Colombia Tours Luxury Caribbean Coast Expedition

Arrive in Santa Marta and soak up the Caribbean vibes of Colombia! You have two options, travel either by land from Barranquilla or Cartagena or fly from one of the main cities of your choice. 

Upon arrival in Santa Marta, you are transferred to the hotel to settle in and begin your exploration of Colombia.

Make the most of your first day in the Caribbean region by enjoying an afternoon at leisure. Being the oldest city in Colombia, Santa Marta is full of history and charm. Make your way to El Rodadero Beach, just a few minutes away from the city centre, and enjoy the white sandy shores. 
 

Overnight: Hotel Don Pepe
Meal Plan: None

After breakfast, get ready to explore Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta by boat. The biosphere reserve is one of the most extensive coastal wetlands in Latin America and, without a doubt, a natural paradise that UNESCO also recognises. During this journey, discover mangroves, and spot mammals, reptiles, and birds. 

In addition, get to know a fishing community, learn about their day to day lives and admire their colourful stilt houses made of wood and built on the water. We will navigate through the colourful town to 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. Each of these places has a unique story of resilience and perseverance. 

At the end of this unique experience, we will go back to Santa Marta.
 

Overnight: Hotel Don Pepe
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, it is time to uncover the secrets of Santa Marta. Explore the most beautiful and enigmatic places of the city, such as Cathedral Basilica Menor, the oldest cathedral in Colombia and the Quinta the San Pedro Alejandrino, the house where Simon Bolivar died in December 1830. Bolivar was a Venezuelan military leader who was instrumental in the continent's revolutions against the Spanish empire. You will be amazed by the extraordinary collection of the gold museum and, if you still have some energy, hike to the Panoramic of Taganga to take some great shots.

After lunch, we transfer you to a splendid hotel located on a stretch of coastline where you can continue to enjoy this region of Colombia and its glowing sunsets.

Overnight: Hotel Cayena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today, discover the jewel of the Caribbean region, the stunning Tayrona National Park. This iconic place in Colombia is named after the Tayrona civilisation and is still today a sacred location for many indigenous groups from Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. 

This gorgeous reserve is home to incredible biodiversity and unique animal species like jaguars, cotton top tamarin, caiman and much more. Located in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, the park is everything you can imagine from a paradisiac postal beach card. Tayrona Park is perfect for hiking, swimming, and sunbathing between the lush green rainforest, the golden sand, and the turquoise waters. 

Please note that the park is usually closed for some weeks in February, June, and October. This helps to preserve the biodiversity of the park so that the ecosystems can regenerate. It also allows the indigenous groups to perform ceremonies and traditional cleaning rituals.  
 

Overnight: Hotel Cayena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

After a day spent exploring the park, it is time for you to unwind and soak up some sun. Lounge in a hammock by the beach, spend some time at the pool, enjoy a relaxing massage, or participate in a yoga class. If you feel adventurous, you can continue to explore the region with the different trails around the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Cayena
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, we pick you up at your hotel to start our journey towards Mompox. This incredible city was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO because it looks as if it has been frozen in time and remains just as it used to during colonial times. 

But first, we will stop in Aracataca, the birth city of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Gabriel García Márquez. For the fans of One Hundred Years of Solitude, it is a chance to discover many of the elements that inspired the novel, such as the ubiquitous yellow butterflies or the old railway station. But, if you have not read it, do not worry; the fascinating remote city is a great spot to enjoy the magic of the Caribbean coast, far from the crowded hotspots.

After the visit, it is time to hit the road again to take you to your hotel in Mompox. 

Overnight: Hotel Bioma
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Spend the morning exploring Mompox with our guide and discover its colourful churches, colonial houses, and laid-back culture. Learn about the history of Mompox, which was founded in 1540 and how its perfect strategic location made it such an essential trading centre during the Spanish reign. It was also a safe location for Spaniards to keep their treasures safe from pirates and many locals believe there is still gold hidden in their houses.

The afternoon is set aside for you to explore the city at your own pace. Marvel at the architecture, visit the old market or learn from passionate artisans such as the filigrana Goldsmiths and their unique art or the ironsmiths and their beautiful work. Cheesemakers are also famous in Mompox, don't miss your chance to try their speciality, the queso de cappa. 

Overnight: Hotel Bioma
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Today we are taking you to Cartagena de India, the queen of the Caribbean coast. This fascinating city is a UNESCO World Heritage site full of history, delicious street food and friendly people. 

When we arrive at your hotel, you have the rest of the day to wander through the old town and soak up the romantic atmosphere. 

Be amazed by this stunning city that remains exceptionally well preserved with its colourful buildings, cute cobbled streets and balconies covered in bougainvillaea.
 

Overnight: Bastion Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast

In the morning, enjoy a tour of the city and discover all the wonders of Cartagena. First, start with the famous Castillo de San Felipe, the most impressive fortress ever built by Spaniards in their colonies. It was never taken despite the numerous attacks and still dominates the city proudly. Then, we continue with the gorgeous heart of Cartagena, the old city where you can find out about the main historical sites, their stories and admire the stunning architecture. 

Later, prepare your tastebuds for a delightful street food experience! Learn about the traditions and day to day lives of Cartageneros while enjoying their delicious preparations. Local people are extremely warm and passionate and love sharing their culinary culture. Exotic fruits, empanadas, pork chicharrones and cocadas are just a small sample of what is waiting for you there!
 

Overnight: Bastion Luxury Hotel
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch (Street Food)

Today you will discover another bit of paradise in Isla Baru. Accessible by a short boat ride, this little gem is everything you're looking for when you book your ticket to the Caribbean coast of Colombia. White sand, turquoise water, delicious seafood and tropical vibes are waiting for you. 

Settle down in your own private luxury bungalow and get ready for the most relaxing time of your life. 

Overnight: Hotel las Islas
Meal Plan: Breakfast

This expedition couldn't come to an end without a day out to enjoy Isla Baru. So many things are available to you! If you're seeking some time for yourself and want to revitalise your mind and body, visit the hotel's wellness centre and feel the stress melt away as you enjoy the many treatments. 

Feeling more adventurous and looking for something fun? Try your hand at watersports like paragliding, banana boating or jet skiing. You can also snorkel in the crystal clear water and spot some of the most beautiful coral reefs and colourful fishes. 

Another great activity for wildlife lovers is the Avario Nacional de Colombia. This little known bird sanctuary is home to 138 rescued species like flamingos, peacocks, condors, macaws, and much more.
 

Overnight: Hotel las Islas
Meal Plan: Breakfast

Sadly, your Luxury Caribbean Coast expedition ends today. At the chosen time, we will transfer you to the airport in Cartagena where you can catch your international flight. 

Overnight: -
Meal Plan: Breakfast