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For the 2022 itinerary of this tour, click here.
Caribbean Colombia Express — Plus
8 days, Cartagena to Santa Marta
Itinerary Notes
In 2020, Tayrona Park is closed the month of February, June 01-15, and October 19 - November 02. More details on the itinerary for these departures can be found under Important Notes on the Tour Details tab.
Itinerary
Day 1Cartagena
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. 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 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.
Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.
Opt to pre-book the "Totumo Mud Volcano" activity on the checkout page ahead of time to include this optional on your tour.
Cartagena 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.
Free Time
Get out and explore this vibrant colonial town. Refuel with some local fare—"patacones" or fried plantains are a must!
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Gold Museum Visit
7000COP per personHead 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.
Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit
5000COP per personHoused 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.
Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit
6000COP per personLocated 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.
Night Exploration on Chiva
80000COP per personGet 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 personVisit 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.
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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cartagena/Minca
Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore the lovely town of Minca. Go looking for unique birds, explore the area on foot or hang out at a local café by the river.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Minca/Parque 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. 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.
Tayrona National Park Excursion
Get outside with a hike into this beautiful park! Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and explore Tayrona's gorgeous scenery with a local guide. Spend the night surrounded by nature in a lodge close to the park.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Spend the day with the Gotshezhy indigenous community. Enjoy a G Adventures-supported lunch prepared by women from the community. Learn about Wiwa customs on a village visit and then lounge in a hammock by the river or opt to explore nearby waterfalls.
Your G for Good Moment: Wiwa Community Visit & Lunch
Visit the Gotshezhy community and enjoy a meal cooked by women from the community with local ingredients. 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. 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.
Free Time
This evening get to know the area surrounding Tayrona National Park, enjoy the tranquil setting or relax in a hammock.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona/Taganga
In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.
Taganga Orientation Walk
Take a CEO-led orientation walk of this traditional fishing village and get acquainted with the main sites.
Free Time
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
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 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.
Free Time
Take advantage of free time in this coastal town by relaxing on the beach or exploring the waters with a snorkel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Snorkelling
150000COP per personStrap 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.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Santa Marta
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Gold Museum Santa Marta
FreeExplore the colonial mansion that houses indigenous artifacts from the Tayrona area including an impressive gold collection.
Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
23000COP per personVisit 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.