Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City

  • thumbnail image_colombiascaribbeancoastlostcity
  • thumbnail map_colombiascaribbeancoastlostcity

Duration: 14 days

Begins: Cartagena

Ends: Santa Marta

Trip Code: SMCS

From

£1,649 per person

Angebot anfordern

or Call 01273 099433

    Colombia has a certain kind of magic that you won’t find anywhere else in the Caribbean. On this trip, you’ll experience it first-hand via visits to rural regions, treks through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and (of course), downtime on the beach. Spend time with village communities to learn about Indigenous traditions before heading deep into the jungle to Teyuna — the fabled Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) older than Machu Picchu — a place crowded with history and free of crowds. Colombia is mysterious. Come figure out the riddle.
    Is this tour for me?
    Travel Style
    Classic
    All of the highlights, culture, access, and I-can’t-believe-we-did-that moments, all at a great price.
    Service Level
    Standard
    Comfortable tourist-class accommodations with character; mix of public and private transport.
    Physical Rating
    4 - Demanding
    Some high-altitude hikes or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travellers.
    Trip Type
    Small Group
    Small Group experience; Max 16, avg 12
    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
    • City tour in Cartagena
    • Tayrona National Park hike with local guide (5hrs)
    • Indigenous Community Visit & Lunch
    • Taganga Orientation Walk
    • Trek to the Lost City with indigenous guide (5 days)
    • Guided tour of the Lost City
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
    Accommodations

    Hotels/guesthouses (9 nts), camping (4 nts in hammocks or rustic bunks)

    Meals

    13 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners

    Allow USD290-380 for meals not included.

    Transportation

    Private van, public bus, 4x4, walking

    Staff & experts

    CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, indigenous local guides

    Day 1 : Cartagena

    Arrive at any time.

    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.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

    Acommodation

    Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

    Day 2 : Cartagena

    Enjoy a city tour, visiting the colonial walled city and fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy free time to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach.

    Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.

    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.

    Free time:

    Cartagena Afternoon

    Get out and explore this vibrant colonial town. Refuel with some local fare—"patacones" or fried plantains are a must!

    Acommodation

    Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

    Optional Activities - Day 2

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 3 : Cartagena/Minca

    Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.

    Please note that if the group is full, we may be required to use multi-share rooms in Minca due to the small size of this unique hotel.

    Free time:

    Minca

    Enjoy free time to explore the lovely town of Minca. Go looking for unique birds, explore the area on foot or hang out at a local café by the river.

    Private Vehicle

    Cartagena - Minca 4h

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

    Acommodation

    Hotel Minca La Casona

    Acommodation

    Hotel Minca La Casona

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 4 : Minca to Tayrona National Park Area

    Leave Minca behind as the group heads into the Tayrona National Park area to spend the day visiting a nearby indigenous community. Gain insights into the rich traditional cultures of this region, and the Arhuacos. Enjoy a textile weaving demonstration by members of local families in the Katanzama community. Afterwards, transfer to your accommodations just outside Tayrona National Park, where you will have free time to enjoy the property and its amenities. Relax in a nearby hammock, find a local restaurant for dinner, and enjoy the cool ocean breeze.

    Private Vehicle

    Minca - Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 1h - 1h30m 50km

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

    Katanzama Community Visit

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 5h

    Visit the Katanzama community, located 30 minutes from Tayrona National Park, near Buritaca. Made up of approximately 80 Arhuaco indigenous families, you will visit and experience first-hand, their ceremonial centre, their houses, their coca and cacao plantations, and their daily way of life. Then, gather around for a traditional textile weaving demonstration. Your experience here will be led by a local Arhuaco guide. After the community visit, the group will sit down together for an included lunch.

    Private Vehicle

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona - Posada Villa Margarita

    Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from the nearby Indigenous community to the group's accommodations just 5-10 minutes away.

    Free time:

    Posada Villa Margarita Afternoon

    Lounge in a hammock on the hotel property or wander through the grounds admiring the thick green foliage and fragrant plants. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please.

    Acommodation

    Posada Villa Margarita

    Acommodation

    Posada Villa Margarita

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 5 : Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

    Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. This is a perfect opportunity to experience nature and learn a little more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia. Lunch is included during your hike. Afterwards, the group will travel the short distance to our nearby accommodations and spend free time unwinding after a full day of exploring this stunning national park.

    Please note that Tayrona National Park will be closed certain dates in February, June, October, and November. See the Important Notes section of your tour to view exact dates for 2024. The indigenous groups in the area believe that mother nature needs a month of rest, and maintenance to the park is done during this time. If your trip falls during these dates, you will visit Taironaka Park, to learn more about the local Kogi people and their cultural practices.

    Private Vehicle

    Posada Villa Margarita - Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 0h15m 20km

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

    Tayrona National Park Excursion

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 3h - 4h

    Get outside with a hike into this beautiful park! Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and explore Tayrona's gorgeous scenery with a local guide. Spend the night surrounded by nature in a lodge close to the park.

    Hiking

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona 3h - 4h

    Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.

    Private Vehicle

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona - Posada Villa Margarita 0h30m - 0h45m 30km

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

    Free time:

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

    This evening, enjoy the tranquil setting by walking toward the ocean, or relaxing on the property of the hotel.

    Acommodation

    Posada Villa Margarita

    Acommodation

    Posada Villa Margarita

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 6 : Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga

    In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.

