ELDORADO DETECTEd
09 - 16 FEB 2025
Embark on a thrilling adventure in the Colombian Andes, exploring ancient landscapes and metal detecting for hidden archaeological treasures - while your discoveries are captured on film!
09 FEB
Upon arrival at headquarters, you’ll be greeted with a delicious spread of fajitas and refreshing beer, setting the stage for an engaging team discussion. The day will focus on checking equipment and fine-tuneing the agenda.
12 FEB
Driving north to Laguna de Fúquene, one of Colombia's most sacred lagoons, we'll explore and map ancient island temples, searching for the main, largest temple.
15 FEB
Metal detecting in the northern Tabio Valley, we’ll explore a private hillside estate featuring unexplored megaliths.
What To Bring
It will be late summer in Colombia so you will only require light weight outdoor gear but bring strong, good quality, waterproof hiking boots with good grips. It might be very warm but sheet lightening and monsoon-like rain storms can occur at any time so responsible all-weather light weight mountaineering clothing is required for all eventualities.
Day backpack
Metal Detecting Equipment
T-shirts for daytime and a sweater and long trousers for evenings
Hiking boots and absorbable cotton socks
100% water proof jacket or raincoat
Sunscreen, sun hat and a water bottle
Head torch with spare batteries
Toiletries and any personal medications
10 FEB
Journey to Guatavita, where we'll explore a remote estate featuring ancient stone dolmens and mysterious mounds that have yet to be fully uncovered. Using drones, we'll create detailed maps of the area and the unexplored sacred site.
13 FEB
Engaging in metal detecting and exploration at a remote hotspot on a private estate near Chiquinquirá, we'll be investigating unexplored Muisca territories.
16 FEB
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Enjoy shopping and lunch in Tabio, soaking in the local atmosphere, before departing headquarters to El Dorado airport.
Fitness
During this trip you will experience a range of climates and will be walking at heights between 2,800 and 3,100 meters Therefore, expect to be gently challenged physically and understand that your enjoyment will be based on your good state of health and general fitness.
Altitude sickness can sometimes present itself and to counteract the symptoms we have bags of coco leaves for making tea, but you might consult a medical doctor before your expedition who can advise you of any personal requirements for visiting Colombia and undertaking such an expedition.
11 FEB
Returning to Cerro Tablazo, we’ll continue our exploration of the southern slopes of the mountain. Noting pictograms and petroglyphs along the way, we will hopefully locate and explore Chía’s Cave.
14 FEB
Heading south, we’ll visit the renowned Church of the Virgin in Chiquinquirá, a site of great cultural and historical significance.
Insurance
The expedition cost does not include insurance and you must take out sufficient travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and interruption, missed flight connections, lost baggage, loss due to unforeseen circumstance, death, injury or illness, medical expenses, and emergency assistance.
Adventure with Like-Minded People: 70% join our team solo from North America, with most in their 30s-60s.
Access Private Locations: Explore off-the-beaten-track locations that most travellers never see.
Local Expertise: On-site personal field guides with insider local knowledge will help identify hotspots and finds.
Personal Accommodation: Private room in our rural property with free Wi-Fi. All on-the-road accommodations are included.
Private Transportation: We’ve got you covered from airport pick-up and delivery, to daily field excursions.
Local Cuisine: All food, drinks, snacks, and cooking is included.