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In 2025, Tayrona Park is closed on the following dates, February 01- 15, June 01-15, and October 19 - November 02. On departures during these dates we will visit Minca, the small town and ecological capital of Colombia, and 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.

Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park

10 days, Cartagena to Medellín

Map of the route for Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park
Day 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Itinerary

Day 1Cartagena

Arrive at any time. After a welcome meeting at the hotel in the evening, choose to join your fellow travellers for an optional group dinner and check out the local flavours and bustling atmosphere of Plaza Trinidad.

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.

Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends

Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Hotel Villa Colonial (or similar)
Hotel

Day 2Cartagena

Start the day with a CEO-led orientation walk through streets of the historic old town. Depart from your hotel and pass by the Plaza de San Diego, Murallas de Cartagena for views of the Caribbean Sea, Heredia Theatre, and Monumento Torre del Reloj, during the route. Then, the day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Check out the San Felipe fortress, keep walking the lively streets, or take a break from the heat and people watch in one of the city’s many plazas, like Plaza de Santo Domingo.

CEO-led Orientation Walk of Old Town Cartagena
Cartagena1h-1h30m 3-4km

Enjoy an orientation walk alongside your trust CEO and get to know the Old Town of Cartagena as you walk a 3.7km loop from your hotel in the area. Pass by various monuments and museums and gain an introduction to the streets, sounds, and sights of this Colombian city.

Free Time
Cartagena

Choose your own adventure today! From numerous museums to city tours and nearby island visits, there's no doubt you'll find plenty of options to keep you entertained.

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Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow

Naval Museum of the Caribbean Visit
Cartagena
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.

Islas del Rosario National Park
Cartagena – Islas del Rosario
320000-350000COP per person

Take a boat to this park with a lengthy name—Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park—and be wowed by the beauty of the Rosario Islands. Admire the clear blue water and natural landscape of the islands. Opt to snorkel and explore the park’s lively reefs or sit back and relax on the beach.

Palace of Inquisition (Museum) Visit
Cartagena
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.

Night Exploration on Chiva
Cartagena
80000COP per person

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.

Gold Museum Visit
Cartagena
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.

Museum of Modern Art (Museo de Arte Moderno) Visit
Cartagena
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.

Cartagena City Tour
Cartagena4h-5h

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.

Accommodation

Hotel Villa Colonial (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 3Cartagena/Minca

Leave the liveliness and pulsing energy of Cartagena behind and travel to the small town of Minca, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air and take advantage of free time to explore. This growing village has a laid back, but energetic vibe with lots of opportunities for jungle hiking, waterfalls, and other adventurous activities.

Private Vehicle
Cartagena – Minca5h240km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from Cartagena to Minca.

Free Time
Minca Afternoon

Settle in to this town in the middle of the rainforest in the lower part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. A place brimming with hiking trails, coffee and cocoa plantations, rivers, and waterfalls. The ideal place to immerse yourself in nature. Go for a hike or explore the town on your own.

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Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow

Pozo Azul
Minca

Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.

Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca
Minca

Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.

Accommodation

On the rock hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4Minca

In the morning after breakfast at the hotel, set off on one of the best, but lesser-known activities while in Minca; a hike to the Marinka Waterfalls. These two large jungle cascades can be found about 3.6km from town amidst the beautiful forest, and they offer a deep swimming pool to cool off in after your hike. The group will arrive back to Minca for a free afternoon to lounge about, or be as adventurous as you choose.

Free Time
Minca Afternoon

After the hike travel back to Minca and spend the afternoon on your own. Maybe head to Pozo Azul, a collection of three swimming areas on the river that runs by town, or choose to tour a chocolate and coffee farm.

Marinka Waterfall Hike
Minca45m-1h 4km

Hike to the impressive Marinka waterfalls that flow with crystal clear water and generate a natural pool perfect for swimming. This easy to moderate hike offers a great chance to feel refreshed in nature amid the beautiful jungle scenery.

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Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow

Pozo Azul
Minca

Choose to visit Pozo Azul, a series of waterfalls near Minca that create the perfect natural swimming holes to feel refreshed in the tropical, humid environment of north Colombia.

Hiking Jungle Trails Near Minca
Minca

Set off on the trails through the jungle around Minca and do some exploring on your own.

Accommodation

On the rock hostel (or similar)
Hostel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5Minca/Palomino

Get ready to lean into those beach vibes and a laid-back coastal paradise energy as the group travels from Minca to Palomino, on the Caribbean coast. Due to it’s location at the southern portion of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, you get the lush mountain greenery right up against the warm sea. Upon arrival there will be free time for lunch on your own as well as the opportunity to book an optional tubing activity on the nearby river. Later, kick back with your travel buddies around a beach bonfire before a free night out in Palomino on your own.

Private Vehicle
Minca – Palomino2h88km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Palomino Afternoon

Enjoy yourself during a free afternoon in the small beachside town of Palomino. This off-the-beaten-track is the perfect place to sunbathe on golden sand beaches or tube down a lazy rive beneath the jungle trees.

