Expeditions colombia caribbean coast expedition

Arrive at any time. We will pick you up at the airport and drive you to your hotel. Depending on the traffic, the drive from the airport takes around 30 minutes.

Santa Marta is the oldest colonial city in South America. It was founded in 1525 and is famous for its stunning beaches and rich history.  It is also the gateway to the Sierra Nevada mountains and Tayrona National Park. A walk along the coast offers golden sands and crystal-clear waters.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Historic area
Meal Plan: None

We will spend the morning exploring Santa Marta, the oldest colonial city in South America. We will visit the city's main historic places, which include its vibrant markets and plazas. Then, visit the Quinta the San Pedro Alejandrino, where Simon Bolivar died in December 1830. Bolivar was the commander-in-chief of the patriot army, who liberated the countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Panama from Spanish rule. Enjoy a walk along the picturesque waterfront, where the mountains meet the Caribbean Sea.

You will have the rest of the day to explore the city further or to relax and get ready to spend the next four days hiking to the Lost City.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Historic area
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will visit Nueva Venecia (New Venice) in La Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia. In 1998, it was declared the country's first Ramsar site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Nueva Venecia is built entirely on stilts above the water and is accessible only by boat, creating a unique way of life surrounded by the lagoon's natural environment.  

We will drive from Santa Marta to La Tasajera, where we will take a boat. We will navigate through the "streets” of the village to see " the colourful wooden houses. Once we advance through channels bordered by mangroves, we will witness some local economic activities, such as fishing.  We will also visit some points of interest, such as the house of María la Mandona (the eternal queen of carnival), the carpenter, the artisan, Wendy's bakery and the blue house. We will learn about their amphibian culture and its beautiful manifestations during this visit. Despite its beauty, Nueva Venecia faces challenges like flooding and environmental degradation, but its people's spirit and cultural heritage remain strong and vibrant.

At the end of this trip, we will return to the Santa Marta hotel.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Historic area
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we will start the trip towards the Lost City, called the Ciudad Perdida in Spanish. The Lost City is one of Colombia and South America's most important archaeological sites. It is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and consists of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a net of tiled roads and several small circular plazas. It is believed to have been founded about 800 CE, some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu in Peru. 

The adventure to the Lost City will start at 8 a.m. We will travel by car to the Mamey region to begin our journey to Lost City. Our goal today is to hike up to our first stop, where you will spend the night. The initial day covers several kilometres, with climbs that test endurance, but as you hike through lush tropical forests, you will see rivers and waterfalls where you can swim and refresh.  The breathtaking views and incredible wildlife will keep your spirit high during this exciting journey.

Note: Please be aware that the way up to The Lost City is usually closed from the 1st to the 30th of September. This allows the natural ecosystems to rest and replenish and allow the indigenous groups—who have always called the park and the wider Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta home—to perform traditional cleaning rituals and ceremonies.

Overnight: Camp 1
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The second day of trekking intensifies as the terrain becomes steeper and we get deeper into the Sierra Nevada jungle. The journey will be a mix of uphill climbs and river crossings. After breakfast, you will start your journey to the Buritaca River, where you will see a small Indigenous village called Mutansh.. You will have the opportunity to learn more about their culture and connection to the land.

Tonight, we will spend the night at Camp 3.

Overnight: Camp 3
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we will finally arrive at the Lost City. The trail becomes even more rugged, with steeper inclines and dense jungle surroundings, but the thought of finally reaching the ancient city will motivate you to carry on. 

As you hike to the final stretch, you'll climb over 1,200 stone steps built centuries ago by the Tayrona civilisation. Finally, you will see the ruins of the Lost City, and the breathtaking view will make you feel accomplished and rewarded for your efforts.

You will stay there for about 3 hours before starting the journey back to Cabin No. 2, where we will spend the night.

Overnight: Camp 2
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today is the last day of this adventure. Early in the morning, we will start the journey back to the Mamey Region, have lunch there and then go to a hotel near Tatyrona Park, where you will spend the next few nights. 

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

You will have the day to relax and enjoy the spectacular natural landscape of this region of Colombia.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches. 

Around 8:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take only 15 minutes from your hotel to the main entrance of the park (El Zaino entrance). We will drive 10 min more from the entrance to the Cañaveral sector and from there, we will walk for about 1 hour across the forest until reaching the Arrecifes sector, where you will get great panoramic views of the park. Then, we will walk for 30 min more to reach the beaches Arenillas, La Piscina and El Cabo San Juan. You will have plenty of time to swim and relax on the beach. There are several restaurants and bars in the park where you can stop for lunch in the shade, relax, and admire the spectacular surroundings.

Around 3:30pm, we will start the journey back to the main entrance.

Note: Tayrona Park is usually closed from Feb 1st to 15th, Jun 1st to 15th and Oct 19th to Nov 2nd.

Overnight: Santa Marta - Hotel close to Tayrona Park
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up at your hotel to start our trip towards Cartagena; the total journey will take approximately 4.5 hours.  Cartagena de Indias, nestled along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city that pulsates with a vibrant history and a lively cultural spirit.

As you step into the heart of Cartagena, the Ciudad Amurallada, you are immediately transported back to a bygone era, with its cobblestone streets, brightly coloured colonial buildings, and imposing stone walls that once protected the city from pirates and invaders. The air is filled with the aroma of local delicacies and the sounds of street performers, making every stroll an immersive experience.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will pick you up at the hotel for a city tour, covering the Castillo de San Felipe and the old city, which is surrounded by impressive walls built during Spanish rule to protect the city against enemies and looters.

The Castle of San Felipe is the greatest and strongest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies. It was built on top of the San Lazaro hill and defended the city from many attacks, including a British siege in 1741. The old city is the historic heart and soul of Cartagena. We will walk around its cobbled streets, visiting or passing by the main historical sites. 

You will have the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore the old city, admiring its architecture and immersing yourself in its romantic atmosphere.

Overnight: Cartagena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

The tour ends today. At the time required, we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.

Overnight:
Meal Plan: Breakfast