?
The official currency of Colombia is the Peso. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in larger towns and cities using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Banks will offer advances on a credit card. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).
- What is the time difference between Colombia and UK?
The time difference between the UK and Colombia is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa for Colombia?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations do I need for Colombia?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Colombia?
A trip to Colombia combines brilliantly with many destinations in Central and South America, due to great flight connections from Bogota. Some of the most popular combinations include Peru, Ecuador and Panama.
- What are the festivals, cultural and sport events in Colombia?
Hay Festival take place in January in Cartagena. An offshoot of the famous literary festival in Hay-on-Wye, it attracts Latin American and international writers and intellectuals of international renown.
Carnival takes place countrywide in Feb-Mar. The most famous and extravagant carnival takes place in the Caribbean city of Barranquilla, with frenetic dancing and parades of revellers wearing extravagant costumes.
Easter (Holy Week) is also celebrated countrywide in Mar-Apr: Many Colombians spend this week away at beaches and other popular destinations.
The Flower Fair takes place on Medellin in August. This is a sumptuous floral celebration with displays of artistic creativity.
International Jazz Festival happens in Bogota in September. World renowned artists will perform in front of thousands of jazz enthusiasts.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
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