Best of Tayrona Park

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Tayrona National Park
Tropical rainforest intersects with golden beaches and the Caribbean Sea in the Tayrona National Park. Snorkeling coral reefs, hiking mountainous jungle, and overnighting in eco-friendly guesthouses are a few ways to experience Tayrona. Gateway to the region is Santa Marta, a sizable city with a colonial heart and some of the best accommodation and dining options on the coast. Just south of there, the small mountain village of Minca is a great base for birdwatching, mountain biking, cloud forest walks, and other activities.

You can learn about the area’s indigenous cultures on a tour of Tayronaka ruins. Nearby, you can go tubing in the forest-lined Rio Don Diego. You can also make a full-day excursion to Tayrona National Park, visiting Caribbean beaches and relaxing on the seaside. This is also one of the best places in Colombia for a multi-day trek. The hike to the Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) takes you through the rainforest to 800-year-old ruins deep in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
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Shoreline of the Tayrona National Park
Map of Ultimate Guide to Tayrona Park: Natural Wonders and Ancient Culture
Ultimate Guide to Tayrona Park: Natural Wonders and Ancient Culture

With miles of white sand beaches, dense jungle, and waves crashing into enormous boulders, Parque Nacional Tayrona is one of the most visually stunning natural reserves in Colombia. Days can be spent swimming in the sea and exploring the jungle, and there are opportunities to visit the remnants of ancient indigenous cities. Use this expert guide to help you get the most from one of Colombia's true natural wonders.

Explore Beautiful Tayrona Park
Map of Explore Tayrona National Park - 4 Days
Explore Tayrona National Park - 4 Days

If you only visit one place on Colombia's northern coast, make sure it's Tayrona National Park. You'll pack a lot of activity into this short itinerary—arrive in the colonial city of Santa Marta before spending two days hiking to some of Tayrona's most secluded beaches and the Pueblito Ruins.

The Sierra Nevada mountains come to meet the Caribbean sea in Tayrona National Park
Map of Cartagena & Tayrona Park - 6 Days
Cartagena & Tayrona Park - 6 Days

This fun 6-day adventure hits two major highlights along Colombia's northern coast. First, you'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, an inner-walled city oozing with colonial architecture and history, not to mention hip hotels and rooftop bars. Then drive east towards Santa Marta to spend a few days at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona Park) for a slice of South America's prettiest coastline. Explore on your own or take a guided tour of the park's hiking trails and exotic beaches.

Discover Colombia's Tayrona Park
Map of Cartagena & Tayrona Park - 5 Days
Cartagena & Tayrona Park - 5 Days

This fun 5-day adventure hits two major highlights along Colombia's northern coast. First, you'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, an inner-walled city oozing with colonial architecture and history, not to mention hip hotels and rooftop bars. Then drive east towards Santa Marta to spend a few days at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona (Tayrona Park) for a slice of South America's prettiest coastline. Explore on your own or take a guided tour of the park's hiking trails and exotic beaches.

The turquoise waters and lush mountains of Colombia's Caribbean coast.
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona & Cartagena - 9 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona & Cartagena - 9 Days

This diverse 9-day itinerary showcases the highlights of Colombia's Caribbean coast. Start by soaking up the colonial charm, vibrant nightlife, and myriad attractions of Cartagena, then head north to the bustling Pacific port of Santa Marta. Spend your final three days immersed in the natural beauty of Tayrona Natural Park, where you'll hike through biodiverse rainforests, explore sandy beaches and volcanic coves, and tour the lush coffee farms of nearby Minca.

 Visit some of Colombia's prettiest beaches in Tayrona National Park
Map of Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Colombia typically plan a trip for seven to eight days when combining both Cartagena and Tayrona National Park with another stop like Bogotá, Medellín, Minca, and Zona Cafetera. If you're not interested in adding another stop, five to seven days is enough for your Cartagena and Tayrona National Park trip. Check out our favorite Cartagena and Tayrona National Park trips below.

Valle de Cocora, Colombia
Map of Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 12 Days
Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 12 Days

With this itinerary, you'll see the best of Colombia in 12 days. Begin on the Caribbean coast with a visit to Tayrona National Park, where you'll snorkel and hike to your heart's content. From there, hop a flight to the Coffee Region for mountain biking, birdwatching in sub-Andean forests, and a tour of a working coffee farm. End your journey in colonial Popayán and Tierradentro, an archeological site famous for its underground burial chambers.