Palomino Beach Bonfire
Palomino1h

Hang out on the beach with your travel pals and enjoy a bonfire as the sun goes down and you enjoy one another's company.

Accommodation

La Riviera Playa (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 6Tayrona National Park

Travel into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike thorough the stunning landscape accompanied by a local guide. Experience the natural biodiversity and beautiful trails while any nature lovers unite on a search for wildlife amid the dense jungle forest. Spend half of the day here in the park before an included lunch and transfer back to Palomino. Arrive in the early evening and spend it as you choose. Opt to find a local spot for dinner and toast with your travel pals to a day well spent, maybe catch the sunset.

Private Vehicle
Palomino – Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona1h44km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Tayrona National Park Visit & Hike
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona4h-4h30m

Enjoy the first part of the day in the beautiful landscape of Tayrona National Park on a moderate hike led by a local guide. Learn more about the rich diversity of Tayrona's natural heritage and simply enjoy the outdoors.

Private Vehicle
Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona – Palomino1h44km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Palomino Evening

Spend the evening on your own. Opt to grab dinner together with the group or find a spot in town to watch the sunset.

Accommodation

La Riviera Playa (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 7Palomino/Santa Marta

In the morning the group will travel by private vehicle to Santa Marta from Palomino. Upon arrival, join your CEO for an orientation walk of the town passing by landmarks such as, Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Then, take advantage of free time in the afternoon to explore. Choose to grab some lunch at a local restaurant, or maybe head to El Rodadero for white sand beaches and warm water. Tonight, head out for a final night out on the town with your travel crew.

Santa Marta CEO-led Orientation Walk
Santa Marta45m 1-2km

Walk through town with your CEO and pass by landmarks like Parque de los Novios, Parque Bolívar, Parque Camellón Rodrigo de Bastidas (along the water), and the marina. Get to know this gorgeous place on the Caribbean Sea and simply enjoy the coastal location.

Free Time
Santa Marta

Explore on your own and choose from the optional activities available locally.

Your Big Night Out Moment:

Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials, or hanging out by the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.

Private Vehicle
Palomino – Santa Marta2h82km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

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Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow

Gold Museum Santa Marta
Santa Marta
Free

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

Quinta San Pedro Alejandrino
Santa Marta
23000COP 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.

Accommodation

Hotel Tayromar (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Santa Marta/Medellín

Wheels up! In the mid-morning, fly inland to Medellín, a city that has transformed into one of Latin America’s safest destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to become acquainted with your surroundings on your own before an optional night out with the group.

Free Time
Medellín

Enjoy time to get settled in Medellín and explore on your own.

Plane
Santa Marta – Medellín1h850km

Sit back and relax as you fly from Santa Marta to Medllín.

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Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow

Explora Park
Medellín
24500-37500COP per person

A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display.

Modern Art Museum
Medellín
10000COP per person

Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.

Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit
Cerro Nutibara

For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.

Accommodation

Hotel Punto 70 (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 9Medellín

Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and learn more about the organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. Afterwards, enjoy time to grab lunch on your own and choose to visit museums, take a historical tour, or try one of the other optional activities available in the area.

Your G for Good Moment: Tour Comuna 13 Guide Local

Explore dynamic communities and support women–owned social enterprises on a tour led by residents of the Comuna 13 of Medellin. A G Adventures,–supported project, Berracas de la 13 is a nonprofit organization who have developed a new Comuna tour and meal service, benefitting women and youth from the community. Travellers have the opportunity to learn from local guides, visit small shops, try local food and purchase unique handicrafts.

Free Time
Medellín Afternoon

Spend free time exploring the city and make sure to try as many fun optional activities as you can. If you haven't ridden the metrocable yet then we suggesting catching a ride up for sunset views.

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Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow

Explora Park
Medellín
24500-37500COP per person

A symbol of transformation in the northern part of Medellín, the park is a large piece of modern architecture housing a variety of scientific exhibits. Learn about the flora, fauna, and astronomy of Colombia while exploring the vivarium specializing in the Amazon River, the planetarium, or one of the many interactive exhibits on display.

Modern Art Museum
Medellín
10000COP per person

Wander around the Museum of Modern Art and enjoy the work of Colombian artists in a variety of medias. Make sure to check out the Débra Arango permanent collection.

Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit
Cerro Nutibara

For a breath of fresh air 80m (263 ft) above the city, visit Nutibara Hill. Ride a colourful bus, take a taxi, or climb winding paths through the greenery to get to the top of the hill and enjoy great views of the city. Pueblito Paisa waits at the summit: stroll through this replica of a traditional Antioquian town and enjoy the charm of whitewashed buildings, bright-coloured doors and tiled roofs. Try some local food here or shop for souvenirs.

Accommodation

Hotel Punto 70 (or similar)
Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10Medellín

Depart at any time.

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Colombian Explorer: Medellín Nights & Tayrona National Park

| 10 days - Cartagena to Medellín - from $1599 USD