Coastal Colombia

Experience South America's best-kept secret.

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. Hike jungle trails in Tayrona National Park, learn about Indigenous reforestation initiatives and dive into the bold flavours of Afro-Colombian cuisine on a tasting tour in Cartagena. If you’re looking for an offbeat experience full of nature, authentic food and local connection, Explore Colombia is right up there with the best of them.

Trip code: GGSC

Start: Cartagena, Colombia

End: Cartagena, Colombia


Duration
8 days
Group size
1 to 12
Minimum age
15 years old
Style

Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time

Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time

Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities

Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders

Original
Theme

Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.

Explorer
Physical rating

Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings


From
EUR 1.290 €

Why you'll love this trip

  • 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.
This itinerary is valid for departures from 25 April 2026 to 31 December 2026.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2025 - 24 April 2026

Itinerary

Map of Coastal Colombia including Colombia

Inclusions and activities

Destinations
Colombia
Meals

7 breakfasts, 2 dinners

Transport

Private Bus, Public bus

Accommodation

Hotel (6 nights) Guesthouse (1 night)

Included activities
  • Cartagena - Orientation walk
  • Cartagena -La Boquilla Mangrove Tour
  • Santa Marta - Kogui Indigenous community & reforestation project visit
  • Tayrona National Park hike
  • Tayrona National Park - Entrance fee
  • Santa Marta - Orientation walk
  • Cartagena - Street Food Tour

Optional activities
  • Cartagena - Rosario Islands Boat Trip with Lunch (from) - USD80
  • Cartagena - Walking tour Cartagena Walled City - COP50000
  • Cartagena - San Felipe de Barajas Castle - COP40000
  • Santa Marta - Playa Cristal beach - USD60
  • Santa Marta - Tayrona Gold Museum - Free
  • Santa Marta - Historic home of Simon Bolivar - USD8

This trip generates 38 kg of CO2-e per person per day

We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.

Is this trip right for you?

  • Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid on the coast. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection.
  • The hiking in Tayrona Park (Day 4) is one of the highlights, but it’s important to prepare. Bring footwear you can tackle (possible) mud in, and don’t forget your swimming gear for the beaches along the way.
  • The indigenous communities that inhabit Tayrona National Park request temporary closure of the National Park so that the land may rest and rejuvenate. Normally it will be a period of 15 days in February, June and October/November respectively. Your leader will give you more info at the group meeting should this affect you. One of the alternative activities to do should the park be closed is to visit the indigenous sites of Tayronaka or Katanzama.
  • Colombia enjoys a stable year-round climate, but it can get particularly hot and humid on the coast. Be sure to drink plenty of water and wear adequate sun protection.
  • The hiking in Tayrona Park (Day 4) is one of the highlights, but it’s important to prepare. Bring footwear you can tackle (possible) mud in, and don’t forget your swimming gear for the beaches along the way.
  • The indigenous communities that inhabit Tayrona National Park request temporary closure of the National Park so that the land may rest and rejuvenate. Normally it will be a period of 15 days in February, June and October/November respectively. Your leader will give you more info at the group meeting should this affect you. One of the alternative activities to do should the park be closed is to visit the indigenous sites of Tayronaka or Katanzama.

Dates and prices

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 4 (Guesthouse) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) in order to purchase Entrance tickets to certain sites. Additionally on certain trips it's needed to book bus, train or flight tickets. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets. Delays to provide this information may result in booking fees or changes to your itinerary.

3. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Cartagena. If you are unable to find a suitable flight it is possible to book additional nights at the joining accommodation.

4. In order to comply with tourist regulations set by the Colombian government, a copy of your passport will be required. This will be emailed to our local office in Colombia, your tour leader will assist you with this on day 1.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Reviews

4.8 . 66 reviews
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Emma
Traveled July 2025
Holly
Traveled May 2025
Helen
Traveled March 2025
Martin
Traveled March 2025
Rutvi
Traveled March 2025
Coastal Colombia
From
EUR 1.290 €