Our visit to Zipaquira Salt Mine and Colonial town was part of a multi day private trip with BnB Colombia Tours. It is an outstanding company and our guide Juan Carlos Lagorio was an absolute delight. With excellent English and a great sense of humour, he was one of the best guides ever. He shared a lot of information and in between sights, we talked non-stop. The driver Giovanni was professional and a very good driver. We also shared a lot of jokes along the way. Zipaquira Salt Cathedral was impressive. The walk was easy and we were able to take a lot of photos. There are also a coffee shop and shops down in the mine, worth visiting. After the cathedral we went to Zipaquira town where we visited the plaza and beautiful church and afterwards we had lunch at Casa del Chorro. The food was excellent and we continued chatting until it was time to leave for Raquira. On the highway we encountered an accident and Giovanni had to take a detour which caused us to reach Raquira after dark. This pretty colourful town was I think even more beautiful with all the lights than during day time. Giovanni played some local music while we drove the hour to Villa de Leyva. All in all, a day to remember.

My sister and I did a 34 day trip in Colombia of which 16 days were with BnB Colombia Tours. This company is just outstanding in their organisation and communication. It was a delight working with them. A big thank you to Helene Colmart, Valentina and Natalia. The guides and drivers we had in the different places were all outstanding. We were picked up at our Bogota apartment for a 2-day private trip to Zipaquira, Raquira and Villa de Leyva and surroundings. Our guide was Juan Carlos Lagorio and driver Giovanni. Juan Carlos speaks excellent English and has a great sense of humour. We had such a lovely time with him. One of the best guides ever. At the end of our first day we arrived at our hotel in Villa de Leyva from where Juan Carlos and Giovanni picked us up the next morning for our tour of Villa de Leyva and surroundings. We first visited the Plaza Mayor and the Iglesia Senora del Rosario. Then we drove to the Parque Arqueologico Monquira (Infiernito), an ancient sacred place of the Muisca tribe. They erected this place which reminds of Stonehenge, 3000 years ago. This visit was extremely interesting. We then visited the fossil museum where farmers discovered a 130 million year old fossil of a giant marine dinosaur in 1977. Our next stop is the small town of Sutamarchan where we had a delightful lunch after visiting the plaza and cathedral. Juan Carlos and Giovanni ordered typical Colombian food for us as well as Refaco (a mixture of beer and an orange soda). After lunch they drove us to Vinedo Ain Karim, a wine farm where I had privately booked a wine tasting. They waited for us and afterwards took us to the Terracotta house. This pottery marvel was one of the highlights of our Colombia trip. It is a not to be missed attraction. They dropped us off at our accommodation and arranged to pick us up in the morning for our trip to Barichara.

We spent 4 weeks in Colombia in Jan / Feb 2023. We initially tried to plan the trip ourselves but fortunately stumbled across Bruce and BnB Colombia Tours online. I say fortunate because Colombia is a country that really needs expert travel advice and support. Even if you speak Spanish (we don't) we'd strongly recommend you use a tour guide and among tour guides we can't imagine anyone better than Bruce and his team. From the day we first met Bruce online and had a free hour long chat to our departure home from Bogota Airport the service was first class. Strong opinions based on a real understanding of Colombia and our expectations were voiced pleasantly but persuasively to guide us to a truly memorable holiday. Our itinerary involved 10 internal flights and a few lengthy car journeys. One flight was delayed forcing us to stay over in Bogota an extra night with all the changes that entails. Bruce handled it all with great efficiency which helped us relax knowing our backs were being watched all the way. Every flight met with a driver and English speaking guide, every transfer on time and all accommodation details correct. When a little local trouble flared up in a remote town before our arrival Bruce's agents were quick to inform him and his team instantly re-scheduled the itinerary to avoid that short leg of the trip. Colombia is a wonderful country full of lovely welcoming people and stunning flora, fauna and scenery but you need professional care to get you around safely. Bruce should be your first and last call to ensure a memorable holiday.

From the greeting at the airport to the farewell when we left, this was a wonderful trip. The drivers and guides spoke perfect english and were very knowledgeable, answering all our culture, history, food, etc questions. We explored many highlights from fantastic beaches, historical forts, and the most delicious food. We also attended a cooking class - and learned so much about the culture and history of Colombian food as well as hands-on prep, and then enjoying the food we made. We also asked for ‘light’ days as we are 65+ yo travelers, and they planned perfect places for a light day. Go to the coffee plantation, which also has chocolate - as I have never tasted, absolutely wonderful! - well worth the interesting drive up a mountain! And the Bird Sanctuary! The most colorful birds! The Travel Group Mgmt. Helene was in contact with us almost every day - ensuring we were enjoying our trip and if any changes needed to be made. This was a nice touch to have someone you could contact if ever needed. Would we go back? Oh yes. So much more to see and do!