Ciudad Perdida (Lost City)
Map of The Lost City & Tayrona Park Adventure - 10 Days
The Lost City & Tayrona Park Adventure - 10 Days

This rugged 10-day trip is ideal for those who want to focus on nature and the outdoors, as it highlights two of the country's biggest natural attractions. Start with a four-day trek to Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) located in the heart of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a mountain range close to the Caribbean sea. Dubbed 'the new Machu Picchu', this challenging journey reaches the archaeological ruins of Teyuna -- accessible by steep climbs and several river crossings. Continue the adventure with a sailing trip in the Caribbean Sea, and then spend two days exploring Tayrona National Park. Finish the adventure with a relaxing float on the Don Diego River.

colombia
Map of Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days
Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days

This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey on the Caribbean coast. This leg will take you to Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress of Cartagena. Then fly to Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape before heading to Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. Here you'll hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through sub-Andean forests. Next, it's off to the archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers before ending your stay in the colonial town of Popayán.

View of Taroa sand dune and ocean
Map of Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 14 Days
Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 14 Days

This adventure covers the highlights of Colombia's diverse Caribbean coast with plenty of opportunities to get in the water. You'll start in the colonial city of Cartagena with a speedboat trip to the Rosario Islands and then head east for Santa Marta. You'll travel by 4WD to the La Guajira Peninsula for remote dunes and Indigenous tribes, tube down the Río Don Diego, and then spend a few days hiking around Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona before ending the trip back to Cartagena.

A view of Cabo San Juan in Colombia's beautiful Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City Trek - 14 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City Trek - 14 Days

From colonial Cartagena to the ancient Lost City ruins and the dunes of La Guajira, this two-week journey covers the highlights and hidden gems of Colombia's Caribbean coast. It's a trip ideal for travelers who want to immerse themselves in one beautiful region, explore its cities, embark on multiday treks, snorkel the Caribbean, and more.

Explore the Amazon jungle while staying in a romantic bungalow (photo courtesy of Calonoa Lodge))
Map of Luxury Active Colombia: Bogotá, the Amazon & Caribbean Coast - 14 Days
Luxury Active Colombia: Bogotá, the Amazon & Caribbean Coast - 14 Days

Dive deep into Colombia's beauty, culture, and history without sacrificing any creature comforts. This luxury two-week tour begins in Bogotá, where, in between visiting famous landmarks, you'll dine at some of the best restaurants on the continent. Then, travel to the Amazon to meet tribespeople and spot exotic wildlife before finishing the adventure on the Caribbean coast and the wonderland of Tayrona National Park.

Coastline near Santa Marta
Map of Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 12 Days
Explore Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day itinerary is for those eager for some aquatic adventure. It covers major highlights along Colombia's Caribbean coast and affords plenty of opportunities to dive, snorkel, swim, and frolick in the water. You'll begin in the colonial city of Cartagena, then head east to the Santa Marta. Afterward, take a 4x4 to the remote Guajira Peninsula, home of the northernmost point in South America. Circle back to Santa Marta and enjoy a few days hiking around Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona.

One of Tayrona's stunning beaches on the Caribbean Sea
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast  - 7 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

This 7-day land and sea adventure covers all the highlights along Colombia's northern coast. You'll experience the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, explore the beautiful Tayrona National Park, hike through mountainous jungles, go birdwatching, visit a coffee farm, and finish your trip with a relaxing trip to the Rosario Islands by private speedboat.

Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia Coastal Adventure - 8 Days
Colombia Coastal Adventure - 8 Days

Experience the highlights along Colombia's northern coast in this active 8-day Caribbean adventure. You'll soak in the culture and fairy-tale romance of Cartagena's Old Town, join a fishing trip, explore the beautiful Tayrona National Park, hike through mountainous jungles, go birdwatching, visit a coffee farm, and finish your trip with a relaxing trip to the Rosario Islands by speedboat.

Dancers in Barranquilla during the Carnival
Map of Vibrant Colombia: The Caribbean to Cali - 10 Days
Vibrant Colombia: The Caribbean to Cali - 10 Days

This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast with time to explore Tayrona's beautiful national park, sandwiched between the turquoise sea and rugged mountains. From here, you'll visit Colombia's carnival city, Barranquilla, and spend a few days in the stunning inner-walled city of Cartagena before taking a flight to Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Map of Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Cartagena, Minca & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Most travelers will find that seven to eight days is perfect for a well-paced Colombia trip with stops in Cartagena, Minca, and Tayrona National Park. Travelers with less time can hit the route's highlights in five or six days, which makes for a fast-paced journey. Travelers with more time can enjoy extra sights and activities at each stop or explore more of the country—some of our favorite itinerary extensions include Medellín and Santa Marta. Keep reading for more inspiring itineraries.

