Menu Close

Destinations

COLOMBIA’S CARIBBEAN COAST & LOST CITY

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 villages, treks through Tayrona National Park’s picturesque trails and (of course), downtime on the beach. Later, head to 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.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Visit the Wiwa Community in Gotsezhi Village
  • Hike to Pozo Azul
  • Discover the Lost City of Teyuna
  • Explore Tayrona National Park
  • Be surrounded by the Sierra Nevada Mountains

AT A GLANCE

ITINERARY DETAIL

DAY 1: START IN CARTAGENA


Arrive at any time! Explore the city on your own before joining the group. Make sure you’re back in time for the welcome meeting! Opt to join the group for a local meal afterward. 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.

DAY 2: EXPLORE THE VIBRANT COLONIAL TOWN


Kigali City Tour

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.

Daily Summary
Tour: Guided City Tour of Cartagena
Meals: B

Enjoy some free time in the afternoon to take in the Caribbean vibe of the city and beach. Your guide will have plenty of suggestions for you if you are looking for activities to partake in.

*please note that hot water is uncommon in Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.*

Additional Options For Day 2

Totumo Mud Volcano

Climb up the stairs and descend into the healing mud of the El Totumo Mud Volcano. As your body becomes weightless, lie back and relax in the cool mud. The mud is packed with rejuvenating minerals, so you’re bound to come out looking ten years younger. Please bring your own towel, as the hotel will not lend towels for this activity.

Night Exploration on Chiva – 45000COP per person/50000COP per group

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.

Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit – 30000COP per person

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 – 7000COP per person

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.

Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit – 6000COP per person

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.

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit – 5000COP per person

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.

DAY 3: FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR IN MINCA


Free Time To Explore Minca

This morning you will be transferred to the small town of Minca. As you arrive, take a deep breath of the fresh mountain are and enjoy some free time to explore this beautiful area. Go looking for unique birds, explore the area on foot or hang out at a local café by the river.

Daily Summary
Meals: B

DAY 4: ENJOY THE NATURAL DIVERSITY OF TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK


Hike Tayrona National Park

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. Stay in a lodge close to the park.

Please note that Tayrona National Park is usually closed during the month of February. 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 in February, you will visit Taironaka Park, to learn more about the local Kogi people and their cultural practices.

Daily Summary
Tour: Hike Tayrona National Park
Meals: B, L

DAY 5: SPEND THE DAY WITH THE GOTSHEZHY INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY


Tayrona National Park Excursion

Spend the day with the Gotshezhy indigenous community. Visit the nearby village where youth from the four indigenous tribes in the region come to school to learn about their cultural customs and languages. Upon entry into the village, experience a soul-cleansing ceremony and learn about traditional customs, stories, and handicraft methods from this region. Enjoy a lunch prepared by women from the community. After, jump in the river for a cool dip, visit nearby waterfalls and natural swimming pools, or rest in a hammock and reflect on your accomplishment before returning to Santa Marta.

This evening get to know the area surrounding Tayrona National Park, enjoy the tranquil setting, or relax in a hammock.

Daily Summary
Tour: Tayrona National Park Excursion
Meals: B, L

DAY 6: EXPLORE TAGANGA, A TRADITIONAL FISHING VILLAGE


Get Your Bearings in Taganga

In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Take a CEO-led orientation walk of this traditional fishing village and get acquainted with the main sites.

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

Daily Summary
Tour: Get Your Bearings in Taganga
Meals: B

DAY 7: FREE DAY IN TAGANGA


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.

Daily Summary
Meals: B
Additional Options For Day 7

Snorkelling – 80000COP per person

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!

Playa Grande

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.

DAY 8: SOAK UP THE BEAUTIFUL COAST OF SANTA MARTA


Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further to explore. Use the day to soak up some son or make any last-minute purchases before starting the next big leg of your adventure.

If you are looking for suggestions on activities to do today, ask your guide. They will have a plethora of ideas for you.

Daily Summary
Tour: Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino – 21000COP per person
Tour: Gold Museum Santa Marta – Free
Meals: B

Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino – 21000COP per person

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 – Free

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

DAY 9: START LOST CITY OF TEYUNA


Lost City Trek to reach Ricardito Camp

Wake up and hit the road to Machete Pelao where your trek to the Lost City of Teyuna begins. 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.

Daily Summary
Tour: Lost City Trek to reach Ricardito Camp
Meals: B, L, D

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.

DAY 10: WIWA CAMP


Lush Jungle en Route to Ciudad Perdida

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. Once you make it to the camp, cool off with a swim in the river before dinner.

Daily Summary
Tour: Lush Jungle en Route to Ciudad Perdida
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 11: PASO LORENZO CAMP


Trek to Paso Lorenzo

Wake up early feeling refreshed, recharged (hopefully!), and start your trek to Paso Lorenzo Camp. Settle in at the campsite around noon and eat some lunch. If the weather is nice, take a dip in the Buritaca River. Learn about Wiwa customs in the afternoon and then kick back and relax in a hammock.

Daily Summary
Tour: Trek to Paso Lorenzo
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 12: LA CIUDAD PERDIDA


Sacred Sites of Lost City

Today is the day to discover the wonders of 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 Wiwa Camp.

Daily Summary
Tour: Sacred Sites of Lost City
Meals: B, L, D

DAY 13: LAST VIEWS OF THE JUNGLE AND LOCAL VILLAGE LIFE


Hike Back Down to Machete Pelao

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. Transfer to Santa Marta where the rest of the day is yours to relax.

Daily Summary
Tour: Hike Back Down to Machete Pelao
Meals: B, L

DAY 14: DEPART FROM SANTA MARTA


Today you can depart at any time. If you have some time left before your flight home, feel free to take in the free Gold Museum Santa Marta where you can explore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area.

You can also opt to visit Simon Bolivar’s final resting place, la Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino. This 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.

Daily Summary
Meals: B

TRIP DETAILS

Call for dates and pricing 

Disclaimer: We do our utmost to ensure that information posted on our website is correct at the time of publication, however trip details are subject to change without notice by the suppliers and operators involved. We update the information as soon as possible when changes are advised to us, however, we cannot assume responsibility for such changes made by the suppliers and operators.

Speak to an expert 1-888-202-8262