A Coastal Exploration of Colombia

Already included in the itinerary - Encounter with an emerald hunter. In Colombia, there is a world of emeralds, in which our man has made a name for himself for being particularly eagle-eyed. He travels the country in search of the green stones, and will meet you at your hotel. For the Incas emeralds were a symbol of their authority. Visit La Boquilla, a fishing village inhabited by fishermen of African origin, a little north of Cartagena. Residential homes, a small school, a shop and a beach. There's a mangrove too, which long canoes can enter to lay down crab traps. With a private guide you get to know the place and explore the mangrove, which thousands of birds call home.

Already included in the itinerary - Private visit to the old town. Cartagena has its roots in Havana and Seville. The imposing fortresses of San Felipe de Barajas and San Fernando de Bocachica (18th century), on which privateers and pirates cut their teeth, stand as a noble testament to this. Cartagena was prosperous then, and is prosperous now. As for its religious history, you can see it on the streets, from the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria (17th century) to the Palace of the Inquisition (18th century), to the Church of San Pedro Claver (17th century), the apostle of African slaves. Walk of discovery with a guide.

Boat transfer. Accommodation for two nights on the edge of the mangrove, in a large contemporary villa. The interior and exterior fittings are perfectly suited to a both spending time in a hammock and watersports. The rooms are airy and comfortable. A chef is on hand every day. The accent is on fresh and tasty meals. In the garden there's a pool. Kayaks are available for you to paddle around Cholon Bay. Daily shuttles take you to the beaches, such as Playa Agua Azul or Isla Arena. In addition, the Rosary Archipelago boat tour off the peninsula allows you to explore incredibly beautiful marine landscapes.

This area is part of the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park, which aims to protect important coral reefs. It goes without saying that snorkelling and diving trips to discover protected, multi-coloured sea life are the order of the day. As are white sandy beaches shaded by coconut trees. The easy-going atmosphere is delectable, as is the excellent cuisine. Go for walks accompanied by the faint whoosh of the waves, or along inland trails. However, one of the objectives of these two days is pure and utter laziness.

Transfer to Cartagena by boat, then to Tayrona National Natural Park by car. Three-night accommodation in Los Naranjos, at the eastern end of the park. Surrounded by dense green jungle. Two modern thatched-roof villas are set around a lovely infinity pool. Straight ahead, a narrow bridge leads to a jetty on the Piedras River. A little further, there's a tongue of white sand - Los Naranjos beach - and the intense blue of the sea. Covered but open spaces surround the buildings, living rooms, dining room and terraces. The rooms are in a tropical minimalist style: elegant and practical. At the restaurant, dishes are Colombian and international.

Tayrona National Natural Park protects the coastal area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Part of it is marine - coral in particular - and part is on land. Where the two meet, sand, rocks and palm trees come together to form paradise beaches. On land, the canopy soars to around 130ft. The birds are a riot of colour: the Santa Marta parakeets, a green parakeet with a red stripe; the Albert's curassow, which looks like it's wearing a tuxedo; the royal flycatcher, with a red tufted crest on its head when anxious; the military macau, coloured like an army officer and the pope vulture, with a yellow wattle and purple cranium. In the early morning you might come across an elusive tapir, an otter or a red brocket deer.
Already included in the itinerary - Private visit to Tayrona National Natural Park. With a guide, you enter the forest along walking trails. Hiking also makes it possible to fully appreciate this stunning habitat. You feel you're being watched by several animals at once. The path leads to Cabo San Juan de Guia, a great spot for a swim.