Caribbean Colombia Express
8 days, Cartagena to Santa Marta
Itinerary Notes
In 2026, Tayrona Park will be closed February 1st to 15th, June 1st to 15th, and October 19th to November 2nd. On departures during these dates we will visit Taironaka Park. Please see the itinerary and important notes for more details.
Itinerary
Day 1Cartagena
Arrive at any time.
Your 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.
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
Volcan Tutumo
90000COP per personDelight in a mud bath at the Volcan Tutumo. Ascend a small staircase about 15m (49 ft) to the top of the mud volcano. At the crater take a dip in the cool mud (a slurry of thermal water and subterranean mineral deposits) believed to have healing properties. Afterwards, de-mud with a bath in the nearby lagoon.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cartagena/Santa Marta
Travel by bus to Santa Marta with free time to explore this beautiful coastal city.
Please note hot water is uncommon in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Showers are likely to only have cold water while visiting this area.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Start exploring this historic city. Opt to visit the La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, the large estate is famed for being the death place of Simon Bolivar.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Santa Marta/Taganga
Journey into the hills around Minca and hike to a beautiful waterfall. Take a tour of a coffee farm and indulge in a local lunch. Continue to Taganga, a perfect base for exploring nearby Tayrona National Park.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Minca Excursion
Nestled in the rainforest of the Sierra Nevada Mountains— the town of Minca is beautiful. Explore the town before heading up to a coffee farm to learn more about the production of one of Colombia’s most important crops. Continue on to the the scenic watering holes of Pozo Azul, after a short hike, enjoy an invigorating dip under a waterfall before taking a break for an included lunch.
Private Vehicle
Head downhill in a 4x4 on a jungle road, take in the scenery and hold on tight, it can be a bumpy ride.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 5Taganga
Spend the day exploring Taganga. Opt for more active options like snorkelling or hiking or hit one of the beaches and relax in a hammock.
Free Time
Spend the day soaking up the Caribbean feel of this coastal village. Be sure to indulge in the area's fantastic fresh seafood or hang out in one of the many cafés along the beach.
Optional Activities - Day 5 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!
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga
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.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking boots and get to the next stop under your own power.
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.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 7Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona/Santa Marta
Return to Santa Marta for an optional evening out on the town.
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:
BreakfastDay 8Santa Marta
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.