Kayak around the walled city of Cartagena with your kids!
Map of Nature & Family Time in Colombia: Medellín, Tayrona National Park & Cartagena - 10 Days
Nature & Family Time in Colombia: Medellín, Tayrona National Park & Cartagena - 10 Days

Treat the whole family to a taste of Colombia on this fun-filled 10-day itinerary. Enjoy a mix of city and nature as you make your way from vibrant Medellín to Cartagena and the Caribbean coast, taking your time and exploring at a leisurely pace perfect for kids. While there's plenty of adventure to be had on kayaking trips, drumming workshops, and street food tours, you'll also have ample downtime for quieter pursuits like gentle river tubing and wildlife spotting in Tayrona National Park.

Explore Cartegena's colorful Old Town and preserved fortress on foot
Map of Medellín, Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Medellín, Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Thirteen to 15 days is the most popular trip length for Colombia travelers interested in visiting Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park, especially when also including Bogotá and Zona Cafetera. If you're not interested in Bogotá and Zona Cafetera, eight to 11 days is enough for your trip. Even travelers with limited time can see the highlights in as few as six or seven days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park and beyond.

Cartagena Clock Tower
Map of Colombia's Quintessential Highlights - 14 Days
Colombia's Quintessential Highlights - 14 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this classic Colombia itinerary starts in cosmopolitan Bogotá, ending in charming Cartagena. Visit the salt mines and colonial towns of Barichara and Villa de Leyva, hike the Iguaque Sanctuary, and bike in the Suarez Canal. Once you reach the coast, spend a few days exploring Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, where you'll encounter white sand beaches, rainforests, and one of the few coral reefs in Colombia.

Birds of Minca
Map of Caribbean Birding Tour in Colombia: Cartagena, Minca, & Tayrona National Park - 11 Days
Caribbean Birding Tour in Colombia: Cartagena, Minca, & Tayrona National Park - 11 Days

On this multifaceted, 11-day tour, you’ll explore the Caribbean region of Colombia and its biodiverse landscapes. The trip begins in Cartagena, a vibrant port city with a rich history and plenty of sites to see. Then, you’re off to Santa Marta and Minca for four, full days of birding among the various ecosystems. The trip concludes in Tayrona Park, with its beautiful beaches and cultural excursions among the natives.

Discover Colombia's Cities & Beaches - 8 Days
Map of Discover Colombia's Cities & Beaches - 8 Days
Discover Colombia's Cities & Beaches - 8 Days

This fast-paced 8-day itinerary highlights three of Latin America’s most exciting cities. You'll start off in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá to explore the thriving food and art scenes, then fly to scenic Medellín, a hip metropolis making a comeback after a turbulent past. End the trip in Cartagena's Old Town, a romantic inner-walled city with colonial history. Too much city? You'll spend an outdoorsy day visiting Tayrona National Park for a dose of rainforest and the Caribbean Sea.

Cabo de San Juan, PNN Tayrona, Colombia
Map of Zona Cafetera and the Caribbean Coast - 8 Days
Zona Cafetera and the Caribbean Coast - 8 Days

Begin your adventure in Colombia's Zona Cafetera coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Cocorá Valley and its towering wax palms await. Then make your way to the Caribbean coast and the beaches of Parque Nacional Tayrona and learn about the Kogi people, who have lived in harmony with their environment for four centuries.

Sunset over the Amazon
Map of Explore Colombia's Amazon, Andes, and Caribbean Coast - 12 Days
Explore Colombia's Amazon, Andes, and Caribbean Coast - 12 Days

This 12-day adventure will take you through the best of Colombia. You'll travel from Bogotá to the Amazon, the rolling hills of the Zona Cafetera (coffee region), the beaches of Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress city of Cartagena. The most exciting part of your trip? A visit to the little-known region of Guaviare, with its mixture of jungle, indigenous communities, red rivers, and ancient rock art that dates back 20,000 years.

Colombia's Green River
Adventure in Colombia's Cities & Rivers - 12 Days

Travelers who like to be on the move can check off three cities on this whirlwind 12-day tour starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to Medellín — a city with a rising culinary and art scene, as well as constant spring-like weather. Take a couple of days to experience the excitement of whitewater rafting on the Rio Verde before heading to the Caribbean Coast. You'll spend a couple of days exploring Tayrona National Park before ending the trip exploring Cartagena's inner-walled city and taking a day trip to explore the nearby Rosario Islands.

