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Since this is a first trip to Colombia for many of you, we’ve put together a few curated experiences to help you make the most of the region. Check out the schedule below—join us for as much as your plans (or your boss!) allow!

THE WEEK

PRE-WEDDING

Happenings

Thursday

Time: 9:00 AM – Evening

Activity: A magical day getting to know the region! We'll explore some of the most beautiful sights and colorful towns Colombia has to offer, including the iconic Valle de Cocora and Filandia.

Logistics: Buses will pick up and drop off directly at the Sonesta Hotel.

May 5 – Fly into Pereira

Friday

May 6 – Full-Day Region Excursion

Time: Anytime!

Details: While Pereira has its own international airport (PEI), we recommend flying into Bogotá (BOG) or Cartagena (CTG) first and taking a short, convenient connecting flight to Pereira (~45 mins). (Tip for East Coast folks: Avianca also runs a seasonal direct flight from NYC to Pereira— worth checking if the price is right! ) Check in, settle into your hotels or hacienda (more details on lodging later), and get ready for the days ahead!

Wednesday

May 7 (Morning) – Choose Your Own Adventure

Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Activity: Go deeper into local culture before the party starts! Options include:

  • Traditional Coffee Farm Tour

  • Cocoa Farm Tour

  • Colombian Cooking Class

  • Thermal Springs Spa

  • Birdwatching Excursion

Logistics: You'll choose your preferred activity closer to the date! Shuttles will pick you and drop you back at the Sonesta hotel with plenty of time for a bite, a quick rest, and getting ready for the evening.

THE WEDDING

Events

Saturday

Location: Hacienda San José (A quick 10-minute drive from the Sonesta Hotel)

Dress Code: Spring Formal

Women: Long dresses in solid colors, avoiding patterns if possible (block heels or wedges recommended for the ceremony in the lawn!).

Men: Suits in linen or light fabrics—colors welcome, ties optional!

Schedule:

  • 2:30 PM: Doors Open & Welcome Drinks — We’ll keep you well-hydrated and relaxed, promise!

  • 4:00 PM: The “Ceremony” — Don’t expect traditional. You might actually be playing a part... you just don't know it yet.

  • 6:30 PM: Dinner — Time to fuel up with some incredible local Colombian flavors.

  • 8:30 PM – 3:00 AM: The Party! — Bring comfortable shoes and get ready to dance to non-stop Latin beats until late!

Transportation Schedule:

  • To the Venue: Shuttles from the Sonesta Hotel will depart frequently between 2:15 PM and 3:00 PM.

  • Return to Hotel: Shuttles back to the Sonesta will run regularly starting at 11:00 PM until the party wraps up (Note: You can also easily catch an Uber at any time!).

May 7 (Evening) – Brazilian Welcome Festinha

Friday

May 8 – Wedding Day

Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Activity: Let's celebrate Rafa's heritage with the best Brazilian drinks, food, and music in a lovely local venue!

Location: TBC

Dress Code: Bring on the Color!

  • Women: Colorful dresses, floral patterns, and playful prints.

  • Men: Colorful shirts, linen button-downs, paired with colorful pants or dressy shorts.

Logistics: Buses will leave from and return to the Sonesta Hotel.