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A great cultural and nature expeditionDuring this Colombia tour, you will discover the spectacular beaches of Tayrona Natural Park and San Bernardo Islands, explore the unique and well-preserved colonial town of Mompox, and soak up the romantic atmosphere of Cartagena. You will also have the opportunity to admire the majestic Magdalena River and spend time with locals learning how to cook a traditional dish in Mompox and how to fish in La Boquilla. On the way from Santa Marta to Cartagena, you will visit Aracata, the place where Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez was born and that contains many of the elements that inspired the fictional Macondo in his literary works. will also spend time in the paradisiac San Bernardo Islands before ending the tour in Cartagena. This will be an incredible journey to uncover some of the most fascinating and hidden places on Colombia's Caribbean coast. EXPERIENCE TYPE History & Culture, Local Traditions, Hands-on Experience, Gastronomy and Beach |
Santa Marta, founded by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1525, is the oldest city in South America. The city is rich in history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Santa Marta is also the home of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the national hero Simon Bolivar died in 1830.
Tayrona National Natural Park is one of the most iconic and popular places to visit on any trip to Colombia. The park is named after the Tayrona civilization and remains a sacred space for several indigenous groups in the region. Tayrona is, first-and-foremost, a national park and that’s down to the remarkable biodiversity of flora and fauna within its boundaries. This spectacular park surrounded by steep hillsides of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world's highest coastal mountain range, is home to some of the most stunning stretches of sand in South America and is the perfect place to enjoy some sunbathing and swimming.
Mompox is a town frozen in time. While the rest of the country has evolved and modernised, Mompox looks pretty much as it used to be during colonial times, for this reason, it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1995. Santa Cruz de Mompox (its official name) is located in an island surrounded by an arm of the Magdalena river. The town was founded in 1540 and was an important trading centre during the Spanish rule due to its strategic location. Mompox was also a safe place for the Spaniards to keep gold and other treasures protected from the siege of pirates and a refuge for the families running away from the pirate attacks in Cartagena.
Cartagena de Indias is one of Latin America's most fascinating, romantic, and beautiful colonial cities. Located on the Caribbean coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of history, colourful streets and great people, making it a fairy tale city of romance.
Cartagena is a city of contrast between the old town, the urban area, the beach and the local Afro-Colombian communities that usually live in the coastal zone and have fishing traditions in the sea and in the wetlands that connect sea life with the continental ecosystems. These communities love dancing, playing the drums, eating seafood and playing football on the beach.
La Boquilla is a small fishing village located about 7 km north of Cartagena. The town sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.
We will canoe through a mangrove forest and learn about the history and culture of this fishing town while mastering local fishing techniques using a net and crab traps. You will immerse yourself in the daily life of Afro-Colombian residents and learn about their traditions, music, and cuisine. The warmth and hospitality of the locals make visitors feel welcome, creating a meaningful exchange of stories and traditions.
Santa Marta, founded by the Spanish conquistador Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1525, is the oldest city in South America. The city is rich in history and well-preserved colonial architecture. Santa Marta is also the home of the Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino, where the national hero Simon Bolivar died in 1830.
Arrive around midday in Santa Mata. You can fly from any of the main cities in Colombia or travel by land from Cartagena, Barranquilla or Riohacha.
We will spend the afternoon 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, the house 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.
At the end of the tour, we will go to the hotel.
Overnight: Santa Marta - Historic area Meal Plan: -
Today, we will spend the day at Tayrona National Natural Park, where we will see some of Colombia's most beautiful beaches.
Around 7:30 am, we will start the trip to Tayrona Park, which will take approximately 45 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 and then go to a hotel near Tayrona Park.
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
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
We will pick you up from your hotel in the morning to start our journey towards Mompox. one of the country’s best-preserved colonial towns and a UNESCO World Heritage site. On the way to Mompox, we will visit Aracataca, the small town where Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez was born.
Situated near the Caribbean coast of Colombia, a little more than 50 miles (85 kilometers) from Santa Marta, the sleepy Colombian town of Aracataca contains many of the elements that inspired the fictional Macondo in his literary works, One Hundred Years of Solitude. From the ubiquitous yellow butterflies to the old railway station, fans of the legendary Colombian writer will find plenty they recognise from the novels. During our visit there, we will visit the Gabriel García Márquez Museum, housed in the writer's childhood home, which offers a glimpse into his early life and the magical realism that inspired his stories. After the tour here, we will continue the trip towards Mompox.
Upon arrival in Mompox, your guide will introduce you to the most important landmarks on the island and teach you about the town's history. Mompox, founded in 1540, was an important trading centre during Spanish rule due to its strategic location. It was also considered a safe place for Spaniards to keep their gold and other treasures safe from pirates.
Overnight: Mompox Meal Plan: Breakfast
Today, you will immerse in Mompox's rich cultural heritage with our unique Artist Route. We will begin this adventure with a captivating filigree workshop, where skilled artisans will guide you through the incredible art of crafting delicate silver jewellery. You will learn the secrets behind this traditional craft and create your beautiful piece to take home.
Then, enjoy a cooking class with our local expert chef. First, we will visit a local market to buy fresh, local ingredients. Then, we will have a hands-on experience cooking your lunch while learning about traditional Momposina cuisine and techniques. The experience is not just about cooking but also about understanding the cultural heritage and flavours of this region of Colombia.