After hearing many good and bad stories about Colombia we decided to bite the bullet and make plans to visit the country. Took some time to figure out a route, places of interest, select hotels, and hire guides. Everything turned out perfect with beautiful hotels which include a superb breakfast for around $50 per night in double room, very knowledgeable guides, friendly people all over the country, excellent and extremely cheap food on local restaurants. Feel very safe and we were warned by our guides were not to go at night. Here is a brief summary. First I used different internet sources- TRip Advisor, Bookings etc - to educate myself and my group of 4 retired couples to get prepared for the trip. WE start the first 4 days in Bogota and stayed at Windham Bogota which include free shuttle from the airport. Was able to work out an excellent schedule, very convenient and flexible with our guide Alex weeks in advance. Went to places like Monserrate, Casa Bonita, Gold Museum, Salt Cathedral, Parque Jaime, Casa Loka, Guatavita just to mention a few of the 15-20 places we visit at a very good pace. Took a flight to Cartagena for 3 days and stayed at Hotel 3 Banderas, an exquisite Colonia Home in a very quiet and convenience location. Visit almost everything walking, using the free guide tour and the HOH red wagon. Will always remember having an excellent one-pound fish for lunch at Robertos (local restaurant) for less than $2.00 Next we flew to Medellin for 5 days and stayed at Eco Hub Hotel. There we hired another excellent guide- Julian who also took us to Comuna 13, Guatape, El Hueco, Cable Car and 5-6 other places. Medellin have and excellent Metro system and we used it for 2 days to move ourselves around and explore the city. Then took another flight to Pereira the capital of the Eje Cafetalero and Mr. Julian Gallegos picked us at the airport and took us to Hacienda Estrella del Monte where we were treated like Kings. Extremely friend people, excellent in-house restaurant with great food. We needed this relaxing, casual and beautiful stay after coming from the big cities with heavy traffic, pollution and very crowded environment. All you see here are beautiful flowers everywhere, beautiful landscape and beautiful coffee and fruits plantations all over. The Hacienda is located in the small town of Circacia which is like the center of all the beautiful places and attractions to see at Eje Cafetalero. We went to unbelievable places like Cocora Valley, Coffee plantation tour, Salento, Filandia, Parque del Cafe and enjoy the local culture and folklore like never before in the many trips we have been throughout the World. This place is so enjoyable that 7 days passed very very fast, and we will be back soon to the Hacienda. Just a few tips: In Colombia rains every day 3-4 times every were. Take your rain jacket so you can keep moving and seeing things despite of the rain. Most of the time is light rain. Temperature can go down to 40F on rainy and stormy days at night. The exchange rate is very favorable for the US dollar. They accept mainly Visa in most places but always have $50-$100 change in Colombia money (COP) for the small restaurants, shop, and local transportation. Very easy to find a local bank, automatic cashier or Casa De Cambio for the exchange. Try to get a local guide beforehand or ask at the Hotel for recommendations. We were charged between a $100- $150 per day for the 8 of us. That's between $12-$19 per person for 8-10 hours of transportation, tolls, pickup at Hotel and guide service. Much cheaper and convenient than taking a Tour. It rains a lot in Colombia so there are many landslides along the main roads. We experience two of this a loose almost 2 hours of time while they clean up the road. So that is why you should take the long trips by plane. Avianca, Latam and some others have very inexpensive flights to all these locations ($30-$50) for a 40 minute flight vs a 6-8 hours ride on the road. Look for Trip Advisor recommendations for Hotels and restaurants you would not regret it. Good Luck.

I was traveling solo on a one-day layover in Bogota, and I wanted to be able to see the sights while being safe in the short amount of time. Carlos was my Tour guide and he picked me up from my hotel and took me to Montserrate and La Candelaria. He was very knowledgeable, I got to try some of the local cuisine, and he dropped me off at my hotel after. Would recommend this company to anyone visiting Bogota.

I loved Bogota. We only had a 6 hour layover and this fit perfectly. Our guide was full if facts and made it so interesting!