Colombian Adventure: Caribbean Coast & Tayrona National Park

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On sale!

£798 was £939

Discount: 15%

Offer end: Feb 28 2025

Duration: 8 days

Begins: Cartagena

Ends: Santa Marta

Trip Code: SMCR

From

£798 per person

Angebot anfordern

or Call 01273 099433

    You've seen it all over Instagram and TikTok, but now’s your chance to explore Colombia beyond the screen. This eight-day adventure through northern Colombia hits all the must-see spots and hidden gems you never knew you needed. Perfect for high-energy travellers craving a mix of nature, beach parties, and laid-back Caribbean vibes, this whirlwind itinerary has it all. Trek through the lush jungles of Tayrona National Park, cool off in hidden waterfall plunge pools near Minca, and feel the thrill where the Sierra Nevada Mountains meet the coast in Palomino. With stops in the vibrant cities of Cartagena and Santa Marta to bookend your trip, this epic journey checks all the boxes for an unforgettable time in a Colombian jungle paradise.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    18-to-Thirtysomethings
    Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
    Service Level
    Basic
    Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
    Physical Rating
    3 - Average
    Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Small Group experience; Max 16
    Age requirement
    12+
    All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
    What's Included
    • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
    • Your Big Night Out Moment: Santa Marta
    • CEO-led orientation walk in old town Cartagena
    • Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca
    • Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike
    • Palomino beach bonfire
    • CEO-led orientation walk in Santa Marta
    • Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, and Santa Marta
    • Transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodations

    Hostels (2 nts, multi-share), Hotels (5 nts).

    Meals

    7 breakfasts, 1 lunch

    Allow USD180-235 for meals not included.

    Transportation

    Private vehicle, walking

    Staff & experts

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

    Day 1 : Cartagena

    Arrive at any time. After a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, choose to join your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner and check out the local flavours and bustling atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad.

    Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

    1h

    Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

    Connect With New Friends

    Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

    Day 2 : Cartagena

    Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk through streets of the historic old town. Depart from your hotel and pass by the Plaza de San Diego, Murallas de Cartagena for views of the Caribbean Sea, Heredia Theatre, and Monumento Torre del Reloj, during the route. Then, the day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Check out the San Felipe fortress, keep walking the lively streets, or take a break from the heat and people watch in one of the city’s many plazas, like Plaza de Santo Domingo.

    CEO-led Orientation Walk of Old Town Cartagena

    Cartagena 1h - 1h30m 3km

    Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.

    Free time:

    Cartagena

    Choose your own adventure today! From numerous museums to city tours and nearby island visits, there's no doubt you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    Islas del Rosario National Park

    Cartagena - Islas del Rosario 8h

    Take a boat to this park with a lengthy name—Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park—and be wowed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands. Admire the clear blue water and natural landscape of the islands. Opt to snorkel and explore the park’s lively reefs or sit back and relax on the beach.

    Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit

    Cartagena 1h

    Located in the historic walled city, visit this spacious museum housed in two heritage buildings. Explore the various exhibits relating to the naval history of the Caribbean Sea and enjoy the charming patios.

    Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit

    Cartagena 2h

    Visit the museum and learn about the Spanish Inquisition in Colombia. Explore this fine example of colonial and Baroque architecture and see artifacts and torture equipment on display.

    Night Exploration on Chiva

    Cartagena 4h

    Get ready to party and explore the city by chiva bus. These colourful vehicles are a national symbol and feature open sides making it easy to truly experience vibrant Cartagena as you go. Drink, dance and enjoy Colombian music on this fun-filled ride.

    Gold Museum Visit

    Cartagena 2h

    Head to Plaza Bolivar and pay a visit to this well-curated and informative museum. Admire the intricate, pre-Columbian gold works and pottery of the indigenous Zenú people while learning about their history and traditions—all on display in a charming colonial home.

    Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit

    Cartagena 1h

    Housed in two historic buildings, one a former weapons storehouse, is the collection of the Museo de Arte Moderno de Cartagena. Stroll through the unique space and admire Latin American paintings from the 1950s along with contemporary Colombian art.

    Cartagena City Tour

    Cartagena 4h - 5h

    Learn more about Cartagena’s history from a bilingual guide on a tour of this lively city. Travel between sights by private transport and visit the clock tower, Plaza Bolivar, and the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas. Take in sweeping views of the city from the hilltop Convento De La Popa and enjoy a walking tour from San Pedro Claver Church to Santo Domingo Church.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Cartagena/Minca

    Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena behind and travel to the small town of Minca, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take advantage of free time to explore. This growing village has a laid back, but energetic vibe with lots of opportunities for jungle hiking, waterfalls, and other adventurous activities.

