Caribbean Coast - 11 Day Itinerary
Tayrona National Park, Quebrada del Sol, Santa Marta, Cienaga Grande, Cartagena, Mucura Island
Visit Colombia’s most famous National Park, Tayrona, before venturing to remote villages to learn traditional methods, fishing and cooking. Walk the white sands of Caribbean beaches and the cobblestone streets of the historic and picturesque walled Old Town of Cartagena. After all that exploring you will welcome the time on Mucura Island, to relax and enjoy the crystal clear waters and the activities on offer. This trip is ideal for lovers of nature and beaches, with history, culture and tradition peppered throughout.
In Brief
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta Airport – Transfer to the Surroundings of Tayrona National Park
Day 2: Hike in Tayrona National Park
Day 3: Visit Quebrada del Sol Traditional Villages
Day 4: Transfer Santa Marta to Cartagena with Visit to Traditional Fishing Village of Nueva Venecia, Cienaga Grande
Day 5: Walking Tour of Cartagena
Day 6: Visit La Boquilla an Afro-Cartagena Community
Day 7: Transfer to the Pier in Cartagena – Boat Transfer to Mucura Island – Mucura Island Activities
Day 8: Mucura Island Activities
Day 9: Mucura Island Activities
Day 10: Boat Transfer to Cartagena Pier – Transfer to Hotel
Day 11: Departure
- 11 Days / 10 Nights
- Group Size: Customised Itinerary For You
- Accommodation: Hand-Picked Hotels
- Start: Santa Marta, Colombia
Finish: Cartagena, Colombia
Included
- 10 Nights Accommodation
- All Breakfasts
- 5 Lunches
- 3 Dinners
- English Speaking Guides
- Private Tours
- Private Transfers
- In Country English or Spanish Speaking 24 Hour Assistance
Not included
- Flights
- Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
- Meals Not Mentioned
- Drinks
- Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Additional Entrances Not Specified in the Itinerary
- VAT for Colombians and Residents in Colombia
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santa Marta. Transfer to Your Hotel Close to Tayrona National Park
Welcome to Colombia and the Caribbean Coast!
After collecting your luggage, make your way out of the airport building where your driver guide will be waiting for you. You will make the trip to your hotel together. Afterwards, settle into your hotel and relax after your long trip.
Overnight near Tayrona National Park
Day 2: Hike in Tayrona National Park. Visit Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan
You will be transported to Tayrona National Park where you will hike to magical places between mountains and tropical forests, and the sea. You will discover the most beautiful white sand beaches of the country and ancestral volcanic rocks in the crystal clear water of the Caribbean Sea.
Starting the hike in the tropical jungle from Cañavera, you will then visit the exotic beaches of Arrecifes and stop at ‘La Piscina’ (the pool), which is ideal for swimming. Should you wish there is the possibility to rent snorkelling equipment at La Piscina. Continuing on you will head to Cabo San Juan del Guia, a wonderful white sand bay, surrounded by huge volcanic rocks. ON the way, your guide will show you the local fauna and flora. You can buy a local lunch whilst on the beach.
Heading back to the park entrance along the same path, you will then return to your hotel in the late afternoon.
Overnight near Tayrona National Park
Included meals: Breakfast
Note:Bring your passport (or a copy), sunscreen, mosquito repellent walking shoes, swimsuit, towel, cash for lunch, and a waterproof cover to protect your belongings in case of rain.
* It is prohibited to bring single-use plastics (bottles and packaging etc) into the National Park. Don’t forget to bring your refillable bottle.
Day 3: Visit Quebrada del Sol a Traditional Village
Located on the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this village visit is not to be missed. Since it is a territory of Indigenous communities and has the presence of the mighty Don Diego River that rises in the snow. It is a place with a very pleasant climate and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a fascinating journey through the route of the “Tayrona” in an adventure through the extensive tropical rainforest characteristics and recharged with invaluable biological wealth.
In this tour you will learn about the traditions and customs of the communities of the Koguis and Arhuacos ethnic groups, heirs of the “Tayrona”, who still inhabit the territory and preserve their traditions.
