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Colombian Adventure: Caribbean Coast & Tayrona National Park

8 days, Cartagena to Santa Marta

!

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.

8 days

Cartagena to Santa Marta

From$1199USD
Valid on Oct 24 2025
Trip Code: SMCR

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 16

Age requirement: 18-39

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8 days

Cartagena to Santa Marta

From$1199USD
Valid on Oct 24 2025
Trip Code: SMCR

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 8

Ripple Score

Create ripples that change lives. The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Colombian Adventure: Caribbean Coast & Tayrona National Park

Places visited

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group| Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 8Santa Marta

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Santa Marta
  • CEO-led orientation walk in old town Cartagena
  • Walk to the Marinka Waterfalls outside of Minca
  • Tayrona National Park visit and moderate hike
  • Palomino beach bonfire
  • CEO-led orientation walk in Santa Marta
  • Free time for optional activities in Cartagena, Minca, Palomino, and Santa Marta
  • Transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hostels (2 nts, multi-share), Hotels (5 nts).

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Allow USD180-235 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private vehicle, walking

Staff & experts

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $139.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Colombian Adventure: Caribbean Coast & Tayrona National Park

| 8 days - Cartagena to Santa Marta - from $1199 USD