Dancers at Carnival in the town of Barranquilla
Map of Colombia's Vibrant Cultures: The Caribbean to Cali - 13 Days
Colombia's Vibrant Cultures: The Caribbean to Cali - 13 Days

This diverse, action-packed itinerary covers a lot of Colombian ground in two weeks. The trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast and allows time to explore Tayrona National Park. This protected area is home to rugged mountains, indigenous ruins, and white-sand beaches hugging turquoise waters. You'll then spend a few days enjoying city life as you explore the ancient fortress city of Cartagena. Mixed in with all this is a jaunt to Caribbean islands and a visit to the heritage site of a long-standing Afro-Colombian community. You'll cap your two weeks of adventure with a jaunt to the southern Colombian city of Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Aerial view of Medellín's skyline after dark
Map of Colombia's Cities and Caribbean Coast - 13 Days
Colombia's Cities and Caribbean Coast - 13 Days

This 13-day itinerary eliminates the hard choices travelers often have to make when planning a visit to a country as diverse as Colombia. You don't have to choose between cities and culture or nature and beach time. On this adventure, you can have it all. Your journey begins with the Spanish colonial plazas and pulsing discos of Bogotá. You'll then jet to the reinvented city of Medellín and experience its rising culinary and art scene. End the trip on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore the beaches and mountains of Tayrona National Park and the cobbled streets of Cartagena's walled city.

Sunset over the mountains in Colombia
Camino Verde and Tayrona Park Hiking Adventure - 13 Days

This active 13-day adventure combines the epic Camino Verde trek in central Colombia's rainforests with one of South America's most exciting and fascinating cities. Cradled in a fertile valley in the Andes, Medellín is best explored by foot and gondola, where you can observe the sprawling metropolis from high overhead. In a blink, you'll go from city streets to the surrounding countryside. After completing the three-day Camino Verde trek, reward yourself with time to explore the trails and relax on the incomparable beaches of Tayrona National Park.

The golden sands of Tayrona National Park
Colombia Family Adventure: Cartagena & the Caribbean Coast - 9 Days

Colombia's magical Caribbean coast is the star attraction on this 9-day family-friendly adventure. Immerse yourselves in the swashbuckling history of Cartagena, then venture deep into the untouched paradise of Tayrona National Park. After heading inland to discover the lush mountains and coffee farms around Minca, return to the coast to end your trip swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of the San Bernardo Islands.

View of Cartagena's marina at sunset
Colombia's Caribbean Coast and Islands - 13 Days

A big draw of Colombia's Caribbean coast is its large amount of diversity in a relatively small space. Over just a few hundred miles you're in close proximity to Spanish-colonial architecture, the towering mountains of the Sierra Nevadas, white-sand beaches, running rivers, arid deserts, and biodiverse marshland. It's the ultimate tropical adventure.

 Berrio Park is an urban park located in the heart of Medellín, Colombia's second-largest city
Map of Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas
Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena & Tayrona National Park: Best Itinerary Ideas

Travelers to Colombia typically plan a trip for 13 to 15 days when combining Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park with Zona Cafetera. If you're not interested in Zona Cafetera, nine to 12 days is enough for your Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona National Park trip. With less time, it's still possible to see the highlights in as few as eight days. For the best itineraries, keep reading below.

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Map of Colombia Summit to the Sea Adventure - 14 Days
Colombia Summit to the Sea Adventure - 14 Days

This action-packed itinerary hits the highlights near two of Colombia's most exciting cities. Start off in Medellín before driving to the "coffee triangle," where you'll stay on a ranch in the Andes. From here, embark on a three-day hike through some of the last surviving snowcapped peaks in the tropics before rafting in two of Colombia's major rivers. Next, you'll head north to the Caribbean coast for white sand beaches, sailing, and a chance to scuba dive in one of the few coral reefs in Colombia. Finish off with time to explore the cobbled alleys of Cartagena's Old Town.

A lesser-known attraction: Las Lajas Sanctuary in Ipiales, near Pasto.
Map of Journey Across Colombia: North to South - 14 Days
Journey Across Colombia: North to South - 14 Days

This sweeping Colombian itinerary covers major highlights from the country's Caribbean coast all the way to the Ecuadorian border. Start off with two relaxing days where you can unwind in a protected national park with white-sand beaches and tropical rainforests. Continue making your way through three of South America's most scenic and important cities — Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá — eventually heading south towards lesser-known destinations known for gorgeous Baroque architecture, salsa dancing, and a Gothic church built into a gorge.

A sample of Cartagena's beautiful colors and architecture.
Map of Discover Colombia's Cities - 10 Days
Discover Colombia's Cities - 10 Days

Perfect for travelers who love urban energy and culture, this fast-paced itinerary highlights four awesome Colombian cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta, and Cartagena — each with their own special qualities and vibes. Too much city? You'll visit a coffee farm in the Andes and hike through a rainforest for a dose of beach and Caribbean Sea to round out this fun adventure.

