The Caribbean Coast of Colombia is a great place if you would like to enjoy the beach and have the option of exploring the jungle, the mountains or the trendy cities Cartagena and Santa Marta. The region is full of culture and history – from indigenous to modern, with many highlights of Colombia such as the Tayrona National Park and Cartagena.
Santa Marta is diverse in culture and landscape. The area is home to about 30.000 people form different indigenous ethnic groups and the terrain is full of contrasts, from green mountains to the blue ocean and white capped peaks.
Cartagena on the other hand is the “heroic city” and highlights the colonial architecture and Caribbean vide. Its historical center was declared a World Heritage Site and surely a must see when in Colombia.
There are many great and exciting places to visit along the coast. You could go to La Guajira and discover the area where the desert meets the ocean or you could visit the salt mines and Flamingo Reservoir. You could also check out Palomino, the Sierra Nevada or Minca. If you enjoy nature activities, a great place to visit is the Tayrona Park close to Santa Marta. Further along you will find the walled city Cartagena or one of the islands close by. Going even further you will find Capurgana and Sapzurro, a few still hidden gems. The options are many and there is something for everyone – for the nature enthusiast to the city explorer.
Below you can find some great ways of exploring the Colombian Caribbean Coast.
On this 5 day trip you will sleep in Palomino, visit a Kogi community in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and hike through the Tayrona National Park enjoying the beautiful scenery.
For more information check the description of each day. Starting price: 753 USD
Your driver and guide will pick you up from the airport in Santa Marta and drive you along the coast to your hotel in Palomino. On the way, your guide will give you some recommendations and tips so you can enjoy your time to the fullest.
You will have the rest of the day off to enjoy the beach.
Accommodation: Hotel Hukumeizi
Today you will get the unique opportunity to learn more about the traditions, customs and ancestral rituals of the Kogi indigenous community that live in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. You will learn about their idea of environmental conservation and why this places is consider by them as the heart of the Universe. You will walk through the lush green jungle full of birds, wildlife and admire snowy peaks and crystalline rivers in a tropical weather.
You will be back in Palomino in the afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Hukumeizi (Breakfast)
You will have the whole day to enjoy the beach, the close by rivers, read a book and discover Palomino on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Hukumeizi (Breakfast)
Your guide will pick you up after breakfast for a visit to the Tayrona Natural Park. Upon arrival and a 10 minute drive to the entrance Cañaveral you will walk along a forest path for about 60 minutes to the beach Arrecifes. From there you will continue passing different beaches until you reach Cabo San Juan, the main beach and highlight of the park for many. You will have time to enjoy the beach before heading back to the entrance.
From the Tayrona Park you will drive to Santa Marta where you will be staying the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Casa de Leda (Breakfast)
Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and bring you to the airport in time for your onward flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
On this 5 day tour you will explore Cartagena and stay on an island. You will discover the Caribbean vibe and hustle and bustle of the city and then relax fully on the beach.
You can find the description of each day below. Starting price: 492 USD
Upon arrival at Cartagena airport, your guide will bring you to your hotel in the city. On the way you will receive some great tips and recommendations on how to make the most out of your stay.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 Banderas
Today you will enjoy a guided city tour on bikes through the historical center (the walled city), Getsemaní, Manga and Bocagrande.
You will cycle past all the main attractions and landmarks and will stop to learn more about the stories behind them. You will check out Getsemaní, the neighbourhood where Florentino Ariza lived. He is the main character in the worldwide known novel Love in the time of Cholera that was written by Colombian Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Márquez. Then you will cross the Roman Bridge, towards Manga and pass by the beautiful Villa Roman. You will visit the cemetery of Manga, the oldest cemetery in Cartagena and continue along the seafront to Bocagrande. Due to the skyline and the North American impact, Bocagrande is a popular point of interest for international tourists. It is also called “Little Miami”.
You will have the afternoon free to explore Cartagena on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel 3 Banderas (Breakfast)
After breakfast get ready for your transfer to the harbour from where you will embark on a 1 hour boat trip to your hotel on Isla Grande. You will be sharing the boat ride with other hotel visitors and will be welcomed warmly by the staff.
It is now time to enjoy the beach and to relax.
Accommodation: Hotel San Pedro de Majagua (Breakfast)
You have a full day to explore the island and enjoy the beach, go for a swim or snorkel in the beautiful water.
Accommodation: Hotel San Pedro de Majagua (Breakfast)
You will take a shared boat back to Cartagena in the afternoon. Your driver will be waiting for you to bring you to the airport.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
This tour will let you explore the National Park Tayrona and experience the Caribbean vibe in Cartagena. You will walk through the jungle and enjoy the beach on the Rosario Island.
You find more information on each day below. Starting price: 1.310 USD
Your English-speaking guide will pick you up from the airport in Santa Marta and drive you along the coast to your hotel close to the Tayrona National Park.
You will have time to enjoy the hotel grounds and a great dinner.
Accommodation: Cayena Beach Villa (Dinner)
Your guide will pick you up after breakfast for an adventurous day in the Tayrona Natural Park. You will explore the jungle, walk along a forest path and visit the different beaches. On arrival to the Cabo San Juan beach, the main beach and highlight of the park for many, you will have time to relax and have a cold drink before heading back.
Accommodation: Cayena Beach Villa (Breakfast & Dinner)
Today you will be picked up for your private transfer along the coast to Cartagena. This trip will take around 6 hours.
You will arrive in the afternoon and have time to explore the neighbourhood on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu (Breakfast)
After breakfast you will visit the city of Cartagena, the walled city. Within its fortifications you will find a unique culture and history that seem to blend reality and fantasy. You will stroll the cobblestone streets and admire the colonial buildings; visit the city’s plazas, galleries, churches and vaulted walkways where crafts and antiquities are sold. Afterwards, you will continue and visit the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the colonial era to protect Spanish interests from invasions by the English and French. Towards the end you will have time to explore the Cerro de la Popa, where you will find a church and colonial convent constructed in the 17th century.
You have the afternoon free to explore the city on your own and to check out some of the great restaurants and cafes.
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu (Breakfast)
You will be picked up at 8am for a private transfer to the harbour from where you will be taking a shared boat transfer to the Rosario Island, a charming coral archipelago located only 60 minutes by speedboat.
Upon your arrival, you will have free time to explore the beaches of the National Natural Park of Corales. Optional nautical activities (kayaking, snorkelling, etc.) available upon arrival.
You will arrive back in Cartagena in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Bantu (Breakfast & Lunch)
Your driver will pick you up and bring you to the airport.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
You can contact us if you have any questions, would like to book one of the suggested tours or would like us to help you arrange a unique tour. You can also check out some of the other regions or round trips that we offer.