    Private Vehicle

    Cartagena - Minca 5h 240km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Cartagena to Minca.

    Free time:

    Minca Afternoon

    Settle in to this town in the middle of the rainforest in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A place brimming with hiking trails, coffee and cocoa plantations, rivers, and waterfalls. The ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a hike or explore the town on your own.

    Optional Activities - Day 3

    Pozo Azul

    Minca

    Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.

    Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca

    Minca

    Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Minca

    In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, set off on one of the best, but lesser-known activities while in Minca; a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. These two large jungle cascades can be found about 3.6km from town amidst the beautiful forest, and they offer a deep swimming pool to cool off in after your hike. The group will arrive back to Minca for a free afternoon to lounge about, or be as adventurous as you choose.

    Free time:

    Minca Afternoon

    After the hike travel back to Minca and spend the afternoon on your own. Maybe head to Pozo Azul, a collection of three swimming areas on the river that runs by town, or choose to tour a chocolate and coffee farm.

    Ecotrip

    Minca 0h45m - 1h 4km

    Hike to the impressive Marinka waterfalls that flow with crystal clear water and generate a natural pool perfect for swimming. This easy to moderate hike offers a great chance to feel refreshed in nature amid the beautiful jungle scenery.

    Optional Activities - Day 4

    Pozo Azul

    Minca

    Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.

    Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca

    Minca

    Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 5 : Minca/Palomino

    Get ready to lean into those beach vibes and a laid-back coastal paradise energy as the group travels from Minca to Palomino, on the Caribbean coast. Due to it’s location at the southern portion of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you get the lush mountain greenery right up against the warm sea. Upon arrival there will be free time for lunch on your own as well as the opportunity to book an optional tubing activity on the nearby river. Later, kick back with your travel buddies around a beach bonfire before a free night out in Palomino on your own.

    Private Vehicle

    Minca - Palomino 2h 88km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Palomino Afternoon

    Enjoy yourself during a free afternoon in the small beachside town of Palomino. This off-the-beaten-track is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches or tube down a lazy rive beneath the jungle trees.

    Palomino Beach Bonfire

    Palomino 1h

    Hang out on the beach with your travel pals and enjoy a bonfire as the sun goes down and you enjoy one another's company.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 6 : Tayrona National Park

    Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike thorough the stunning landscape accompanied by a local guide. Experience the natural biodiversity and beautiful trails while any nature lovers unite on a search for wildlife amid the dense jungle forest. Spend half of the day here in the park before an included lunch and transfer back to Palomino. Arrive in the early evening and spend it as you choose. Opt to find a local spot for dinner and toast with your travel pals to a day well spent, maybe catch the sunset.

    Private Vehicle

    Palomino - Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 1h 44km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Tayrona National Park Visit & Hike

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 4h - 4h30m

    Enjoy the first part of the day in the beautiful landscape of Tayrona National Park on a moderate hike led by a local guide. Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and simply enjoy the outdoors.

    Private Vehicle

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona - Palomino 1h 44km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Free time:

    Palomino Evening

    Spend the evening on your own. Opt to grab dinner together with the group or find a spot in town to watch the sunset.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 7 : Palomino/Santa Marta

    In the morning the group will travel by private vehicle to Santa Marta from Palomino. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk of the town passing by landmarks such as, Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Then, take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore. Choose to grab some lunch at a local restaurant, or maybe head to El Rodadero for white sand beaches and warm water. Tonight, head out for a final night out on the town with your travel crew.

    Private Vehicle

    Palomino - Santa Marta 2h 82km

    Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

    Santa Marta CEO-led Orientation Walk

    Santa Marta 0h45m 1km

    Walk through town with your CEO and pass by landmarks like Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Get to know this gorgeous place on the Caribbean Sea and simply enjoy the coastal location.

    Free time:

    Santa Marta

    Explore on your own and choose from the optional activities available locally.

    Big Night Out

    Santa Marta

    Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials, or hanging out by the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino

    Santa Marta

    Visit Simon Bolivar's final resting place, la Quinta is the estate where the famous libertador spent his final days. The former rum plantation now includes a restored house, museum, library, and extensive gardens perfect for exploring.

    Gold Museum Santa Marta

    Santa Marta

    Explore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Santa Marta

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

    Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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