How many days do you need in Medellín, Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park?
- Most travelers spend 9-10 days in Medellín, Cartagena, Minca, and Tayrona National Park combined
- Visiting Medellín, Cartagena, Minca, and Tayrona National Park in 7 or 8 days is possible, but will feel rushed
- With 11 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
How Many Days to Spend in Medellín
How Many Days to Spend in Cartagena
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Recommended Itineraries for Medellín, Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park
Recommended Itinerary for 10 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Medellín | Medellín |
| Day 2 | Medellín City Tour | Medellín |
| Day 3 | Guatapé Day-Trip | Medellín |
| Day 4 | Medellín - Flight to Santa Marta - Transfer to Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona | Tayrona National Park |
| Day 5 | Tour of Tayrona National Park | Tayrona National Park |
| Day 6 | Drive to Minca - Coffee Farm and Village Tour | Minca |
| Day 7 | Sunrise Birdwatching -> Transfer to Cartagena | Cartagena |
| Day 8 | Salsa Dancing | Cartagena |
| Day 9 | La Boquilla Fishing Trip | Cartagena |
| Day 10 | Depart Cartagena |
This cultural yet outdoorsy Colombian adventure starts in one of Latin America's most striking and up-and-coming cities, Medellín, which is safe for travelers after a turbulent past. Enjoy the constant spring-like weather while exploring vibrant neighborhoods by foot and gondola before flying north to the Caribbean coast. From Santa Marta, relax on the beaches and trails of Tayrona Park and then head for the cobblestoned streets of Cartagena's inner-walled city, oozing with Spanish colonial romance and history. Read more
How to travel between Medellín, Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park
How to get to Tayrona National Park
Found in northern Colombia, Tayrona National Park is most often accessed via nearby Santa Marta. From the entrance, you can catch the shuttle bus to venture farther into the park or walk a few kilometers to your accommodation. If you are headed from Riohacha or Palomino, you'll want to get a bus headed in the direction of Santa Marta and depart near the park entrance. Read more
How to get from Cartagena to Minca
The distance between colonial Cartagena and the coffee town of Minca is only 154 miles (247 km), so most travelers make the journey by car. Taking a private transfer is the most convenient option, and it will take about four hours. Read more
How to get from Medellín to Cartagena
The distance between Medellín and Cartagena is 389 miles (636 km). The easiest way to make the trip is to fly, which takes about an hour. Buses run from Medellín to Cartagena numerous times every day and are an economical way to go; you can expect at least thirteen hours on the road. Private transfers are recommended over self-driving, though it can be an expensive option at this distance. Read more
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