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.
Colombia's Caribbean Coast & Lost City
14 days, Cartagena to Santa Marta
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.
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 Don Pedro de Heredia (or similar)
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.
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Don Pedro de Heredia (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cartagena/Minca
Travel to the small town of Minca, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy free time to explore.
Please note that if the group is full, we may be required to use multi-share rooms in Minca due to the small size of this unique hotel.
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Accommodation
Hotel Minca La Casona (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your G for Good Moment: Katanzama Community Visit
Visit the Katanzama community, located 30 minutes from Tayrona National Park, near Buritaca. Made up of approximately 80 Arhuaco indigenous families, this unique experience invites you to connect with one of Colombia’s most resilient indigenous groups, who have preserved their customs and spiritual beliefs for decades. Upon arrival you will be welcomed into the ceremonial center to learn about the community’s spiritual connection to nature, their history of resistance, and their ongoing efforts to restore their ancestral land, and the area where coca and cacao are cultivated. Then, gather around for a traditional textile weaving demonstration which showcases an ancestral craft that carries deep cultural significance here. Your experience will be led by a local Arhuaco guide and after the community visit the group will sit down together for an included lunch. Your time here fosters cross-cultural understanding but also directly supports the economic and social development of the Katanzama community, ensuring that their traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
Private Vehicle
Sit back and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle from the nearby Indigenous community to the group's accommodations just 5-10 minutes away.
Free Time
Lounge in a hammock on the hotel property or wander through the grounds admiring the thick green foliage and fragrant plants. The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy as you please.
Accommodation
Posada Villa Margarita (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 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.
Please note that Tayrona National Park will be closed certain dates in February, June, October, and November. See the Important Notes section of your tour for more details. 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 during these dates, you will visit Taironaka Park, to learn more about the local Kogi people and their cultural practices.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Free Time
This evening, enjoy the tranquil setting by walking toward the ocean, or relaxing on the property of the hotel.
Accommodation
Posada Villa Margarita (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 6Tayrona National Park Area / Taganga
In the afternoon, travel from Tayrona to Taganga. Orientation walk with CEO upon arrival.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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
Accommodation
Ocean Taganga (or similar)
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
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.
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!
Accommodation
Hotel Tayromar (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Santa Marta
Relax on the beautiful Caribbean coast in Santa Marta or go further afield to explore.
Use the day to soak up some sun or make any last minute purchases before starting the big trek.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Tayromar (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 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.
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Lost City Trek Day 1
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. 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.
Total distance: 7.6 km.
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 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.
Lost City Trek Day 2
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.
Total distance: 14.7 km
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 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.
Lost City Trek - Day 3
The once-forgotten city is only an hour away and to get there you must climb the 1,200 steps built by the ancient Tayrona people. This is a very steep climb, but the rewards of the climb are more than worth it. Once at the site, the guide will explain the history of the Lost City and what is known of its origins. It is estimated that only 10% of the site has been discovered. Head back to the campsite for lunch and a swim before beginning the trek back the way you came to Mumake Camp. Most of the trek today is downhill which can be hard on the knees, a walking stick might be useful.
Total Distance: 8.6 km
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 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.
Lost City Trek - Day 4
Head back along the same path through dense green jungle, pass by banana trees, Kogi communities, and grasslands. Continue uphill to reach Las Cascadas 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.
Total distance: 8.6 km
Meals included:
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 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.
Lost City Trek Day 5
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.
Total distance: 7.6 km
4x4
Roads? Where this rough-and-ready vehicle's going, we don't need roads.
Accommodation
Hotel Tayromar (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 14Santa 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 14 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.