Hike and sunbathe in Colombia's Tayrona Park.
Map of Explore Medellín & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Explore Medellín & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

This cultural, yet outdoorsy Colombian adventure starts off in one of Latin America's most striking and up-and-coming cities — Medellín — 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.

The ocean and rocks from Tayrona National Park
Map of Cartagena, Carnival & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Cartagena, Carnival & the Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

This fun itinerary hits the highlights along Colombia’s northern coast, balancing colonial history, beaches, hiking, and relaxation. Wander Cartagena's pretty Old Town and take a speedboat to the Rosario Islands. Drive to Barranquilla, where a raging carnival celebration is held each year. You'll also spend two active days exploring Tayrona National Park and visit a coffee farm in the rolling hills of Minca.

Colombia is home to several species of colorful hummingbirds
Colombia Birdwatching Adventure: Bogotá, Tinamú , El Dorado & Tayrona - 10 Days

Home to 20% of the world's avian species, Colombia is a must-visit for devoted birdwatchers and aspiring ecologists alike. This 10-day itinerary travels through three distinct climates, ecosystems, and landscapes, from the slopes of the Andes to the rainforests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the palm-fringed Caribbean coast. Along the way you'll embark on memorable birdwatching excursions into national forests and nature reserves, searching out the many rare and resplendent species that call Colombia home.

Explore boardwalks through the jungles of Tayrona
Map of Ultimate Colombia Family Adventure: Archaeology, Deserts, Beaches & Jungles - 10 Days
Ultimate Colombia Family Adventure: Archaeology, Deserts, Beaches & Jungles - 10 Days

Perfect for adventurous kids and aspiring explorers, this 10-day expedition showcases Colombia's incredible diversity—with lots of fun and fascinating excursion along the way. Get active with hiking and tubing adventures, chill out away from the crowds on Caribbean coast beaches, go horseback riding and stargazing in the desert, tour impressive archaeological parks to learn more about Colombia's ancient history, and much more.

See colonial architecture in and around the city of Medellín
Map of Highlights of Colombia - 11 Days
Highlights of Colombia - 11 Days

Perfect for newbies, this Colombia highlights tour combines sophisticated cities and exotic landscapes. Start with a walking tour through Bogotá's key monuments and museums, and then spend two nights in the Amazon rainforest while looking for pink dolphins and monkeys. Next is Medellín—a transformed city with an impressive arts scene—followed by quality time along the Caribbean coast. Speedboat to a tropical island for a relaxing beach day to end the adventure.

Explore Tayrona National Park from the comfort of a luxury boutique hotel (photo courtesy of Villa Playa Tayrona)
Map of Luxury Getaway on Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 10 Days
Luxury Getaway on Colombia's Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

Get ready for a luxury trip around Colombia's famed Caribbean coast, from colonial cities to windswept beaches. Setting out from the nation's colonial heart in Santa Marta, you'll embark on day trips to coffee farms and national parks before heading to the cobbled streets of Cartagena and relaxing on offshore islands. Amid all the traveling and tours, there will be time to practice your salsa moves, taste local rums, and even fit in a round or two of golf.

Shades of blue of the Caribbean sea
Map of Highlights of Colombia: Cities, Caribbean Coast, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days
Highlights of Colombia: Cities, Caribbean Coast, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this classic Colombian itinerary starts in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá and then travels north to the Caribbean Sea. Along the route, you'll visit the rolling green hills and colorful colonial houses of the coffee region. Once you reach the coast, you'll spend a few days exploring Tayrona National Park before heading to the romantic inner-walled city of Cartagena and jetting off to the San Bernardo Islands.

Food & Culture in Colombia:  Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days
Map of Food & Culture in Colombia:  Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days
Food & Culture in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, & Tayrona National Park - 15 Days

On this 15-day culinary tour, you're never far from the flavors that comprise Colombian culture. You'll dive right in, sampling exotic fruits, savory street food, and local rum. You'll even participate in cooking classes and prepare some of the nation's most famous dishes. In between food-related adventures, take time to relax on some of Colombia's pristine beaches in Tayrona National Park.

Las Lajas Sanctuary in Ipiales, near Pasto
Map of Journey Across Colombia's Cities: North to South - 15 Days
Journey Across Colombia's Cities: North to South - 15 Days

This diverse, action-packed trip starts on the northern Caribbean Coast with time to explore Tayrona National Park. From here, spend a few days in the inner-walled city of Cartagena and hop a flight to Medellín, with its thriving arts and culture scene. Then, you'll visit a coffee farm before heading to the vibrant capital of Bogotá. Continue the journey with a visit to the famous salt mines and end the trip in Cali, the salsa capital of the world.

