Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Caribbean Adventure: the Lost City trek & Medellín" (SMCT), but here are some similar trips.
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.
Caribbean Adventure: the Lost City trek & Medellín
12 days, Cartagena to Medellín
Itinerary
Day 1Cartagena
Arrive at any time. Tonight, check out the local flavor of bustling Plaza Trinidad and head to a local bar to get to know your fellow travellers. Get to know the group over a few drinks and get excited for the adventure of a lifetime.
Arrival Day
Begin your adventure today. There are no planned activities so feel free to explore or rest up for the excitement ahead.
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.
Optional Activities - Day 1 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.
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
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)
Day 2Cartagena
The day is yours to explore this coastal colonial city. Wander through the streets of historic old town, check out the San Felipe fortress, or take a break from the heat in one of the city's many plazas to watch the world go by.
Free Time
Choose your own adventure today!
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.
Islas del Rosario National Park
320000-350000COP per personTake 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.
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.
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.
Accommodation
Hotel Villa Colonial (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Cartagena/Santa Marta
Travel in comfort by private bus to the port town of Santa Marta. Take advantage of your free time with a visit to the Gold Museum, go shopping for any last minute necessities (You probably forgot something, right?) or chill out on the 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.
Free Time
Get out and explore.
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
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Optional Activities - Day 3 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 4Santa 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 5Ricardito 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 6Paraiso 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 7Mumake 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 8Las Cascadas Camp to Taganga
Take in your last views of the jungle this morning as you trek back to Machete Pelao. Transfer to Tangaga where the rest for the day is yours to relax. (You've earned a few drinks after that trek!)
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
Accommodation
Ocean Taganga (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 9Taganga/Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Head into Tayrona National Park for a moderate hike with a local guide. Experience the incredible nature that surrounds you while learning more about the rich, natural diversity of northern Colombia.
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 to view exact dates for 2023. 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.
Accommodation
Ocean Taganga (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 10Taganga/Medellín
Wheels up! In the afternoon, fly inland to Medellín. A once infamous city, vibrant Medellín has transformed into one of Latin America’s safest destinations. Upon arrival, enjoy an optional night out with the group.
Plane
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Medellín City Tour
35USD per personReally get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.
Nutibara Hill (Cerro Nutibara) Visit
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
Viajero Medellin (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Medellín
Explore Medellín today and visit the Comuna 13 neighbourhood—a community transformed. Embark on a walking tour and enjoy a delicious lunch provided by the community organization Berracas de la 13, a G Adventures–supported project. After, free time to visit museums or take a historical tour.
Orientation With CEO
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Free Time
Get out and explore this vibrant city.
Your G for Good Moment: Berracas de la 13 Visit with Lunch
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.
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
El Peñol Stone (La Piedra Del Peñol) Visit
Formed approximately 70 million years ago, El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135m (7,005 ft) above sea level. Climb the 649 steps that have been built into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and surrounding area from the peak.
Explora Park
24500-37500COP per personA 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.
Medellín City Tour
35USD per personReally get to know Colombia’s second largest city with a neighbourhood tour. Medellín has been revitalized since the issues of the 80s and 90s and is now one of South America’s most innovative and artistic cities. Explore the city’s varied barrios filled with shops, green parks, museums, churches, markets, and delicious cuisine.
Modern Art Museum
10000COP per personWander 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.
Accommodation
Viajero Medellin (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 12Medellín
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
El Peñol Stone (La Piedra Del Peñol) Visit
Formed approximately 70 million years ago, El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolith rising 2,135m (7,005 ft) above sea level. Climb the 649 steps that have been built into one side of this famous rock and enjoy breathtaking views of the Guatapé Dam and surrounding area from the peak.
Explora Park
24500-37500COP per personA 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
10000COP per personWander 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
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.