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Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City

14 days, Cartagena to Santa Marta

Travellers exploring the main square in Cartagena, Colombia
!

In 2024, Tayrona Park is closed February 01- 15, June 01-15, and October 19 - November 02. On departures during these dates we will visit Tayronaka Park, where we will go tubing on the Don Diego River. The park is known for its beautiful terraces and indigenous community. Visit a museum about the local Kogi people, meet members of the community, and relax while enjoying an included lunch.

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.

14 days

Cartagena to Santa Marta

From$2324USD
was $3099
Valid on Apr 28 2024
Trip Code: SMCS

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

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.

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14 days

Cartagena to Santa Marta

From$2324USD
was $3099
Valid on Apr 28 2024
Trip Code: SMCS

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Special Offers

Expires on May 01, 2024 03:59 UTC
Promo Code G24GAV020ADV05

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 14

Map of the route for Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Cartagena

Arrive at any time.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Cartagena

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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Cartagena/Minca

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Minca 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 5Parque 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7Taganga/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.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Santa Marta

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

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Santa 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 10Ricardito 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 11Paraiso 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 12Mumake 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner

Day 13Santa 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.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 14Santa Marta

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

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

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City

| 14 days - Cartagena to Santa Marta - from $2324 USD