Spot rare brown woolly monkeys on your Amazon adventures
Map of Colombia Jungle Adventures: The Amazon, Lost City & Tayrona - 15 Days
Colombia Jungle Adventures: The Amazon, Lost City & Tayrona - 15 Days

Bring your best sense of adventure for this 15-day itinerary, which centers on an immersive four-day Colombian Amazon experience—including a night in a jungle treehouse—and a four-day trek to the remarkable Lost City. Travel from the far south to the far north of the country via historical cities, sleepy mountain towns, and secluded sandy beaches, spotting rare dolphins and brightly colored birdlife along the way.

Cartagena, Colombia
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Culture, Islands & Beaches - 15 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Culture, Islands & Beaches - 15 Days

See the wonders of Colombia's Caribbean coast on this 15-day tour. Start in Cartagena, where you'll take in the city sights via bike and practice your Caribbean rhythms at a Colombian dance class. Then, it's off to Isla Múcura for white-sand beaches, snorkeling, and swimming. See the Carnival city of Barranquilla, hike the beaches and forests of Tayrona National Park, and surround yourself with thousands of species of birds as you canoe through a protected flamingo sanctuary.

Isla Grande off the coast of Cartagena
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Islands - 11 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Islands - 11 Days

An enticing draw of visiting Colombia's northern coast is close proximity to culture, mountains, beaches, and islands for the ultimate tropical adventure. On this 10-day itinerary, you'll start off in Santa Marta with two days of hiking around Tayrona Park. Make an overnight stop in Minca to visit a coffee finca before continuing on to Cartagena where you'll explore the city's quaint narrow streets with historic palaces, churches, and mansions painted in pastel colors. Then speedboat to the Rosario Islands for swimming and snorkeling before finishing the trip with one more night in Cartagena's romantic Old Town.

Bogota Cathedral
Map of December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days
December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days

This festive itinerary begins in Bogotá, where you'll discover museum, restaurants, and nightlife. Next, jet over to Medellín to explore historical sights and see the Christmas lights. From there, drive to the Zona Cafetera to tour the coffee fields and stay on a farm. On your last leg, ring in the New Year in Cartagena and snorkel in Tayrona National Park.

Panoramic View of Meissen District, Bogotá
Map of Explore Bogotá & Cartagena - 9 Days
Explore Bogotá & Cartagena - 9 Days

This tour of Colombia starts in the bustling capital of Bogotá, where you'll explore its trendy neighborhoods and culinary scene before hiking through the nearby nature reserves of Chicaque and Chingaza. Make your way to the coastal city of Cartagena for walking tours of its walled Old Town, then head to the Rosario Islands in the Caribbean Sea. Relax along the white-sand beaches, try your luck with sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, tour mangrove farms, and view the bioluminescent plankton at night.

Colombia
Map of Colombia Jungle & Beaches - 13 Days
Colombia Jungle & Beaches - 13 Days

Travel the length of Colombia, from the Caribbean Sea to the Amazon River, on an epic adventure spanning 13 days. You'll arrive in the capital and visit Bogotá's colonial center, then fly south to embark on excursions deep into the Amazon jungle. Finish the trip with a greatest hits tour of the northern coast that includes Tayrona National Park and yacht trips around the bay of Cartagena.

Salento's quaint neighborhoods
Map of Colombian Andes to the Caribbean Coast: Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, Tayrona & Cartagena - 16 Days
Colombian Andes to the Caribbean Coast: Bogotá, Salento, Medellín, Tayrona & Cartagena - 16 Days

Journey from the Andes to the Caribbean coastline on this spectacular 16-day trip through Colombia. Start in Bogotá for an introduction to its culture and cuisine, then jet off to the "Coffee Triangle" to see towering wax palms, tour a coffee farm, and float down the Río La Vieja on a bamboo raft. It's on to Medellín to tour its notorious favelas and see its inspiring urban regeneration, then over to the Caribbean coast to hike in Tayrona National Park before ending in the "Magic City" of Cartagena.

A man looks out over Bogotá from Cerro Monserrate
Map of Discover Colombia's Great Cities - 14 Days
Discover Colombia's Great Cities - 14 Days

From the buzzing nightlife of Bogotá to the colorful "comunas" of Medellín and the romance of Spanish colonial Cartagena, this two-week journey hits Colombia's urban highlights—with some outdoor adventures along the way. Start with Bogotá city tours followed by hikes amid towering palms in the Coffee Triangle. Then, enjoy revitalized Medellín before wrapping up in Cartagena and lazing on Caribbean beaches.

Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days
Map of Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days
Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days

This robust 12-day itinerary eliminates the hard choices travelers often face regarding a visit to a country as diverse as Colombia. The journey begins by enjoying Bogotá's Spanish colonial plazas and pulsing nightlife. Then jet to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight stay on a working coffee farm. Then it's off to the reinvented city of Medellín and its rising culinary and art scene. End the trip on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore the beaches and mountains of Tayrona National Park and the narrow streets of Cartagena's walled city.

View of the Caribbean coast
Map of Discover Medellín, Bogotá, & Tayrona National Park - 12 Days
Discover Medellín, Bogotá, & Tayrona National Park - 12 Days

Start your fast-paced tour in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá, where you can explore street art, museums, and restaurants. Then you're off to the hip metropolis of Medellín and Cali, known as the World Capital of Salsa. Santa Marta and a visit to a coffee farm in the Andes are next. End your trip with the beaches of Tayrona National Park and yet another vibrant city scene in beautiful Cartagena.

Explore Cartagena
Map of Colombian Beat: Coffee, Food & Beaches - 13 Days
Colombian Beat: Coffee, Food & Beaches - 13 Days

Colombia's island landscapes and vibrant cities are on the itinerary for this 13-day tour traveling by air, car, boat, and bicycle. Start in Bogotá to learn about history in museums and taste dozens of Caribbean fruits in markets. Sip the best Colombian coffee in Salento and explore Medellín's revitalized neighborhoods. Relax on Tayrona National Park's beaches and on islands off Cartagena's coast, returning to the port city to learn dance moves to take home.

Sky and trees reflected in the Amazon River
Map of Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary
Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary

This tour takes you off the beaten path and truly epitomizes the diversity that runs through Colombia and its people. Colombia's mountains, jungles, Caribbean beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, rural and indigenous cultures combine to offer a quite unforgettable tour in one of the world's great (and yet uncharted) destinations.

Stay two nights in Barichara's charming colonial village.
Map of Colombia's Culture & Nature Tour - 14 Days
Colombia's Culture & Nature Tour - 14 Days

Perfect for first-timers, this smart, action-packed itinerary begins in the cosmopolitan capital of Bogotá and then makes its way to the Caribbean coast. Along the route, you'll drive through the Andean highlands visiting preserved colonial towns, fly to the up-and-coming city of Medellín — and then hike through Tayrona Park to get to white-sand beaches and turquoise sea. Spend your last three nights in the romantic UNESCO-listed Old Town of Cartagena, founded in 1533.

Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Coffee Region, Medellín & Cartagena - 14 Days
Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Coffee Region, Medellín & Cartagena - 14 Days

This journey begins in Bogotá, a melting pot of people from around the country. You'll then head to a nearby small town to witness a spectacular salt cathedral, one of Colombia's most visited attractions. Afterward, head east to the Coffee Region where you'll tour small towns, visit a coffee farm, and see the tallest wax palm trees in the world. The adventure continues in Medellín, Tayrona National Park, and Cartagena.

Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring
Map of Colorful Colombia: Cities, Mountains & Beaches - 15 Days
Colorful Colombia: Cities, Mountains & Beaches - 15 Days

Can't decide whether to explore the beaches and islands of the Caribbean coast, get into the groove of cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartegena, or take in the wonder of the Andes mountains? Over 15 days, you can do it all on this far-reaching tour. You'll get a whirlwind overview of one of South America's most diverse and alluring countries, with plenty of awe-inspiring daily activities along the way. Private guides and easy transfers by car and plane will help make your adventure hassle-free.

Discover Colombia and its vibrant culture in cities like Cartagena
Map of Adventure in Colombia: Culture, Nature, Cuisine & City Life - 14 Days
Adventure in Colombia: Culture, Nature, Cuisine & City Life - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary explores the highlights of Colombia's vibrant cities, archaeological wonders, delicious food, and stunning nature. Start in the capital, Bogotá, where history and modernity collide. Discover ancient mysteries in San Agustín and unique foods in Popayán. Savor street food in Medellín, then explore Santa Marta and hike beautiful Tayrona National Park. End your adventure in enchanting Cartagena, where you'll take day trips to nearby islands and learn to make ceviche.

A view of the islands of near Cartagena.
Map of Cartagena and Colombia's Islands - 7 Days
Cartagena and Colombia's Islands - 7 Days

Explore some of the best destinations along Colombia's northern coast on this 7-day adventure that combines a fast-paced urban adventure with the relaxing allure of a tropical island retreat. Tour the colorful Caribbean jewel of Cartegena, then head to a personalized island escape where you can recharge. For travelers who can't choose between an active trip and a secluded getaway, this itinerary offers the best of both worlds.

