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Coastal Colombia

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Coastal Colombia

Was From $ 4,395 AUD
Now From $ 2,720 AUD
Sale!

Description

Looking for a well-rounded introduction to Colombia? This eight-day adventure delivers it all. Be captivated by Cartagena’s Old Town, laze on palm-fringed Caribbean beaches and meet the locals who make Colombia one of the world’s friendliest countries. Hike jungle trails in Tayrona National Park, learn about Indigenous reforestation initiatives and dive into the bold flavours of Afro-Colombian cuisine on a tasting tour in Cartagena. If you’re looking for an offbeat experience full of nature, authentic food and local connection, Explore Colombia is right up there with the best of them.

Trip Name
Coastal Colombia
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
8
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore a slice of Colombia’s Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park. Hike through rainforest, kick back on white sand shores and freshen up with a quick dip.
  • Wander the flower-draped streets of Cartagena’s Old Town – a 16th-century walled city with well-preserved buildings, galleries, cafes and museums.
  • Get to know Colombian cuisine and hospitality on a street food crawl in Cartagena. Taste favourite local snacks like corn on the cob buns, chorizo sausage and shaved ice dessert.
  • Explore the intricate mangrove forest of La Boquilla on a canoe tour with a local fisherman. Float through tree tunnels and keep your eyes peeled for leaping fish and raccoons.
  • Spend time with the Kogui community to learn about their ancient connection to the land and get involved in an Indigenous reforestation project.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Cartagena
 Bienvenidos a Colombia! Welcome to Colombia. With UNESCO World Heritage status, Cartagena is one of South America's most historic cities. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm at your hotel in the vibrant Getsemani neighbourhood. After, join your local leader and group for an orientation walk to get a feel for the Old Town. Surrounded by thick walls built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect the city from pirate raids, it houses well-preserved architecture, street art, monasteries, plazas and mansions. For dinner tonight, maybe get to know each other over ceviche, arepas or coconut rice.
Day 2 - Cartagena
This morning, set off on a daytrip to La Boquilla – a small fishing village on the outskirts of Cartagena – to explore the mangroves that are part of the Ciénaga de la Virgen coastal lagoon system. On arrival, you'll see the contrast between two sides of Cartagena: one of its most underprivileged areas alongside rising five-star hotels and luxury apartments. Hop in a canoe with a local boatman to explore the mangroves and the Juan Polo swamp, gliding through tree tunnels and past fishermen at work. The biodiversity here is rich, with a good chance of spotting various birds, crabs, and – with a bit of luck – a raccoon or green parrot along the riverbanks. Finish the tour with a fresh coconut, then return to Cartagena for some free time to relax.
Day 3 - Cartagena
Today is a free day to explore at your own pace. You could join a half-day tour of the Old Town to explore highlights like La Popa Monastery, San Felipe Castle (the largest of the city's fortresses) and Las Bovedas – a former military fortification and network of dungeons that has been turned into a craft market. Or how about an island-hopping adventure around Islas del Rosario? This archipelago is surrounded by mangroves and coral reefs and is a great spot for snorkelling! Make sure to check in with your leader for recommendations to try some local food.
Day 4 - Guachaca
Take a private transfer this morning to Taironaka – an ancient Tayrona archaeological and ecotourism reserve on the banks of the Don Diego River. This afternoon, you’ll meet a member of the Kogui community – one of the four Indigenous groups living in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta – and learn about their beliefs, ancient wisdom and deep connection to the land. The community also leads reforestation and regeneration projects, and you’ll have the chance to muck in and plant some trees yourself. This evening, maybe enjoy a cocktail or two with your fellow travellers.
Day 5 - Tayrona National Park / Guachaca Region
Get your walking shoes and bug spray ready – today’s all about exploring the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park! Stretching along a lush section of the Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to some of the country's prettiest beaches, coral reefs and abundant wildlife – with over 100 species of mammals and more than 300 types of birds. You’ll hike to Cabo San Juan – a gorgeous beach only accessible by boat or on foot. Along the way, weave through rainforest, catch glimpses of the turquoise water and maybe spot a sloth or howler monkey overhead. Once you reach Cabo San Juan, cool off with a well-deserved swim or sip a fresh coconut under the palms. You’ll then head back to Taironaka for a free evening – how about treating yourself to a relaxing massage after today’s adventures?
