Explore the beauty of Colombia's northern coast, from stunning Tayrona Parque to the colonial town of Cartagena. This 9-day itinerary starts and ends in Cartagena, with a variety of local activities including hiking, a visit to a coffee farm, touring through authentic local fishing villages and, of course, great salsa dancing.

Day 1: Cartagena

Typical flower boxes on a colonial house in Cartagena

You'll be picked up at the airport and transferred to your hotel, located in the historical center of the city. The rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to discover and enjoy the magic of this jewel of colonial architecture.

Day 2: Cartagena - Tayrona Park

Get ready for endless beautiful beaches to explore

In the morning, follow the footsteps of famous pirates and discover the "Pearl of the Caribbean", a city rich in culture, diversity, exotic and heritage. This tour throughout the beautiful city of Cartagena will bring you back to colonial times, amidst colorful houses and lively squares.

Walking tour in the colonial neighborhoods of San Diego and Santo Domingo. You will pass by: Plaza de los Coches, plaza de la Aduana, parque Bolívar, el Museo del Oro, el Palacio de la Inquisición, plaza de Santa Teresa, plaza de Santo Domingo, las murallas y Las Bóvedas.

In the afternoon, a private transport will take you to your ecolodge located near the amazing Tayrona Park, a perfect place to relax surrounded by exuberant nature.

Day 3: Tayrona Park - Arrecife, Cabo San Juan

Cabo San Juan

This hike in the Tayrona Park will take you to a magical place located between mountains, tropical forest, and the sea. You will discover the most beautiful white sand beaches of the country surrounded by ancestral volcanic rocks and swim in the crystal clear the Caribbean Sea.

Today, you will discover the jungle and the beaches of the Tayrona Park. You start with a hike in the tropical jungle of Cañaveral. You will then visit the exotic beaches of Arrecifes and stop at La Piscina, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Continue to the Cabo San Juan del Guia, a wonderful bay of white sand surrounded by huge volcanic rocks. On the way, observe the local fauna and flora of this magnificent park with your guide.

Free time to lunch in Cabo San Juan and to enjoy the beach (Lunch not included). Afterward, we will walk back to the park’s entrance passing through the park’s beautiful paths, where your driver is waiting to take you back to the hotel.

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Day 4: Tayrona Park - Cerro Kennedy

Fog resting over the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Cerro Kennedy is a mountain located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. Its highest point is 3,100 meters above sea level and is covered by a cloud forest. It is also home to hundreds of endemic and migratory birds.

From the top of this iconic mountain, you can get an incredible view of the Bolivar and Colon snowy peaks, Santa Marta and all the mountains of the Sierra Nevada.

Early morning departure from your hotel, taking the road leading to the village of Minca, a picturesque village located 40 minutes from the city of Santa Marta and at 650 meters above the sea level.

You'll visit a Victorian coffee farm where you will learn about the production process of organic coffee. After this tour, we continue the journey in our 4x4 up to La Maria farm located in the village of La Tagua. From there you will start a 3 kilometers walk up to the Santa Elena farm (2 hours hike, medium difficulty). Arrival and free time to settle in. You will be welcome with a snack and then enjoy a typical Colombian lunch.

In the afternoon you will have a tour of the area. Then you will have the chance of watching the incredible sunset over the mountains, the great swamp, and the Caribbean Sea.

Day 5: Mirador De Cerro Kennedy - Santa Marta

Walking trail in the Sierra Nevada mountains

You must get up very early to get the chance of watching the beautiful sunrise over the Sierra Nevada. Observe the snowy peaks while enjoying a delicious cup of organic coffee. A traditional breakfast will be served afterward.

At 6:30 a.m., the hike begins! Walk throughout private trails to reach the top of the mountain. An incredible viewpoint over the Sierra Nevada, located at a height of 3,100 meters above sea level. During the tour, you will have an excellent view of the mountains, especially the Bolivar and Colon snowy peaks. You will cross different types of trails and see many endemic birds species.

Return to Santa Elena farm for lunch, before walking back to the parking spot and returning to Santa Marta. The end of the day is free for you to explore!

Day 6: Santa Marta - Cienaga Grande

Snowy Egrets

Authentic encounters with local communities, you'll discover this amazing place located in Cienaga Grande, a small village of fishermen living on the water.

Cienaga Grande is the most important and widest lagoon of Colombia. It is also one of the main fishing resources on the northern coast of the country. It is considered a strategic point and of vital importance for the planet. It is also home to a fishermen's’ community living in picturesque villages on stilts.

Departure from Santa Marta at 6 AM. You will take a private boat to reach the mangrove where you can observe some endemic birds species before arriving to the small village of Buena Vista. Here you will meet the fishermen and discover their activity.

Lunch in the colorful village of Nueva Venecia. Then you will visit the local school where you will have the chance of interacting with the Palafitos

Return to Santa Marta in the late afternoon.

Day 7: Santa Marta -> Cartagena and Afternoon Salsa Lesson

Palenquera woman selling fruit in Cartagena

In the morning, a private transport will take you back to Cartagena.

In the afternoon, you will have the chance to improve your dancing skills in a fun salsa class. 

The dance academy is located in Cartagena’s historical center. The class is perfect for all levels. You will be seduced by the creativity and the enthusiasm of the teachers.

The academy as a bar, ideal spot to meet and share with locals after the class.

Day 8: Cartagena

Street in Cartagena's Old Town

Today, you will start with a historical city tour of Cartagena. The first site is La Popa monastery, from where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Cartagena. Afterward, explore the San Felipe Castle which represents the main work of Spanish military engineering during colonization. Your guide will then take you to the old and lively neighborhood of Getsemani.

Free time for lunch and, in the afternoon, transport to the fishermen village of La Boquilla. Walk around the town and then take a canoe trip on the Juan Polo Swamp through the mangrove tunnels, Fisherman Island and the Birds Park.

Day 9: Cartagena

Sunset view of Caratgena's marina

Today, transfer to the airport according to the time of your international flight.

Map

Map of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Arrecife and Cabo San Juan - 9 days
Map of Cartagena, Tayrona Park, Arrecife and Cabo San Juan - 9 days