Coastal Colombia

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
Coastal Colombia
8 Days
From AUD $2385
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Average

Rating


(20 reviews)

Coastal Colombia

Coastal Colombia

Intrepid Travel · 8 days
Duration

8 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

  • Explore a dreamy slice of Colombia’s Caribbean coast in Tayrona National Park. Hike through rainforest, kick back on white sand shores and swim in calm bays – bliss!
  • 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.

Trip Details

Duration

8 days

Transportation

Private Bus,Public bus

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Cartagena, Colombia

Finishes

Cartagena, Colombia

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

1
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.

Included Activities:

  • Cartagena - Orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
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.

Included Activities:

  • Cartagena -La Boquilla Mangrove Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
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.

Optional Activities:

  • Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) (80 USD)
  • Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City (50000 COP)
  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle (40000 COP)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Taironaka
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.

Included Activities:

  • Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit

Accommodation:

  • Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Tayrona
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?

Included Activities:

  • Tayrona National Park hike
  • Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
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.

Included Activities:

  • Santa Marta - Orientation walk

Optional Activities:

  • Santa Marta - Playa Cristal beach (60 USD)
  • Santa Marta - Tayrona Gold Museum - Free
  • Santa Marta - Historic home of Simon Bolivar (8 USD)

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Santa Marta / 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!

Included Activities:

  • Cartagena - Street Food Tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
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.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $2,385
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 8 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

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.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 29 Aug 2026

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
4.5
Eva
Traveled, March 2024

04/06/2024

I can't put into words just how great this trip was. Andrea, our tour leader, was incredible in every way! The itinerary has the perfect balance of everything! Whether that's history/culture, nature/urban landscapes/small towns - there's something for everyone. We met absolutely fantastic people along the way, from local crafts/traders to other tour guides who are specialists in areas like Bogota and Tayrona park. Loved seeing just how resilient the people of Colombia are. I couldn't recommend this trip more!!

4.0
Nora
Traveled, February 2024

03/02/2024

An amazing trip through a wonderful and fascinating country! Manu was an excellent leader and the group were all very friendly. I especially enjoyed the hikes, the sloths and monkeys, and learning more about the history of Colombia.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989