Day 6 - Santa Marta
Today you’ll take a private transfer to Santa Marta at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This coastal city is South America's oldest European-founded town. Once you arrive, join your leader for an orientation walk through the historic centre to find your bearings. Stroll past Santa Marta Cathedral, Parque de los Novios and Plaza de Bolivar, and hear stories about the city’s layered past. As the sun sets, you'll have free time to unwind or explore further. When hunger hits, ask your leader for some local dinner recommendations.
Day 7 - Cartagena
Travel like a local this morning on a public bus back to Cartagena. One of the best ways to gain an insight into the culture is through food, so this afternoon you’ll hit the streets on a tasting tour with a local guide. Wander market stalls, meet lively Cartageneros vendors and try a range of local snacks – think: carimañolas (torpedo-shaped meat pies), chorizo sausage, corn on the cob buns and enyucado (cassava cheesecake). As this is your final night as a group, you might like to go for one last dinner together and raise a toast to an unforgettable week in Colombia. Salud!
Day 8 - Cartagena
With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you'd like to spend more time in Colombia, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability) – just let us know when booking.
Day 9 - Bogota
Time for some exploring – today, You’ll explore the oldest area in the city and understand more about the Colombian past, present and future. One is La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. Boasting a wealth of cosy cafes and colonial churches, it's a neighbourhood full of surprises. As well as loads of museums, art and great food to try, it's also just a beautiful town to walk around, an interesting clash of the old and new. During the day, you will also learn about Colombia’s turbulent past on a ‘War and Peace’ tour, which outlines their history of war, including political assassinations and armed groups in conflict, and how the country has developed into the situation it finds itself now.
Day 10 - Bogota
After an included breakfast, there are no planned activities today and no accommodation planned at night. If you wish to spend more time in Bogota, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202606-04-2026AUD $ 3,296-
04-04-202613-04-2026AUD $ 3,956-
25-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 2,795-
16-05-202623-05-2026AUD $ 2,750-
11-07-202618-07-2026AUD $ 2,795-
25-07-202601-08-2026AUD $ 2,795-
29-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 2,895-
12-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,800-
26-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 2,720-
10-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,720-
31-10-202607-11-2026AUD $ 2,720-
07-11-202614-11-2026AUD $ 2,850-
14-11-202621-11-2026AUD $ 2,795-
21-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 2,880-
28-11-202605-12-2026AUD $ 2,960-
05-12-202612-12-2026AUD $ 3,310-
19-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 2,930-
26-12-202602-01-2027AUD $ 2,990-
29-12-202605-01-2027AUD $ 2,930-
09-01-202716-01-2027AUD $ 3,050-
16-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 3,050-
23-01-202730-01-2027AUD $ 3,050-
06-02-202713-02-2027AUD $ 2,990-
13-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 2,990-
20-02-202727-02-2027AUD $ 2,990-
06-03-202713-03-2027AUD $ 2,895-
13-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 2,895-
27-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 2,895-
24-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 2,820-
15-05-202722-05-2027AUD $ 2,820-
12-06-202719-06-2027AUD $ 2,820-
10-07-202717-07-2027AUD $ 2,895-
24-07-202731-07-2027AUD $ 2,895-
28-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 2,820-
11-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 2,820-
25-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 2,820-
09-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,820-
30-10-202706-11-2027AUD $ 2,820-
20-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 2,990-
27-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 2,990-
04-12-202711-12-2027AUD $ 2,990-
18-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 3,050-
25-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 3,050-

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights) Guesthouse (1 night)

Transport

Private Bus, Public bus

Map