Overnight: Mompox Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we will visit the stunning Ciénaga de Pijiño, a beautiful and peaceful wetland near Mompox. This wetland is part of the larger Magdalena River basin and is home to a wide variety of bird species, fish, and aquatic plants. We will explore the area by boat, gliding through calm waters surrounded by dense vegetation, where you might spot herons, kingfishers, and other wildlife. You will also have the opportunity to swim there, so don’t forget to bring your swimsuit for a refreshing dip in these beautiful waters!
Overnight: Mompox Meal Plan: Breakfast
Start your day with an early morning departure from Mompox to Cartagena, enjoying a scenic drive that takes approximately 5-6 hours. Upon arrival in Cartagena around midday, you'll have time to settle in and grab a quick lunch before embarking on a captivating walking tour in the afternoon.
We will begin our walking tour at 3 PM from the vibrant Plaza de los Coches, where you'll marvel at the iconic Clock Tower. From there, stroll through the colourful streets of the historic walled city, visiting key landmarks such as the Plaza Santo Domingo, where you'll see the famous Botero sculpture, "Gertrudis."
Next, we wander through the charming streets of Getsemaní, a neighbourhood known for its vibrant street art and lively atmosphere. Your guide will take you to Plaza de la Trinidad, the heart of Getsemaní, where you can soak up the local culture and perhaps enjoy a refreshing drink at a nearby café.
We will continue the tour with a visit to the impressive San Pedro Claver Church and Convent, learning about its historical significance. Finally, end your tour at the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, where you'll have the chance to explore this remarkable fortress and take in breathtaking views of the city as the sun begins to set.
This engaging tour perfectly blends history, culture, and local flavour, making your first day in Cartagena truly unforgettable.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast
In the morning, we will go to La Boquilla, a small fishing village located 7 km north of Cartagena. La Boquilla sits on the northern tip of a narrow peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and the Ciénaga de Tesca on the other.
At La Boquilla, we will take a trip in a wooden canoe through the mangrove forest in La Cienga de Tesca. During this trip, you will see some native and migratory birds and learn about the flora and other fauna found in this ecosystem. You will learn local fishing techniques like how to cast a net and set crab traps.
We will enjoy a traditional lunch after learning to fish in the mangrove forest. This is where you will learn more about the locals’ daily lives, fishing tools, and culture. Lunch will be a delicious seafood meal popular along Colombia’s Caribbean coast. We will finish this tour after lunch, around 2 p.m., and drop you back off at your hotel in Cartagena.
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, we will travel to Isla Mucura, a coral island in the Archipelago of San Bernardo, about 50 miles (80 km) south of Cartagena. This Island has perfect white sand and turquoise waters.
After breakfast, we will go to the pier in Tolu to take a boat to the San Bernardo Islands. The journey is approximately 2 hours. Upon arrival, you will go to the hotel and have the rest of the day to enjoy this island's beautiful beach and tropical landscape.
Overnight: Isla Mucura Meal Plan: Breakfast
You will have the day to relax by the beach and enjoy this paradisiac island.
Overnight: Isla Mucura Meal Plan: Breakfast
After breakfast, you will take a boat to Cartagena. The boat departs at 9:15 a.m. and arrives in Cartagena at 11:15 a.m. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day to explore other places in Cartagena
Overnight: Cartagena Meal Plan: Breakfast
The tour ends today. When required, we will pick you up at the hotel for a transfer to the airport.
Note: Check out before 12 pm
Overnight: - Meal Plan: Breakfast
Located in Santa Marta’s historical centre, this boutique hotel offers Colonial style and modern décor, a spa, a terrace with a bar and an indoor pool.
Panoramic Cathedral views are offered and free Wi-Fi is available. Providing a tranquil environment, the rooms and suites in Casa de Leda feature private bathrooms, air conditioning and flat-screen cable TVs.
Maloka Barlovento by Senda Hotels is a beautiful eco-lodge surrounded by exuberant vegetation and pristine beaches. The lodge features rustic yet luxurious accommodations with stunning views, seamlessly blending comfort with eco-friendly practices.
Guests can enjoy activities like bird watching, hiking, and exploring nearby Tayrona National Park. Maloka Barlovento is perfect for those seeking tranquillity, adventure, and a deep connection with nature.
Hotel La Gloria is a new hotel in Mompox that was designed with a neo-colonial style. It is located just a five-minute walk from the historic district area. Each room is elegantly decorated, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the area.
Guests can enjoy amenities like air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and an inviting courtyard. It also offers on-site parking, a restaurant and a large swimming pool with gardens and social areas. The hotel has fourteen bedrooms, all with private balconies. Hotel La Gloria is perfect for travellers seeking a blend of history, comfort, and Colombian hospitality.
Hotel Alfiz in Cartagena, Colombia, is housed in a restored 17th-century colonial mansion. It offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Each of the eight rooms is uniquely decorated, reflecting different periods of Cartagena’s history. Guests can enjoy the cozy library, refreshing plunge pool, and delightful courtyard garden.
The hotel’s central location allows easy exploration of Cartagena’s vibrant streets, historical landmarks, and lively dining and shopping scenes. Hotel Alfiz is an ideal retreat for those seeking an authentic and intimate stay.
The hotel is located in Isla Múcura, an island off Colombia’s Caribbean coast and part of the San Bernardo Archipelago. The design of the hotel features very comfortable cabins with a rustic style. All cabins are fitted with minibars and cable TV private bathrooms and airconditioned. The sea is generally calm, making for some easy snorkelling at the rock walls near the pier. The hotel’s private curve of soft, white sand is laid out with loungers. The sunsets are a particular highlight: we recommend watching them from the beach bar, while pelicans fish nearby.
The hotel has a restaurant and direct access to a private beach. Canoeing and windsurfing activities can also be practiced.