You will arrive at Quebrada del Sol by car, the trip is approximately 1 hour and is on a dirt road. During the trip you will be able to appreciate beautiful landscapes and viewpoints overlooking the sea and snow-capped mountains. You will have a typical breakfast in the village of Quebrada del Sol, where you can enjoy a welcome by your Baquiano guide. They will go through a brief historical review about how the village was colonised. You will then continue with a walk to the Kogui Village “Mulkakungui” in the company of a traditional Kogui guide. On entering this village you will be welcomed by the “Mamo”, the highest indigenous authority. The Kogui will take you on a fascinating journey through their culture and tradition.
Afterwards, you will enjoy a chocolate and malanga workshop and take some time to rest and enjoy the Don Diego River before returning to Santa Marta.
Overnight in Santa Marta
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 4: Transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena. Stop at the Cienaga Grande Village of Nueva Venecia
Today’s transfer from Santa Marta to Cartagena will take approximately 4.5 hours. Along the way you will make a stop to discover a relatively unknown place, Cienaga Grande. It is a small village of fishermen living on the water of Nueva Venezia, which is still preserved from tourism and is completely authentic to its roots.
Cienaga Grande is the widest and most important coastal lagoon of Colombia, and it is one of the main fishing areas of the Northern Coast. It is considered a strategic point and of vital importance for the region and country. The fishermen community makes a living thanks to the Cienaga Grande and live in picturesque villages on stilts.
Overnight in Cartagena
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Explore Cartagena on a Walking Tour
Follow the steps of the famous pirates and let yourself be surprised by the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, the exotic mixed heritage and the cultural richness of this city will not fail to fascinate you. This tour, through the streets of the beautiful city of Cartagena will take you back to the colonial era, with its colourful houses and lively squares.
Visit the city on foot, you’ll walk in the colonial district of San Diego and Santo Domingo. Passing through the Plaza de los Coches, Plaza de la Aduana, Parque Bolivar, Gold Museum, Plaza de Santa Teresa, Palace of Inquisition and of course the famous walls surrounding the old city and vaults.
The rest of your day will be at leisure, to explore this beautiful city in your own time.
Overnight in Cartagena
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Visit La Boquilla, an Afro-Cartagena Village
You will delve into adventure and local culture today with a trip to La Boquilla.
Departing early from your hotel, you will travel to La Boquilla, a fishing village where an Afro-Cartagenian community live. There, local fishermen will share with you their fishing techniques including how to catch crabs and how to throw nets. Then you will discover the secrets of Caribbean cuisine and learn how to cook fish and crab with coconut rice.
Afterwards you will return to your hotel in Cartagena.
Overnight in Cartagena
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch
Day 7: Transfer to Isla Mucura
This morning you will be transferred to the pier in Cartagena where you will board a boat transfer to Isla Mucura.
Located in the Archipelago of San Bernard, on the island of Mucura, Hotel Punta Faro is a gem of the Caribbean. This ecological hotel offers exceptional stays on a dream island, on a beach where you can go diving or snorkelling. It is an invitation to immerse yourself in a charming and authentic atmosphere. Let yourself fully relax and be dazzled by the beauty of this place.
You will travel from Cartagena pier by speedboat, for approximately 2 hours to reach Mucura Island. On arrival you will be greeted by the staff with a welcome cocktail before being shown to your room. After a buffet lunch, the afternoon is free to enjoy this magical island. Sunbathe on the beach, swim in the crystal clear waters and enjoy the bar facing the beach. This is the perfect place to enjoy delicious Caribbean cocktails. There is an ecological walk, a tour around Mucura Island and a panoramic boat tour to visit Tintipan Island and El Isote.
Overnight on Isla Mucura
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 8 & 9: Isla Mucura Activities
Relax and enjoy the island and your hotel. There are options for different activities including SUP, snorkelling, scuba diving, catamaran tours and canoeing. Coordination of these activities is through the hotel directly.
Overnight on Isla Mucura
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 10: Transfer Isla Mucura to Cartagena
This morning you will return to Cartagena by boat transfer and on arrival at Cartagena pier, by vehicle
The rest of the day is at leisure in Cartagena, to do some last minute shopping or photo taking, or simply relax and enjoy the beauty or Cartagena.
Overnight in Cartagena
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Departure from Cartagena
Enjoy your last morning waking up in Cartagena.
In time for your flight, you will be transferred by private car to the airport in Cartagena for your onward flight.
Included meals: Breakfast
Sadly your arrangements with Real Local Experiences, and your time in Colombia has come to an end.
You will take home with you memories of a lifetime, many photos and perhaps a few great souvenirs!