    Private Vehicle

    Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona - Taganga 0h30m - 0h45m

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

    Taganga Orientation Walk

    Taganga

    Take a CEO-led orientation walk of this traditional fishing village and get acquainted with the main sites.

    Free time:

    Taganga

    Soak up the Caribbean feel of this coastal town with some free time. Be sure to indulge in the area's fantastic fresh seafood or hang out in one of the many cafés along the beach

    Acommodation

    Ocean Taganga

    Acommodation

    Ocean Taganga

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 7 : Taganga/Santa Marta

    With a free day at leisure, tour Taganga by foot or don a snorkel and mask and explore the water. This evening, travel to Santa Marta and join your group for an optional evening out on the town.

    Free time:

    Taganga

    Take advantage of free time in this coastal town by relaxing on the beach or exploring the waters with a snorkel.

    Private Vehicle

    Taganga - Santa Marta 0h15m - 0h30m

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

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Optional Activities - Day 7

    Playa Grande

    Taganga

    Head to the nearby beach of Playa Grande for a multitude of water sports, to relax on the sand, or hang out in one of the many restaurants.

    Snorkelling

    Taganga

    Strap on some fins and a mask and explore the active reefs in Taganga’s clear water. Keep an eye out for fascinating brain coral!

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 8 : Santa Marta

    Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further afield to explore.

    Use the day to soak up some sun or make any last minute purchases before starting the big trek.

    Free time:

    Santa Marta Full day

    Get out and explore.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Optional Activities - Day 8

    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.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

    Day 9 : Santa Marta/Ricardito Camp

    Wake up and hit the road to the village of El Mamey where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. Trek through farmland, steamy jungle, and rural Kogi communities. Enjoy and let it all soak in – this is your opportunity to get a glimpse into the local way of life in the remote river valleys of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The group will have lunch at the village and hike about 4 hours to the first basecamp.

    4x4

    Santa Marta - Machete Pelao 2h30m

    Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

    Lost City Trek Day 1

    Machete Pelao - Ricardito Camp 4h - 5h 7km

    Leave Machete Pelao and start trekking through the jungle along the Buritaca River. Pass by farmland and get a glimpse into daily life in the small communities en route to the campsite. This first day of trekking is relatively straightforward and a good way to ease yourself into it. There is a combination of uphill and flat sections that lead the way to the first campsite. Continue uphill to reach Ricardito Camp, known locally as vista hermosa or beautiful view, sit back and soak them in. If the weather is right, sunsets and sunrises here are not to be missed. Total distance: 7.6 km.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 10 : Ricardito Camp/Teyuna Paraiso Camp

    Venture further into the lush jungle en route to Ciudad Perdida. Be prepared – today is a tough portion of the trek with a lot of steep views. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon for some much needed relaxation by the river.

    Lost City Trek Day 2

    Ricardito Camp - Teyuna Paraiso Camp 8h 14km

    Begin trekking alongside the Buritaca River early in the morning. Pass through more farmland used for growing coffee or raising cattle. Climbing on this part of the trek can be challenging as the route progresses uphill from the riverbed and through the humid jungle. Take a look at the unique, circular huts that make up some of the Kogi villages in the area. Total distance: 14.7 km

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 11 : Paraiso Camp to Mumake Camp

    Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!) and start your trek to La Ciudad Perdida. Climb the 1200 ancient steps and explore the different sacred sites of Lost City. Later, continue trekking through the deep jungle today on winding paths through banana trees and cacao plants as you make your way to Mumake Camp. The total hiking time today is 8 hours with about 3 hours to explore the Lost City.

    Lost City Trek - Day 3

    Teyuna Paraiso Camp - Mumake Camp 8h - 9h 8km

    The once-forgotten city is only an hour away and to get there you must climb the 1,200 steps built by the ancient Tayrona people. This is a very steep climb, but the rewards of the climb are more than worth it. Once at the site, the guide will explain the history of the Lost City and what is known of its origins. It is estimated that only 10% of the site has been discovered. Head back to the campsite for lunch and a swim before beginning the trek back the way you came to Mumake Camp. Most of the trek today is downhill which can be hard on the knees, a walking stick might be useful. Total Distance: 8.6 km

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 12 : Mumake Camp to Las Cascadas Camp

    The group will have an early departure from Mumake Camp. Hike past the village of El Mamey and arrive to Las Cascadas Camp where you'll have lunch and rest for the remainder of the day.

    Lost City Trek - Day 4

    Wiwa Camp - Las Cascadas 3h - 4h 8km

    Head back along the same path through dense green jungle, pass by banana trees, Kogi communities, and grasslands. Continue uphill to reach Las Cascadas Camp, known locally as vista hermosa or beautiful view, sit back and soak them in. If the weather is right, sunsets and sunrises here are not to be missed. Total distance: 8.6 km

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

    Day 13 : Santa Marta

    In the morning, take in your last views of the jungle as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

    Lost City Trek Day 5

    Ricardito Camp - Machete Pelao 5h - 6h 7km

    Continue the hike back down to Machete Pelao following the same route that you took in. The farmland will look familiar, but the scenery remains spectacular. Take in your last views of the jungle and local village life before heading back on the grid. Total distance: 7.6 km

    4x4

    Machete Pelao - Santa Marta

    Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Acommodation

    Hotel Tayromar

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast | Lunch

    Day 14 : Santa Marta

    Depart at any time.

    Departure Day

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

    Optional Activities - Day 14

    Gold Museum Santa Marta

    Santa Marta

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

    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.

    Meals Included:

    Breakfast

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