Stunning views across Guatapé Lake from Peñol Rock, near Medellín.
Diverse Colombia: Nature, Culture & Caribbean Islands - 15 Days

This whirlwind 15-day Colombian itinerary covers everything from culture and heritage to adventure and Caribbean beaches. Start in the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and arts scenes. After city life, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a two-day rafting journey down the Río Verde. Continue your adventure on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore Cartagena's Old Town and enjoy a day trip to the nearby Rosario Islands. End your journey in the paradise of Tayrona National Park, with its perfect mix of beaches, jungles, and mountains.

Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona, Cartagena, Rosario Islands - 15 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Coast: Tayrona, Cartagena, Rosario Islands - 15 Days

This 15-day itinerary explores the diverse Caribbean coast of Colombia, from the sand dunes of La Guajira desert to the mountain village of Minca. Start in Cartagena, with its charming streets and markets, before a tubing excursion on a jungle river in Palomino. Next, you'll hike through Tayrona National Park. Your adventure finishes back in Cartagena and ends with a relaxing day trip to the beaches of the Rosario Islands.

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Map of Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera, Tayrona Park, & Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera, Tayrona Park, & Caribbean Coast - 15 Days

Depending on personal preference, some folks like rugged activity on their vacation while others prefer relaxing on white-sand beaches fronting crystalline waters. Others opt for the museums and nightlife found in more cosmopolitan destinations. We wonder why not enjoy it all? That's just what this itinerary offers: city life, culture, the great outdoors and plenty of time to relax.

Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia: From the North to the Caribbean Coast - 16 Days
Colombia: From the North to the Caribbean Coast - 16 Days

This urban-meets-outdoorsy Colombian itinerary is jam-packed with sightseeing and excursions. The 16-day trip starts in the capital of Bogotá, then heads north for a challenging hike in the heart of Iguaque Sanctuary, and a cycling tour through along the Suarez River. From there, you will fly to the Caribbean Coast and spend time exploring a stunning national park, followed by birding in Minca. You will end your adventure in romantic Cartagena, with a relaxing trip to Múcura Island.

Visit the National Aviary of Colombia in Cartagena and see birds like this collared aracari
Map of Colombia's Ultimate Bird-Watching & Wildlife Tour - 16 Days
Colombia's Ultimate Bird-Watching & Wildlife Tour - 16 Days

Experience Colombia's diverse landscapes during guided hikes and bird-watching expeditions on this 16-day itinerary. The trip starts on the Caribbean coast, where you'll explore the vibrant streets of Cartagena and the untamed beauty of Tayrona National Park. Then journey to the tranquil mountains of Minca and the cloud forests of Manizales. Finish with four special nights surrounded by the wild nature in the Amazon rainforest before wrapping up in Colombia's sophisticated capital, Bogotá.

Experience a variety of beaches along Colombia's Caribbean coast
Map of Colombia's Caribbean Gems: Beaches, Jungles & Indigenous Culture - 16 Days
Colombia's Caribbean Gems: Beaches, Jungles & Indigenous Culture - 16 Days

Explore the sun-kissed beaches and lush jungles of Colombia's Caribbean coast with this 16-day guided itinerary. The adventure starts in vibrant Santa Marta and bohemian Palomino before venturing into the desert-like landscapes of the La Guajira Peninsula. From here, head into the rainforest of Minca and the palm-fringed beaches of Tayrona National Park. Finish with a bike tour and sunset cocktails in Cartagena, not to mention a two-night trip to the nearby Rosario Islands for some beach bliss.

Start your journey in Cartagena, "Pearl of the Caribbean"
Explore Colombia: the Caribbean Coast & Zona Cafetera - 12 Days

This laid-back 12-day itinerary takes you through the highlights of Colombia's Caribbean coast, then detours south to explore the heart of the country's lush coffee-growing region. Stroll Cartagena's historic Old Town, swim in the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands, and discover the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park. Fly south into the Zona Cafetera for two days visiting coffee farms and hiking amongst giant palms in the Valle de Cocora, then return to Cartagena to end your journey with more culture and cuisine in the "Pearl of the Caribbean."

Other popular travel destinations in Colombia
Caribbean Coast · Cartagena · Bogotá · Medellín · Zona Cafetera (Coffee Region) · Pereira · Salento · The Amazon · Cali · Rosario Islands · Leticia and Puerto Nariño · Pacific Coast · Tierra Bomba